|
Home / Beauty
What is in Your Skin Care Products ?
By:ian Williamson
The market in beauty products has grown significantly in the last 25 years but in the last 10 years there has been an increasing interest in the ingredients contained within the lotions, creams and potions we apply so liberally to our skin - the largest organ of our human bodies.
Many main stream manufacturers still include a range of not so natural ingredients in their products:
- waste products from the petrochemical industry
- lead and other heavy metals
- products extracted from animal carcasses
Many of these ingredients are given scientific sounding names. While the cynic may say this is a deliberate attempt to confuse the consumer, a more charitable view is that this is done in pursuit of accurate labeling.
As a result of the heightened awareness of health matters and the confusion concerning ingredients and labelling, a new sector of this lucrative market has arisen. The need for natural skin care and cosmetics.
But just how natural is natural?
Many consumers require natural ingredients but are not prepared to accept the necessary compromise in product performance. A classic example is with the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. This is a synthetic detergent derived from coconut oil and it appears in a wide range of shampoos, bath products, toothpastes and liquid soaps. It is what gives these products the luxurious bubbles and lather to which we have all become accustomed. A number of studies have suggested that this ingredient is harmful and many consumers now seek products containing an alternative.
Manufacturers then developed Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which is considered less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. When this was condemned, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate were substituted. Once again these are synthetic detergents developed from coconut oil and they are still considered to be an irritant. Some studies have also suggested they may be carcinogenic.
Unless consumers have a knowledge of bio-chemistry it is almost impossible to discern what ingredients are natural and what are not. The SLS saga is but one example of this confusion.
It is ironic that a number of "natural" manufacturers aggressively promote their products by denigrating the products of competing companies - despite the fact that the ingredients they contain are essentially the same.
Consumers need to make themselves aware of the real meanings behind the mysterious names on their cosmetic bottles and jars and educate themselves about the various aliases they are likely to encounter.
Depending on the reasons for wanting to purchase natural products, some ingredients may be more acceptable than others. Take Lanolin for example. Lanolin is extracted from the fleece of sheep. It has been shown to contain a large number of chemicals used to kill parasites that may live on the sheep. Many eczema sufferers find that treatment with lanolin based products - despite the chemicals - helps to reduce symptoms. The benefits of Lanolin treatment outweigh the disadvantage of potential contaminants. This is a value judgement that individuals will need to make.
Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that your products are natural is to make them yourself. There is a growing number of companies providing organic based ingredients to facilitate home manufacture of products. Natural cosmetics are surprisingly easy to make in the home using nothing more than regular kitchen equipment. This may be an alternative worth checking-out.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: health, skin, skin care, beauty
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
For more Skin Care Articles please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Skin/150
|
|
| Top Beauty Articles |
|
|
- 2). Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes Are Big Business for Dentists By : Roger Campbell
Blame it on Hollywood for the dramatic increase in cosmetic dentistry.
Thanks to those stars with the dazzling white teeth and photo-op grins, more Americans are choosing to brighten up their smiles with veneers, teeth whitening and oral laser surgery.
In fact, according to the American Dental Association, more than $35 billion a year is spent on cosmetic dentistry.
|
- 3). Swallow To Glow - A Holistic Approach To Skin Health By : Debra
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature and even aids in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of us are interested in knowing how to keep skin looking healthy, rather than really keeping it healthy.
The best way to keep skin looking healthy – young, fair, radiant, supple, soft and wrinkle free – is to keep out of the sun.
|
- 4). Varicose veins can cause bad circulation. By : Hege Crowton
What are varicose veins? You can get this all over your body but in most cases you can clearly see it on your legs. Little blue and red lines that starts to appear and “grow” on your legs and in other cases the blood vessel becomes swollen and seems as if it will explode.
|
- 5). Cosmetic Dentistry - For That Brilliant Smile By : Barney Garcia
Cosmetic dentistry offers options ranging from polishing, bleaching, covering techniques, bonding, implanting and orthodontia for complete mouth over, to give you the perfect smile. Recent medical advances have reduced the pain and trauma associated with dental work. An experienced dentist can help you to get that beautiful, brilliant and dazzling smile you always aspired for.
|
- 6). Woman's Feet Gain National Attention By : Roger Campbell
Few people can say that they are famous for their feet. One woman's feet, however, are getting national attention.
Carmina Swofford, whose feet were recently named "the prettiest feet in Texas," will appear in national advertisements showcasing the new look of Pretty Feet & Hands, B.F. Ascher's popular exfoliant for dry skin.
"I have always been told that I have pretty feet," said Swofford of Austin, Texas.
|
- 7). Anti Aging Skin Care Products By : Stephen Todd
When a person wishes to purchase an anti aging skin care product, they will most likely wind up choosing a cream because it is one of the most popular forms of anti aging skin care products on the market.
|
- 8). 10 Tips to Maintain Health and Beauty By : paul wilson1
Beauty, health, and nutrition are all integrated. If you eat a balanced diet you will be able to maintain your physique and glowing beauty externally and good health internally. A balanced diet is one that provides all the nutrients you need, the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
To achieve goals you need to ensure a good balance in your diet, introduce variety into your meals, and practice moderation.
|
|
|
- 10). Teen Stretch Marks By : Nicky Pilkington
The teen years can be a very difficult period. Your body undergoes some significant hormonal changes that can wreak havoc on your daily life and consequently your level of confidence. Many teenagers experience sudden growth spurts while these hormonal changes are taking place.
|
| New Beauty Articles |
|
|
- 2). What Is The Link Between Anti-Aging And Ethnicity? By : Louise Forrest
It is very true that Caucasians are more affected by sun damage (photo aging) and the associated visible signs of aging more than many other ethnic groups, but the number of anti-aging dermatological procedures being performed on people with diverse ethnic backgrounds has been on the rise in the past few years.
|
- 3). Tips on Buying Contact Lenses Online By : Mayoor Patel
Do you have an urgent need to buy contact lenses from an online store instead of a traditional one? Or have you found the design you have been looking for all along in a certain website? Whichever the case, you should be properly informed when buying contact lenses online.
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). How To Slow Down The Ageing Process By : Louise Forrest
Your skin ages through both inner and outer aging factors. Inner factors include overall health, nutrition, water content, hormone balance, genetics, and toxins. Outer factors are mainly sun and pollution.
|
- 7). Hair Laser NYC Removal By : Harry Rockwell
Hair laser nyc removal is a relatively comfortable and safe method of getting rid of unwanted body hair. Whether it is your neck, chin, legs, back or any other part of the body you can resort to this process without any second thoughts. Both males and females have undergone this treatment with good results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
