We all like to reckon of our personal care products as safe. But, your skin cleanser may not really be as safe as you reckon – if you can feel those small bubbles popping; it may not really be doing what you reckon.

If your facial cleanser advertises some type of foaming action then chances are high that it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and/or Sodium Laureth Sulphate. These chemicals have been shown to weaken the immune system, cause skin inflammations and are commonly found in abrasive car washes and engine degreasers.

Let’s look at another common ingredient in many personal care products, namely Propylene Glycol. This chemical is found in everyday products, sometimes in concentrations of up to 20 percent. If you’ve watched enough right crime shows it may sound familiar to you. Propylene Glycol is a major ingredient in antifreeze.

Then there is mineral oil. This oil coats your skin and is waterproof – this means that your skin is prevented from carrying out its normal cellular respiratory function. This causes clogged pores (which leads to acne) and can cause or exacerbate many other skin problems as well. Even so, this is a common ingredient in skin care products.

The products which contain these chemicals usually also have lots of other chemical ingredients. These chemicals are found in lotions, skin creams and even fragrances. The manufacturers always say that the small amounts of these chemicals in their products are safe – but why risk it?

Some of the side effects seen after heavy exposure to the chemicals mentioned include headaches, chronic fatigue, hormonal disruption, and cancer. While not all products contain these particular chemicals, it’s often very hard to find skin care products that do not have two or more ingredients that are considered toxic and deadly to humans.

One ingredient in natural skin care products which is really excellent for your skin is emu oil.

Emu oil is a completely neutral lipid that is safe for anyone and it is hypoallergenic. Emu oil products are highly penetrating to the skin surface and it can rehydrate and strengthen the cells in the deepest layers of skin.

Products that contain pure emu oil are able to naturally soften and nourish skin. Other benefits of emu oil include its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a bonus when applying skin lotion also helps relieve pain from minor aches and even arthritic discomfort.

Did you know that your skin can receive fantastic benefit from many seaweed components? Most people’s minds turn to some green slimy salt-water scented grass. While some of the seaweeds may look unattractive in the ocean, they can help us achieve vibrant, healthy skin.

Botanical skin care formulas are made of natural, plant based ingredients. Some of the beneficial ingredients found in seaweed are mineral salts, amino acids, vitamins and a wealth of antioxidant compounds to repair the cellular hurt done by free radicals. In fact, seaweed is one of the very best ingredients to promote cell growth in your skin.

When you use skin care products that have ingredients that are organic and contain antioxidants, as well as essential Vitamins like A, C and E, your skin is being hydrated, nourished, and detoxified naturally.

You can’t expect the skin care industry to make an overnight conversion but – it’s up to you to make wise choices about skin care products for you and your family. By using only high quality, natural skin care products, you’ll be caring for your skin and your family in a healthy way.

Tags: skin care