Protect your skin: read the labels
Some women not only buy cheap fairness creams and cleansing lotions but some salons too use these cheap products. The reason for the amazingly attractive rates for the services offered at salons is because they use cheap products. A facial massage at a renowned beauty parlor would cost you up to Rs.2500 but the same facial massage would cost Rs.150 at a home based salon.
Lubna, a beauty expert from the ‘Raintree mini-spa’ says, “The effectiveness of any beauty product depends solely on the ingredients used. Majority of the cheaper products are made and packaged under unhygienic environments. Chemicals are used to produce quick results. There can be many side effects which might not be apparent immediately, but in the long run can dehydrate your skin, speed up the formation of wrinkles and roughen the skin.”
Parabens
are used as preservatives so that products have a long shelf life. Methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben all cause allergies, rashes, endocrine problems and even cancer.
Alcohols
such as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol strip away the skin’s natural acid mantle, making one more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.
Mineral Oils
are cheap alternatives for moisturizing oils and vegetable based waxes. They clog the skin’s pores, leading to acne breakouts and photosensitivity. Mineral oils also go by the names of liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and lead to premature aging of the skin.
Dioxane
is a synthetic derivative of coconut and is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1, 4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin and causes cancer.
Fragrances
cause hormonal disturbances, anxiety, and depression and interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system.
Collagen
is a synthetic derivative of coconut and is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1, 4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin and causes cancer.
Elastin
helps in keeping skin stay “flexible” and firm. If skin is stretched, elastin is the protein that helps it return to its original position.
Phytessence Wakame
works by blocking a harmful enzyme in the body called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid in the skin. Without hyaluronic acid, the elastin and collagen fibers lose their “glue,” which leads to a loss of youthful appearance and dark eye circles.
Cynergy TK
is a substance that stimulates collagen to grow again. In short, there are fewer wrinkles and healthier looking skin.
CoQ10
is a vitamin that is found in the body’s cells and is very important for healthy skin. It is a powerful antioxidant. A lot of skin damage and aging comes from free radicals wreaking havoc in our body’s cells. CoQ10’s antioxidant ability can counter these free radicals before damage occurs.
Having factual information about skin care products are every consumer’s right. Cheap products can save your money but can cost you your priceless health. Make the right choice when it comes to something as precious as your skin.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2010.
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