Cosmetic chemicals are the primary ingredients that are used for formulation of personal care products. Common make-up items include: lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, blush and contour. Other common cosmetics include skin cleansers, body lotions, shampoo and conditioner, hair styling products (gel, hair spray etc.), perfume and cologne. The common chemicals that are found in cosmetics include thickening agents, carrier powders, colorants, pigments, surfactants, preservatives, emollients, film formers and moisturizers among others.

Using chemical based cosmetics regularly can have adverse effects on face, skin and body and could even lead to permanent damage. Some of the harmful effects of chemical cosmetics for make-up include headache, hair problems (scalp redness, thinning and hair loss, facial swelling and breathing difficulty etc.),acne,skin allergies, eye ailments (glaucoma, conjunctivitis), infertility, premature ageing, hormonal imbalances, skin discoloration and cancer. The best way to these harmful effects of make-up is by reducing the use of cosmetics and switching to natural or herbal products.

Natural or herbal products

In general, plant derived, botanical, cosmeceutical products tend to be antioxidant in action. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes that can help to prevent and repair damage to body tissues. Antioxidants act by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation- a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. Unlike sunscreens and moisturizers, antioxidants protect our skin from the inside out by guarding the cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself.

Soy extract possesses antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties. Topical application of soy has been used to reduce hyperpigmentation, enhance skin elasticity, control oil production, moisturize the skin and delay hair growth. Soy also has the potential to decrease photo-aging of the skin and prevent skin cancers. The various components of soy have a variety of beneficial effects making them useful additions to skin care products. The most potent isoflavones are the phytoestrogens known as genitein and daidzein. Genistein is a potent antioxidant that inhibits lipid peroxidation and chemical and ultraviolet light B (UVB)-inducd carcinogenesis.

The use of Green tea extracts in cosmoceutical formulations is on the rise. The complex polyphenolic compounds in tea provide the same protective effect for the skin as for internal organs. They have been shown to modulate biochemical pathways that are important in cell proliferation, inflammatory responses and responses of tumor promoters. Green tea has been shown to have anti-inflamatory and antioxidant effect. .Since inflammation and oxidative stress appear to play a significant role in the aging process, green tea may also have antiaging effects by decreasing inflammation and scavenging free radicals.

  Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has been used as an herbal treatment for various skin conditions. The active constituents of chamomile include the terpenoids flavonoids, hydroxycoumarin, mon- and oligosaccharides, and mucilages. This herb has been included in a wide variety of cosmetic products including soothing moisturizers and cleansers as well as color-enhancing hair products.

Caffeine, the chemical stimulant in coffee, tea and some soft drinks has demonstrated both anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown a potential use of caffeine in formulations used to decrease the risk of skin cancer formation after cutaneous damage from UV exposure.

Coffee berry, harvested from the fruit of the coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is considered to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants and is well known for its skin-rejuvenation properties.Coffee berry contains potent polyphenols and condensed proanthocyanidins. Coffee berry has demonstrated high antioxidant properties, outperforming green tea extract and vitamin C and E.

Mild Cleansers, Face wash, Face masks and Exfoliation

Harsh soaps can ruin the skin’s texture and cause dryness, allergic reactions etc.  It’s better to switch to mild cleansers and pH face washes. Fruit face pack and face mask (carrot mask, avocado banana hair mask, combination of avocado and egg whites make an amazing face mask, a cooling mask using milk, sandalwood powder and fenugreek) can be used to relax and rejuvenate. Potatoes are well known for getting clear skin naturally, reducing pigmentation and age spots and removing skin tan. Tomato juice is often used in home-made facial for oily skin. The acidic nature of tomatoes help in fighting acne and pimples, vitamin A and C improve the health of the skin. The antioxidants and lycopene helps in retaining moisture and fighting cellular damage by neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Wheat germ is a good source of vitamin D, E which helps in nourishing the skin and is gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin. Home- made face pack containing brewer’s yeast is a good source of vitamin B- complex, protein, selenium and chromium. Yeast provides the necessary energy to the skin cells and helps in treating skin conditions such as acne, boils and eczema.

Mint leaves are loaded with menthol along with the antibacterial properties that help in removing excessive oil from the skin and controlling sebum production.

Olive oil is the ultimate fountain of youth that helps in hydrating and moisturizing even excessively dry skin and preventing the appearance of the signs of skin aging like wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.

A scrub with beads is the best for daily exfoliation as it sloughs away the dead skin but does not cause irritation to skin.

Yes….. The Skincare Product helps to enhance your appearance and makes you feel confident. But the negative impact of using such products can take a toll on your health. The source of the usage of different substances in beauty, skin, body, hair, and nails care products can be found from ancient times. In ancient Egypt, Cleopetra was known for her combo of beauty and intellect. Women in Ancient Egypt used kohl, a substance containing powdered galena (lead sulphide—PbS) to darken their eyelids.

In this competitive edge, Cosmetic industry is holding a lion share. According to the estimation given by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) the total Indian Beauty and Cosmetic market size currently stands at US$950 million and showing a growth in between 15-20% per annum. To achieve the better quality and enhance their effects, some additives such as preservatives, stabilizers, mineral pigments and dye are added to these products. Some of these substances may also have allergic, irritating, and harmful effects on human health.

These substances include:

• Parabens– Used as preservative in personal care products to keep the products mould and bacteria free.
• Aluminium– Used in deodorants and anti-perspirants
• Triclosan– Used in consumer products including deodorant, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and general house-hold cleaning products.
• Formaldehyde– It works as a preservative to protect products from contamination.
• Phthalates– It is used in cosmetics like nail polish, hair spray (to make the products less brittle or stiff) and perfumes.

The toxic effect of these preservatives is never negligible. It may cause Headache, Hair problem, Acne, Skin allergies, Eye infections, Infertility, Premature ageing, Hormonal imbalance, Cancer, Skin discoloration and many other side effects.

Now in this competitive market, natural skin care products are also available which are made from non-artificial ingredients like natural oils, plants (like seaweed, green tea), fruit extracts and fruit acids. Natural ingredients like plant oils –including olive oil, borage oil, and argan oil, among others – promote healthy skin through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These products are known to effectively treat the skin and nourish it. Most natural products have powerful antioxidants that assist in slowing down the ageing process and creating a younger looking skin.

Skin care extracted directly from nature is one of the best ways to get and keep the skin healthy and vibrant. A product with more than 95% natural ingredients is even better.

Since our skin is the largest organ of our body, it is important to treat it delicately with extra attention and care. Many of us, health conscious individuals, are becoming more and more aware of the food we put into our bodies. The same attitude and mindset should be taken forward while choosing the skincare products as well. Whether it is face cream, body lotion, anti-aging face serums or acne regimens, our skin absorbs over half of the products we put on it. So why to punish it with toxic ingredients?