Our age is probably the most polluted period since the beginning of history. It is true that life has never been this comfortable. We no longer even stop to think about what it would be like to live in an uncomfortable apartment, without a washing machine, a dishwasher, small appliances, ready-made goods, without an endless assortment of detergents, softeners, wet wipes and all other personal hygiene and beauty products. Unfortunately, everything that saves us time, which we then mostly spend watching TV or using our mobile phones, steals our health. According to some calculations, every day a woman uses an average of 12 different cosmetic products that contain as many as 168 chemical ingredients. For many of them that are proven to be carcinogenic, manufacturers have found ways to hide them on declarations. But even if they are listed, hardly anyone reads the fine print on products that are beautifully wrapped and smell wonderful. Although it has long been officially proven that many of these ingredients disrupt the work of endocrine organs, today we are so obsessed with the need to maintain a youthful appearance and be attractive, that we ignore warnings that, for example, a preparation containing phthalates can disrupt the work of the thyroid gland or cause infertility. Often, painful sobering up based on our own experience or that of someone close to us is necessary to make us turn to more natural options. That is why natural cosmetics are gaining more and more supporters and are becoming part of the healthy lifestyle trend.
When we think about a healthy lifestyle, we usually think about a balanced diet and physical activity. What we take in through food is indeed very important. However, although it is not visible to the naked eye, our skin equally absorbs everything we apply to it, which then ends up in our bloodstream, internal organs, and even reaches the foetus in pregnant women. Some preparations that are supposed to protect us from terminal diseases, from melanoma for example, disrupt the work of hormones, can cause tumours on the thyroid gland or disorders of the reproductive organs. After application, they can be found in high concentration in our urine or breast milk, so the scope of their negative effect is very wide.
WHAT IS HARMFUL IN COSMETICS?
Prompted by the negligent use of ingredients that can be harmful to users, legislators have introduced consumer protection measures by imposing strict standards on cosmetics manufacturers. One of them is GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice, which is a guarantee of quality to the end user. Also, in order to raise awareness of the fact that certain substances can cause hormone disruption and cause cancer, they are classified as endocrine disruptors and are completely prohibited by law. When choosing cosmetics, it is always good to read the list of ingredients, as well as to check whether the manufacturer has a GMP certificate.
What are some of the most notorious ingredients in cosmetics?
· Formaldehyde and its variants – paraformaldehyde, methylene glycol or quaternium-15 – are used as preservatives because they prevent the growth of bacteria, but also cause hair loss, asthma and have an adverse effect on the central nervous system.
· Mercury is used in whitening creams and creams for eliminating dark spots, wrinkles and acne, but it causes damage to the brain and the nervous system (memory loss, irritability, depression, tremors in the hands and legs, insomnia, headaches) and damage to kidneys, the skin, it may cause a rash…
· Phthalates are used to make easily spreadable preparations, but they significantly disrupt reproductive functions.
· Parabens are used as preservatives; their use is associated with increased secretion of oestrogen, disruption of reproductive organs and brain functions.
· Polyethylene glycol causes cancer, respiratory disorders, disrupts the natural functions of the skin and causes increased sebum production.
· Sulphates irritate the skin and eyes, damage the natural barrier of the skin, dry it out and can cause acne.
· Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetics and can have a negative effect on the brain and the central nervous system. It also irritates the skin and eyes and can cause blisters.
· Petrolatum (petroleum jelly, paraffin, kerosene) is often recommended for dry skin because it creates a barrier that retains moisture. However, thus it prevents the skin from absorbing moisture from the air in a natural way, which is why we need to apply the same product more often. It also contains harmful ingredients such as PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,that cause skin inflammation and redness.
· Hydroquinone is used in cosmetics to whiten the skin and eliminate hyperpigmentation; however it is also carcinogenic.
· Alcohol is often used in cosmetics as a solvent and because it enhances the absorption of preparations, but on the other hand it dries the skin and disrupts its renewal.
