Panthenol

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 The Truth about Using Panthenol

Panthenol, which is really a pro vitamin of B5, is a water-soluble ingredient commonly used in cosmetics mainly because of its ability to provide moisturising and smoothing properties, especially on human hair and skin.

This substance, whose full name is Panthetonol, is the alcohol analog of panthotenic acid or Vitamin B5. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in glycerin. This highly soluble quality is what accounts for its high popularity in the world of cosmetic production.

History

As a natural ingredient, Panthenol was first found in plants in the form of a clear substance of rare viscosity. However, it can also be found in a powdery presentation in the form of salts.

Available in nature in the form of two opposing presentations –known as enantiomers – both of which possess moisturising properties, Panthenol is a popular moisturising agent that is used to bind other ingredients in products concerning personal hygiene or beauty.

FDA Approval

Pantothenic acid has been regarded safe by the FDA for most uses. However, several warnings have been raised concerning certain issues, such as the risks of using products containing Panthenol for over long periods of time.

Chemical Properties Commonly found in Panthenol

Panthenol in its chemical structure has the ability to attract moisture. In addition, Panthenol binds to water molecule quite effectively, thus making it the ideal carrier for other substances as well.

Since it is an effective skin penetrator, it is sometimes used for ointment mixtures where its efficacy as a carrier can be really demonstrated. According to some independent studies, Panthenol has the ability to reduce skin irritation and inflammation. This is why it can be found in certain skincare products as well. Finally, it has the quality of providing extra shine and gloss to human skin and hair.

Types of Products Containing Panthenol

There is a vast array of products that contain Panthenol available on the cosmetic market these days. Chances are that if one were to take a look at the labels of all cosmetic products lying around our house, we would most surely find Panthenol written in them.

Most common products containing Panthetonol include shampoos and hair conditioners, body lotions and creams, ointments and treatment lotions and finally, some hairsprays, too.

Panthenol and its Benefits

One of the main reasons so many beauty companies have turned to this substance is its efficiency in providing moisturising properties in very commonly used products. Apart from attracting moisture and binding water molecules, this ingredient is effective for treating sunburns, reducing skin irritation and inflammation and finally, to treat certain symptoms, such as skin irritation and occasional rashes.

What about the Side Effects? 

Unfortunately, even when we all like glossy hair, there are certain warnings that must be taken into account before using Panthenol that openly. First off, according to recent research, permanent and continuous use of products containing high quantities of Panthenol may ironically, turn out to be detrimental to skin health. For example, cases of skin rash and irritation have been reported among massive users.

Triethanolamine

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Triethanolamine: Is it Safe to Use?

Chemically classified as an amine, Triethanolamine – aka TEA –  is produced when an ethylene oxide reacts with ammonia. Even when these two latter substances are widely known for their high levels of toxicity, the resulting substance –Triethanolamine- is useful as a buffering agent that is in charge of carrying either fragrance, or acting as a surfactant, among several other users attached to this ingredient.

These days it is widely used in the cosmetic industry, where it is highly cherished for its unique Ph balancing properties that come in handy to develop certain types of shampoos or hair conditioning products.

History

As a topical treatment, a form of this substance known as Triethanolamine Salicylate was used for treating arthritis, muscle pain or sprains. It was because of its efficiency that the substance began to be used for other purposes as well. Besides its well-known use in the cosmetic industry, Triethanolamine has been used for cement in construction and in the production of other goods, as well.

FDA Approval

This ingredient has been approved by the FDA as a food additive that is sometimes used in packaging. Similarly it has been CIR approved, but with limits that involve levels of concentration. This means that whereas the CIR has approved its use in cosmetic products, such as lotions or body creams, it has raised a serious warning concerning the amount of Triethanolamine that can be included in each product, limiting to 5% in products that are to be in direct contact with the human skin.

Triethanolamine and its Chemical Properties

Being both a tertiary amine and a triol, this substance is a strong base and should therefore be handled with care. Possessing emollient and surfactant properties, this substance is optimal to produce both, industrial or commercially-developed goods.

