Are you a skincare product junkie? If you’re a woman, then the answer is probably yes. Women love to try new products and they love to experiment with different brands and types of lotions that claim to give them younger-looking skin in as little as seven days!
But women who do this are exposing themselves to harmful ingredients that can actually do more harm than good.
What are Cheap Skin Care Products?
Before we get to the harmful ingredients, let’s first discuss what a cheap skincare product is and why they’re not good for women.
Cheap skincare products, as implied by their name, are those that cost very little money. Unfortunately, this means they tend to contain harmful chemicals and other ingredients that can be potentially dangerous to your skin.
One of the biggest dangers of using cheap skincare products is that you can’t be sure what’s in them, some results in extreme rash, some affect hormones or even one have to go for Bowel Management Program because of internal issues.
The ingredients list may be a mystery to you, and even if it’s not, there’s no guarantee that all of the ingredients are safe. Cheap skin care products may also contain fewer moisturizing agents than pricier products because a cheaper product’s goal is to make a profit, not to provide the customer with quality skincare.
One of the most harmful ingredients in many cheap skincare products is paraben. Paraben is a preservative that is used to prevent bacteria from growing in the product. But it has also been linked to breast cancer.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that even in concentrations as low as 0.1%, parabens could stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells! If you want to avoid chemicals linked to breast cancer, look for products without paraben.
2. Fragrances
Another harmful ingredient in many cheap skincare products is fragrance. Fragrance is a catch-all term for a variety of different chemicals that are used to make a product smell nice.
But many fragrances contain harmful chemicals that can cause health problems. For example, one type of fragrance chemical, phthalates, has been linked to hormone disruption and fertility problems. So if you want to avoid products that contain harmful chemicals, be sure to look for products that are fragrance-free.
3. Triclosan
Another harmful ingredient found in many cheap skincare products is triclosan. Triclosan is a pesticide that is used to kill bacteria. It has been linked to hormone disruption and can cause skin irritation. If you want to avoid this chemical, look for products without triclosan.
4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent that is used to make products foamy. It can cause skin irritation and eye irritation. It is also a known skin irritant. If you want to avoid this chemical, look for products without SLS.
5. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a chemical that is used to keep skincare products from going bad. It can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis. If you want to avoid this chemical, look for products without propylene glycol.
6. Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals are chemicals that come from petroleum, a crude oil product. These chemicals can cause reproductive damage and organ problems. They can also irritate the skin.
If you want to avoid these chemicals in your skincare products, look for ones that don’t list any type of oils or petroleum products in their ingredients.
7. Toxic Chemicals
Many cheap skincare products contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. These chemicals can cause reproductive problems, organ damage, and skin irritation. If you want to avoid these chemicals, look for products without them listed as ingredients.
8. Anti-inflammatory Ingredients
Skincare products have a huge range of ingredients that can treat different skin conditions and imperfections, from wrinkles to acne. But one type of ingredient you should watch out for is anti-inflammatory ingredients.
While anti-inflammatory ingredients can be helpful for treating certain skin problems, they can also cause other problems.
For example, if you have sensitive skin, using a product that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients can actually make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. So if you have sensitive skin, be careful when choosing a skincare product and look for one that doesn’t contain any anti-inflammatory ingredients.
9. Sunscreen
Finally, another ingredient to look out for in cheap skincare products is sunscreen. It might sound strange to say that sunscreen can be harmful, but many sunscreens found in drugstores and discount stores contain ingredients like oxybenzone.
These ingredients are harmful because they actually disrupt the body’s hormone system! So next time you go shopping for a new skin-care product, be sure to read the ingredient list and avoid products that contain sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone.
How to Decide what Products You Should Use
If you want beautiful, younger-looking skin, then you should only use trusted brands of moisturizing agents and other ingredients that have been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Once you identify which ingredients are in a product, it is much easier to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase and use that product. You can also consult with your dermatologist to find out which ingredients might be best for your skin type.
When looking for a skincare product, always check the ingredient list before purchasing. If you see any of the harmful ingredients listed in a product, then don’t buy it because it is probably not good for your skin.
Wrap up
By being aware of these harmful ingredients, you can make smarter choices about the skincare products you use. So next time you’re shopping for a new product, be sure to avoid any products that contain paraben, anti-inflammatory ingredients, fragrance, or sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone. Your skin will thank you!
