I Do Not Want a Sweaty Sheep on my Face!

HOW HEALTHY ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS?!

Beauty products can be filled with 'nasty ingredients' that cause skin irritations and link to an increased chance of developing cancerous cells. This is something I have been researching in recent months as I have had to make some changes to my diet etc. for health reasons.

To cut a long story short, my good bacteria was killed off due to taking several courses of antibiotics last year, leaving bad bacteria to rave and party it up. To help with strength and stamina, I decided to cut out sugar and yeast based food. Uhhhh, it was dull, but worth it when I started feeling better after just one week. That had a knock on effect and I started doing some general health research. Hence, this is all fairly new to me but I am paying far more attention to what is in the stuff I eat and slap onto my face and body.

Before I begin, it's important to mention that although it is good to aware of these issues, this post is not designed to encourage paranoia. Using a small amount of the so-called 'questionable' ingredients that I am about to discuss probably isn't the end of the world, but it is certainly a good thing to be aware of what is in the products that we use. Especially when 60% of what we put onto our skin is absorbed into our blood streams. To me, that's quite a high percentage.

So, which are the less than favourable ingredients?

Petroleum, carcinogenics and parabens.

Why are they used?

They are used as fillers, to bulk the product and to preserve the shelf life, which tends to be seven years. That seems a tad long to me. 

Which beauty products contain them?

Multiple brands use them, so it is worth checking the labels. (I have actually stopped using Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream because it contains mineral oil. It's not necessarily harmful but it doesn't react too well on my skin).

 

THE 'NOT SO GREAT' INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

Parabens: There are several names that all apply, the clue is to look for the paraben bit in the name. It is used to preserve a product, however, it mimics the oestrogen hormone, which has been linked to breast cancer tumours. Parabens have been found in multiple cancerous tumours. 

Talc: Advice to all you dry shampooers – do not breath it in! The talc is a carcinogenic. Carcinogenic = causing cancer in living tissue. 

Mineral Oil: It's the top bit of petroleum when it is distilled. It's scooped off (I'm pretty sure that is not the correct term). It is difficult to get rid of and so, is sold to cosmetics companies as a filler. It clogs pores and causes skin reactions, acne and can emphasise signs of ageing. It's used in baby oil and having done some research, there seems to be some controversial issues starting to arise. The other school of thinking is that it is ok to use mineral oil in cleansers, but only if they are ones that you wash off immediately. It's definitely not a product that you want to leave on your skin.

Petroleum: It does not allow the skin to breath and absorb oxygen into the blood stream, potentially resulting in premature ageing. Also linked to tumours, acne and breast cancer. 

Animal bi-products: Imagine this if you will... everything that humans will not eat from an animal is put into grinders. This is alongside road kill and animals from shelters that have not been adopted. Horrid. The remains are steamed and cooked. The fatty material on the top is refined and used as a cosmetic filler. A quarter is fecal matter. Now, I know that there has been a surge of unique facials using bird dropping masks but at least with that you have made the conscious decision to have poop put onto your face. 

Lanolin: I would really prefer sheep kept their own sweat to themselves. This is from wool and is a sheep's perspiration. It can cause skin irritations and poisonous if ingested. Quite frankly, it makes me feel a little queasy.  

With that being said, it would seem natural products are the way forward. However, organic/natural/botanical products are probably better for us but can cause havoc with the skin. Breakouts, acne, redness, as the skin struggles to break down the natural ingredients.

So, if I'm honest, I have been trying to find a happy medium. Products that are have fewer fillers etc. but will actually show results and will not leave my skin looking lumpy and bumpy.  

My happy mediums include: 

Coconut oil Good for you and reminds me of cocktails

Liz Earle products Thumbs up!

Ole Henriksen I use the Truth Creme and serum

Yu-be Moisturising Skin Cream

REN The Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil serum is excellent and has a clean skincare certification

Do you have any suggestions for products we should try? Please let us know! 

Kay's Beauty and Skin Care Routine – April 2014

So, finally, I have stopped looking like a craggy old hag. Thank goodness for that. Hurrah all round. I've updated my skin care and makeup routine and my skin looks healthier and far more radiant, which, quite frankly, is about blooming time. So this is a routine review, including all products that I am currently using. The prices are what I paid for them and so they might change depending on where and when they are purchased.

CLEANSER

No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser, £9.50 for 150ml

The No7 Cleanser is good but not as good as the Clarins Pure Melt. However, the price tag is much nicer and it does a very similar job. Massage into the skin and wash off with warm water, preferably with a wash cloth.