Another chemical property concerns keeping track and balance of other products’ pH. Therefore, it is being used in shampoos that must have low pH content, for instance. In addition, hair beauty products advertised as providing a low pH base generally have certain levels of Triethanolamine or any of its derivatives.

Types of Products Containing Triethanolamine

Apart from being present in the most widely used products, such as hair care products, hair dyes, eyeliners, eye shadows, shaving lotions, sunscreens and skin cleansing product.

Other non-cosmetic products include construction materials, like cement, for instance.

Why should you Use Triethanolamine?

There are many reasons that have led to the increase in popularity of this substance. First off, human hair skin and nails tend to improve when treated with cosmetics containing this substance. Secondly, it is a practical pH adjuster that helps to convey scents and fragrances.

What’s not to Like?

Despite its many benefits, this substance has been warned against overuse. Recent research strongly suggests that this substance is a skin and immune system toxicant.

Besides, its use has been clinically linked to allergic reactions that may eventually lead to eye problems and respiratory infections.

But the scariest side effect of all concerns the likelihood of developing cancerous cells in people who have used these products for long periods.

What Causes Wrinkles

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All You Need to Know about What Causes Wrinkles

We may not know exactly what causes wrinkles but a day will come in every woman’s (a man’s!) life where we must face it–wrinkles will begin to appear as fine lines, crows feet, deep set wrinkles and sagging skin around our eyes, between our eyebrows, cheeks and forehead. Wherever we may find wrinkles appearing on our faces, we can take the necessary steps to reduce them. Yes, it is possible to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through expert care and skin tightening creams.

One of the first steps to reducing these signs of ageing is to learn what causes wrinkles in the first place. There is a list of reasons why wrinkles begin to appear. Not every reason will apply to you but you may find yourself agreeing to at least a few of them. Once you have read on about what causes wrinkles, the next step is to find a powerful at-home treatment like the Advanced Dermatology Anti Ageing Kit which is a simple at-home skin care regime catered to battling fine lines, tightening skin and plumping the appearance of sagging skin. It is the leading skin care line for achieving younger looking skin.

What Causes Wrinkles.

Wrinkles are caused by ultraviolet radiation which breaks down the skin’s connective tissue (collagen and elastin) and below are other reasons:

  • Age: Naturally, with age, our skin produces less collagen, elastin and natural oils that help keep skin luminous and firm.
  • Repeated facial expressions. Never stop smiling! But repeated facial expressions can cause lines to set-in when we become older and the skin can no longer bounce back.
  • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light: As mentioned, UV light is a huge factor to what causes wrinkles so it is very important to use SPF while in the sun, especially those who have fair skin or who are exposed to sunlight often.
  • Smoking: Smoking causes hard wrinkles and speeds the ageing process.
  • Genetics: Fairer-skinned women have less protection to UV light that causes wrinkles.

While you cannot prevent genetics, there are quite a few beauty hacks you can use to help prevent wrinkles. These are things you could be doing every day without even knowing it!

Not taking off Makeup. Wash your face every night to strip away the toxins and dirt from the day. Not taking off makeup can trap in oil and dirt which will break down collagen and elastin.

Pulling at your face while applying makeup. It may seem harmless to tug at your eyes to get a perfect winged eyeliner, but pulling at your skin is practically asking for wrinkles.

Not eating right. A healthy diet with few alcoholic drinks will keep your skin full of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy, youthful looking skin.

So now that you are more aware of what causes wrinkles, what can you do to treat them?

If you have tried my recommendation for Advanced Dermatology product line for treating ageing skin, the most powerful treatment for wrinkles they provide is the Sixty Minute Facelift. The Sixty Minute Facelift improves tone, texture and volume in just an hour without the expensive injections and high-end creams that don’t work. It helps your skin produce more collagen which will plump up the skin where it needs it most!

