A-Z skincare tips Articles

Unfortunately, many of the ingredients in the personal care items we use daily could actually be damaging our health and the environment. From face washes to sunscreens, here's a list of the top 10 toxic ingredients to look out for when shopping for your skincare and self-care needs.

What Skincare Ingredients Are Toxic?

1. Parabens

We've all most likely heard of these toxic ingredients by now, and for good reason. Parabens are preservatives used in the majority of personal care products such as face washes, creams, masks, body washes and lotions, shampoo, make-up; the list could go on. 

Once absorbed by the body, parabens mimic estrogen, which can disrupt hormone balance. Because of this hormone disruption, they increase the risk of unhealthy cell development and fertility issues in both men & women. While health associations have deemed small amounts as being safe for consumption, if every product used contains the approved amount of parabens, they can build up, leading to unhealthy levels. 

When shopping for personal care items, avoid ingredients that end with -paraben and look for safer alternatives like vitamin E, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and sodium chloride. These ingredients will keep the product shelf-stable without risking your health.

2. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasing Agents

Thankfully, most manufacturers no longer use formaldehyde. However, companies still frequently add formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, which consumers often overlook. You should know that labels might list these ingredients as:

• Methylene glycol
• Bronopol
• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15

These ingredients act as hardeners in nail or eyelash glue and as preservatives in cosmetics and hair products. Formaldehyde-releasing agents are linked to causing unhealthy cell formation and increasing skin sensitivity. 

Alternative preservatives that are a healthier option include: vitamin e, grapefruit seed extract, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sodium lactate, honey and sodium chloride. As you can see, the easier an ingredient is to pronounce, the better it may be for our health. While these alternatives won't preserve products for as long as harsher chemicals, they will preserve them for a reasonable amount of time and are kinder to our bodies and the environment. 

3. Oxybenzone

We use sunscreens thinking we are taking care of our skin and health, but did you know that chemical sunscreens, while they block UV rays, are chock-full of chemicals that can have harmful effects on your health and the health of the planet? 

Oxybenzone is a chemical used to block UV light and are linked to hormone disruption and cause damaging effects to our ecosystem, harming coral reefs, fish, dolphins and other marine life. If that's not enough, other ingredients to be aware of when it comes to shopping for sunscreen include: octinoxate (octin-ox-ate), 3-Benzylidene (ben-zyl-idene) camphor, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, nano-Titanium dioxide and nano-Zinc oxide. 

To avoid these chemicals and harsh side effects, it's recommended to use a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These non-nano forms provide better UV protection without the surprise adverse health effects, and they've come a long way from the days of leaving a white film on your skin.

4. Phthalates

It's substances like phthalates (pronounced falates) that make the term "fragrance" on labelling ingredients harmful. There are many chemicals that hide under this term, phthalates being one of them. 

Phthalates are stabilizers used in products that need to adhere to the skin for long periods of time. These products can include: perfumes, deodorants, nail polish and nail and eyelash glue. Phthalates are hormone disruptors which can impair cognitive development, are toxic for reproduction and growing fetuses, increase the likelihood of onset of puberty and decrease adult male fertility, as well as damage the environment. These are serious side effects that everyone, especially pregnant women or growing teenagers, shouldn't be exposed to. 

Since these toxic ingredients are in products we use daily, look for personal care products that are scent-free or scented using natural fragrances like essential oils or antioxidants.

5. Toulene 

Europe and Southeast Asia ban this harmful ingredient due to its toxic effects. Beauty and cleaning brands use toluene (also called Butylated Hydroxytoluene/BHT, Benzene, Methylbenzene, Phenyl Methane, or Toluol) as a solvent to prevent colour separation. It's found in products such as:

• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Hair dye

Toulene can cause brain toxicity; because of this, pregnant women should ensure it's not in the personal care products they use on themselves or babies. To avoid these side effects and chemicals, look for products that use safer solvent alternatives like Polychem 36, which is nontoxic and biodegradable; purchase toluene-free products that have to be shaken for colour to mix; or purchase products that use natural ingredients to provide colouring such as henna or fruit.

6. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient that can also be listed as Triclocarban. It's mainly used in pesticides; however, even though it has no business being there, it's also used in personal care items.

