Skincare Really Affects Your Skin: Are skincare products worth

Skincare Really Affects Your Skin: Are skincare products worth

Introduction

Flawless beauty always boosts our confidence, and cosmetics have become an inseparable part in our daily life. Lot of beauty care products ranging from foundation, cleansers, moisturizers and lip care products promise instant enhancement of appearance. However, one gets instant glow and confidence but behind the glamor and glow often lie a bunch of harmful side effects also. These side effects are mainly result of synthetic chemicals that are responsible for disrupting the skin’s natural balance and affect overall health. We should be aware of all what we apply to our bodies, which help us in understanding the risks involved with cosmetics and explore safer, holistic alternatives.

List of common chemicals in most cosmetics

Most of the cosmetics available in market contain synthetic ingredients which can be harmful in the long run. Some used chemicals in cosmetics are as below:

1.     Parabens

Used as preservatives to prevent microbial growth

Health issues such as weight gain, skin irritability, and reduced fertility. Reason: The primary receptor for parabens in the human body is P-hydroxybenzoic acid. It has been demonstrated that parabens mimic the actions of Estrogen in the body, which can disturb hormonal balance and affect reproductive health

2.     Phthalates

Used to increase the flexibility and longevity of fragrances

Phthalates often used as plasticizers in cosmetics, can pose health risks including reproductive problems, developmental issues, and potential harm to male and female reproductive systems. They usually clear from body but persistent exposure can lead to health issues. 

Specific Health Concerns:

Reproductive Issues:

Developmental Problems:

Allergies and Asthma:

Phthalates may trigger allergic reactions, asthma, and other autoimmune disorders. 

Cancer:

Some phthalates, like DEHP and DiNP, have been suggested to have potential carcinogenic effects. 

Other Potential Effects:

Associated with obesity, ADHD, lower IQ, and skin irritation

Phthalates Enter our body by:

Skin Absorption:

Inhalation: During sprays

Ingestion: Via food packaging

3.     Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A surfactant and foaming agent found in shampoos and facial cleansers

Side effects of SLS: Irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. Regular usage can strip the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and itching, disrupt the skin's barrier functions including Eczema and dermatitis.

4.     Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing Agents

Used as preservatives

Long term use can cause a range of side effects, including skin sensitization, allergic reactions, and respiratory irritation. The risk of cancer, breathing problems, and heightened skin sensitivity is effect of long term usage

5.     Toluene

A solvent often found in nail polishes

Toluene can cause various health effects due to its irritant and neurotoxic properties.

Prolonged usage can affect:

Skin and Eye Irritation 

Respiratory Tract Irritation 

CNS Effects:

Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating are common. 

Other Systemic Effects Damage to Liver and Kidney Increase the risk of pregnancy loss. 

Heart health: Can affect the heart and lungs, potentially leading to arrhythmia and other problems. 

Blood Disorders

6.     Lead and Heavy Metals

Common in some lipsticks and eyeliners

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury cause skin irritation, allergies, and potential neurological and developmental issues. Prolonged exposure can harm internal organs and even cause cancer. Lead and mercury is used for whitening effect

7.     Fragrance/Perfume

A mix of chemicals used to scent products

Cause skin irritation, allergies and respiratory issues. Even headaches, nausea, or even asthma flares have been reported. However, certain ingredients in fragrances have been linked to endocrine disruption and potential carcinogenic effects

8.     Triclosan

Used for its antibacterial properties

Triclosan used as antibacterial agent can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption and may contribute to antibiotic resistance also

9.     BHA and BHT

Synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives

Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and  potential endocrine disruption

10.  PEG Compounds (Polyethylene Glycols)

Used to thicken, soften, or moisturize

Cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Manufacturing process can lead to the presence of carcinogenic contaminants like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane

 

Ways to avoid side effects:

To avoid harmful chemicals and their side effects, we cannot completely stop the usage of cosmetics, but we can develop safer habits which can minimize the effects.

• Read Labels: Screen the cosmetic products which are labelled “paraben-free,” “fragrance-free,” or “non-toxic.”
• Select Certified Organic Products
• Do Patch Tests: All new cosmetics on a small area of your skin to avoid allergies or other side effects.
• 
• Limit Usage: Use cosmetics sparingly and avoid layering multiple products unnecessarily.
• Homemade Options: Try to embrace homemade or natural cosmetics to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.