Wrinkles are natural and an inevitable part of the ageing process, but luckily it is possible to prevent them and purchase great products on the market to help treat them. Here is a recap:

  • Do not smoke
  • Use sunscreen with high SPF every time you are exposed to sunlight
  • Take off makeup every night
  • Do not stretch or pull at skin, especially around the eye area
  • Use an Anti-Ageing skin care regime

Cyclopentasiloxane

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What is Cyclopentasiloxane?

Regarded as one of the most widely sought-after cosmetic ingredients, Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone derivative that is being used for a variety of skin products.

Synthetically manufactured, this chemical has been shown to create a microscopic protective layer that may protect the human skin and hair. Chemically speaking, this synthetic substance is an organic silicon compound that possesses space-filling properties.

Preferred by most cosmetic companies due to its low manufacturing costs, the substance is said to possess valuable properties that enhance the properties of the other ingredients used in the cosmetic product it has been added to.

One to look at

Since its development, Cyclopentasiloxane has become widely used on account of three major reasons:

  • Viscosity: This chemical has been found to have low viscosity which means that – since it is not very thick- it does not leave a significant residue on the skin, consequently producing a softer, smoother and much healthier overall sensation.
  • Temperature: Since Cyclopentasiloxane does not cool during its evaporation, there is a feeling of wellness associated to its use in cosmetic products, such as body lotions and creams.
  • Inherent Properties: Finally, the fact that Cyclopentasoloxane is both odourless and colourless helps to the eventual blending of substances when lab formulas become actual products. These qualities allow for effective mixing with any other ingredient present in the original formula.

Where is Cyclopentasiloxane found?

Since this substance can be used in both small as well as in large quantities, different doses can be found in different products.

In hand and body moisturisers for instance, Cyclopentasiloxane can be found in concentrations of 0.1%. This much is enough to create a feeling of softness and smoothness in the person’s skin. If on the other hand, we take a look at the products containing the largest doses of Cyclopentasiloxane, we will find antiperspirants or hair deep-conditioning products, such as masks. Finally, its compatibility with most other chemical substances makes it a fine match for ethanol, mineral oils and fatty acids. Therefore, its presence in eyeliners, mascara, eye-contour creams and foundations is almost inevitable.

Its Benefits

Several benefits can be mentioned. Some refer to practical issues, such as effective manufacturing processes, while others refer to skin care advantages.

Economically speaking, one of the main pros of using Cyclopentasiloxane is that it has been found to be a cost-effective substitute for more costly compounds.

In addition, because of its chemical composition, this substance is compatible with most other ingredients used in the world of cosmetics, thus making it one of the most easily adaptable substances of all times.

Finally, recent research suggests that, apart from its lubricant properties, Cyclopentasiloxane may have the capacity to treat skin lines or blemishes.

Its Drawbacks

Users must understand that this synthetic substance does not possess the regenerative and exfoliating properties present in vitamin A or E, for example. Similarly, recent studies show that although the product has been found to safe to use, care should be taken if used for long periods, as accumulation can occur.

Phenoxyethanol

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What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a glycol which is used as a preservative in the making of cosmetic products and medicines. It is actually a kind of ether alcohol with aromatic properties that can also optimize the scent of any skin product.

Available in certain natural products, such as chicory and green tea, this substance, in its organic form, is a colourless, oily liquid. Nonetheless, Phenoxyethanol can also be manufactured artificially for several purposes. When made in the lab, this substance possesses a very powerful chemical of the highest purity that is often used as an additive in the cosmetic industry as it helps preserve the products it has been added to.

Chemically speaking, this compound can be broken into ethylene, phenyle, ether, and glycol. In addition, this chemical is known by several other names including Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose ether, Phenyle cellosolve, and Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether.

A Star is Born

Phenoxyethanol began to be used as an alternative to the formerly popular Paraben preservatives. When awareness was raised concerning the dangers of using this substance, specialists began to look for suitable alternatives and Phenoxyethanol rose as a fine choice.