REPURCHASE? Yes, but I prefer Clarins. 
www.boots.com 

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Hydrating Cleanser (a gift but approx. £17 for 125ml) 

This Elizabeth Arden Cleanser is creamy but not foamy. It is designed for dry skin and leaves a smooth finish.

REPURCHASE? Yes.
www.elizabetharden.com

EYE MAKE UP REMOVER

Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make up Remover, £8 for 250ml

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make up Remover is just what it says, gentle. I apply a little on a cotton pad and swipe over the eyes. It removes make up effectively but if there is too much product on the pad, it can be a little overwhelming. Camomile everywhere!

REPURCHASE? Maybe not, my eyes are fed up of drowning in camomile.
www.thebodyshop.co.uk

EXFOLIATOR

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, £25.00 for 50ml

I love the Enzyme Peel. This type of exfoliator works much better for my skin than anything with exfoliating beads. Apply it like a mask and leave for 10-15 mins. It smells AMAZING. It reminds me of Petit Filous yoghurts.... Smells edible and makes me peckish.  

REPURCHASE? Yes, tis excellent.
www.elemis.com

MASKS

Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask, £12 for 100ml

The Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask is a thick, pinky cream. Its consistency and texture looks and feels like it's doing marvellous things. It's meant to be left on for 5-10 minutes but sometimes it can get quite tingly, especially around the lips...perhaps because it shouldn't be on the lips. What am I trying to do, eat it?!

I usually use it 2–3 times a week and I do notice the difference in my skin when I don't use it. I just don't like the stinging, tingly issues! It applies like any other mask but be really careful not to get it in your eyes, even washing it off, as it will sting if vaguely near them. 

REPURCHASE? No, the tingly stinging doesn't thrill me.
www.elizabetharden.co.uk

Clarins Skin-Smoothing Eye Mask, £30 for 30ml
The Clarins Eye Mask is so gentle and soft and I definitely notice a difference to the texture of the skin around my eyes when I don't use it. It's keeping those crow's feet away, a mask at a time!
The Eye Mask is to be applied around the eye area (shocking, nobody would have guessed...) and I also use it on the lid. It's very gentle and actually, acts as a barrier between the Elizabeth Arden Mask and the eyes.
REPURCHASE? Yes.
www.clarins.co.uk

TONER

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Gentle Hydrating Toner (birthday gift – approx. £20 for 200ml) 

I don't really have an opinion on this toner. I'm a bit so-so but it isn't drying and it is refreshing, so actually I do have an opinion... it works for me but isn't amazing. I spritz it onto the face. This means decanting because it doesn't come in a spritzy bottle.

REPURCHASE? Meh.... No real opinion. I'd rather try the Pixi tonic.
www.elizabetharden.co.uk

EYE CREAM 

Ole Henriksen Total Truth Eye Crème SPF 15, 3g

( A very lovely birthday gift from la big sister, which came with the Truth Serum and Truth Crème Advanced Hydration – approx. £40 for the set). 

The Ole Henricksen Total Truth Eye Crème is thick but absorbs quickly. Smooth and creamy. A little goes along way but get even a tiny bit of product in or too near the eye and it stings like you would not believe. Dab under the eye. To be fair, I do one long swipe (that sounds rude) which can pull the delicate skin, so note to self... probably best not to do this.

REPURCHASE? Yes.
www.olehenriksen.com

SERUM

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster (15ml- from set) 

The Ole Henricksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster smells amazing and I have noticed a visible difference from using it. Love it.

Apply straight onto the face. Do not waste product by warming between the hands. Slap it on.

REPURCHASE? Yes but want to try the REN Omega 3 serum first. 
www.olehenriksen.com

MOISTURISER

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream, £13 for 37ml 

I have no clue if the Yu-Be product should be used on the face. It's from Japan and, like a lot of Asian skin care products, it's awesome. It is vitamin enriched and according to SpaceNK, it is Japan's number one selling skincare cream. It contains antioxidants and camphor, which calms my redness and protects the skin. In the morning, my lines are visibly reduced, make up applies so much smoother and doesn't cling to fine lines. The texture of the skin has improved and it is smooth and hydrated. This is the best (and cheapest) moisturiser that I have ever used and nothing comes close to it. Sorry Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex, you have been replaced.
Gently dab on and blend. I put extra on my forehead and the temple area, as this is where lines are starting to set up residence.
REPURCHASE? Yes and I have done so, three times. The best beauty find in a long while. Thank you Glossy Box UK for the samples. I would never have found this without you.
www.yu-be.com 

I apologise for the smirk, I was laughing at myself for taking a selfie. Although I will not win photographer of the year, the routine above has massively helped to reduce fine lines and improve the texture of my skin, especially the redness on my cheeks. No filter used here...again, poor photography on my part.