Triclosan can be found in antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, toothpastes, mouthwashes, sunscreen, lip balms and deodorants. This toxic ingredient disrupts thyroid health and reproductive hormones. Triclosan can also break down into another chemical, dioxin, which is also toxic and disturbs the endocrine system. 

When shopping for personal care items, check the ingredients list to avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, choose products formulated with healthy alternatives like honey, shea butter, cocoa butter, or baking soda, and switch to natural deodorants and toothpaste. These changes will support the health of yourself, family and planet.

7. Per-and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFA's)

PFAs can be found on labels with the word fluoro in the ingredient name, so watch out for both ingredients. These are chemicals that don't break down easily and not only cause damaging health effects, but negatively impact the environment and surface waters too. 

These chemicals are used in moisturizers, dental floss, concealers, sunscreen and waterproof products since they act as a water repellant. 

PFA's accumulate in the body, causing thyroid disease, disrupt DNA and cell formation and reduce vaccine effectiveness. Since we use these products daily to care for ourselves, natural, organic personal care products are the better alternative.

8. Lead

Manufacturers knowingly put this toxic heavy metal in lipsticks, balms, and petrolatum-based products like Vaseline. Lead causes serious behavioral and learning issues, lowers IQ, and triggers other severe cognitive problems. Everyone, especially pregnant women, should ensure their products are lead-free. 

Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as henna or fruit to add colour and occlusives that are naturally derived, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and olive or rose hip oils. By using products with these alternatives, you won't have to worry about lead or traces of heavy metals in your products. 

9. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

BHT, also seen on labels as Dibutylhydroxytoluene (say that 5 times fast), mimics antioxidant properties and prolongs the shelf life of products. 

These chemicals have a carcinogenic effect, disrupt hormone balance and production and cause liver damage. This is dangerous because the liver plays a large role in detoxification; therefore, it's important that they are in optimal health. 

BHT's are a stabilizer, so they're found in many products from cosmetics, facial cleansers and creams to body washes and personal hygiene products. Vitamin E and rosemary are healthier alternative ingredients which act as a natural stabilizer and don't have nasty side effects.

10. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Manufacturers have used SLS since the 1930s as an inexpensive, synthetic foaming agent derived from petroleum or palm oil. SLES, a milder derivative of SLS, undergoes a processing stage called ethoxylation. During this stage, manufacturers accidentally contaminate SLES with the chemical 1,4-dioxane. Consumers only absorb these synthetic chemicals in small doses; however, the ingredients slowly build up in the body over time, causing clogged pores and skin and eye irritation.

Everyday foaming products including toothpastes, shampoos, shaving creams, soaps, face washes, sanitizers, and mouthwashes contain SLS, so you can see how they rapidly build up in your body and cause serious health risks.

These ingredients strip away moisture, oils and proteins in the hair, which causes irritation and inflames the skin, which can lead to dermatitis like eczema and psoriasis. To avoid irritation, try alternative foaming agents like Yucca, which uses natural saponins to create foam, or coconut, which is completely non-irritating. You can also use specific pump lids on your packaging to mechanically boost the foaming effect.

What Are Good Natural Body Care Items?

While there are many toxic ingredients in our products, we have healthier, more natural alternatives to choose from. Since these chemicals are used in products we trust to take care of us, it's important to be informed and educated so you know what ingredients to watch out for. Purchasing fully naturally-derived products that don't use these nasty ingredients is the easiest way to get peace of mind for yours and your family's personal care needs. 

Natural Body Care Alternatives:

• Body Lotion & Body Cream
• Deodorant Cream, Deodorant Stick
• Body Wash, SLS Free Soap
• Pre-Diluted Vanilla Essential Oil Roll-On Perfume
• Sanitizer

Skincare & Makeup Options:

• Face Cream
• mineral sunscreen
• Natural water-resistant mascara

Natural Oral Care Alternatives:

• SLS-FreeToothpaste
• Toothpaste

Natural Hair Care Alternatives:

• Shampoo, Conditioner
• Henna Hair Tint

Discover natural treatment options for acne. Acne results in the development of pimples or pustules and comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from blocked hair follicles and increased secretions in the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is a mixture of oil and wax. This sebum lubricates the skin and prevents water loss. Acne commonly appears on the face, upper back and upper arms and chest, as these are the locations of the highest concentration of sebaceous glands in the body.

