Skin Care Ingredients - For Better Of For Worse?
- Date: 2009-12-24 - Word Count: 550
Share This!
Just as some skin care ingredients are considered good for the skin, there are other ingredients that are infamous for the side effects they have. While some are known to cause cancer, some are accused of over-drying the skin. But are the so called "bad" ingredients really bad for the skin?
Here are some skin care ingredients that are often misconstrued but are not as bad as they are made out to be.
Alcohols
'Avoid Alcohols' is perhaps the most popular skin care advice. However, it is important to remember that not all alcohols are created equal. And in spite of the fact that alcohols like ethyl alcohol (also known as SD alcohol), benzyl and isopropyl alcohol are bad for the skin, there are some that deliver benefits as well - the fatty alcohols. These alcohols help formulas transform into silky-smooth products. For example:
Cetyl alcohol
It is an emollient derived from coconut oil and is extensively used in cosmetic emulsions like hand creams, foundation, lipstick, shampoo, mascara and so on.
Stearyl alcohol
Also derived from coconut oil, it is used in skin care products to make them more firm. It is used in creams, lubricants and conditioners.
Cetearyl alcohol
This is an emulsifying wax that helps to soften ointments and thick formulations.
Lanolin alcohol
It is the sebum extracted from sheep's wool. It acts as an excellent emulsifier.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Though it is a commonly used foaming agent in cleansers and face-washes, SLS has a bad reputation of being a carcinogen. However, this is not true. Research has proved that when used in minimal amounts, SLS is safe for the skin. The only ill effects of SLS is that it tends to irritate the skin and cause dryness. Thus it is best avoided by people with dry or sensitive skin. However, people with normal or oily skin can use SLS skin care products regularly without any worry.
Mineral Oil
A derivative of petroleum, mineral oil is relatively cheap and used extensively in skin care products. However, recent upsurges have accused mineral oil to be a carcinogen. Also, many myths like it clogs pores and causes acne and dries out the skin have been prevalent. But the truth is far from it.
Skin care products use highly refined mineral oil regulated by the FDA. Even though it might encourage breakouts in some people (mainly those with oily and acne prone skin), it is a safe skin care ingredient and helps to enhance the barrier function of the skin. This prevents moisture loss and helps to keep the skin protected in the cold winter months.
Triclosan
It is a powerful microbial ingredient and is used on antibacterial and acne skin care products because it fights P. acnes (acne causing bacteria) and helps against acne. However, it has been quoted as being dangerous to the skin. Fortunately, none of the claims has enough proof to back them.
Parabens
Parabens (artificial preservatives used in skin care products) have been very controversial ingredients in the skin care market. Some of the most popular parabens include methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl. They have been linked to breast cancer. However, the FDA considers parabens safe and are only used at 0.01 to 0.3 percent in skin care products. Though parabens may irritate some skin types and conditions, including sensitive complexions and eczema, it can be safely used by people with normal skin under normal conditions.
Here are some skin care ingredients that are often misconstrued but are not as bad as they are made out to be.
Alcohols
'Avoid Alcohols' is perhaps the most popular skin care advice. However, it is important to remember that not all alcohols are created equal. And in spite of the fact that alcohols like ethyl alcohol (also known as SD alcohol), benzyl and isopropyl alcohol are bad for the skin, there are some that deliver benefits as well - the fatty alcohols. These alcohols help formulas transform into silky-smooth products. For example:
Cetyl alcohol
It is an emollient derived from coconut oil and is extensively used in cosmetic emulsions like hand creams, foundation, lipstick, shampoo, mascara and so on.
Stearyl alcohol
Also derived from coconut oil, it is used in skin care products to make them more firm. It is used in creams, lubricants and conditioners.
Cetearyl alcohol
This is an emulsifying wax that helps to soften ointments and thick formulations.