 

Old Age Remedies for improving Skin Health

In olden times, when there were no cosmetic products with chemicals, people relied on natural ingredients for skincare. Some of the time-tested remedies are as below:

1. Turmeric Paste –Turmeric paste helps in avoiding acne, scars, and helps in making skin glow. Besides this, turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,
2. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) – An old age natural formula in which clay is used to  absorbs excess oil and cleanses the skin.
3. 
4. Rose Water – Acts as natural moisturizer.
5. Sandalwood Powder – Sandal wood improves complexion owing to its cooling properties.
6. Coconut Oil – A very powerful antibacterial agent and natural moisturizer.
7. Aloe Vera Gel – Helps in soothing sunburns, keep skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.

These remedies can be used for long term without any side effect. All these remedies help in promoting skin health and well-being.

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Commonly used Homemade Cosmetics

Homemade cosmetics are easy to make, cost-effective, and free from toxic chemicals. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Natural Face Cleanser

• Ingredients: Gram flour (besan), turmeric, and raw milk.
• Benefits: Cleanses, brightens, and exfoliates.

2. Herbal Face Pack

• Ingredients: Sandalwood powder, rose water, and honey.
• Benefits: Soothes, nourishes, and evens skin tone.

3. Lip Balm

• Ingredients: Coconut oil, and essential oils.
• Benefits: Moisturizes and protects lips.

4. Homemade Shampoo

• Ingredients: Reetha (soapnuts), shikakai, and amla.
• Benefits: Cleans scalp without stripping natural oils.

5. Natural Moisturizer

• Ingredients: Aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil.
• Benefits: Hydrates and heals dry skin.

 

Cosmetics as per Ayurveda

Ayurvedic skincare is based on one’s dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and emphasizes balance in body and nature by using herbs and oils aligned with these energies.

1. For Vata Skin (Dry and Thin)

• Recommended: Sesame oil, almond oil, and rose water.
• Face Pack: Mashed ripe banana with honey and a few drops of almond oil.

2. For Pitta Skin (Sensitive and Oily)

• Recommended: Sandalwood, turmeric, and aloe vera.
• Face Pack: Aloe vera gel mixed with turmeric and rose water.

3. For Kapha Skin (Oily and Thick)

• Recommended: Multani mitti, neem, and lemon.
• Face Pack: Fuller’s earth with neem powder and lemon juice.

Ayurvedic beauty rituals often include Oil massage, Ubtan (herbal paste), and Nasya (nasal cleansing) to detoxify and nourish the skin.

 

In Ayurveda, yoga plays very important role in keeping our skin healthy. Some of the asanas are as below:

 

Halasana: Also known as the Plough Pose, is a classic yoga asana (pose) that involves lying on your back and placing your feet behind your head. It's often performed towards the end of a yoga session.  Benefits of Halasana: Stretches and Strengthens: Halasana stretches the spine, neck, shoulders, back, and legs, and strengthens the shoulders, arms, and core.  Improves Circulation: Enhances blood circulation, potentially lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.  Calms the Nervous System: Help to reduce stress.  Tones Abdominal Organs: .  Other Benefits: Help with digestion, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Karnapidasana, also known as the Ear Pressure Pose or Knee to Ear Pose, is an intermediate-level inverted forward-bending yoga pose. It involves bending the legs over the head and placing the knees beside the ears. .  Benefits of Karnapidasana: Improved Flexibility: Enhances spinal flexibility, especially in the neck and shoulders. Muscle Strengthening: Strengthens back muscles, including the core. Stimulated Organs: Stimulates abdominal organs. Increased Mindfulness:
Sarvangasana, is a yoga pose where the body is inverted and supported on the shoulders. This pose is considered a key inversion in yoga, offering numerous physical and mental benefits.  Comprehensive benefits: Improve blood circulation, strengthen core and limb muscles, and enhance overall body awareness. Also benefits in stimulation of the thyroid gland and may help balance thyroid function.

 Consult a Yoga Instructor:

Consult a qualified yoga instructor for practice sessions till you become confident, especially for beginners or those with ailments.

Balanced diet is also key factor in maintaining skin health.

 Conclusion

"Beauty is skin deep"—and true beauty begins with health and harmony. Modern cosmetics might promise instant beauty, but the long-term effects of their chemical constituents can compromise both skin health and overall well-being. Choosing natural remedies, homemade cosmetics, and Ayurvedic practices offer sustainable and safer alternatives to keep our skin healthy, youthful, and radiant without the toxic burden.them, and explore Ayurvedic and homemade alternatives for natural beauty.

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