Creams , shampoos, serums , hundreds of brands, thousands of misleading advertisements, slogans and promises... How not to get lost in such a multitude? How to choose? Maybe choose organic cosmetics, because they say that everything natural is good? Or maybe synthetic, because it is more suitable for allergy-prone skin? Which answer is correct? What helps and what harms our skin? There can certainly be many answers, so let's try to reveal at least a few myths related to the skin care market. Parabens in cosmetics
So, based on scientific research, and not the subjective opinions of various specialists, let's reveal some controversial truths. One of them is about parabens. Probably, if a survey was conducted, 99% of respondents would answer that parabens are evil. But what is the reality? After Professor P. Darbre's 2004 study on breast tumors, the results of the research and the connection between parabens and breast cancer were misinterpreted. A global panic arose about the harmful effects of parabens on our health, and although the author of the study herself officially denied such links between parabens and breast cancer, the damage was already done and no one heard the truth. And what really are parabens? This is a substance of natural origin, extracted from raspberries and blackberries. Yes, parabens are phytoestrogens that have a weak estrogenic effect on the human body, but the phytoestrogens contained in parabens have ten thousand times less effect than the phytoestrogens in our food or medicines. Yes, parabens have the ability to penetrate our skin into the bloodstream, but research has also shown that our bodies are able to metabolize them and safely eliminate them from the body. Until proven otherwise, based on scientific research, it can be stated that parabens used in cosmetics do not affect the growth of cancer cells.
Parabens: methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben.
Silicones in cosmetics
Another innocent ingredient is silicones, which are also widely used in the cosmetics industry and are often viewed controversially by consumers. Why are we afraid of them? Maybe because they are synthetic ingredients, or maybe because some manufacturers label silicone-free products as superior and safer? This misleads us. In fact, silicones have been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on our skin and hair. They not only give creams a pleasant silky consistency, help with product distribution, improve makeup and hair care products, but also help maintain skin moisture balance, create a protective film, and are even used to treat scars. So, this is another ingredient that you really don't need to be afraid of in cosmetic products.
Silicones: dimethicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, phenyl trimethicone, etc.
Mineral oil
Let's try to justify another ingredient that is beneficial for the skin, especially oily skin. Mineral oil is described on many uncompetitive websites or unsubstantiated articles as a harmful petroleum byproduct that is harmful to our skin. There is certainly some truth in this - yes, mineral oil is indeed extracted from petroleum, but the other part is a lie. The structure of mineral oil used in cosmetic production has nothing to do with petroleum, and this ingredient has been confirmed by scientists as one of the best skin moisturizers, completely non-clogging and non-allergenic. Therefore, believing sources that claim that mineral oil is a contaminated petroleum product that is harmful to the skin would be really stupid.
Forms of mineral oil: petrolatum, mineral oil, vaseline.
Natural cosmetic ingredients
Another question worth fighting over – which is better: natural or synthetic cosmetic ingredients? Organic cosmetics manufacturers would unequivocally answer that natural. Synthetic cosmetics manufacturers would definitely try to convince you that synthetic. Which ones are right? Neither one nor the other. The correct objective scientific answer would be this: there are many natural and synthetic substances that are beneficial to the skin, and there are just as many natural and synthetic substances that are harmful and irritating to the skin. As always – you need to be able to choose. We have already mentioned several useful synthetic substances in this article, and besides them, there are also many substances that have a positive effect on our skin. The same goes for natural ones – there are many oils, butters, extracts, and other natural substances that are beneficial to the skin and slow down the aging process, but we also encounter natural substances that irritate the skin, such as essential oils, flower hydrolates, or oils and extracts that can cause skin allergies.
My advice is simple - never go to extremes, always calmly evaluate offers, if necessary, do more research, read product labels, and don't let yourself be lulled by persuasive product advertisements, manufacturer claims, or text memorized by the store consultant.
