Here’s Why You Should Avoid Toxic Skin Care Ingredients & Adopt Ayurveda

Long before complex beauty products were discovered, people solely used to depend on natural products for skincare. These ingredients were deeply rooted in the spices, herbs, and other green ingredients. While there have been several cases of skin damage due to chemical-infused products, we hardly hear anything similar for the organic ones. I was training in London when I came across instances of severe reactions to chemicals in cosmetics. It made me stop and wonder why we should subject ourselves to risks for the sake of beauty! 

The reason why I have been advocating organic ingredients is that they are completely safe and non-toxic. I decided to adopt Ayurveda for the reason that it has a long history of safe usage. Also, the human body responds well to natural cosmetics, while it has a built-in resistance to those made from chemicals. Ayurvedic texts contain details of a staggering number of natural substances, their medicinal properties, and usage. This is the reason why Ayurveda is still flourishing. 

The fact is, our skin and scalp have an extremely efficient ability to absorb what is applied to it. The sensitive skin, particularly, can experience an immediate allergic reaction to a cosmetic ingredient. Even if there is no sudden reaction, there can be a cumulative effect, with a build-up of chemical residues on the body. Some of the substances that have been known to leave an adverse effect on the body are: 

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• Lead- A chemical mainly present in certain eye make-up products can have many ill effects. 
• The use of creams to massage on oily skin can lead to acne, pimple, or rash. Sensitive skin may become red and start itching, due to urticaria or dermatitis. Sometimes, the allergy can become severe and can also affect the respiratory system. 

• With permanent hair dyes and some other products, a patch test is recommended to avoid any long-term or permanent damages. 
• Mostly used in skin lighteners, mercury can cause serious health problems, such as damaging your kidneys, injure your nerves, leading to permanent numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or around your mouth.

The good news is, today, we are not using ingredients like parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or synthetic colours in our products. But, in case you have used any other products with such ingredients and if there is a severe reaction, you should seek medical care immediately. For mild allergic reactions, some natural ingredients may help, such as: 

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• One of the best antiseptics, sandalwood can reduce redness and itching. Make a thick paste and apply on the whole face or just the affected area. 

• Aloe vera, known for its hydrating and healing properties, soothes severe skin conditions. Use its gel to treat the skin naturally. 
• Mix a tablespoon of vinegar or baking soda in a mug of water and wash the area to relieve itchiness.
• Another simple home remedy is using tiny, kidney-shaped seeds called, poppy seeds. Grind a handful of poppy seeds, add a little rose water to make a paste and apply on affected areas. 

One of the most beneficial ingredients are essential oils. They are used to formulate natural cosmetics. But, one has to learn how to mix them with carrier oils, mineral water, or rose water, in the prescribed proportions. You may try the following remedy. 

• Add 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 5 ml rose water. Apply directly on pimples/acne, with a cotton swab.  
• Add 10 drops of sandalwood oil to 100 ml rose water to make a skin tonic. This also has anti-ageing and protective benefits.
• Add 10 drops of essential oil of rose to 1 cup of pure almond oil to the water in your bathtub, for a luxury bath.

An important aspect of beauty is to be aware of the damage caused by chemical ingredients. People all over the world are looking at nature with enlightened eyes. Yes, the choice is yours! 

About the author- Acclaimed beauty and skincare expert, Shahnaz Husain is the founder and MD of The Shahnaz Husain Group. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award. 

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