Have you ever tasted something that was flavored but didn’t know with what? For example, Italian ice or fruit flavored water… if you didn’t see the label, sometimes it can be hard to discern which fruit it is supposed to be. That’s because it is a man-made, artificial flavor and the same thing is done with perfumes, fragrances and other cosmetics.
The artificial scent is known commonly as ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ and is often a proprietary chemical blend that can have as many as 200 different synthetic chemicals in one bottle. Most of these blends contain phthalates which are used to prolong the life and vibrancy of the artificial scent. When they go on our skin, 65% of the chemicals are absorbed into our skin, with no filtering system like our kidney or liver. The damage these chemicals can do is harmful and often permanent.
The use of phthalates have been linked to a whole host of diseases and ailments from obesity to cancer, lowered sperm count and birth defects. Even links to autism and ADHD have been made to these chemical preservatives. But for people with skin issues like psoriasis or eczema, the pain and irritation of these fragrances is immediate and painful.
‘Fragrance’ is a common allergen and can cause irritations to flare up even without any kind of pre-existing skin condition. The chemicals break down the top layer of the skin and collagen, causing inflammation and itchiness. When the skin breaks down like this, it is no longer protecting us as it should and is open to infection.
Should you encounter any of these reactions to a fragrance or cosmetic product, immediately stop using it. Look for cosmetics that use essential oils or all natural products like flower petals and herbs to add scent. If you have any kind of skin irritations, there are lotions and serums you can use to calm the skin down and heal the area affected.
The damage the synthetic fragrances can do is widespread. You can find excellent solutions to your skin issues at Cheryl Lee, MD such as diabetes skin care and eczema treatment as well. Don’t let your skin suffer any longer, find soothing remedies to the harsh chemicals with which you’ve come in contact.