When it comes to skincare and haircare, most of have used one or more of the many popular brands widely available at any drugstore or retail outlet. These are the same products we see advertised in popular magazines and on television. For years, we all just assumed that the products we were being sold to use on our hair and skin were safe, or else why would they be available to us? As it turns out, most beauty products for use on skin and hair contain toxic ingredients called sulfates and parabens, which can have very negative health effects. Now that more people are aware of this fact, many are choosing to look for chemical free alternatives to use on their skin and hair. Natural skincare products that use ingredients such as honey are being preferred by some over the traditional beauty products. Thankfully, companies such as Beecology have seen the need for the creation of natural beauty products that people can use safely and without worry. Here, we take a closer look at why parabens and sulfates can be dangerous, as well as why natural ingredients are better for you and your skin and hair.
Look for Sulfate-Free and Paraben-Free Alternatives
Parabens are used as a chemical preservative to give longer shelf life to many different skin and hair products. There are several different types of parabens, and you can identify them on product labels because they all have paraben in the name, for example, “methylparaben”. Scientific research has linked the use of paraben containing products with the development of breast cancer in women because they mimic the female hormone estrogen. There has also been evidence that shows parabens interfere with how the male reproductive system functions, and can affect how testosterone is secreted in males.
Sulfates, usually listed as sodium lauryl sulfate in the ingredients list, is great for removing oil and creating a terrific lather. However, it has also been show to cause irritation to skin and hair because it also removes the natural protective oils that we need. Another health concern is about how this product interacts with other common ingredients found in many beauty products. Sometimes the combination of sulfates and these ingredients can create nitrates, which are proven to be cancer causing agents, or carcinogens.
Companies Like Beecology Use Safe, Natural Ingredients
True to their name, Beecology actually uses honey and other natural ingredients in their skincare products. They offer a complete product line that is both paraben-free and sulfate-free. This line includes body wash, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand and body cream, and lip balm.
In their lip balms, Beecology uses natural beeswax, Acai oil, shea butter, Cupuacu butter, and natural moisturizers. Their shampoos use natural honey from their own hives, in addition to natural botanicals. These ingredients provide the same performance as chemical containing shampoos, but without the risk. The skincare and soap products feature edible ingredients you might find in your own kitchen, such as olive oil, oatmeal, honey, and even coffee.
Why are These Ingredients Good for Your Skin?
Honey provides several benefits to skin and hair. It soothes and moisturizes, is full of antioxidants, naturally antibacterial, and it clarifies the skin and helps to open up pores. All of this is great news for your skin. Olive oil also has antioxidants and is also thought to provide protection from the UV rays of the sun, reducing the potential for the development of skin cancers. Coffee is also packed with antioxidants which can help protect the skin from aging prematurely.
The same holds true for Acai oil, Cupuacu butter, and Shea butter. These ingredients work to help keep your skin looking youthful, longer. They moisturize and sooth, and Shea butter actually has some extra benefits such as promoting cell renewal and healing skin conditions such as eczema and dry skin. Good old fashioned oatmeal helps to cleanse pores, ward off dryness, and helps the skin do the job of protecting the rest of your body.
As you can see, there are many benefits to using natural skincare products. If these ingredients are safe enough to put into our bodies as food with no adverse side effects, then you should feel good about putting them on your skin and hair. Honey is a wonderful base for use in skincare products, and Beecology knows this, which is why they use their own homegrown honey and beeswax to create safe skincare products anyone can feel good about using. Avoid the risks associated with using dangerous chemicals on your skin and hair, and seek out paraben-free and sulfate-free products whenever possible.