Since this chemical compound is simple to obtain and more inexpensive than other alternatives; it found a straight road to the list of ingredients of most present-day cosmetic products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Benefits

Apart from its fixative and preservative properties, Phenoxyethanol provides antimicrobial properties against yeast, mold and bacteria. Since this quality was discovered, it began to be used as a preservative against germ contamination in bottled products.

Additionally, this compound has been found to posses anaesthetic properties as well. By allowing temporary reduction in sensation when it is applied on a painful area, Phenoxyethanol has been also listed as a top ingredient in products used as a preparation for further cosmetic treatments.

One of the main advantages of using this substance is that it has been found to be less toxic than other alternatives, such as sodium azide, traditionally used in skin care products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Downsides

Despite its many benefits, this compound has been found to have some dangers associated its consumption. To begin with, research suggests that Phenoxyethanol causes damage to the brain cells and the central nervous system when used is great amounts. However, this is not the only side effect reported among users. Skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, lung inflammation and eye irritation, are also frequent, especially among people who have been exposed to this substance for long periods.

Finally, perhaps the scariest counter effect of this substance concerns its use among nursing mothers. A German study conducted several years ago, suggest that this substance may cause genetic and chromosomal mutation, thus the warning against its use when breastfeeding. Even when the amount of Phenoxyethanol found in most cosmetic products is small, there is still no certainty regarding how much can be transmitted when breastfeeding.

In all, this substance has been proved to be useful and practical. However, when choosing cosmetic products with Phenoxyethanol, it is best to choose those that contain a minimum amount.

Dimethicone

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What is Dimethicone?

Also known as polymethylsiloxane, Dimethicone is actually a silicone-based polymer that is being largely used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products of all types.

Chemically speaking, Dimethicone belongs to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds that are usually addressed to as silicones. Widely known for their greatly-adaptable properties, these substances can be used for a wide array of functions.

These days, Dimethicone can be found in most of the beauty and cosmetic products that are commercially available worldwide. The most outstanding reasons for this popularity are:

  • Dimethicone works as an antifoaming agent and skin and hair protecting agent.
  • It works by moisturising and conditioning skin and hair.
  • It prevents the loss of water thanks to the formation of a hydrating barrier on the skin.
  • It creates a protective film over the skin that ensures lubrication and protection.

Because of these properties, you can now find Dimethicone in almost every sunscreen lotion, anti-ageing serum, body lotion, eye shadow, foundation, conditioner or hair dye.

Dimethicone and its Benefits

Stemming from the aforementioned functions, this substance has become well-known because of its unusual and beneficial uses. According to recent studies, this substance has been found to possess the quality of soothing and protecting human skin, even in people who had been suffering from chronic skin conditions for years. There is evidence that shows that individuals with induced irritated contact dermatitis (ICD) were highly benefitted by using products with Dimethicone content. Further research suggests that such condition can be prevented by the use of products with this substance.

In addition, products containing this chemical have become well-known for creating a subtle gloss that improves the way the skin feels by making it softer, smoother and eventually silkier than usual.

Furthermore, recent studies suggest that products with Dimethicone help to fill in expression lines and mild scarring, thus revealing a filling function that was unknown to this product.

Finally, due to its strong protective barrier, this substance helps to prevent skin infections and more importantly, it is able to keep all kinds of skin optimally moisturised, even during the harshest winters and the worst adverse pollution exposure.

Dimethicone and Its Side Effects

According to the FDA, this substance is safe to use in cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals as well. The claim comes from the affirmation that because the molecular weight of this silicone-based polymer –and any other- is so large, there is a very little chance that any of the substance should travel past the skin surface and let alone be allowed into the person’s bloodstream.

Nonetheless, in some countries, warnings have been raised concerning the substance’s use in pregnant women or in women who were breastfeeding. Since there is still no conclusive study regarding safety in these cases, physicians recommend avoiding the use of Dimethicone-based cosmetics, at least in large quantities.

