WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN?

There is a huge global movement at the moment where people are taking more notice of what they are putting in their body to fuel, protect and gain peak health, even down to the activity of reading what’s listed on the ingredient list.

However, that same mindset shift isn’t quite happening when it comes to skincare. What we put on our skins is just as important, as it get absorbed into our body. So with this in mind, here is a list of a few ingredients that are commonly found in skincare and cosmetics, that really shouldn’t be on your skin. They clog and suffocate the skin, create nasty bacteria hubs on the surface of the skin, or are absorbed into our blood stream providing the potential for degraded health internally.

Parabens
Widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and yeast in cosmetics products, at first glance parabens don’t seem so bad. Unfortunately, parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of cancer, and more so with breast cancer. The chemicals are absorbed into the skin through such products as deodorants, makeup, body washes and facial cleansers.

Propylene Glycol
Found in moisturisers, sunblock’s, makeup, shampoos and conditioners this small organic alcohol is commonly used as a skin conditioning agent. It’s classified as both as skin irritant and penetrator – meaning that it is marketed as a way for the other ingredients in whatever product you’re using to be absorbed more efficiently. Propylene glycol has been associated with skin diseases such as hives, dermatitis and eczema. Thankfully, technology has progressed and there are a handful of ethical brands that choose to take the safe route, then the easier option by including this ingredient.

Formaldehyde
Primarily used to prevent bacteria growth within cosmetic products, formaldehyde preservatives (FRP’s) have been deemed a human carcinogen has been linked to an array of cancers, as well as respiratory damage, and harm to the immune system and child development. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and can be found in body washes, shampoos and conditioners, cleansers, make up and nail products. And if that doesn’t put you off, maybe knowing that it is very widely used for embalming bodies may seal the deal for you.

Every product and ingredient that we recommend, use or treat with at Mi:skn Clinic is free of these ingredients, as well as any other nasties that we don’t want ingested into the skin or body. Medik8, Dermaviduals and Lycogel are all formulated at the highest ethical standard, meet international consumer regulations and even though it is impossible to avoid every single synthetic chemical we can do our part by limiting the amount of toxins that our skins are exposed to.