Are You Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Skin Care?

Sponsored by: Bio-Oil®

Skin care products made with synthetic ingredients and those made with natural ingredients share one thing in common. They will all be absorbed into the skin.

But there the similarity ends. The chemical constituents in synthetic ingredients can damage the skin, and other areas of the body. Natural ingredients on the other hand are nourishing and healing to the skin and body.

To protect yourself and your family, it's important that you know how to identify what ingredients are really in your cosmetics and personal care products. Especially when you have skin concerns such as scars, skin allergies, dry skin, or uneven skin tone, choosing products with more natural ingredients may make all the difference.

What synthetic ingredients may be bad for me?

Here are a few of the chemical ingredients in your personal care products that may be bad for you:

Dibutyl phthalate may be a human endocrine disruptor, according to the Environmental Working Group. It is a respiratory and reproductive toxicant, at moderate doses.

Formaldehyde is a preservative that the International Agency on Research on Cancer says is known to be a carcinogen for humans. It's also linked to the development of asthma symptoms, damage to the nervous system, as well as fetal abnormalities, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Parabens are preservatives that are found in many cosmetics, and that mimic estrogens. Some types of estrogens may negatively alter the endocrine system, and cause developmental and reproductive abnormalities, according to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products. Parabens were first used to prevent the growth of bacteria in products. However, many products contain multiple forms of the ingredient, which may not be safe.

Toluene is a paint thinner and a petrochemical solvent. It's also a neurotoxicant that causes nausea and irritation, and hinders breathing. Pregnant women who have been exposed to toluene may have babies who suffer abnormal fetal development, according to EWG.

Triclosan and triclocarban are antimicrobial pesticides. Triclosan is often used in liquid soap, while triclocarban is frequently found in soap bars. Triclosan may negatively affect thyroid function as well as reproductive hormones.

Both the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Medical Association recommend the use of soap and water rather than using products containing triclosan or triclocarban. It’s important to note that overuse may increase the risk for bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

How do I read an ingredient label on beauty and skin care products?

Ingredient labels can sometimes be a bit complicated and confusing to read with long and often difficult to pronounce names. However, following a few simple tips can help you decipher what’s in your products.

1. Read from the top, and then work your way down.

Ingredients are listed in order, starting with the highest quantity in the product and ending with the lowest quantity. When ingredients are listed at the end of the label, a smaller amount of them are in the product.

2. Know what ingredients are bad for you.

Getting a basic understanding of ingredients that may be bad for your skin, like the ones listed above, can go a long way. Look out for those ingredients that may harm your body, skin and the environment, especially if they are listed toward the top of the ingredient label.

3. Don’t be fooled by marketing tactics.

Labels can be very deceiving. Words and phrases like “all natural” or “dermatologist approved” may not always be truthful. Sometimes language like this is used for marketing purposes to make products seem more appealing. Educate yourself by learning basics on good and bad ingredients to determine if a product is right for you.

4. Know what’s personally best for you.

Are you allergic to certain ingredients? Do some dry your skin out? We all have different skin types and react differently to products. Know what’s best and worst for you when shopping for skin care products.

Where can I find natural ingredients?

Skin care creams and oils that contain only natural ingredients provide benefits to your skin and body without the hazards synthetics may carry.

One skin care product composed of several natural ingredients is Bio-Oil®. Unlike synthetic creams and lotions, Bio-Oil® contains natural plant extracts and vitamins in an oil base, which absorb deeply in the dermis, the middle layer of skin, without any greasy residue.

Bio-Oil® is a skin care oil made with natural oils that promote healing and improve the appearance of dry skin, scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. It fights acne and is hypoallergenic. Bio-Oil® can be safely used by any skin type.

What ingredients are in Bio-Oil®?

Calendula, chamomile, lavender, PurCellin™ and rosemary oils, as well as vitamins A and E, are natural ingredients found in Bio-Oil®.

Calendula oil benefits skin cells that are damaged and decreases inflammation. Rashes as well as minor skin infections and irritations are also soothed and healed.

Chamomile oil also decreases inflammation and is soothing, especially to sensitive skin.

Lavender oil is a calming, natural antiseptic, which also provides aromatherapy benefits.

Rosemary oil is a mild antiseptic which conditions the skin while it also soothes and refreshes.

PurCellin Oil™ is an ingredient unique to Bio-Oil®. It was inspired by ducks' oil glands, known as preen glands. The oil is utilized because it soothes and softens the skin, and makes Bio-Oil® more easily absorbable.

The implementation of vitamin A creates new collagen, while also making skin more elastic and improving its texture and tone.

The risk of skin damage from free radicals and premature aging is decreased by the vitamin E in Bio-Oil®. It adds more moisture to the epidermis and skin becomes smoother and softer overall.

Bio-Oil® is a natural choice for those who want to protect, heal and nourish their skin. To learn more, visit: http://bio-oilusa.com/en-us/.

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