The chemicals that are in skin care products are far less safe than we have been led to believe. One of the most common skin care ingredients is isopropyl alcohol and it is both irritating and drying when applied to the surface of the skin. This ingredient is often used to help control oily skin and help clear blemishes, but it damages the skin a great deal. When it dries your delicate skin it also removes the natural acid shield that is there for protection. Dry, unprotected skin is easy prey for fungal infections, bacteria and many viruses.

Propylene based ingredients are extracted from petroleum and this can produce premature aging and discoloration in the skin. These types of substances are not the only problems that have been noted. There are others that can irritate the skin and worsen skin sensitivities. Colorings and dyes such as C, D and F are also petroleum products and they are all skin irritants.

Mineral oil is another often used ingredient in many skin care formulas. This is another petroleum related product, and it clogs the pores of the skin and keeps it from breathing. When mineral oil is applied to the surface of the skin it stops the elimination of cellular wastes and starves the cells of oxygen. This will spur the development of many unwanted skin conditions, including zits and acne. As a result new cell growth is hampered and this can lead to wrinkles and other premature aging signs.

Petroleum jelly, petrolatum and other by -products that are distilled from petroleum create many of the mainstay ingredients used by skin product companies. They are cheap and easy to produce and these reasons are why they are so frequently included. The technical names for petroleum products are so complex and long that most people will not recognize them, unless they know a lot about chemistry. This explains why the companies can include many toxic chemical names on a “natural skin care” package and slip it past consumers.

The biggest problem is, of course, that none of us are chemists or chemistry research specialists, and thus we do not know what all those long words may mean when we read them on various labels of supposed ‘natural’ skin care products. It’s unfortunate that we can’t all be dermatologists.

To protect your skin from the sun and other elements skin care products are necessary, but there are lots of preparations that are only increasing the damage to your skin. Some of the most expensive lotions, face creams and skin toners only speed the development of blemishes, wrinkles and age spots. It is crucial that you use safe, effective products that will not damage and destroy your delicate skin tissue.

You should always investigate the ingredient names on the labels of any skin care product that is advertised as “natural”. There are safe and effective products available that are created from natural, organic substances. You can support these products with your patronage and purchases. When you refuse to spend any money on dangerous products that contain toxic chemicals you will help force them off the market.

It is very important that you stop using skin preparations that are toxic and damaging to your face and body. Only use those that contain ingredients that are really safe and natural. The products should list ingredients like essential oils and herbs on the label. These are the types of skin care items that will help you avoid problems like sun damage, dry skin and premature wrinkles that are currently on the upswing.