Do you ever wonder...

That we are hurting ourselves more than helping by putting so many products on our faces? Moisturizer, foundation, powders, serums, etc. Who the hell knows what's really in these things, and what kind of long-term effects they have? And can it really be good to slather stuff on your face that clogs up your pores? And if our skin really needs to stay hydrated, isn't water the best source of hydration? Like drinking water?

I was pondering today, after someone commented on my skin and asked how I keep it so soft and clear. I was embarrased to say that all I really use is soap and water. No foundation, no moisturizer , just a powder with SPF. Granted, I try to eat healthy, and drink oodles and oodles of water, but that's about it.

Just a thought...

Re: Do you ever wonder...

nope, I have never wondered that...ever.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

All the time.

I have stretches of weeks where I cannot be bothered with any make-up at all...and then I get back into it and wear it again. But sometimes I'm content with no makeup, no moisturizer, nothin'. DH actually prefers when I'm not wearing any makeup.

In the winter, though, I NEED moisturizer. I get such terribly dry skin that's not only itchy, but really embarrassing. I use unscented, non-dyed, vegan lotions and moisturizers. I could drink gallons of water and it will do nothing for my skin, and I'll be peeing all day. Cold temps + heat inside + dry air is a recipe for skin disaster for me.

It's all about a balance for me...some days, I like to wear more makeup than a drag queen, but other days, I want nothing on at all.

Message edited 8/26/2010 5:48:31 PM.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

for me, less is more

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Yes!!!

The parabens and other chemicals in all shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and cosmetics are linked to endocrine disruption...

add to this BPA in plastic

and they have been linked to, amongst other issues, higher infertility rates amongst men and women...

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Re: Do you ever wonder...

I wonder about this all the time. And about pills and meds that are unnecessary.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

I do...

people always think I am 10 years younger then I am

I wash my face 1 time a day (unless I am super sweaty from the gym)

and use a lotion with spf

no make up, no fancy products claiming to make me look younger just soap, water and lotion- I think that has alot to do with how I am aging

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Yes, I always think of that, mainly because I compare them to medical pain patches. Even though it's hard to compare a patch to Cover Girl foundation, I think if medicine can seep through the pores and penetrate and relieve pain, how far is foundation going? I may very well be wrong, but I do think about it.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Do you know where I could find more info about this?

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by Momma2Be

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Do you know where I could find more info about this?

My friend had forwarded me This site which rates all cosmetics on a 1-10 scale in regards to health risks. The ingredients used in many popular cosmetics can cause birth defects, infertility, cancer, etc. Scary stuff!

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Do you know where I could find more info about this?

Re: Do you ever wonder...

i use minimal makeup (dab of concelear and foundation with spf) eye makeup..and thats for work. Other than that, I dont put anything on except sunblock.

at nite i started using Cindy crawfords line of products just the facewash and nite cream..I do have dry skin so i like to put cream on at night..the facewash is super gentle.

But i love my dove soap. I pretty much try to follow the K.I.S.S rule.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

always. which is why I don't wear anything at all 99% of the time. everyone is always worried about foods and pesticides and eating organic, yet probably don't all take a look at make-up and stuff like that.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

No. I use very little product on my face. My SIL is a chemist who works for Estee Lauder. She always gives me safe product.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Do you know where I could find more info about this?

Sure. There is a lot on google if you search but here is one recent article...

http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=346

"The European Union, now 25 countries strong, has more stringent and protective laws for cosmetics than the United States. The hazard-based, precautionary approach of the EU acknowledges that chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects simply don’t belong in cosmetics – regardless of the concentration of the chemical being used.

The United States has much to learn from the EU example. The EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) was revised in January 2003 to ban 1,100 chemicals from cosmetics; the U.S. FDA has banned or restricted only 11.

