The anti-aging industry is booming. Aging baby boomers seem to be
obsessed with preserving their youthful look. Anti-aging preparations
claim to make you look younger as you get older. But are the ingredients
in these products safe?
Here are 10 ingredients to avoid in anti-aging preparations:
Propylene glycol
is a strong irritant, a neurotoxin (toxic to the nervous system) and
may cause kidney and liver damage. It may cause delayed allergic
reactions, acne and contact dermatitis. It absorbs quickly and is a
penetration enhancer, i.e. it increases the absorption of other
ingredients in the product through the skin into the bloodstream.
Diazolidinyl urea
is a skin irritant and a potential cause of dermatitis. It is a
formaldehyde releaser. Formaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen (known to
cause cancer) as determined by the International Agency for Research on
Cancer.
Imidazolidinyl urea is a strong irritant. It causes contact dermatitis. It's also a formaldehyde releaser.
Phenoxyethanol is a skin and eye irritant with a rose fragrance. It can cause contact dermatitis and is harmful if absorbed through the skin.
DMDM hydantoin is another formaldehyde releaser. It may cause contact dermatitis and has cause caused cancer in experimental animals.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
is an irritant, a sensitizer and causes contact dermatitis. It may
cause the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in products containing
nitrogen compounds. It may also contain nitrosamine contaminants not
listed on the label.
Parabens (ethyl-, methyl-, butyl- and propylparaben)
are endocrine disrupters. They disturb the hormonal balance in the
body. They are absorbed through the skin and may irritate the skin. They
have been found in breast cancer tumors, but it is not known if they
had a part in causing the tumors.
PEG-n (4-200) is an eye
and skin irritant and is hazardous on large areas of the body. It may be
contaminated with dangerous levels of the carcinogen, 1,4-dioxane.
HGH
is human growth hormone. Some products may contain HGH or ingredients
that stimulate the body to produce it's own HGH. Ironically, the
hormones don't slow the aging process, they just hide the symptoms.
Animal studies have shown that those animals which produce more growth
hormone in old age have a shorter life span, not longer. Studies have
also shown that HGH causes carpal tunnel and diabetes. And it has not
been adequately tested.
Ultrasomes, keratinocyte growth factor and DNA enzyme complex
are known bioengineered ingredients that are used in some anti-aging
products. The biotech industry is not very open about bio-engineered or
genetically modified ingredients in cosmetics and personal care
products. They're not required to identify ingredients that are
bioengineered and they're not required to state on the label that a
product contains bioengineered ingredients. The safety of bioengineered
ingredients has not been adequately studied.
Look for products
with safe ingredients like aloe vera, essential oils, shea butter, grape
seed oil, emu oil, antioxidants like vitamins A,C and E, green tea and
Co-Q10. But also remember, it's more than just skin care. Slowing the
aging process involves eating a healthy diet with lots of healthy
anti-oxidant rich foods and enzymes, regular exercise, stress reduction
and adequate rest. It's vitally important to pay attention to your whole
body, not just your skin.