Chuck Your Skincare Products If They Have These Ingredients

Today, people pay more attention to skin care than ever before. Some skin care routines include a dozen cosmetic products or more. At Lasercare Skin Clinic of Little Rock, Arkansas, we’re thrilled that people are taking time for skin care and getting started with skin maintenance at younger ages.

Moisturizing, wearing sunscreen, and using cleansers to remove makeup help prevent dry skin, acne, and imperfections and even reduce the risks of wrinkles and sagging skin as you age. But could your moisturizer, sunscreen, or cleanser contain harmful chemicals that do more damage than good?

Several types of potentially harmful chemicals and contaminants show up in consumer products related to skin care. Let dermatology expert Dr. Bruce Sanderson and the Lasercare Skin Clinic team inform you about ingredients you should check for in your skin care and cosmetic products.

If you find harmful ingredients, throw the product out and consult with us about the right replacement. We specialize in laser skin-improvement treatments that may mean you need fewer products to achieve your aesthetic goals. With professional support, your skin care routine can be more effective and safer for your health than ever before.

Cosmetics, regulation, and exposure

Cosmetic products aren’t subject to strict regulations that help keep harmful chemicals out of food. So, it’s up to you to proactively check your skin care products for dangerous substances.

Chemicals affect you more after prolonged exposure. If you’re regularly exposing yourself to a chemical or are exposed to large amounts of it, you’re more likely to experience adverse health consequences, from hair loss and skin burns to increased cancer risk.

That said, the safety thresholds for chemicals in cosmetic products are under-studied, meaning that it’s not always clear how much exposure to a chemical becomes dangerous for your health. Take extra care with chemical exposure if you’re pregnant, coping with a chronic illness, or have sensitive skin.

Check your products against databases of harmful chemicals, like the Environmental Working Group’s helpful app. If you’re unsure about your skin care routine, consult with Dr. Sanderson and the professionals at Lasercare Skin Clinic.

Skin care chemicals to watch out for

Skin care products contain active ingredients that produce results, as well as added ingredients like fragrances and preservatives. Many common chemicals in skin care products may be harmful after extended exposure. Here are some ingredients you should watch out for in your skin care lotions, creams, and rinses.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

This common preservative is often found in products containing fats or oils, such as moisturizers or lipsticks. Studies have linked BHA to cancer, kidney damage, and reproductive complications in lab animals. BHA may be carcinogenic for humans. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) appears to be less toxic but may still be a cause for concern.

Parabens

Parabens include compounds like methylparaben, isobutylparaben, and propylparaben. These preservatives appear in water-based cosmetics and skin care products, such as face washes and cleansers. In animal studies, parabens have a similar effect to the hormone estrogen and increase the risk of breast cancer and male reproductive issues.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)

You typically find PEGS as a thickening agent in products like soap, foundation, and cosmetic creams. PEGS speed up skin absorption of active ingredients in your products. However, PEGS are often contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals like ethylene oxide. Using products containing PEGS for an extended period may increase your risk of cancer.

Talc

Manufacturers have used this mineral in cosmetic products for a long time. However, we’re learning more about the cancer-causing effects of talc. Some companies have discontinued talc products, but you can still find talc in powder foundations, skin blotters, and deodorants if you look carefully at the products’ ingredient lists.

For expert support and guidance on finding skin care products that work for you and don’t contain chemicals that could harm your health through prolonged exposure, contact Dr. Sanderson and the Lasercare Skin Clinic team today. Call now, or book your appointment with our online scheduling tool.