Journal

What you put on your skin has a deep impact on your health. As your body’s largest organ, your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you put on it. As skin care ingredients become increasingly obscure, it is important to stay informed about their potential dangers. Some ingredients are linked to serious health problems such as allergies, eczema, hormonal issues, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

Skin care should nourish your skin – not poison it with toxins! To protect your health, avoid these 10 harmful ingredients when buying skin care products:

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1. Parabens

Parabens are among the most infamous toxins to avoid due to a 2004 research paper that found paraben traces in breast cancer tissue samples. Parabens are used as preservatives and antimicrobials to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in an array of cosmetics, soaps, and lotions. They have also been linked to hormone disruption, as they mimic estrogen in the body.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals used to make products more flexible or to make fragrances stick to the skin. Phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system (the collection of glands that produce hormones) and cause birth defects. They are commonly found in synthetic fragrance, nail polish, and hairspray.

3. Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances, also known as parfum, are used in perfumes and deodorants. Fragrances are a complex mixture of hundreds of other chemicals and are dangerous because you can never be sure what you are being exposed to. They can be a major factor causing skin allergies or dermatitis.

4. Toluene

Toluene, which is also called Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), is a volatile petrochemical solvent. Toluene is linked with brain toxicity. It is especially harmful during pregnancy and can cause congenital disabilities. Toluene is banned in the EU and Southeast Asia; however, it still appears in nail polish and hair dye in the US and other places.

5. Aluminium

Aluminum is a toxic heavy metal that disrupts the healthy functioning of the endocrine system due to its estrogen-like effects. Aluminum is a common ingredient found in almost every personal care product, particularly in antiperspirant deodorants.

Other harmful heavy metals to avoid in skin care include lead, arsenic, and mercury.

6. Polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a thickening agent to create a thick, creamy texture in skin care products. Its significant downfall is that it has been linked to cancer and respiratory disorders. PEG can also strip off the natural oils from the skin, causing oil-producing glands to overproduce sebum, resulting in a greasy complexion.

7. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers

Decades of research classify formaldehyde as a carcinogen, which is an agent that promotes the formation of cancer. Despite being a well-known toxin to avoid, formaldehyde is still commonly used as a preservative in nail polishes, eyelash glues, soaps, makeup, lotions, and deodorants. While not all products contain formaldehyde, some may use formaldehyde-releasing substances. Even low levels of formaldehyde in cosmetics have been found to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

8. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in 90% of personal care products that foam, such as in soaps, shampoo, and toothpaste. These detergents that make products lather and bubble can cause skin irritation and trigger allergies.

9. Ethanolamines

Ethanolamines, which include Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), and Diethanolamine (DEA), are used in a range of cosmetics and skin care products as foaming agents, cleansers, and preservatives. Ethanolamines have been linked to liver tumors. The EU has banned DEA in cosmetics due to concerns about contamination from carcinogenic nitrosamines.

10. Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is most often used as a moisturizing agent in lotions, lip balms, and makeup removers. Refined petroleum jelly, also referred to as mineral oil, is not harmful to health. However, most mineral oils in the US are not appropriately refined, meaning that they can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potential carcinogens.

JK7’s Toxin-Free, Naturally Based Formulas

Now more than ever, we need to be mindful of what we are putting on our skin. JK7®’s Luxurious Natural Skin Care feeds the skin in a natural and beneficial way. As the result of eight years of intensive research and testing by Dr. Jurgen Klein, JK7® uses organic ingredients that contain no harmful chemicals.

All products are allergy-tested, free from chemicals, and contain safe ingredients without hormone disrupters or carcinogens. JK7®’s product preservation uses only natural ingredients and has been proven with the toughest and most challenging scientific microbe test.

JK7®’s products contain only the purest and most beneficial herbal-based ingredients available. Antioxidant, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory ingredients combat the damaging effects of toxic elements and environmental pollutants in your system.

With formulas so rich in active ingredients, JK7®’s skin care is good for your skin and good for your health. Never compromise.

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