· Synthetic colourings cause skin irritations, acne and even cancer.
· Fragrances cause respiratory problems, skin allergies, dermatitis and impair reproductive health…
WHAT DOES NATURAL COSMETICS CONTAIN?
Natural cosmetic products do not contain parabens, formaldehyde, sulphates, gluten or perfume; they contain only natural ingredients, plant extracts, oils and butters, are suitable even for the most sensitive skin; they do not cause irritation or allergies. Medicinal plant extracts are particularly useful ingredients in natural cosmetics because they promote skin regeneration, have an antimicrobial effect, prevent inflammation and irritation, some of them prevent even the development of melanoma. Edelweiss, a plant that grows at high altitudes, is a very strong natural antioxidant that protects against the harmful effects of UV radiation, so it is a valuable ingredient in natural anti-aging cosmetics. Broadleaf plantain is famous for promoting wound healing thanks to its polyphenols, it sooths the skin and eliminates redness. Primrose has a revitalizing effect, strengthens the skin’s immunity and prevents the appearance of age spots. Ginkgo is a great protection against skin irritations; it prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria, improves hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and its elasticity and gives it firmness. Marigold is multi-medicinal; when it comes to the skin, it prevents inflammatory processes, helps even with psoriasis and eczema, soothes the skin, promotes regeneration, helps with acne, shrinks pores, reduces wrinkles, protects the skin when exposed to the sun…
Natural butters have exceptional nourishing properties. For example, shea butter is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that protect the skin, moisturize it, stimulate collagen synthesis, slow down aging, soothe irritations and make the skin extremely smooth. Cocoa butter is also a great source of vitamins, fatty acids and minerals, so it has an extremely anti-inflammatory, regenerative, antioxidant and anti-allergic effect. Some plant oils are particularly beneficial for the skin. Chilean rose oil stands out – it has such strong healing properties that it successfully removes scars. This plant regenerates the skin after injuries, burns or surgical interventions, protects it from photoaging, and gives the facial skin an even tone. Its strong anti-melanoma effect makes it a natural UV protection.
Natural cosmetics can also contain vitamins that nourish the skin, for example retinol, vitamin A, that stimulates the cellular activity of keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts, supports collagen and prevents the deterioration of the extracellular matrix. Tocopherol, vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects against harmful UV radiation, has an antitumor effect and prevents the formation of melanoma. Since exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin aging, this vitamin is valuable in anti-aging cosmetics.
Devi cosmetics, made at the Herba Svet laboratory which operates with a GMP certificate, includes balms, serums and creams that are between 95 and 100% of natural origin. Devi Skin Regeneration Balm particularly stands out: it contains the highest quality natural butters, oils and extracts and can be used even on the most delicate skin. Sensitive Cream and Sensitive Rescue Serum contain extracts of wild chestnut, grape seeds, edelweiss, gotu kola, ginkgo, panthenol, squalane and bisabolol, and can be used on skin prone to irritation and rosacea.
Herba Svet’s Devi Anti Age cosmetic products contain hyaluronic acid of plant origin, which is considered an essential ingredient of quality cosmetics because it has an extremely regenerative effect and supports the renewal of the extracellular matrix. There are also ceramides that give the skin a fresh look because they supply it with lipids and hydrate it deeply.
Given that these products do not contain aggressive preservatives, one of the ways to protect such natural cosmetic products from microbes is to package them in airless pump bottles. For that reason, Devi cosmetic creams and serums come to us in this practical packaging that protects the contents, extends their shelf life and allows us to share our favourite cosmetics with others.
Today, natural cosmetic products are not a luxury, but a basic necessity. They allow us to take care of ourselves and maintain our youth; at the same time they do not damage our health, but rather protect it. That is why we can freely say that natural cosmetics are a beacon that illuminates the path that our consciousness should follow. Anything else would mean that we do not value ourselves.
