Harmful Chemicals of Everyday Life

People may not know it but they are unintentionally exposing themselves to danger by using skin products that did not go through adequate testing. These skin products, which are used on a daily basis, contain ingredients that are considered harmful due to the fact that they haven't been tested for safety.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA come from different plant sources or from milk. They are also known as glycolic acid, fruit acids, lactic acid. AHAs are usually found in anti-aging creams, moisturizers, acne and eye treatments and lip balms. They are used to peel the upper layer of the skin to bring out the new one. This procedure increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun and leads to sunburn and sun damage. Manufacturers have been required to put labels on products warning that sunscreens must be used. But almost none of them conform to the rule. AHAs may likewise cause mucous membrane irritations. Still, these substances have been reported to normalize over-thickened skin and improve unwanted changes through topical application of AHAs.

Carrageenan is a seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a stabilizer, binding agent, and emulsifier. Carrageenan, which is said to nourish skin, is used in toothpastes, mouthwash, facial moisturizers, conditioners and lip balms. Based on limited data, carrageenan is considered a potential human carcinogen.

Coal Tar, a brown or black liquid of high density, is a by-product of the distillation of coal to make coke. It is different from those used as hair dyes. Used in medicated shampoo as a treatment for dandruff and psoriasis, its purpose is to soften and dissolute hard, scaly and rough skin. Sufficient evidence is present to prove that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans.