Non-Toxic Skincare: Why It’s Important and What to Look For
The skincare industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that has been growing rapidly over the years.
With countless products flooding the market, it can be difficult to figure out what’s best for your skin, let alone whether the ingredients used are safe for you.
Most of us will use skincare products without giving much thought to the ingredients, but it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of using harmful products on your skin.
Using skincare products that are non-toxic is essential to ensure that our bodies are not subjected to harmful chemicals.
Most skincare products contain chemicals and other ingredients that can cause adverse effects on our health, such as damaging our skin, causing allergic reactions or even harming our internal organs over time.
In this article, we will explore why non-toxic skincare is important, what to look for in non-toxic skincare products, and how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Why is Non-Toxic Skincare Important?
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and whatever is put on it, it quickly absorbs into the bloodstream.
This is the reason why it is essential to apply non-toxic skincare products.
Non-toxic skincare products do not contain harmful chemicals that can penetrate the bloodstream, leading to potential long-term health risks.
Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance are some of the ingredients commonly found in skincare products that can be harmful to our health.
Parabens are preservatives found in personal care products, including moisturizers, shampoos, and makeup.
A study has shown that parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors and that they mimic estrogen and other hormones, leading to potential health risks.
Sulfates are used in many personal care products to create suds and foam. They can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even damage the skin barrier.
Phthalates are commonly found in fragrances and can disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking hormones, leading to potential health risks.
Fragrances used in skincare products can contain hundreds of different chemicals, and the manufacturers are not obligated to disclose their ingredients. Fragrances can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and exacerbate asthma.
Therefore, it is critical to use non-toxic skincare products to avoid exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that can cause long-term health issues.
What to Look For in Non-Toxic Skincare Products
When shopping for non-toxic skincare products, there are some essential factors to consider.
Here are some of the things to look for when choosing non-toxic skincare:
♦ Ingredients
The ingredients list is the first place to start when choosing non-toxic skincare products.
Look for products that have a short ingredient list, which usually means fewer chemicals. Avoid products with parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance.
♦ Organic and Natural
Choose skincare products that are organic and natural as much as possible.
Although the lack of regulations on the term “organic” can be a bit of a challenge, try to choose products that are certified organic to ensure that they are genuinely organic.
Organic products are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
♦ Brands with Eco-friendly Values
Choose skincare brands that have eco-friendly values that care about the environment.
Look for companies that use biodegradable packaging or sustainable ingredients.
How to Incorporate Non-Toxic Skincare Into Your Daily Routine
Incorporating non-toxic skincare into your daily routine can be as simple as using soap-free, pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizers that are fragrance-free.
Swap your conventional skincare products with non-toxic alternatives after carefully checking the ingredient list.
Here is how to get started with incorporating non-toxic skincare into your daily routine:
♦ Cleanser
Swap out your current face wash with a gentle, non-toxic cleanser that is free from sulfates and fragrance. Look for organic and natural ingredients.
♦ Toner
Use a non-toxic and alcohol-free toner that contains natural ingredients such as witch hazel or rosewater.
♦ Serum
Use a non-toxic serum that contains ingredients such as Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid to help protect and hydrate your skin.
♦ Moisturizer
Use a non-toxic moisturizing cream or oil that contains natural ingredients such as jojoba oil or aloe vera. Moisturizers help to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
♦ Sunscreen
Use a non-toxic, mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