Acne is a chronic skin condition that most often affects males and females in their adolescent years. Adult acne is an issue for some individuals, as well as hormone-related acne for females (premenstrual acne, or acne during pregnancy). Although the problem is not life-threatening, it can be disheartening. It can lead to lower self-esteem & a negative body image.

What Are The Types of Acne?

Acne vulgaris (or cystic acne) is the clinical name for what most of the general public refers to as acne. It affects the hair follicles and oil-secreting glands of the skin. It manifests as blackheads (open comedones), whiteheads (closed comedones) or pimples/blemishes. Acne conglobate is a more severe form of acne that causes deep cysts and often causes significant scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Nutritional deficiencies (poor diet), food intolerances, exposure to environmental toxins, stress, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and some pharmaceutical drugs can cause acne.

Toxin Overload

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and therefore plays a huge role (literally) in detoxification. One method the body has of excreting toxins is through sweat (through pores in the skin). These toxins can lead to irritation/inflammation of the skin, manifesting as acne. If there is a disruption in detoxification, as in the case of constipation, and toxins are allowed to build up in the body longer, these excesses can also lead to acne.

Over Cleansing

Hygiene does play a role in the development of acne, but not in the way you may think. Over-washing/stripping the skin of its natural oils can cause an excess of sebum, as our skin overcompensates for the loss. Bacteria get stuck in the oil, and the resulting immune reaction causes inflammation. Overwashing and repetitive rubbing of the skin also weakens skin integrity, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and infection, and therefore acne.

Hormones

Hormonal changes, including increased testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, cause acne in adolescence and premenstrual, as well as during pregnancy. These hormones, again, increase sebum production. Scarring of the skin is the only long-term consequence of acne and is usually due to picking at the skin.

Other Factors

Chronic or severe stress can exacerbate acne, as can personal care and household products. Many prescription medications, such as corticosteroids, can also cause or aggravate acne. Humidity and hot temperatures, as well as sweating (due to hot weather, wearing fabrics that won’t allow the skin to breathe, and intense exercise regimes), can also play a role in acne development. An acidic internal environment may also exacerbate acne.

Conventional Acne Treatment Options

There are several conventional treatment options for acne that come with their share of negative side effects. 

Accutane is a medication taken orally that, although proven to reduce the production of oil, can cause depression, nosebleeds and headaches. This medication can even lead to bone loss. Doctors take great care in prescribing Accutane to women of childbearing age because of the pill’s dangerous side effects for reproduction – a pregnancy test is typically administered before being prescribed.

Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and anti-biotic creams can cause more harm than good for sensitive, acne-prone skin, including painfully dry-skin and dependence to avoid increased sebum production. Both topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics (prescribed to kill acne-causing bacteria) affect the body’s regular digestive processes and can lead to improper immune and intestinal functioning, resulting in chronic yeast and bladder infections. Allergic reactions to medications are commonplace and can even cause more acne.

Are There Natural Acne Treatments?

To fight acne topically, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and lavender essential oil are good choices. They can be added to hot water for a steam treatment or diluted and dabbed on the skin. There are also many cleansing products available with one or more of these antibacterial agents. Colloidal silver is an antibiotic that can be applied topically. Green clay masks also help to detoxify the skin and draw out acne blemishes.

Dietary changes and stress reduction are the mainstays of acne prevention. All foods that promote detoxification of the body are essential. They include high-fibre foods and lots of water.

Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to. Dairy products and foods high in refined sugar are among the food culprits of acne. Keep alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, processed foods and iodized salt to a minimum. Eat foods high in zinc, such as whole grains, sunflower seeds and raw nuts. Eat lots of fruit for its water content and alpha-hydroxy acids. Eat raw foods that contain oxalic acid, like almonds, beets, cashews and chard. Individuals fighting acne may also benefit from an alkaline diet. See more on acid/alkaline balancing in the article.

Digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and probiotics to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food and along with the previously stated dietary recommendations, can prevent/treat acne due to poor nutritional status. Vitamin A, E, zinc and selenium can also play a role in terms of boosting nutrients related to clearing skin. Essential fatty acids are important for skin repair. Using herbs such as vitex or supplementing with DIM, D- Glucarate or Sulforaphane may also help to treat premenstrual acne or acne related to hormone imbalance. Dandelion and milk thistle are excellent for supporting healthy detoxification, ultimately leaving the skin clearer and healthier!

