Natural Products for Your Skin
What’s good and what’s bad…for your skin
It’s surprising that skincare is often overlooked even though your skin is the largest organ of your body and serves as the most critical barrier to keep the bad out and the good in. So, what can you do to resolve to take better care of your skin? Let’s start with avoiding the bad and then we’ll show you some good.
At Shmutzies, we take care to keep our products chemical-free and only allowing natural ingredients to go into everything we make. We don’t use harmful and toxic ingredients in formulating our products and we urge you to avoid using products containing these ingredients.
Here are just a few of many to stay away from.
Triclosan
Check your medicine cabinet for anything that is labeled as antibacterial. Triclosan was a commonly used ingredient in antibacterial products like hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps, body washes, and cosmetics. However, in 2016, the FDA issued a rule stating that over-the-counter antiseptic wash products containing triclosan can no longer be marketed to consumers. Triclosan alters hormone regulation in animals and may be harmful to the immune system.
Parabens
Parabens are a preservative that can be found in deodorants, lotions, shampoos, and other face care products. They disrupt the endocrine system and have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.
Phthalates
Found in fragrant lotions, nail polish, liquid body wash, hair spray, and other products, phthalates are used as a lubricant or softener. They are known to be an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Now for the good ingredients that you should see in your skincare products!
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is used in over a third of our skin and hair care products. It is derived from cocoa beans. High in fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin, create a protective barrier, and improves elasticity. It works well to reduce stretch marks, smooth wrinkles, and help calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Coconut oil
Not only is coconut oil a great alternative for cooking but it also does wonders for the skin. Made by extracting oil from coconuts, the fatty acids in coconut oil have been found to possess antimicrobial properties, reduce inflammation, and keep skin moisturized.
Vitamin E
In addition to eating a diet rich in vitamins, you should also look for products made with vitamins to support healthy skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is effective at reducing UV sun damage and free radicals. It is a fat-soluble nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties that help improve skin health and cell functions.
As we look to put this pandemic behind us, let’s put the bad ingredients there too. Read product labels and make better choices not only with your diet and exercise but also with your daily skin and hair care routine. It’s time we start taking better care of ourselves and our planet. That change starts with you.