Skin care toxins to avoid

Even though our skins are the largest organ of the body, and absorb almost anything we put on them, most of us are not careful enough about what we use for our hair, skin and nails. Cosmetics and other skin care products today contain many harmful chemicals, and there appears to be little, if any, regulation by the government on the cosmetic industry in terms of use of ingredients for products.

There are a number of toxins present in everyday skin care products – including toiletries and make up. Propylene glycol and butylene glycol can lead to brain and kidney damage with prolonged contact with human skin. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can lead to weakening of the immune system, and DEA, TEA and MEA (which are usually present in body wash, shampoo and shaving cream) are carcinogens that can disrupt hormonal balance. Sodium hydroxide is a toxic compound and is widely found in toothpastes of various brands. Triclosan is also a harmful chemical that causes hormonal imbalances, and is found in many household products. Parabens are another harmful compound category that has links to heart problems and breast cancer, in addition to disrupting hormonal imbalances.

Alcohol and isopropyl promote brown spots on the skin and may cause headaches, nausea and premature ageing. They also have a drying and irritating effect on human skin. Color pigments used in most skin care products and toiletries are toxic and known to be carcinogens.

Other chemicals to look out for when buying skin care products include BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), which is toxic to the liver, immune system and nervous system; eugenol, which is also toxic for the  immune and nervous systems in addition to being an endocrine inhibitor; phthalates, which are toxic to the immune, nervous and reproductive systems.

With such an  array of harmful chemicals present in the everyday products we use, we should be more aware of what goes on our skin, and take steps to steer clear of application of such toxins on our skins. Vitamin Warehouse offers a number of natural cosmetic and skin care products which are free of harmful toxins or preservatives (most of which contain the above mentioned toxic substances). 

Some of the most popular ones include A’kin Rose de Mai Antioxidant day cream, Dr. Hauschka Cleansing cream, A’kin Lavender and Rose Repairing Antioxidant Night cream, A’kin Rose and Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser and Toner (in one), Sanctum Moisture Balance Oil Free lotion, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day cream, Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day cream, Dr. Hauschka Quince Day cream, Dr. Hauschka Eye Contour Day Balm, A’kin Unscented 24 Hour Pure Moisture, A’kin White Tea and Cornflower Soothing and Relaxing Eye Day gel and A’kin Ginkgo and Chamomile Revitalizing Eye Night cream.

Apart from these skin care cosmetics available with Vitamin Warehouse, they also offer a number of oral treatments which enhance health of skin and hair from the inside. These include products such as Blackmores Bio ACE Excell capsule formula that serves as an antioxidant inside the body, helping to fight off free radicals, sun exposure, stress, and harmful effects of alcohol and cigarette smoke. 

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