Skin Deep

Skin is an amazing organ. It is the largest organ in the body. Unfortunately, it is often taken for granted and neglected. An adult's skin is between 15 and 20 percent of our body weight. Each square centimeter has 6 million cells , 100 sweat glands, and 15 sebaceous glands. When you think of these facts, it only makes sense to pay close attention to the quality of products we use on it.

Your Skin is constantly being regenerated. When a new skin cell forms in the dermis layer, it then migrates upwards for a couple of weeks, making it's way to the bottom portion of the epidermis layer, which is the outer skin layer. From here, it gradually flattens and continues to move to the surface, where it dies and sheds . The skin is our first defense against dehydration, infection, injuries, and temperature extremes. Skin cells can detoxify harmful substances with the same process the liver uses, but because it cannot completely discriminate, the skin may absorb synthetic chemicals that are often present in soaps and lotions, which can be toxic and irritating.

A lot of consumers are dedicated to natural food remedies, but are not as selective when it comes to their hair and skin care products. Purchasing products that contain synthetics can be very harmful, and sometimes poisonous. Here are some of the ingredients that are commonly used in many so-called "natural" products, along with some of the side effects.

SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULPHATES- Very cheap, damaging detergent that is used for its foaming qualities. It is sometimes disguised as being ‘from coconuts’. Side effects include rashes, eye irritation, allergies, and dandruff.

ETHYL PARABEN, PROPYL, METHYL, and BUTYL - These are used to extend shelf life. They are known to be toxic, yet they are still widely used . They have been known to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies show that they get absorbed into the body via the skin.

SYNTHETIC COLORS- Used in most cosmetics, these can actually be carcinogenic, and should always be avoided. ALWAYS! They show up on the label as FD&C or D&C, followed by the color code and the number. For instance, it might say D&C green No6 .

DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA- Used as preservatives, these have been medically found to cause contact dermatitis. Both of these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)- DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA) - Used as a foaming agent, and easily absorbed by the skin. It accumulates in body tissues, including the brain, and causes allergic reactions, skin irritations, and makes the skin and hair dry. When mixed with nitrates, they can form cancer causing nitrosamines, and are toxic when absorbed by the body for long periods of time. Animal testing showed liver, kidney and brain damage.

Phthalates- Used in a wide variety of cosmetic and personal care products, such as lotions, household cleansers, and nail polish to name only a few. Listed as CDC and NIOSH, the side effects have been liver and kidney damage, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, and much more.

There are so many more I could write about, but this should be enough to get you started on your own research on the hundreds more, and just how dangerous these chemicals are. As you can see, it is worth the extra time and money to find products that don’t carry these chemicals. Your skin is the gateway to your bodies well being, and it deserves the extra attention.

Christin Coulter has been in the beauty industry for more than 25 years. To learn more beauty secrets, or to purchase all natural skin care and hair care products, please visit Chalet Skin Care