Similarly, a group of skin specialists suggest that patients who suffer from certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, should check with their physicians first before actually using any cosmetics with a high Dimethicone content.

Methylparaben

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What is Methylparaben?

Also known as Methyl Paraben, Methylparaben is an anti-fungal preservative that has been used in cosmetics for some time now with an increasing rise in popularity.

Chemically speaking, Methylparaben belongs to a larger group known as “parabens” that include similar substances, such as Ethylparaben or Propylparaben, among many others. All of them are actually parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid -also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Possessing important preservative properties, this substance is widely used in the world of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as it helps to preserve the formulas upon which each product is based.

A Story to Tell

In the past, more natural compounds used to be part of the preservation agents, for example, grapefruit seeds. However, with the passing of time and the speedy evolution of technology, these natural alternatives proved to be ineffective. Consequently, specialists began to explore new chemicals that would serve the purpose of preserving products more efficiently.

Even when the substance occurs naturally; these days, most of the Methylparaben used in the cosmetic industry is synthetically produced. The process is quite simple really: through the esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid with the right type of alcohol, for example, methanol, ethanol or n-Propanol, the first substance is industrially transformed by using potassium phenoxide and carbon dioxide.

Methylparaben and Its Benefits

Part of this substance’s popularity stems from its capacity to effectively absorb into the human skin. Consequently, it is used in combination with most other beauty ingredients, especially in the manufacturing of body lotions, emollients and other creams. Despite its highly effective anti-fungal properties, this substance is most often considered non-irritating and even safer than other similar products.

Used as a preservation agent, it has been proved to help beauty products enhance their qualities. Moreover, products containing Methylparaben are much longer-lasting and their qualities are kept intact for a longer time as well.

The public should learn however, that Methylparaben is rarely found in isolation, but in combination with other parabens, as well. Most products containing such combinations include toothpastes, makeup, hair care products, moisturisers, lotions, shaving products and many more.

Methylparaben: Its Side Effects

In recent years, the matter of Methylparaben and its safety caused a lot of controversy, especially after a study revealed that they may have been a link between certain cases of breast cancer and the excessive use of Methylparaben in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. This affirmation stems from the fact that parabens imitate the function of estrogen and may lead to the creation of excessive breast tissue.

Medical research however, has not been able to effectively link any of these cases with the use of this substance.

Even so, even when the substance has been regarded as safe by the FDA, still a warning is issued regarding the amount of Methylparaben that a person should be exposed to.

Medical recommendation then, considers that products containing up to 0.4% are safe to use on an everyday basis. Similarly, in recent years the cosmetic industry has developed novel types of substances that are regarded as safer than Methylparaben.

Cyclomethicone

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What is Cyclomethicone?

These days, most present-day commercial cosmetic products have a high chance of containing any form of Cyclomethicone. This compound is a clear, alcohol-free substance which is also odourless.

Its main use in the cosmetic industry is best explained in terms of its emollient properties which are optimal when it comes to blending them with other different substances used to make cosmetics. The inclusion of this substance helps to give products a smoother texture, thus facilitating their subsequent absorption.

There is something about the chemical composition of this substance that makes it fit to be used in beauty products. The molecules of the Cyclomethicone compound are larger than most other chemicals. Therefore, they do not penetrate into the pores so easily. This quality helps the substance to remain on the outer skin layers, creating a smoother and softer skin texture. In addition, its failure to penetrate diminishes the risks of any negative reaction to Cyclomethicone or any of the other chemicals used in the cosmetic product.

A Story to Tell

Cyclomethicone was created sometime around the early 80s as an alternative to harsher skin emollient substances, such as petroleum-based solvents that began to be frowned upon because of their attack on the Ozone layer.

Later research would find that Cyclomethicone did not prevent the main active ingredients used in the beauty products from entering the skin, at all. Consequently, it was only natural that the substance would become a cosmetic favourite among labs and cosmetic manufacturers.

