Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care Products

Whether we're olive, dark or fair, our skin is not to be taken for granted.
As our waterproof and insulating shield, our skin stands as the largest organ,
bravely defending us from outside invaders.

It is divided into three layers: the outer epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. A protein called keratin forms the epidermis and contains Langerhan cells that stand guard against viruses and other invaders.
Blood vessels, hair follicles and glands make up the dermis layer.
And as the last layer, the subcutis has a layer of fat reserved for possible times of food shortage.

As impressive as our skin may be, it is still quite vulnerable. Especially if we lather onto it, lotions and creams with toxic ingredients that will literally SIT on our skin for hours.

Remember, big industries are NOT INTERESTED in keeping you healthy. They are interested in using cost-effective substances that will save them money and that will pocket yours. A skin care product may be loaded with carcinogenic/cancer-causing materials that we may not even know about. Just b/c the front label may say "all-natural," it pays to read the ingredients.

Basically, it is up to us to be smart and investigate. We cannot simply follow the tide and blindly accept what is on the store shelves. It doesn't matter from what walk of life we come from. We have the ability to find out what is good and healthy for us. And we are not alone in our search.

During these cold, winter months my skin gets extra dry, and I REALLY need a moisturizer. I'm not interested in going out with ashy skin! B/w products like Weleda and Schwartz Natural Cosmetics, I pay more but worry less. I believe the real goal is making our own lotion from cocoa butter/shea butter....

Below is a list compiled from Dr. Mercola's website about dangerous ingredients found in skin care products. When checking the ingredients of your favorite lotion, you might be distubed to find that they come up often. (Don't be fooled by the pretty package...)

But, y'all, if we don't buy the stuff, they'll stop makin'em.

I don't want poison on my skin.

And I don't want it on yours.

Here they are:
Parabens

Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Acrylamide

Propylene glycol

Phenol carbolic acid

Dioxane

Toluene

Parabens are linked w/ cancer b/c they have estrogen-mimicing properties. Do we really need more estrogen?? Petrolatum clogs up pores, causing a buildup of toxins. Acrylamide is linked w/ mammary/breast tumors. Dioxane may also be carcinogenic and is hidden in ingredients like PEG, polysorbates, laureth, etc.

There are healthier alternatives. And, yes, they may be more expensive. Or are they?

G-d bless and Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

For a full explanation check out

http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/skin-article/

http://www.organicfood.co.il/en/brands.html

G-d bless!