I have been asked many times for my feedback on over-the-counter skincare products. It is not my policy to talk badly about another skincare line. However I will provide an opinion for the ingredients contained within the line that I am being asked about.
Recently someone gave me a tube of skin cream they were given in a care package from the oncology office where they were receiving treatment. Their concern was if the cream contained parabens, which they were told to avoid by their oncologist. They were also concerned about the chemicals it contained.
I like a challenge so I was happy to do some research on the cream. I assumed I would find little wrong with the cream since the oncologist provided the cream and I knew the cream. It is a common over-the-counter cream.
Here is what the cream contains:
Deionized water (aqua) – is a purified water that has mineral ions (salt) removed from it. When regular water is exposed to electrically charged resins the salt is removed from the water. Many impurities in water are mineral salts so a claim can be made the water is pure after this process. The truth is the water still contains numerous bacteria and viruses which cannot be removed when they come in contact to the electrified resins. They remain in the water.
There is a claim that deionized water helps slow aging and prevents diseases. Scientist who have studied the effects of deionized water call it “snake oil” and claim there is no scientific proof it slows aging or prevents diseases of any kind. Keep in mind our bodies need mineral salts, which scientist believe can be obtained but drinking normal drinking water.
Stearic Acid – is a saturated fatty acid that is found in natural oils such as palm oil and coconut oil. For the acid to be removed from the oils it goes through a process called hydrolysis. The high heat and pressure the oil goes through separates the fatty acid chains. It is at that point the stearic acid is extracted.
Some Stearic Acids are created from animal fat. Most natural companies will say their stearic acid is made from coconut oil or palm oil. However if the company does not disclose the origin of the stearic acid it is almost certain they are getting if from rending plants where slaughter houses and some animal shelters send the dead carcasses. The fat from the rendering is then used in cosmetics.
PEG 2 Strearate – PEG is the abbreviation for polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene’s common form is plastic. When combined with glycol it forms a thick sticky liquid.
PEGs are followed by a number. The lower the number the easier it is for the skin to absorb the ingredients. Normally you will see a very low number used in cosmetics.
The reason PEG’s are used in skin care is they act as an emollient, which softens skin. They are also an emulsifier, which helps bind the water and oils together. Plus, they help the cream absorb into the skin.
Here is what you need to know about PEG’s in skincare products. They are meant to increase the skin’s ability to absorb the cream into the skin. This means if the skin cream has a “bunch of junk” in it, the PEG will cause the skin to absorb it deep into the skin. PEG’s change the makeup of the skin and forces the skin to absorb more moisture then what it needs. PEG’s are not a pure element for your skin. Many are created with several toxins. PEG’s used in skin cream have shown levels of heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. Many of these impurities are linked to cancer.
See part 2 of 5 on Tues., April 23rd.
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