SKINCARE COULD BE THE NEXT TOBACCO – THISDAY Style

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

In the past, consumers have placed significant trust in leading cosmetic companies to provide skin care products that will enhance and protect their skin. Unfortunately, our trust has been abused and betrayed on numerous occasions by many companies that include hazardous and toxic ingredients in their skin care products. This has resulted in various negative effects on the skin, such as skin irritations, dermatitis, and allergic reactions. Some of these effects are only mild and temporary. However, research has shown that some toxic ingredients, over time, can be just as bad as inhaling tobacco, they can result in much more serious effects, such as damaging the immune system, causing chronic effects on the skin, and even cancer. When choosing skin care products, it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients they contain and always check the ingredient lists before buying. If you want your skin and the rest of your body to stay healthy, you should only choose products with safe and effective ingredients and avoid putting chemicals that disrupt our endocrine system—obesogens, neurotoxins, developmental toxins, immunotoxins, reproductive toxins, and teratogens—on our skin.

PHTHALATES

DBP, DEHP, and DEP are phthalates, a type of artificial chemical commonly utilised to add flexibility to plastic and PVC. They are also found in cosmetics to maintain fragrance in perfumes and aid in softening and moisturising the skin. Unfortunately, these chemicals have been discovered in both our bodies and the environment and are associated with disrupting hormone activity. Consequently, concerns have been mounting regarding their potential contribution to an increased likelihood of breast cancer, as well as their effects on reproduction and development, especially in male infants. While many European countries have banned this family of ingredients in cosmetics, the FDA in the USA still allows its use.

PARABENS

Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetic products. They can be found in lotions, shampoos, facial cleansers, make-up, and lipsticks. Multiple types of parabens are typically used in combination with other preservatives. Some well-known parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Products labelled “paraben-free” usually refer to the absence of propylparaben and butylparaben, which are considered more toxic. While parabens have been considered relatively low in toxicity, there is concern about potential health issues from repeated, long-term exposure. Parabens can penetrate the skin and remain in body tissue. Studies have found parabens in breast cancer tissues, suggesting a link between these chemicals and cancer. Parabens are believed to affect hormone function by mimicking oestrogen, potentially leading to increased growth of breast cancer cells.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a popular cleansing agent and foam booster, but it’s also a strong irritant. It’s most commonly present in body wash, bubble baths, and shampoo and has been shown to be toxic to organ systems, causing toxicity, skin irritation, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and biochemical or cellular changes. Symptoms of SLS poisoning include laboured breathing, diarrhoea, vomiting, and skin irritation.

LEAD

Lead is a naturally occurring chemical element that has gained a lot of notoriety in recent years. Despite this, lead is occasionally added to a variety of cosmetic items, including body lotions, lipsticks, eye shadows, pressed powders, and shampoos. Lead exposure at high levels has been linked to kidney damage, blood and neurological system effects, and there is evidence that lead is a carcinogen. It is one of the key components in skincare products to stay away from.

HYDROQUINONE

Although it’s an active component in many medications, hydroquinone may also be found in certain anti-ageing treatments and scents. It is used by some skincare companies to lighten skin and decrease the formation of melanin. It might surprise you to learn, that it’s also a component of superglue and paint. Skin irritation, cancer, and organ damage have all been linked to this substance. The use of hydroquinone leads to rough skin, dermatitis, and sun sensitivity.