Cyclomethicone and its Benefits

According to recent research, there are several advantages of using Cyclomethicone as a soothing agent: the most obvious one being its effect on the human skin. By humidifying and softening the external layers of the human dermis, this substance helps to improve overall skin appearance. People with dermatological issues are generally prescribed skincare products containing Cyclomethicone for this very reason. It is commonly found in hair conditioners, shampoos, nail cuticle treatments and the like.

In recent years, research has shown that this chemical compound is also helpful in dealing with skin ageing issues, mainly because of its alleged “filling” properties. One of the most popular products that is using this agent is facial lotions meant to deal with acne scars. Moreover, believed to possess a regenerative, soothing and restoring effect on the human skin, Cyclomethicone is now recommended to patients who have suffered from psoriasis.

Cyclomethicone and its Side Effects

Despite its many benefits, cyclomethicone is also known to possess certain negative effects on the human skin. Even when it is recommended as being mostly non-comedogenic, this substance has been reported to cause skin irritation and negative reactions, such as rash, in people with sensitive skin.

In addition, patients who are under some kind of dermatological treatment that involves applying some kind of medicated topical treatment should check with a skin specialist first since Cyclomethicone is likely to affect the absorption of the prescribed lotion.

In all, this substance is so flexible that its popularity in the world of skin care is likely to continue. However, a health specialist should always be consulted before its prolonged use.

Alcohol in Skincare

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Should alcohol in skincare products be avoided? Why has it become a mainstream ingredient in everyday products like makeup removers, toners and much more?

We all know and understand that alcohol, in our bodies, dehydrates and makes the skin puffy and dry and overall very unhealthy looking. So why do we accept it in our skin care regime?

Where it is Found and Why

Alcohol can be found in many products like body wash, exfoliators, eye creams and face serums. Alcohol strips away natural oils that our body produces, also called sebum. Sebum is that common build-up of oil around out T-zone around midday. If you are someone who would call your skin oily, this may be an everyday occurrence for you.

What alcohol can do is strip away that oil and give us a shine-free look for the day. To many oily skin types, this sounds like a great option because it feels weightless and seems simple. But the shocking truth is that using alcohol to take away that natural and necessary oil is a bad idea. It is needed for our skin’s health and protection. Alcohol is a quick fix that should be avoided at all costs.

Not only that, but it is also very damaging. It breaks the skin’s natural protection barrier and allows for dirt and toxins to enter the skin. It can cause inflammation, enlarged pores and it can cause acne. These are both immediate and long-lasting damages to the skin that are difficult to un-do.

Types of alcohol in Products

Ethanol is the kind to be avoided. It can actually kill skin cells. What we want is to revitalise skin cells, not kill them. Ethanol will often be listed as SD alcohol, alcohol denat, or isopropyl alcohol. It can also be found in ingredients listed as benzyl alcohol.

Fatty alcohols, however, have a completely different chemical make-up. These fatty alcohols are NOT irritating to the skin.These will usually be found in waxy substances and can be listed as the following examples: cetyl, stearyl, or cetearyl alcohol. All of these are good ingredients for dry skin, and in small amounts fine for any skin type. It’s important to differentiate these beneficial forms of alcohol from the problematic types of alcohol as mentioned above.

Many products nowadays have “alcohol-free” written on the packaging to let consumers know that there is no alcohol in the ingredients. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you do not make yourself aware of these terms for alcohol you could still be unknowingly damaging your skin. The best way to protect yourself is by reading the ingredients label.

What Your Skin Does Need

Your skin needs moisture. Essentially, that is the opposite of alcohol.

The best time to moisturise is in the shower or directly after a shower when your skin is still damp. Alcohol-free products should be applied daily to keep skin soft and smooth. It should feel gentle on the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated and radiant. A beauty product should never seem streaky, squeaky or too oily. It should not leave you looking matte.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is affected by many factors such as sunlight, wind, food, health and the environment. There are many factors we cannot change in regards to how they affect our skin and there are some factors that we do have control over. We have control over what we apply topically to our skin.

