The Ugly Side of Beauty Products

So you’re quite satisfied with your beauty routine. But are you sure that your beauty regimen is not doing your health any harm? Many people are not aware that their beauty regimen has an ugly side. Are you sure yours doesn’t have any?

You should know that breast cancer, heart disease, depression, memory loss, birth defects and reproductive problems are just a few of health conditions that have been linked to the toxic ingredients commonly found in beauty products and cosmetics. The most dangerous and carcinogenic chemicals have been dubbed as the Toxic 12. Do you know what these chemicals are? Here is a list of some of the most dangerous chemicals in beauty and personal care products.

The Ugly Chemicals in Your Beauty Products

• Benzoyl Peroxide
  This ingredient is commonly found in anti-acne products. Benzoyl Peroxide is known to assist or aid known carcinogens and is suspected to promote tumor growth. It also can damage DNA. When inhaled it also has a toxic effect on the body. It can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
• DEA, MEA and TEA
  They are known to irritate the eyes and skin and can cause contact dermatitis. Liver and kidney cancers can happen after repeated exposure to these chemicals.
• Dioxin
  Although you won’t see Dioxin listed as an ingredient it is often found in anything that has antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan, PEGs and SLS. Dioxin disrupts hormones and is a carcinogen. It also can weaken the immune system and can cause nervous system disorders, birth defects and miscarriages. If you want a visual representation of just how toxic Dioxin is research the name Viktor Yushchenko. Yushchenko was Ukraine’s president from 2005 and 2010 and suffered from Dioxin poisoning.
• DMDM Hydantoin and Urea
  These two chemicals serve as preservatives and release formaldehyde which may trigger joint pain, cancer, skin irritations, chest pains, ear infections, depression, sleep loss, constant fatigue as well as dizziness. These ingredients also irritate the respiratory system.
• FD&C Color and Pigments
  They can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive. If absorbed in the body they can deplete oxygen supply and even lead to death. Studies show that almost all of these synthetic colors can cause cancer.
• Parabens
  These preservatives are known to be hormone disruptors and may cause sterility in men. Parabens are linked to breast cancer as a study found parabens in sample tissues of women with breast cancer.
• Phthlates
  This group of chemicals can damage the liver and kidneys. Phthlates can also reduce sperm counts and cause birth defects.
• Propylene Glycol
  PG is a very toxic ingredient and contact can cause abnormalities in the brain, liver and kidneys.
• SLS
  SLS can cause our health major damage. Animals that have been exposed to it had eye damage, difficulty breathing, irritated skin and diarrhea. Prolonged exposure can result to death.
• Chemicals in Sunscreen
  PABA, avobenzone, benzphenone and ethoxycinnamate are commonly found in sunscreen lotions. These chemicals are known to generate free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to different types of cancers.

Always check the labels of the product you use. Share this information to your loved ones using Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.