You have probably heard us use the line, “a path to health, energy, and beautiful skin can be found at the end of a thoughtfully placed fork”. We believe that putting the right nutrients into your body is key to healthy skin, but it doesn’t end there! What you are putting on the outside of your body is just as important as what you put inside. And we are not just talking about your skin care regimen. In today’s blog, we’re talking makeup.
Have you ever given thought to what’s in the makeup that you apply to your skin every day?
The skin is our first line of defense against harmful environmental factors. Sadly, many common beauty products and cosmetics are full of ingredients that actually damage the skin instead of protect the skin from outside factors. While the average consumer may not know some of the damaging effects of these harmful ingredients, we want to shed light on this concerning topic so that you can best care for your skin.
Many cosmetics contain ingredients used for coloration and preservation. These ingredients not only act as hormone disruptors, but have also been linked to several different types of cancer. Not to mention many of these ingredients have skin-irritating, drying, and pore-clogging properties. Is important to avoid using cosmetics that contain unsafe ingredients like parabens, artificial colors and dyes, and Teflon (to name a few!). But just what exactly do these ingredients do to your skin? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Parabens A preserving agent that mimics the production of estrogen in our bodies, parabens have been linked to certain cancers and can have harmful effects on the reproductive system.
Artificial fragrances and dyes Toxins that act as a hormonal disruptor, many cosmetics contain damaging coal and lead based artificial fragrances and dyes.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Also known as Teflon, PTFE is a chemical found in many powder based cosmetics and has been linked to reproductive issues and even cancer.
Thankfully, there are lots of great cosmetic lines that do more for your skin than cover up spots and blemishes. Two of our favorite lines are Colore Science and Oxygenetix. Both of these lines are made from natural, non-chemical ingredients that provide your skin with beneficial vitamins and minerals and protect your skin from dangerous UV rays. While not compromising quality, these cosmetic lines have hypoallergenic, breathable products that can even heal damaged skin when used over time. Here is a list of beneficial ingredients to look out for:
Argon oil Full of healthy, fatty acids, argon oil helps skin stay hydrated and can even heal damaged skin tissue.
Vitamin E Working to soothe irritated skin and promote healing, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental toxins.
SPF with titanium/zinc These essential minerals help provide a natural barrier between the skin and UV rays that cause damage to the skin.
Now that we have given you a lot of information, let us leave you with this takeaway: Remember that not all makeup is created equal. When buying cosmetics, be sure to choose wholesome products that give your skin the love it deserves. Because as our mantra this month reminds us: Your skin is the most important thing you’ll ever wear.