Lanolin alcohol
It is the sebum extracted from sheep's wool. It acts as an excellent emulsifier.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Though it is a commonly used foaming agent in cleansers and face-washes, SLS has a bad reputation of being a carcinogen. However, this is not true. Research has proved that when used in minimal amounts, SLS is safe for the skin. The only ill effects of SLS is that it tends to irritate the skin and cause dryness. Thus it is best avoided by people with dry or sensitive skin. However, people with normal or oily skin can use SLS skin care products regularly without any worry.
Mineral Oil
A derivative of petroleum, mineral oil is relatively cheap and used extensively in skin care products. However, recent upsurges have accused mineral oil to be a carcinogen. Also, many myths like it clogs pores and causes acne and dries out the skin have been prevalent. But the truth is far from it.
Skin care products use highly refined mineral oil regulated by the FDA. Even though it might encourage breakouts in some people (mainly those with oily and acne prone skin), it is a safe skin care ingredient and helps to enhance the barrier function of the skin. This prevents moisture loss and helps to keep the skin protected in the cold winter months.
Triclosan
It is a powerful microbial ingredient and is used on antibacterial and acne skin care products because it fights P. acnes (acne causing bacteria) and helps against acne. However, it has been quoted as being dangerous to the skin. Fortunately, none of the claims has enough proof to back them.
Parabens
Parabens (artificial preservatives used in skin care products) have been very controversial ingredients in the skin care market. Some of the most popular parabens include methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl. They have been linked to breast cancer. However, the FDA considers parabens safe and are only used at 0.01 to 0.3 percent in skin care products. Though parabens may irritate some skin types and conditions, including sensitive complexions and eczema, it can be safely used by people with normal skin under normal conditions.
Related Tags: skin care, skin care ingredients
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Painless Teeth Whitening
These stains in the teeth, steadily generate an weakness complex which further makes people cautious - Elizabeth Arden Perfumes - Us Vs French Perfumes
If you dropped out of nursing training and started your career as a lowly bookkeeper in a pharmaceut - Eyelid Surgery, New Jersey
Those who tend to have puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes can undergo eyelid surgery in New Jersey - Go Gorgeous Through Yoga
Yoga is a process of not only keeping the body healthy but also of enhancing one's beauty and figure - Have A Full Face Lift Without Surgery
If you want a face lift, many people may suggest that you go to a surgeon. However, do you know that - Hair Wigs - Impress Your Guests And Enjoy Their Attention
Are you bored of combing your hairs regularly and dreaming of a new hairstyle? Well, if this is the - Skin Is Effected By Lack Of Sleep
Did you know that not getting enough sleep not only has negative results on your body, but it also e - The Best Way To Remove Unwanted Hair Permanently - Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is a common problem for both men and women. Hair on the armpits and face is considered - Consumers Are Spoilt For Teeth Whitening Choice
Whitening treatments. As the name suggests, this is the process of renewing the whiteness of a patie - How To Choose Best Hair Transplant Clinic In India
Hair transplantation is a pretty new technique to solve the problem of male hair loss baldness patte
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Revitol Review - Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
This Revitol review discusses the benefits of this new stretch mark prevention cream. Revitol Stret - What Are Perfumes?
According to Wikipedia "Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixativ - Lasik Information
Lasik is a surgical treatment for the correction of impaired vision. This relieves the patients of t - Hate Makeup? Try Mineral Makeup...It May Change Your Mind!
If you've always hated the feel of traditional liquid foundation, never can find your right color, o - Homemade Spa Treatments - A Great Way To Escape The Winter Blues
Are you getting a little tired of this cold wet weather and long for warm and sunny summer days? Cha - Finding the Right Scent
Finding the right scent isn't just a matter of choosing celebrity you like best. It can be quite com - Discount Makeup - High-quality Cosmetics At Low Prices
Choosing the right cosmetic products is as important as eating the right food and practicing sports - 4 Secrets for Beauty & Wellness
4 Secrets for Beauty & Wellness: Learn basic tips that "really" work to look and feel your best - J. Sisters Salon
J. Sisters Salon has been world renowned for its professional beauty and style approach. Celebritie - Skin Care: From an Inner Radiance to an Outer Glow
When we were young, our mothers may have told us to take care of our skin, but did we listen? Or did