Persistent facial redness and skin sensitivity can be frustrating to manage and may affect both comfort and confidence. Stress, diet, environmental triggers, and inflammation often influence rosacea flare-ups. These factors make a holistic approach especially important. In this article, we'll explore practical strategies and rosacea treatment options that may help promote clearer, healthier-looking skin. 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition in which acne-like pustules form in people over the age of 30. The first stage involves a reddening of the skin on the cheeks and nose, and later, the forehead and chin. Acne forms and pustules are visible. Tiny blood vessels can be seen below the skin’s surface. In men, rhinophyma can occur. In this severe form of rosacea, the nose becomes red and swollen.

What Causes Rosacea?

It is caused by an increase in sebum production. Underlying causes can be toxin accumulation, improper nutrition, insufficient stomach acid, food sensitivities, liver or gallbladder dysfunction, hypertension or genetics.

What Triggers Rosacea Flare-Ups?

Stress, worry, sunlight, and exposure to heat or cold can worsen rosacea flare-ups. Coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages can also trigger symptoms. Intense exercise, wind exposure, certain skincareproducts, and emotional stress may contribute to flare-ups. Some people also react to specific foods, medications, or temperature changes.

Rosacea Treatment Protocols

Conventional Approaches

The conventional treatment of Rosacea usually involves antibiotics to treat the acne that develops as a consequence of the changes it causes to blood vessels under the skin. If you are taking an antibiotic prescribed by your practitioner for rosacea, it is important that you take an acidophilus supplement to help prevent the depletion of friendly bacteria in the intestines. The prescription duration is usually long-term, so taking a supplement to enhance the health of the intestinal lining is important, too, as most antibiotics will cause damage to it over the long term. The amino acid glutamine and DGL can optimize the health of the G.I. lining.

Natural Approaches

The nutritional approach to treating rosacea focuses on strengthening blood vessel walls, reducing infection, and improving the overall health of the skin.

Blood vessel walls - Vitamin C and bioflavonoids can help strengthen blood vessel walls. These nutrients help maintain elasticity and may reduce blood vessel fragility. Grape seed extract and pycnogenol pine bark extract may provide similar benefits. Research suggests these compounds can help support healthy blood vessels.

Infection from rosacea takes the form of pimple-like blemishes on the skin. You can use Echinacea two weeks out of the month to help reduce the appearance of these blemishes. You might also consider taking astragalus, which can be used consistently to optimize the activity of your immune system. Zinc can be used to optimize immunity and also enhance the healing of the skin. For dosages of these nutrients, please see the table below.

The health of the skin takes on greater significance when you have a disorder like rosacea. Primrose oil / borage oil, flax oil, and fish oil all contain essential fats that can make a substantial difference for your skin’s ability to heal itself. They should be used in combination with each other as absorption and activity is enhanced. If you have trouble digesting fats, you can take these with the supplement lecithin - it can help with the absorption of fats. The mineral silica (derived from horsetail grass) helps the skin maintain its elasticity and boosts collagen production, which the skin needs to repair itself. Supporting nutrients like vitamins A and E can also be taken to improve skin health.

Topical Applications

Treat rosacea topically with antibacterial agents, like tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and lavender essential oil. There are also many cleansing products available with one or more of these antibacterial agents. Green clay masks and compresses made of horsetail and witch hazel also help to detoxify the skin and disperse blood from the face. Calendula ointment can be used to heal lesions. Avoid friction against the skin, and if you must wear makeup, choose all-natural, water-based products.

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes and stress reduction can also make a significant difference. All foods that promote detoxification of the body are essential. They include high-fibre foods and lots of water. See the detoxification article for more information. Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to, especially sugary foods, unfermented dairy products, fried foods and processed foods. Consider undergoing food allergy testing, like the ALCAT. See the article on food allergies for more information.

Vasodilating foods and supplements, including hot foods, coffee, alcohol, salt, spicy food, niacin and ephedra, should be avoided. Eat fermented dairy products to replenish good bacteria in the intestinal tract. Start each meal with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to increase stomach acid. Eat pineapple and papaya for their protein-digestive enzymes.