Caring for skin health is often viewed through the lens of topical treatments and protective measures against external factors such as UV radiation or polluted air. Hidden enemies that affect the preservation of healthy skin hide both in the food we consume daily and in the cosmetics we regularly use with trust. The journey towards radiant skin consists not only of adequately and regularly applied products recommended by dermatologists; it’s also about informing ourselves about what we feed our largest organ, both externally and internally. The story of ingredients lurking from the shadows, having the power to cause inflammation, accelerate aging, disrupt the skin’s delicate balance, and generally affect the health of the entire organism, is much more serious than it seems at first glance. In this blog, we will delve into the dark world of additives, sugars, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and many other unwelcome guests in and on our bodies.
- Undesirable Ingredients in Food
A healthy, glowing complexion says a lot about your skin and your diet. Food is our fuel, and our bodies function best when we feed them healthy, natural, and clean foods. You have surely read or heard about foods that are not good for the health of your skin and that affect the development of acne, hormonal imbalance, skin structure, aging. Often in this context, foods with a high glycemic index are mentioned, namely foods rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars such as white bread, pasta, pastries, and various types of commercial sweets, carbonated drinks, then processed meat in the form of salamis, pates, sausages, hot dogs, dairy products, alcohol, junk food,… Excluding all these products from the diet raises the question of whether a vegetarian or vegan diet is the most suitable? There are many commercial products declared as vegan products that are more harmful than the previously mentioned meat products. Is all the food we mentioned harmful, or are there “trace” substances that play a key role? This question has been asked for a long time, but the answers are in most cases insufficiently clear and precise.
Our grandmothers and grandfathers, their parents, and all our ancestors ate pasta, white bread, butter, drank milk, ate white sugar in its raw form, drank wine, ate raw bacon and various types of dry meats, pig, lamb, cow, but rarely suffered from acne, oily skin, and hormonal imbalance… What is the explanation?
Highly processed food, ready meals, canned products are full of refined carbohydrates and sugar, artificial colors, emulsifiers, stabilizers and other substances that over time and with excessive intake can cause various types of inflammation in the body and worsen or create various skin problems. For healthy skin and the whole organism, it is very important to understand nutrition as an obligation and constant research. Below we show some of the ingredients that you should eliminate from your diet forever.
- 1 Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate is a very commonly used additive for intensifying and enhancing the taste of savory dishes. It can be found in almost all processed foods, ready-made meals, salty snacks, soups, and canned foods. It is also frequently added to food in restaurants and fast-food outlets. Studies have shown that prolonged intake of MSG can contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes, as well as having the potential for hepatotoxic (liver damage), neurotoxic (nervous system damage), and genotoxic (DNA damage) effects. It is also associated with metabolic disorders.
Hidden names for MSG: E 621, Natrium Glutamate, Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate, Sodium glutamate monohydrate, Yeast Extract, Yeast Food, Yeast Nutrient,…
- 2 High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is popular with food companies simply because its cheaper than cane sugar, but still provides the sweet taste consumers want. HFCS can be found on the ingredient list of most processed foods. Some of the foods that have surprisingly high levels of HFCS are sodas, fruit juices, cereals, yogurts, salad dressings, cookies, energy bars, baked goods, canned fruits, ketchups, jams, jellies and desserts. Weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia, abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, metabolic syndrome, and different types of inflammation are some of the side effects caused by HFCS.
Hidden names for HFCS: glucose–fructose, isoglucose, glucose–fructose syrup, natural corn syrup, maize syrup, fructose syrup, fructose isolate, glucose syrup, crystalline fructose,…
- 3 Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are synthetic substances that provide sweetness with little to no caloric value. They are found in products such as drinks, ready meals, many desserts, cakes, chewing gums,…There is increasing evidence that artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases. Some studies point to a potential link between high consumption of artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of cancer. Five artificial sweeteners that are often mentioned in context are aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame K, and sugar alcohols like xylitol.
- 4 Artificial food coloring
Artificial food colors are chemical substances used to color food and beverages. Most foods that have been submitted have certain amounts of these substances. The five most harmful artificial colors, based on their prevalence and the potential problems they cause, are Red 40 (Allura Red), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow), Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) and Red 3 (Erythrosine). . These colors are found in a wide range of products, from candies, various drinks to pastries and spices. Artificial colors can cause a number of diseases, with cancer, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and allergies being some of the most serious.
