It is always advised to read the ingredient list of skin care products before purchasing them. However, often it happens that the labels include words that are totally alien to you. When you do not understand the meaning of these labels, you can end up making a wrong choice and buying ineffective products.Here are some tips to read the labels of skin care products effectively so that you can make a wise decision.Understand the JargonHere are the meanings of some commonly used labels on skin care products.Oil FreeThis means that product is not oil-based and is ideal for oily and acne prone skin.NoncomedogenicThis means the ingredients of the product have been tested and proven that they do not clog the skin pores.HypoallergenicThis means the product would not cause any allergic reactions and is ideal for sensitive skin.Alcohol-FreeThis means the product does not contain ethyl alcohol (that serves to dry up the skin). However, the product may contain certain fatty alcohols.NaturalThis means that the product is comprised of natural ingredients or ingredients derived from natural sources. However, there are no federal regulations regarding the use of this term.OrganicThis means that the product contains ingredients that have been grown organically without the use of any pesticides or chemical processing. However, as in the case of natural products, there are no federal regulations that define the use of this term.Understand the IngredientsOften, in place of ingredient names, skin care products list the category that they belong to. Here are some examples.HumectantsThey lock in moisture and bring it to the upper layers of the skin. For example glycerin, urea, and ceramides.EmollientsThey fill in the cracks and rough spots on the skin that are caused by dryness and make the skin smooth and supple. For example, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol and oils derived from plants and fruits.OcclusivesThey tend to create a thin film over the skin surface in order to prevent moisture from escaping. For example, paraffin, mineral oil etc.SurfactantsThey accelerate the lather and foaming action in cleansers. The most common example of surfactants is ammonium laurel sulfate.VitaminsThey protect against free radicals, UV damage by sunlight, moisture loss and environmental stressors like dirt and pollution. Moreover, they encourage healthy cell renewal and promote the appearance of healthy and younger looking skin.Look for Active IngredientsActive ingredients of skin care products are the ones that directly address the problem areas and produce results. For example, AHAs are powerful exfoliating agents. Similarly, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are active ingredients for the treatment of acne.Notice the Order of IngredientsSkin care companies often highlight certain ingredients on the front of the cover as their USP but actually, these ingredients may only be present in negligible quantities. You can get to know the comparative concentration of ingredients by looking at the ingredient list of the product. The list contains all the ingredients of the product in decreasing order of concentrations. Ingredients that are present in high concentrations are listed at the top and those featured in the last are present in lower concentrations.Therefore, if you are buying a product that promises to deliver excellent results because it contains aloe vera, but aloe vera is listed only as the second last entry in the ingredients list, then you are just probably wasting your money.Avoid Potential IrritantsThere are certain ingredients used in skin care products that can be harmful and cause irritations,especially on sensitive skin. Therefore, it is best to avoid them. Here are some potential irritants.SulfatesThey are commonly included in shampoos and cleansers to promote foaming and lathering. They also contribute to reduce oiliness and thus end up drying the skin.ParabensThey are synthetic preservatives that are used to eliminate bacteria and viruses that can spoil the skin care product. They don’t have very adverse reactions on the skin but because they are synthetic, people prefer to avoid them. Common examples of parabens are Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and Butylparaben.Fragrances and ColorsThey have absolutely no skin care benefits and just contribute to increasing the skin sensitivity and promoting irritation and breakouts.

Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has a keen interest in studying the use and effectiveness of skin care products and acne treatments.

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or skin care? Do you know what are the ingredients? What you may not realize is that many of the products of skincare and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to the skin, but also their long-term health. Many of these ingredients are carcinogens (cancer causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap! Harmful ingredients commonly found in skin care products and cosmetics The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies that may be harmful to our health. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) Often described as being "derived from coconut" to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble baths . SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation and is easily absorbed into the body, accumulate in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, causing health problems long term. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts and prevent children's eyes are conducted properly. Paraben Preservatives Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong its life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. The researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors examined. Propylene Glycol Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleaning products, propylene glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to kidneys and liver. Isopropyl Alcohol Alcohol is used as a solvent in many products for skin care. Cause skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It can also cause premature skin aging. DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine) These substances are harsh solvents and detergents used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and prolonged use of products based on DEA (eg Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increased incidence of liver and kidney cancer. Aluminum A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. mineral oil from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient in face creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and leave skin of the elimination of toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other ingredients are petroleum-based paraffin wax, paraffin oil and vaseline. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) used as a thickener in products for skin care and cosmetics, PEG interfere with the natural moisture balance of the skin, causing an increase in aging and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria. Talc Talc is a mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talc in the genital area is related to a period of three to four times more in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may be harmful to health in the long term. How to avoid these toxins examine the product labels for cosmetics and skin care carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to skin and health. Many websites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those mentioned above (eg Environmental Working Group). Do not be fooled by the words 'natural' or 'organic' on the front label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but can also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well. Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients like essential oils and herbs. Your skin will thank you!