People spend enormous amounts of money in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Most hope to prevent signs of aging. Some eat organic food, exercise daily, and buy products that claim to help them maintain a youthful look. What most of us don't really know is that even beauty products contain preservatives that promote and even accelerate skin aging. It is true, the very products claiming to keep us young looking can be causing damage. Some even contribute to allergies and other skin complications.



Many of the most widely used spa products, such as body wraps, mud masks and other anti-aging treatments do not contain preservatives. Although some beauty products do contain chemicals and preservatives that cause irritation. In worst case scenarios, a few products even contribute to breast cancer in both men and women.

Those which contribute to skin damage are cosmetic products which contain Parabens. Parabens are proven to be linked to certain types of cancer. Parabens can also change hormone function leading to reproductive deficiencies. Imagine what the future may hold in respect to future health risks which have yet to be discovered or linked to continued use. Clearly, it is best to err on the side of caution when choosing hair treatments, cosmetics and skincare products. This is especially true of Paraben containing products

Yet, Parabens alone are not the only potentially harmful ingredient. The following is a list of other ingredients and additives to try to avoid:

Artificial Colors

Artificial tint is one of the unsafe ingredients for your cosmetics. If you think the color is unusual for the product, then synthetic coloring is definitely present in these items. This could generate skin problems that may lead to rashes and/or itchy skin. Especially lotions possessing red dyes. If the ingredient does nothing to enhance your skin's appearance why include it in a product. Or, in other words, why buy?

Artificial Fragrances

We usually judge the quality of the product by its fragrance. If it smells good then a consumer is more inclined to purchase it. Skin experts say this should not be the case. In actuality, a number of medical reports connect fragrance oils to birth abnormality, brain damage, respiratory diseases, allergies, and devastation of natural resources by depositing waste in water. These synthetic perfumes are absorbed by the skin plus cause us to draw in fumes as we inhale. Yet, cosmetics such as lipsticks can and usually are ingested just by wearing them topically.

Laureth Sulfate/ Sodium Laurel

These are chemicals that are commonly used in cosmetics. Harmful agents are the very ingredient that makes shampoos and liquid soaps bubble. This can dry up and trigger dandruff, and irritation to skin and eyes. Rashes are a common skin irritation brought about by products containing Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Laurel.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is used to melt down barnacles on a boat. It is an extremely dangerous ingredient. Did you know that this substance is also used in brake fluid and anti freeze? This destructive agent typically triggers nausea, skin irritation and sometimes even vomiting. Workers even wear protective gear to prevent contact on skin.

Finally, always be mindful of a products ingredient. Read the labels to discover what everything that touches your hair, skin, and other parts of your body contains.

How to Locate Truly Natural Beauty Products

As a consumer, your best alternative is to visit a Spa. In spas around the world some of the best known preservative free beauty products are available. These are traditionally the most obvious characteristic associated with mud and body wraps. A wrap uses a combination of muds and herbs along with essential oils known to be therapeutic and act to heal skin and detoxify the body. These are truly the most useful anti age and anti wrinkle products available on today's consumer market.

Those of you hoping to avoid harsh preservatives in your cosmetic and beauty regimen should look to Mother Nature for the most aesthetic creams, lotions and other products. Natural and organic mixtures will always be your very best choice in respect to healing abilities and preventing harm to your body. We urge you to internalize these tips and pay close attention the next time you opt to restock your supplies.