Many
moisturizers on the market contain harmful chemicals that get absorbed into the
skin and enter the bloodstream. About one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients
used in personal care products are industrial chemicals which include
carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. When you
think that your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you spread these
products on your skin day by day, you can start to imagine the harm that you
are putting your body through, as well as the environment. Some products may
also include plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants, things that are found in
concrete, auto shops and paint tubs.
What
I want you to do right now is grab any one of your moisturizers and read
through the ingredients. If it contains any of the following, I would suggest
you throw it out immediately:
1.
BHA & BHT: Used
in makeup and moisturizers as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptor and
may cause cancer.
2.
Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five
digit number: May
also be listed as FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Potential to cause cancer and
heavy metal toxicity to the brain.
3.
DEA-related ingredients: Used
in moisturizers and shampoo. Can react to form nitrosamines which cause cancer.
4.
Dibutyl phthalate: Suspected
endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.
5.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: DMDM
hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and
quarternium-15. Slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde which cause
cancer.
6.
Parabens: Suspected
endocrine disruptors and interferes with male reproductive functions.
7.
Parfum (a.k.a fragrance): Can
trigger allergies and asthma. Some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.
8.
PEG compounds: Used
in many cream bases. Can cause cancer.
9.
Petrolatum: Petroleum
product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which
may cause cancer.
10.
Siloxanes: Suspected
endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.
11.
Sodium laureth sulfate: May cause cancer. Also called SLS.
Related chemicals called sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients ending
with letters “eth”.
12.
Triclosan: Suspected
endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Instead,
opt for nature-made oils that will help repair your skin, and make it glow!
Below is a list of 10 natural oils that are wonderful for all types of skin
care such as moisturizing, helping get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, clearing
up acne and blemishes, treating dry and/or oily skin. I personally love to use
jojoba oil mixed with some rose hip seed oil on my face, as well as hemp oil on
my face. For my body I typically use jojoba and grapeseed oil.
10
Natural Skin Care Oils:
1.
Coconut Oil: has
high moisture retaining capacity so it acts as an excellent moisturizer for
your skin. It melts into your skin and increases the levels of skin surface
lipids which helps soften it. Small wounds (caused by acne or pimples) also
soften and heal quickly. Also has added benefits of protecting your skin from
microbes, and treating various skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis,
eczema and many other skin infections. Do you suffer from acne? Coconut oil has
the ability to cure acne by killing the bacteria that cause the problem (acne
vulgaris).
2.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba
oil is technically not an oil but a wax ester. In fact, the jojoba wax ester is
most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying jojoba oil to the skin will
actually make the skin think it is producing enough oil and thus balances oil
production. Jojoba oil helps to moisturize the skin all day long – it does not
evaporate like commercial moisturizers (which are water based), and can be used
for the face and body (only need a couple drops – it spreads well!). This oil
is also a good make-up remover (doesn’t irritate the eyes), and can act as a
wonderful lip balm and hair conditioner (add a few drops to your hair after
shampooing – helps combat dandruff).
3.
Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed
oil contains linoleic acid which helps strengthen cell membranes and improve
skin health. There are also many antioxidants in this oil type, which can help
prevent pores from clogging (clogged pores normally trigger acne breakouts, so
regular application of this oil can help prevent problems associated with
acne). Grapeseed oil is medically useful for reducing swelling because of its
wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and can help tighten and tone the skin.
This oil is very light, and thus it is easily absorbed by the skin and will not
leave any oil residue. It also helps stimulate skin tissue regeneration, and
can quicken the healing process of wounds.
4.
Macadamia Nut Oil: This
oil contains the highest amount of palmitoleic acid (omega 7 fatty acid) of any
plant. Palmitoleic acid is plentiful in our skin when we are young, but
decreases with aging. This acid helps mature skin retain suppleness and
replaces naturally occurring skin on the lips, allowing the skin to remain
looking younger. This oil reduces wrinkles and dryness and is light and
non-greasy. It also contains proteins and plenty of vitamin E which contributes
to healthy, supple looking skin.
5.
Hempseed Oil: Contains
agents (linoleic and linolenic acids) that give it anti-inflammatory
properties, as well as natural antioxidant properties. It helps to clean and
detoxify your skin and to even out skin tone. This oil does not stick to your
skin and clog your pores, so it is a wonderful way to moisturize without
feeling overly greasy. Hempseed oil is also beneficial for healing skin lesions
and balancing dry skin and fighting skin inflammations. It has antioxidants in
the form of vitamin E and carotene, as well as phytosterols, phospholipids, as
well as a variety of skin beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur,
potassium, and phosphorous.
6.
Olive Oil: Extra
virgin olive oil provides strong antioxidants like vitamins A and E that help
repair and renew skin that have been damaged from overexposure to sun, air
pollution and other modern-day environmental hazards. These antioxidants
naturally keep the skin firm, smooth and healthy. Olive oil deeply penetrates
the skin and provides a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and
supple.
7.
Argan Oil: Argan
oil has been claimed as “liquid gold” for the skin. It is credited with helping
repair damaged hair, reducing wrinkles and acne, diminishing the appearance of
age spots and healing dry scalp and diaper rash. Argan oil is naturally rich in
antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols,
polyphenols, vitamin E and squalene, which help heal the skin, reduce
inflammation and fight off free radicals.
8.
Almond Oil: Almonds
oil is more of an emollient because it softens skin rather than hydrates it.
However, it acts as a humectant to help prevent the loss of moisture. Almond
oil is great for relieving dry, flaking, and itchy skin due to eczema,
psoriasis, and rashes. It can also be applied to the scalp to relieve dryness
and to condition hair roots. It is readily absorbed into the skin without
leaving behind any greasy residue. Apply one to two drops of almond oil on each
side of your skin and with clean warm hands, massage the oil on your face in
upward strokes. Be sure to include the area around your eyes, gently patting.
This oil also has anti-aging properties, like reducing fine lines and crow’s
feet, as well as reducing dark circles and puffy eyes.
9.
Avocado Oil: This
oil is very rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as
healthy amino acids and lecithin. It has strong antibacterial and antioxidant
properties and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help revitalize dry and dull
skin. It is one of the most effective natural skin care remedies around and
penetrates the skin much more deeply than oils like jojoba. It is great for
people suffering from dark circles, crow’s feet and sagging skin, and can help
firm up the skin, leaving it youthful and toned. The sugars found in avocado
also boost collagen production in the skin, making the skin wrinkle free, and
helping to fade any scars or other skin blemishes.
10.
Rosehip Oil: Contains
vitamin C to help boost tissue repair, as well as vitamin A (otherwise known as
Retinol) which is a staple in most skin products. Rosehip oil helps to
rehydrate the skin because of the high content of essential fatty acids, and
can help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness. It can also be used to
bring a shine to the skin which resembles a lively glow. This oil is very well
known for helping reduce the appearance of scars from stretch marks or acne.
Over time, this oil can help shrink, and in some cases even eliminate stretch
marks completely. Scars caused from chicken pox are also excellent candidates
for pure rosehip oil treatment. Rosehip oil is a wonderful toner too! It can
help with problems of premature aging.
Source : Live Love Fruit
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