woman comparing beauty productsWhen you go shopping, there are thousands of different beauty products on the shelves. While these facial cleansers, hair treatments and other products promise to clear your skin or moisturize your locks, most contain harmful chemicals that may actually do the opposite.

To keep your beauty products from causing damage, here are some ingredients to avoid.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals that mirror the actions of hormones in the body. As a result, they ultimately can affect the production of your natural hormones.

When used in hair care products, parabens are absorbed in your scalp and can cause irritation, hair loss, dryness and fading.

When used in skin care products, parabens get absorbed by and sensitize your skin. This can cause allergic reactions and increase the damage caused by UV rays. To prevent this, look for paraben-free products when shopping for beauty products.

Artificial Fragrance

Fragrances created in a lab are known as artificial or synthetic fragrances. The “strawberry fields” scent is not made from fresh strawberries, but rather from harmful chemicals. When used in shampoos and conditioners, artificial fragrances can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy.

According to the National Institute of Health, artificial fragrance is the leading cause of rashes and allergic reactions from cosmetics. It can cause irritation, eczema, hives and psoriasis. Fragrance-free products are available and could be the best option for you.

Sulfates

Sulfates are chemicals found in cleaning products like household cleaners and detergents. However, they are also found in some shampoos used to clean your hair.

The goal is for sulfates to remove oil and dirt yet unfortunately, they typically leave your hair dry and unhealthy. Applying skin care products containing sulfates can cause a lot of irritation. It can also clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
 
Unsure which beauty products are right for you to use? Contact Catherine & Company today.