The largest organ of the human body is the skin. It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture. We think about our skin more than any other part of our bodies, and we manifest that attention by investing our emotions and about 6 to 20 % of our disposable income into our skin.
Consider this!
It’s worthy to consider, then, how cosmetic products affect our skin. In this article the psycho-social effect of cosmetics will be examined as well as why cosmetics are deemed necessary. The structure of skin, how cosmetics affect skin function and the effects of synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients on the skin will also be considered.
Cosmetics Affect Skin Function
Skin consists of three major layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The skin is the only layer we can see with our eyes and as we get older, remarkable changes occur that are concealed from our view. As an example, the skin slowly thins over time, particularly around the eyes. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken skin, but the practice of thinning is unavoidable. Elastin and collagen, located in the dermis maintain the skin moist and springy, but with aging these fibers break down to make lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and because few cosmetics can actually get to the dermis, the thought that a decorative can reverse this procedure is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
The skin is an extremely complex, dynamic tissue system. One square inch of skin consists of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 metres of blood vessels. The outermost layer of the skin is called the cornified layer, and is made from sheets of keratin, a protein, and squames, dead, flat skin cells. It’s our barrier against dehydration in the surroundings. It receives its primary supply of moisture in the underlying tissue, since continuous contact from the outside environment will dry out the skin’s surface. When the skin is exposed to dry conditions, the cornified layer can become dry, brittle, firm and if untreated, it may crack and cause disease. Creams make a waxy barrier to prevent dehydration and keep the skin supple and moist. Underneath the cornified layer lie six more layers of the skin responsible for mobile generation. The entire life cycle of skin cells in this layer takes about 28 days, so it can take a few weeks to observe any changes in the skin’s surface by using a new cosmetic.
Good to know
The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize the skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus. Toners, for example, are beneficial in maintaining bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups caused by microbes that invade and proliferate in the pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when a lot of beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on the skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which can be known as defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when the skin is damaged.
Perspiration, necessary for the maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein known as dermicidin to fight bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also help out with keeping the bacterial population down, thus decreasing the odours generated since they feed on the waste matter excreted by the sweat glands. Research has shown that those who wash too are more vulnerable to infection and eczema because of’washing” away natural bacteria and germicides too often.
Be Aware
Many products claim to be secure or even may seem to be safe, but beyond the short-term advantages of using the cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin was considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal medications have shown that the reverse is true; the skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into the bloodstream.
Several factors affect the speed with which the skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of the skin, like whether it’s dry or damaged increases absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other approaches to consume cosmetic components is to inhale them, such like hairspray or talcum powder, or through the mucous membranes. Moist substances are most easily absorbed and powders are absorbed the least by your epidermis. Many products claim to deal with a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients that exacerbate these issues.
As an example, acne remedies may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils that are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and dissolve skin oils and defat the skin. An increasing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can grow at any time, even after long term use of the exact same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20 percent of the population to develop the symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural makeup highlight more traditional skin treatments with few of these unpleasant effects, recognizing that short term beauty doesn’t balance with long term risks to health.
The health of the skin is determined by sound nutritional practices, healthy living and powerful, secure protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by providing a complete line of cosmetics and cosmetics composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain additives like d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties.
Natural Products
We ask you to give our natural products a try. Our makeup and make-up are developed on the basis of sound, scientific principles and the structure of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, as they are organic, vegan, and an exceptional alternative to traditional make-up and makeup.