- 5 Stabilizers and emulsifiers
Food stabilizers are additives obtained from natural or artificial sources. They can be plant, animal or microbiological, and are used extensively in the food industry to improve stability, texture and shelf life. These substances participate in preventing phase separation, improve creamy structures, control the viscosity of the product and maintain the desired appearance and color. Common applications include dough-based goods, jelly products and dairy products. Certain food stabilizers, such as carrageenan, polysorbate 80, xanthan gum, guar gum, have raised health concerns due to potential links to inflammation, digestive problems, disruption of the gut microbiome, and increased risk of cancer. They are especially harmful when consumed in large quantities. Emulsifiers are substances common in processed and packaged foods. They are also found in skin care products, and are ingredients that help mix water and oil, providing stability and a smooth texture to products. Recent studies have shown a link to problems with the gut microbiome. Synthetic emulsifiers like carboxymethylcellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate have been linked to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity-related conditions, and even damage to the skin barrier when used in cosmetics.
- Undesirable Ingredients in Cosmetics
Just as we prioritize nourishing our bodies with wholesome, natural foods, we must also be mindful of the ingredients in the cosmetics we use. The detrimental effects of certain additives and chemicals found in beauty products have been widely discussed. Much like the impact of high glycemic index foods on skin health, cosmetics containing undesirable ingredients can lead to issues such as irritation, inflammation, and premature aging. In the pursuit of clearer, healthier skin, it’s essential to scrutinize cosmetic labels and steer clear of harmful additives.
- Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food and cosmetic products to give them a longer shelf life. Through lotions, shampoos, makeup and other skin care products, they are absorbed through the skin and enter our body. In addition to increasing the risk of breast cancer, hormone disruption can lead to weight gain, early puberty and irregular periods. Here are some types of parabens: methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutylparaben.
- Phthalates
(DBP, DEHP, DEP and other variants): Phthalates are used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. They are used to make plastics more durable. Also function as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragrance preparations. They are often found in perfumes, hairsprays, lotions and other cosmetic products. Phthalates, as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and SVOCs, are detrimental to the reproductive, neurological, and developmental systems of human from multiple exposure pathways. Children are at a higher level of exposure and more vulnerable to phthalates. Currently, many phthalates are banned and restricted in multiple countries.
- Formaldehyde and releasing formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for their preservative properties, which prevent the growth of microbes, extending the shelf life of products. Formaldehyde is a known allergen that can lead to skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Products containing formaldehyde or FRPs can cause contact dermatitis, a form of eczema characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Cosmetic products with a concentration of free formaldehyde within legally permitted limits can also cause dermatitis when used for a short time on normal skin. Some products contain formaldehyde or its releasing agents even though they are not listed in the composition.
- Synthetic fragrances:
The scent of a cosmetic product originates either from essential oils or synthetic fragrances. The difference between essential oils and synthetic fragrances is vast, and it’s worth noting that synthetic fragrances do much more harm than good. Just because a product smells good doesn’t mean it’s high quality and healthy. Synthetic fragrances can contain over 3000 unique chemical ingredients to produce the same scent. Even 1200 ingredients are marked as undesirable. Synthetic fragrances are a complex mixture of many chemicals that can cause cancer, allergies, dermatitis, and other skin problems. Many of these ingredients are not listed on the product label.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Sodium laureth sulfate, also known as SLES, serves as a detergent in cosmetics, aiding in the creation of bubbles and foam within various products. Its presence is frequent in shampoos, shower gels, and facial cleansers. Additionally, it can be detected in household cleaning solutions, such as dish soap. Depending on manufacturing processes, sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. SLES has been found in studies to irritate human skin and people sensitive to SLES may experience symptoms such as redness, dryness, flaking, itching or pain in the areas of contact. Especially if you have skin problems, products with this substance will make the problem even worse.
- Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a small organic colourless and odorless synthetic alcohol that absorbs water and a common ingredient in many skincare and personal care products (lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shaving creams, deodorants). It has been associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis as well as contact urticaria in humans; Propylene glycol is often derived from petroleum and can be contaminated which is a major cause of skin problems.
All these substances induce various kinds of problems and act as a silent killer. Affecting almost all organs and processes in the body, they lead to changes in the balance of hormones, metabolism, inflammation, malignant diseases, allergies, which ultimately lead to serious skin diseases and problems. Also, many additives that are added to cosmetic products are often added to food products as well.
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