The golden glow?
By Roshni Sengupta


Most of us who grow up caking our faces with lotions and moisturizers do so unmindful of the heady mix of chemical substances that these creams actually are. Along with semi-synthetic fatty acids and waxes, almost all these lotions contain the full complement of oestrogenic parabens, contact allergens and penetration enhancers, five potential carcinogens, perfume, and extra fragrance ingredients. Phew!

The best moisturizers and lotions in the market that boast of providing that glow to otherwise lifeless and dull skin, could be a storehouse of ingredients that cause long-term health defects. Parafinnum liquidum or mineral oil -- a must in all moisturizers -- is used as a penetration enhancer, prolonged contact with which destroys the natural oily barrier of the skin, leading to acute dryness. What’s more, mineral oil could be contaminated with PAHs (polycrylic aromatic hydrocarbons)---potential human carcinogens. 

Parabens methyl, butyl, ethyl, isobutyl, and propyl -- common ingredients in lotions and other cream-and-water concoctions -- are oestrogen mimics. Excess oestrogen is a trigger for cancers of the breasts, ovary, uterus, and testicles and has adverse effects on foetal development. Nerve-disruptors like parfum are used liberally in skin care lotions. These may also contain phthalates that turn out to be hormone blocks. 

Another synthetic fragrance, limonene -- a common pesticide in flea-control products, also part of moisturizers -- has been known to cause asthma attacks and produce tumours and reproductive abnormalities. Most lotions use high quantities of fragrances, other than limonene, such as citronellol which, hold your breath, also in use as a pesticide is a severe skin irritant! Linalool, a synthetic fragrance, can lead to skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. When tested on animals, it caused muscle control disorders.

PEG-150 (pentaerythrityl tetrastearate) that acts as a thickener, solvent, emulsifier, and surfactant can lead to health disorders, from skin irritation to breast cancer if contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. In effect then, skincare products used to control dryness of the skin can actually end up destroying it apart from causing cancer and irreparable damage to the internal organs. 

When required, vegetable and biological oils are a better choice. A concoction of harmful chemicals, these skin care lotions are a bane especially for those who have made these moisturizers and lotions a part of life, quite literally. Slight errors in judgements can cause problems for a lifetime.