Alcohol – The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that there are the alcohols that are very damaging such as ethanol and there are the fatty alcohols which are okay. Sticking to factually-founded products and scientifically backed products are a safer bet. In the end, checking labels and arming your skincare regime with personal research and knowledge is the safest way to getting healthy, glowing looking skin.

Ingredient Scares that are Just Plain False

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Are you ready for some skincare myths to get debunked? With so much information available on the internet combined with the marketing tactics of buzzwords like “paraben-free” or “charcoal-infused,” it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know which ingredients are bad and which ingredients are good in our skincare regime. Most of these ingredient scares are not backed by facts but are fads invented by easily-scared consumers with little knowledge of the way ingredients actually work.

We will be focusing on top ingredient scares that just are not as dangerous as we may think. These are ingredients that the media and beauty-fanatics may have sworn off and demanded we all agree are bad for us. How many times have you heard someone say a certain ingredient was terrible, only to find out it was actually harmless? I’m sure you are guilty of doing it a few times. It is easy to fall into that trap because we don’t want to put something on our skin everyday that could potentially be hazardous. That is understandable. However, below are a few of the top ingredient scares that are not true.

Parabens

Parabens had its 20 minutes of fame as the evil tiny beads in common beauty products. There was a study very distantly linked to breast cancer, and many people began demanding the ingredient be banned. But in fact, there is no proof and paraben is just a preservative ingredient that does not cause any health problems.

Silicones

This ingredient was boycotted but for no reason at all backing it up. Silicones are great for repairing skin and are used in many household products. And while many products claimed to be silicon-free, that wasn’t even the case. Silicons are found under many names such as phenyl trimethicone.

Sulfates

Sulfates were also on the so-called naughty list of ingredients. Most people aren’t even sure why they were avoided. Sulfates are only surfactants which is a molecule mixture that attracts water and oil. This, in turn, allows the dirt to separate from your skin and hair while the water rinses it away. That sounds exactly like what a shampoo should do, hence why it is a common ingredient in shampoo. Although this makes perfect sense as an ingredient, many companies still produced “sulfate-free” shampoos to market to the public.

Talc

Health experts have agreed that talc is okay for topical use. It is an absorbent, anti-caking agent used in many makeup and body products. Many people were saying it contained asbestos fibres but an FDA study proved that to be false. It does not contain asbestos residue and is perfectly safe in many beauty products. Too much talc used in face makeup (specifically found in mineral makeup) can possibly clog pores, however.

Busting the myths

It is easy to become involved in these scare tactics often found in beauty products and skincare lines. Many consumers feel like there is one specific ingredient that can do wonders in a product and must be the key to perfect skin–but it is not that easy. And other consumers believe there are specific ingredients we must avoid to maintain radiant skin and hair– but it is never that simple.

Being well-informed is the best tactic to searching and purchasing great, well-rounded products on the market. Avoiding specific ingredients because of marketing tactics or because a beauty guru said to is usually a fad that fades away. But being knowledgeable about ingredients and how they affect skin and work with the body to improve look and feel is the key to a successful skincare regime. Listen and look at how your body and skin reacts to certain ingredients and don’t make decisions that aren’t backed by facts.

About Advanced Dermatology Skincare

At Advanced Dermatology we are very particular about the ingredients we use in our skin care products.  All of our skin care products are completely free from parabens-, urea-, phthalates-, sulfates-, formaldehydes-, PEGs-, nono-particles-, and petroleum-. In addition to that Advanced Dermatology products do not contain harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances or dyes.  Many of these ingredients are found in many of the household skincare brands, and while it isn’t perfectly clear what the risks are, if any, we’ve gone to great depths to eliminate them just in case. We are in a small list of skincare manufacturers who have voluntarily removed all of those controversial ingredients from our products. Not only that, but many of the ingredients in our new formulations are derived from organic botanicals, sea-plants sourced from pristine waters, and now even organically sourced plant derived ingredients. You will find that this is not typical of “clinical” product lines available on the market.