Chemicals. Every day it seems we hear of a new chemical that we need to avoid: don’t eat it, don’t drink it, (or use a container which might leach chemicals), don’t put it on your lawn, wear clothes that contain it, don’t put it on your vegetables in the garden ….you get the idea….

Many of us unknowingly apply harmful chemicals to our bodies every day. We do so through use of skin care products that contain ingredients that are shown to weaken the cell wall, are harmful to the liver, contribute to causing cancer, are petroleum by-products (that you should have to purchase at the gas station), and ingredients that denature the cell, among other repercussions.

This said, it is an exciting time to be in the skin care business. There are now professional products available that achieve the fabulous results that we are longing for and yet, do no harm.

Skin care philosophy has changed for many of us in the profession. Currently there are products available that deliver crucial vitamin A (long proven to improve the condition of aging skin) deep into the dermis where it builds collagen and stimulates fibroblasts, ultimately delivering that beautiful moist, plump skin we all desire. (All  without harmful thinning of the skin and painful redness that can result from classic vitamin A products.)                                           

It is possible to cleanse and treat your face without stripping the vital protective “mantle,” the protective layer that nature provides to protect us from the environment, and to use products that destroy the harmful bacteria while leaving the “good” bacteria intact.

I work with a skin line whose innovative M.D. has introduced  a product that actually repairs DNA….rebuilding scar tissue from the inside out thus helping  repair those unwanted wrinkles and more. I would advise anyone considering cosmetic surgery to check with a skin care professional; there is a good deal one can do topically to increase the beauty of your face without “the knife.”

Take a look at the products you are currently using. While there are numerous ingredients to avoid here are just a few :  parabens, (there are four different kinds,) benzoyl peroxide, sodium laurel sulfate, oxybenzone (spf), and hydroquinone (widely used to lighten or even skin tone.)

To clean up your skin care regimen seek out a professional who is aware of the chemicals in the products they recommend. You deserve effective, active products that will deliver results without ultimately harming your body…. you want active, “clean” skin care. Pay attention to your make up as well. There are products available that work beautifully without adverse effects.

1. Sodium Laurel Sulfate – found in many products (facial cleansers, shampoos, toothpaste) it is a harsh irritant and can create inflammation

2. Glycols – a chemical that can strip lipids and increase free radicals dehydrating the skin – damaging the epidermis

3. Parabens – chemical preservatives which have been shown to increase estrogenic activity; parabens (methyl, propyl,butylparabens); parabens have been found in breat tumors recently

4. Hydroquinone – used to lighten the skin (treating hyperpigmentation) poses some cancer risks, can be toxic to certain organs and ages the skin

5. Benzoyl Peroxide – kills the good bacteria on the skin along with the bad, depleting antioxidants and stripping the skin

These are just a few of the most harmful ingredients that you will find in Over The Counter products… there are way more to avoid if you really want to clean your skincare product up, but these are the main offenders to date… it changes all the time as new information becomes available.