The human mind is a complex and powerful tool. As we learn more about its inner workings, the importance of taking care of both our physical and mental health has become increasingly clear.
There’s no denying that self-care is an important part of our overall health and well-being. Taking care of ourselves externally through skin care, hair care, makeup, and other activities can have a major impact on our internal state – including our mental health.
The last thing we need is for our beauty products to cause us stress by threatening our health with negative and unsafe ingredients. Studies actually show that beauty products and routines can affect our stress levels and daily state of mind.
Mental health and the inner workings of the human mind are complex and multifaceted, but here at Original Sprout, we’re all about adding a positive boost to daily mental wellness through a healthy and safe beauty routine.
What better way to do this than using safe hair care products and safe skincare formulas?
To support your mental wellness, look for worry-free products that…
✓ ARE FREE OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS AND INGREDIENTS
Beauty products are a big part of our daily lives. From hair care to skincare, we rely on these products to look and feel our best. Unfortunately, many products out there today contain ingredients that can actually be harmful to our health – including our mental well-being.
In a 2021 report, scientists tested 231 popular makeup products from the U.S. and Canada and discovered that more than 100 contained Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals do not break down and can build up in the body over time, contributing to a range of health problems and high rates of depression symptoms, especially during pregnancy.
Remember, your skin is an organ – and just like your other organs, you need to be careful about how you treat it.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skin and Hair Care Products
- PEGs (polyethylene glycols)
PEGs are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in beauty products as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers. Unfortunately, these compounds can jeopardize children’s mental health, potentially causing lethargy, rage, anxiety, aggression, paranoia, and mood swings.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal that is often used in beauty and hair care products. While it’s not always dangerous, it can be harmful to your health if used in excess. Aluminum has been linked to health risks such as skin irritation and allergies; it can also strip away moisture from the hair and scalp, causing dryness and damage.
- Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical compound found in many products, such as nail polish, hair dye, and makeup. Unfortunately, it can have some negative effects on our health when used in large amounts. 2022 researcheven indicates formaldehyde can potentially cause feelings of aggression and depression.
- Phthalates
Phthalates are chemical compounds that are commonly used in beauty products to make them more pliable and give them a longer shelf life. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to a variety of health problems, such as endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and allergies.
- Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a chemical compound commonly used in sunscreens and other beauty products. It is known to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormones and cause possible health issues.
For those looking for truly safe hair care products and trustworthy skincare, it’s best to avoid any product that contains the above ingredients and chemicals. Instead, look for natural ingredients such as essential oils or plant-based extracts that provide better benefits without the potential risks associated with these chemicals. The goal is to feel good about what you’re putting on your hair and body.
✓ MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF
Beauty products and cosmetics should make us feel confident – and if they don’t, you need to ditch them! You shouldn’t be left to doubt whether a product is safe or beneficial to use.
Allergies and acne are two of the most common skin problems faced today. Unfortunately, many products on the market claim to help with these issues, but they can actually end up increasing the risk of allergic reactions and acne breakouts.
Skin problems can seriously affect our mental health, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Our skin is the first thing people see, and having a skin condition can make us feel self-conscious and unattractive.
Harsh chemicals and obscure ingredients are not what your skin needs to regulate itself. We need to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain products and to choose carefully when it comes to taking care of our skin.
How to Find Truly Safe Products
Wondering how you can find products you can trust – and that will improve rather than hinder your self-esteem? Here are a few tips.
- Start with trial sizes before committing.
- Learn which ingredients trigger reactions in your body.
- Look for “worry-free” products that don’t contain known allergens and toxins.
- Read consumer and expert product reviews
- Look for products with simple ingredients
✓ DON’T COMPROMISE YOUR ETHICS
With the growing awareness of sustainability and animal welfare, more people are becoming conscious about the products they buy. In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of Americans concerned about buying sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free products – even if they don’t live a fully vegan lifestyle.
You don’t want to feel weighed down by products that clash with your personal values. Shopping for ethically sourced and produced products from brands you can trust is a great way to avoid going against your ethics.
When it comes to beauty products, there are three main categories you can shop to feel good about your decisions:
(1) Sustainable
Sustainable beauty products are those that are made from natural ingredients that are not harmful to the environment. They use renewable resources and avoid using synthetic materials, which can be damaging to our planet.
(2) Vegan
Vegan beauty products are those that contain no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. This means they don’t contain any animal fats, oils, or even beeswax. However, many animal byproducts can be ethically gathered.
(3) Cruelty-Free
Cruelty-free beauty products are those that have not been tested on animals – these products ensure no animals were harmed in their production process.
Read the full story here.