That means that companies are no longer allowed to sell personal care products in the European Union that are made with chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutation, reproductive harm or birth defects. The Compact for Safe Cosmetics expands on the EU laws and asks companies to commit to removing the EU-banned chemicals from products sold in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

The European Union is also proposing to change the way it regulates all chemicals in order to better protect human health. The EU wants to require chemical companies to test chemicals for health effects before they are put on the market. But the Bush Administration worked to stop Europe from passing these protective laws. See a report by Rep. Henry Waxman for more information on U.S. interference with the EU plan to change the way chemicals are regulated.

American consumers deserve the same protection as our neighbors in Europe. However, without the force of law, nothing is stopping U.S. cosmetic companies from producing a safer product for distribution in the EU and a toxic product to sell back home.The United States needs to ramp up its protection of consumers and adopt stronger federal oversight and regulation of chemicals linked to adverse health effects in cosmetics and personal care products sold in the U.S. and globally."


Here are some more links:

http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Formulation-Science/Investment-lobby-group-tackles-EU-cosmetics-laws

One excerpt from the link above...

"Over 1,000 substances are currently banned for use in cosmetic products in the EU. For comparison, less than two-dozen chemicals are restricted or banned for use in cosmetics products in the US. The FDA does not require manufacturers to conduct toxicological and other safety tests prior to bringing cosmetic products to the market"

That last one is scary

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Posted by Momma2Be

Posted by PrincessVonTrockel

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

It amazes me how much of these are banned in Europe but our FDA does nothing about them

Do you know where I could find more info about this?

My friend had forwarded me This site which rates all cosmetics on a 1-10 scale in regards to health risks. The ingredients used in many popular cosmetics can cause birth defects, infertility, cancer, etc. Scary stuff!

Re: Do you ever wonder...

makeup is actually pretty bad for you, i use it but not daily.

I wash my face daily and apply a moisture based foundation and typically that is it. When I need to dress up a bit more I add general makeup but nothing insane.

If/when I go to shows or clubs then it gets caked on but I haven't done that in years.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

I find that as I got older I needed a different regimen.

I use a face wash and moisturizer with spf and a foundation with spf. I think that is the key to beautiful skin. Stay out of the sun and use spf.

You don't have to use foundation but as long as you are protected you are good to go.

I really think the FDA is a crock. I think we need to do what's best for us, read up on the products you use.

At 43 I take great care of my skin and use products. I have received comments about how good my skin looks, no wrinkles..etc..it's because I take care of it.

When I was 30 I needed a lot less "help" to take care of my skin.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Having good skin has a lot to do with genetics.
I've been blessed with that, however, I still do take care not to goop up my face with a lot of stuff.

I use simple glycerine soap (Basis) on my face, and plain old Nivea moisturizer only when my skin feels dry or in the winter with the cold winds. Since my skin gets dry in the winter, I use the Aveeno facial cleansing pads twice a week to cleanse and exfoliate, but VERY GENTLY.
I don't use eye creams, wrinkle creams and can't stand anything with a heavy scent to it.
I wear a light coating of neutrogena foundation, but not in the summer.
I have rosacea, so the foundation helps tame the ruddiness. I certainly don't spackle it on.

Less is definitely more.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Re: Do you ever wonder...

Absolutely.

And that is why I don't use all that junk.

I use soap and water. I use a simple Vit E moisturiser during the winter. I use mineral powder foundation. Nothing else. My skin is flawless.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

i do think about it.

these are the moments when i realize that being lazy is a good thing. i'm too lazy to put on a lot of stuff on my face.

i wash with a non-fancy soap, use a light moisturizer with spf. that is normally it. lately, i've been using one more product to "tighten" my skin (because of the weight loss).

i drink water and stay out of the sun. that's it for me.

Re: Do you ever wonder...

I never really think about it. Although some chemicals probably penetrate the skin easily, I figure most things have to be specially formulated to be transdermal (like the ingredients in a patch). I may be totally ignorant though. I don't remember much from chemistry class.

Re: Do you ever wonder...