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It might sound strange for a skincare company to tell its customers not to buy skincare but with an ever increasing number of products out there, more definitely does not mean better - especially when it comes to your skin. Your skin is a living organ, and a lot of what's marketed only serves to overwhelm or pile on ingredients your skin just doesn’t need.
Fewer products with fewer ingredients, and a lighter touch is always wise. Here are some common skincare products you can definitely leave off your shopping list -
1: Facial Toner
The idea of ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ was something that was drummed into consumers’ heads in the 80s and 90s but it still isn’t clear why toner was added to the skincare list - except that it was one more product to buy. The only real benefit of toner is cleansing any leftover dirt or grime from the skin but, if you’re already washing your face well (which we’re sure most of us do), then skip this unnecessary addition.
2: Talcum Powder
We still hear of adults and children who use talcum powder but the controversy surrounding it is undeniable. It’s been at the centre of a whirlwind of cases linking it to cancer in recent years, so best steer clear.
3: Facial & Body Oils Using Mineral Oil
You would be surprised to see how many facial, body and baby oils use this petroleum distillate (yes, basically it’s what goes in your car), it’s cheap, colourless and odourless which means it gets used in lots of skincare products as it can be fragranced and coloured to suit any use. But... it’s toxic if inhaled or ingested (which happens more frequently than you’d think), and there’s serious concern that it could still carry dangerous chemicals if not refined properly. Why use a petroleum product when there are so many wonderful natural oils available that would do a better (and safer) job?
4: Homeopathic Remedies & Essential Oils
They are becoming increasingly common in households but even though they are natural, they can also be extremely volatile and dangerous substances. They are found everywhere, from the skincare we use to homeopathic remedies which claim to soothe teething pain or essential oils diffused to ‘disinfect’ the air or to treat a condition. Too much, too often has resulted in a toxic overload for our homes and bodies.
5: Vapour Rubs
We all remember these from our childhoods and it seems like the most soothing thing to do when you have a cold. But the way these work should make you think twice. Vapour rub ingredients - such as menthol, camphor, eucalyptus - don’t actually clear airways; rather they trick the brain into thinking airways are clear by increasing their sensitivity (remember how they make the air you breathe feel cold?). But this can also lead to airways producing more mucus and inflammation, and in babies and young children, this could actually be dangerous. Skip! Nothing beats good old-fashioned rest and chicken soup.
6: Bubble Baths
Okay, so this isn’t toxic like the others but any bubble-creating wash or bath product is considered a harsh cleanser and one you should definitely avoid on sensitive, young or delicate skin. With the rise of dry skin issues and eczema, this is one to skip. Try a (mineral oil-free) natural oil such as our Baby Oil mixed with a good all-natural castile soap (try one of ours!).
We definitely believe less is more, and it's just so true with skincare!
From all of us at Four Cow Farm,
xxx
