5 beauty nasties that don't belong in your skincare routine

We all love a good skincare routine. There's nothing quite like the feeling of pampering your skin with the best products, ensuring that it remains radiant and healthy. But oftentimes, some products might be doing more harm than good. We're talking about the beauty nasties that sneak into our skincare routines. If you don't know what we're talking about, here are the top five culprits you should look out for. Trust us, they do not deserve to be a part of your skincare.

Parabens

These little guys have been used for decades as preservatives in skincare and cosmetic products. Their job is to keep your creams and lotions from growing mould and bacteria, which sounds like a good thing. However, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting your hormonal balance. Studies have linked them to breast cancer and reproductive issues, so it's best to stay away from these. 

How to spot them

Look for ingredients ending in -paraben, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben.

Better alternatives

Opt for products that use natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherol) or essential oils, which are both effective and safe.

Sulfates

Sulfates, mainly Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are responsible for creating that foamy lather in your cleansers and shampoos. While they do a great job of cleaning, sulfates can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, the effects can be even more pronounced.

How to spot them

Check the ingredient list for SLS and SLES. They're often at the top, given their key role in creating foam.

Better alternatives

Look for sulfate-free products that use gentler cleansing agents like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside. These alternatives cleanse without over-drying.

Phthalates

Phthalates are often hidden in the fragrances of your skincare products. These chemicals make fragrances last longer and are found in everything from lotions to deodorants. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. They can interfere with your hormones and have been linked to reproductive issues and birth defects.

How to spot them

Phthalates are tricky to identify because they're often not listed outright. Look for terms like "fragrance" or "perfume" on the label, as these can be euphemisms for phthalates.

Better alternatives

Choose products labelled "phthalate-free" or those that use natural fragrances like essential oils.

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers

Formaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen used to preserve skincare products. Even more insidious are the chemicals that release formaldehyde over time, such as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15. Formaldehyde exposure can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions and has even been linked to cancer with prolonged exposure.

How to spot them

Read the labels carefully for the aforementioned formaldehyde releasers. They often hide in plain sight among the ingredients.

Better alternatives

Seek out products that use safer preservatives like phenoxyethanol or ethylhexylglycerin, which are effective without the health risks.

Synthetic Fragrances

We all love products that smell divine, but synthetic fragrances can be a major skin irritant. These fragrances are often a cocktail of various chemicals, many of which can be harmful. Synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, and skin irritation, and exacerbate conditions like eczema and rosacea. Moreover, many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates (double nasties).

How to spot them

Look for the word "fragrance" or "parfum" on the ingredient list. If the specifics of the fragrance ingredients are not disclosed, it's likely synthetic.

Better alternatives

Go for fragrance-free products or the ones scented with natural essential oils.

Simple tips to make skincare shopping easier

Shopping for skincare products can feel like a minefield with all these nasty ingredients lurking around. But armed with knowledge, you can make better choices for your skin's health. Here are a few tips to keep that'll help you. 

Read labels carefully: Don't get pulled in by fancy packaging or marketing claims. Always check the ingredient list.

Do your research: Look up any unfamiliar ingredients. There are plenty of resources available to help you understand what's in your products.

Patch test: Before trying out a new product, do a patch test to see how your skin reacts, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Go natural: Whenever possible, choose products with natural ingredients. They're often gentler on your skin and better for the environment.

By eliminating these harmful ingredients, you're taking a big step toward healthier, happier skin.

Lead image credit: Pexels

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