Anne, owner of Zapy, is a specialist in natural cosmetics and is pursuing the Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science at Formula Botanica. In this blog post, she explains about how the skin works, harmful chemicals and how they can affect your hormones - what to look out for and what to use.
In the world of skincare, you often hear the claim that 60% of everything you put on your skin ends up in your bloodstream. This sounds alarming, but thankfully, it's a myth. The reality is quite different, and it's important to understand how your skin works and which substances can actually reach your bloodstream.
The structure of the skin and the role of the protective barrier
Your skin is a complex organ composed of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), the dermis (dermis), and the hypodermis (subcutaneous fatty tissue). The outermost layer, the epidermis, contains the stratum corneum, which is composed of dead skin cells and fatty substances. This layer acts as a barrier that prevents harmful substances, such as chemicals, from easily entering your body. This means that not all products you apply to your skin actually penetrate deeply.
What does enter your bloodstream?
Some substances can pass through the skin barrier, especially if they are small enough and fat-soluble, such as nicotine in patches or essential oils in personal care products. The absorption of substances depends on several factors, such as molecular size, the condition of your skin, the environment, and the way a product is applied. Large molecules, such as those in most cosmetics, cannot penetrate deeply, and many substances simply remain on the stratum corneum without reaching your bloodstream.
Synthetic ingredients that do penetrate
However, there are synthetic substances that can penetrate the skin. Many commercial products contain substances like parabens, phthalates, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), and silicones, which can indeed enter your bloodstream. These substances can have harmful effects because they can accumulate in your body and, in some cases, cause hormonal disruptions or other health problems. Therefore, it's important to be critical about the ingredients you apply to your skin.
The role of harmful substances: Parabens, SLS, Phthalates and Silicones
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Parabens : These preservatives are commonly found in skin care products and can penetrate the skin and enter your bloodstream. They can disrupt estrogen levels in your body, potentially leading to health problems such as reproductive disorders and an increased risk of breast cancer.
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SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) : A harsh cleansing agent often found in shampoos and facial cleansers. SLS can dry and irritate your skin by stripping it of its natural oils. It can also weaken the skin barrier, making it more sensitive to other harmful substances.
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Phthalates : These substances are often used to enhance the scent of products, but they can also disrupt your hormonal balance. Long-term exposure to phthalates can lead to reduced fertility, developmental problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
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Silicones : Silicones are often added to products to create a smooth texture, but they don't contribute anything nourishing to your skin. Instead of nourishing the skin, they can clog pores and contribute to blemishes.
What can you do?
The good news is that you have control over the products you use on your skin. By making conscious choices, you can avoid harmful substances. Here are some tips:
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Read the ingredients list : Avoid products that contain parabens, SLS, phthalates, and silicones.
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Choose natural products : Natural, sustainable skin care products do not contain synthetic substances that can damage your skin or harm your health.
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Beware of marketing claims : Don't be misled by products claiming to be "natural" or "safe." Always check the ingredients to ensure they don't contain harmful ingredients.
The myth that 60% of what you put on your skin enters your bloodstream is therefore unfounded. Your skin has a strong barrier that blocks most substances, but some can still penetrate. It's important to be aware of the ingredients you use on your skin so you can avoid harmful substances. Choose natural, safe, and effective products, like those from Zapy, and protect your skin sustainably.
At Zapy, we choose to make our skincare products completely natural and free of harmful additives. We believe nature provides the best ingredients for your skin and ensure our products are safe, effective, and respectful of both your skin and the environment. Shop our natural, handmade products here .
