THE "SEEDY SIX" OF BEAUTY & SKIN CARE
Updated: Jan 10
I cannot stress enough, your skin is a key organ of your physical system that needs care and attention - but not in the way you may first think. Skin is so sensitive and the major filter between our external and internal environments. For optimum health and well being, not just for your skin itself, but also your internal health, please consider the impact of the below "Seedy Six" commercial skin products we often use. I have also provided some natural, Ayurvedically inspired, alternatives you can introduce into your daily skin care and beauty routines.
DEODORANT
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Parabens (used as a preservative)
Aluminium
Triclosan (used to prevent bacterial contamination to the product)
Phthalates (helps the deodorant stick to the skin)
Fragrance or parfum
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.
Effective, natural alternative:
Crystal deodorants
Tea Tree Oil deodorants
PERFUME & COLOGNES
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Acetone
Benzaldehyde
Benzyl acetate
Benzyl alcohol
Ethanol
Ethyl acetate
Limonene
Linalool
Methylene chloride
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:
Effective, natural alternative:
Essential oils (used with a carrier oil, not directly on the skin)
Rose water or other infused waters such as lavender, bergamot, lemon verbena etc.
MOISTURISER
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Mineral Oil
Propylene Glycol
Fragrance/Parfum
Synthetic Dyes Or Colours
Parabens
Retinol
Alcohols
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Petroleum based products
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.
Effective, natural alternative:
Pure oils are recommended Ayurvedically. Listed below are some ideal choices for different skin types:
Vata (dry, fine-pored, wrinkled, thin skin) - A nourishing oil such as black sesame/ almond oil.
Pitta (warm, sensitive, mildly oily, freckled skin) - Coconut oil, ghee, sunflower oil/ grape seed oil.
Kapha (thick, oily, translucent, large-pored skin) - Minimal to no oil, light application of almond oil/ olive oil if required.
FAKE TAN
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Mineral oils
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Amyl acetate
Octyl stearate
Isopropyl myristate
Fragrance/Parfum
DHA (dihydroxyacetone)
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:
Harmful Ingredients in Tannig Creams & Lotions
Effective, natural alternative:
I would strongly recommend to avoid fake tans of any description, natural alternatives included. In addition, avoid exposing the skin to excessive levels of sunlight for the sake of tanning. Sun exposure is important, but as always in Ayurveda, moderation is recommended.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONERS
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
Fragrance/Parfum
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Triclosan
Polysorbates
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Potassium Sorbate
Phenoxyethanol
Retinyl Palmitate
Dimethicone
Behentrimonium Chloride
Quaternium-15
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:
Toxic Ingredients in Shampoo & Conditioner
Harmful Ingredients In Hair Products
Effective, natural alternative:
Natural shampoos and conditioners from health food store, local and online.
Natural shampoo and conditioner "bars" that are good for you and your environment too!
MAKE-UP
Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:
Phthalates
Lead (can you believe it?!)
Quaternary-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
PEG compounds
Butylated compounds (bht, bha)
Parabens
For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.
Effective, natural alternative:
Please click here to learn about quality non-toxic make-up options.
I would highly recommend also wearing make-up minimally. Every day use, even with natural/organic products can irritate skin over time if used rigidly for most skin types. Always try and remember that skin is not meant to be covered consistently and needs time to restore and breathe in-between.
As a basic rule my friends, when it comes to our skin, if you wouldn't eat it, DO NOT APPLY IT. Our skin is such an amazing organ that needs to be fed and nourished correctly in order to remain healthy and function optimally.
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com