Chemist checking chemicals used in cosmetics products

How Harmful Chemicals Used in Cosmetics Impact Skin’s Health

Do you love to steal the stage with your looks?

If yes, how about applying loads of chemicals on your skin, made in a wonderful factory and wrapped with fantastic packaging?

Feels yuck! But this is what you are doing, either knowingly or unknowingly.

The beauty products you use to enhance your beauty are filled with 70% to 90% chemicals.

If your brain questions, what’s the reason behind adding such stuff? The answer is simple. It’s done to increase the shelf life of products, enrich the fragrance, refine texture, and brighten your skin.

But all these harmful chemicals used in cosmetics have a negative impact on our skin’s health.

Let’s walk through the drama it creates and how to give a tough fight against such harmful chemicals in beauty products.

Harmful Effects of Chemicals in Cosmetics

girl having acne due to harmful chemicals used in cosmetics

Harmful chemicals in beauty products can have a serious impact on your skin. Below given are the major concerns.

Skin Irritation and Redness

Shampoo, conditioners, facial cleansers, or sunscreen, you name any beauty product, there will be Sulphate dumped in it.

This chemical disturbs the skin’s natural pH balance and protective barrier, causing irritation, redness, and itching.

It even irritates the eyes, as products like eyeliner and mascara contain this toxic ingredient.

Skin Dryness

Chemicals like Alcohol (drying alcohol) can strip away the natural oils and cause skin to be dry and flaky. It even disrupts the skin’s renewal process.

Oily Skin

Lotion and sunscreen-like skincare products contain Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). It is used as a thickening agent. It removes the skin’s natural protective oils (sebum), prompting the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) to overproduce sebum, resulting in a more greasy, oily complexion.

Premature Aging

Cosmetics are applied to feel young, fresh, beautiful, and confident. But what if, these products lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles? This is what the oxidative stress caused by certain chemicals does.

Moreover, artificial preservatives and fragrances generate free radicals by damaging the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers.

Creates Dark Circles

The use of fragrances, preservatives, and certain dyes can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to hyperpigmentation. Additionally, harsh chemicals dry skin and exaggerate the appearance of dark circles.

Acne Breakouts

Mineral oils and silicones create a temporary smooth appearance on the skin. In reality, they clog the pores and trap dirt and bacteria underneath your skin.

This results in acne breakouts. Also, it hinders the skin’s natural ability to breathe and renew itself.

A Shift Toward Sustainable and Natural Beauty Products

In order to protect themselves from the effects of harmful chemicals used in cosmetics, consumers are making a significant shift toward the use of natural beauty products.

A report from Clean Hub states that 63% of consumers are considering chemical-free, clean, and organic options, giving more importance to environmentally friendly practices.

Benefits of Avoiding Harmful Chemicals Used in Cosmetics

~Reduced risk of irritation, redness, and allergic reactions.
~Rich nutrients like essential oils, plant extracts, and vitamins nourish and protect the skin.
~Decreases the risk of hormone disruption and other health issues.
~It is a perfect match for people with sensitive skin.
~Improves your skin’s texture.

Conclusion

It’s everybody’s right to look and feel beautiful. However, choosing chemical-free natural beauty products can give you a guilt-free experience for your skin and even for our planet.

It’s your time to be consciously aware of the harmful chemicals used in cosmetics and how they ruin the natural skin barrier. With Go Green Conscious, choose sustainable and natural beauty options and stay charming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Toxic Chemicals Used in Cosmetics Are to Be Avoided?

Here’s the list of toxic chemicals in cosmetics to avoid for healthy-looking skin:
~Sulfates.
~Parabens.
~Phthalates.
~Triclosan.
~Toluene.
~Lead.

2. Do Cosmetics With Harmful Chemicals Cause Serious Skin Diseases?

Yes, prolonged use of products containing toxic ingredients may contribute to skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema, and even hyperpigmentation. Certain chemicals can also weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself.

3. How to Identify Chemical-Free Natural Beauty Products?

Here are a few practical tips for identifying safe products:
~Look for products that state they are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
~Check for certifications that state products are Cruelty-free, Organic, and Non-toxic.