Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Do you know what is in your skin products? Part 2 of 5

Continuation of April 22nd article: Do you know what is in your skin products? Part 1 of 5

Propylene glycol – There is a great deal of mystery to this ingredient.  The FDA deems this ingredient safe in small doses; we will talk about all these small doses later.   Scientists have yet been able to determine how much the skin absorbs and its carcinogenic properties.

In cosmetics, propylene glycol is used in the smallest amounts to keep products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold.

If you search the internet for a definition of Propylene Glycol you will come across this definition, “A colorless viscous hygroscopic liquid, CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent.”  http://www.thefreedictionary.com/propylene+glycol

Keep in mind this definition is based on a 100% concentration of the substance, which is not how it is used in skincare products.

Isopropyl myristate - is made up of Isopropyl Alcohol and Myristic Ccid.  Isopropyl alcohol is a propane derivative and is the main component of rubbing alcohol.  Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid that is found naturally in plants and animals.  When combined these ingredients they help the skin absorb the oils and whatever else is in the creams.  

When you hear advertisements say the skin cream penetrates deep into the skin, this is one of the ingredients that makes that action happen.  A reason Isopropyl Myristate is used is it lessens the greasiness of cosmetics leaving them feeling sheer and silky.

Isopropyl Myristate is considered to be safe but it does have a downside in that it clogs the pores.  Those who suffer from acne, sensitive skin or children under the age of four should avoid this chemical.

Dimethicone – is made of silicone oil that is manmade.  When it is added to skin cream it gives your skin that smooth feeling.   Remember silicone is a rubber like chemical that is hard to wash off.  As it sits on your skin it gives the illusion the skin is smooth.  That is because it is covering the pores and not allowing your skin to breathe properly. 

Everything I have read say regarding the studies done with Dimethicone show it to be a safe with little skin reactions.  In some cases Dimethicone can cause dryness when applied to the skin.  The dryness could be an allergic reaction to the chemical.

Dimethicone is found in many cosmetics such as foundations; anti-aging products; eye shadows; nail polish; conditioners;: makeup; lipstick; hair color and bleaching,  just to name a few.

Lanolin oil – is a fatty substance that is taken from the sheep’s wool before it is washed.  Lanolin oils help rehydrate and retain skin natural moisture, while it leaves the skin smooth, soft and fresh-looking.  It is very popular in skin and hair products and very safe to use.   People who have allergies to wool should avoid products containing lanolin. 

See part 3 of 5 on Wed., April 24th.

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