Ingredients like seed oils, preservatives and fragrances are bad
Hook yourself up to any podcast in the functional medicine or naturopath field and you'll quickly learn that seed oils are bad to consume. They are in ultra processed foods like Doritos, Cheetos, and also in salad dressings, snack foods and granola bars, to name just a few.
What are seed oils?
-
Soybean Oil: Soybean oil is widely used in processed foods and cooking oils. It is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation and various health issues.
-
Corn Oil: Like soybean oil, corn oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids. It's commonly used in cooking and food processing, but its high omega-6 content is a concern when consumed excessively.
-
Cottonseed Oil: Cottonseed oil is another seed oil high in omega-6 fats. It's used in cooking oils and processed foods, but its inflammatory potential is a concern for health-conscious individuals.
-
Canola Oil: While canola oil has a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio compared to some other seed oils, it still contains a significant amount of omega-6 fatty acids. Excessive consumption can lead to an imbalance in the body's fatty acid profile.
-
Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is used in cooking and food preparation. While it contains some beneficial nutrients, its high omega-6 content is a concern when consumed in large quantities.
-
Safflower Oil: Safflower oil is similar to sunflower oil in terms of its omega-6 fatty acid content. It's often used in cooking oils and processed foods.
Why are seed oils bad in skin care?
First, if it's bad to consume, then you shouldn't be putting it on your skin.
These seed oils are considered problematic primarily due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, they need to be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids. An excessive intake of omega-6 fats, especially in the absence of sufficient omega-3s, can promote inflammation in the body and contribute to various health problems, including:
-
Inflammation: A high intake of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3s can lead to chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
-
Imbalanced Omega Fatty Acid Ratio: The modern Western diet often contains an imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, with an overabundance of omega-6s. This imbalance is believed to contribute to inflammatory processes in the body.
-
Cardiovascular Health: Excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids from seed oils may promote the development of cardiovascular issues like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.
-
Skin Health: When applied topically, seed oils high in omega-6 fatty acids may not be suitable for all skin types. They can potentially contribute to skin inflammation, eczema, rash, acne, and other dermatological issues, especially in individuals prone to sensitive or acne-prone skin.
-
Oxidative Stress: Some seed oils, when heated during cooking or processing, can undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of harmful compounds that contribute to oxidative stress and cellular damage in the body.
It's essential to note that not all seed oils are necessarily harmful. Some oils, such as flaxseed oil and chia seed oil, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be beneficial when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, oils like olive oil and avocado oil, which are low in omega-6s and high in monounsaturated fats, are considered healthier options for cooking and skincare.
What other ingredients are problematic in skin care?
For one, water.
Yes, water, the essential element of life, is not as innocuous as it seems in skincare products.
Water-based products require preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, leading us to question the safety of these preservatives on our skin.
Delving deeper into the world of skincare ingredients, we uncovered the hazards of preservatives commonly used in beauty products. Parabens, for instance, have been linked to hormonal disruptions and potential risks of breast cancer.
Meanwhile, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, often found in shampoos and body washes, can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
So can fragrance oils.
We recommend products with natural, non-toxic ingredients and steer clear of harmful additives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
There's a powerful reminder here that skincare goes beyond vanity – it's about making informed choices that promote not just beauty, but overall health and well-being.
Next time you reach for that lotion or cream, take a moment to read the label and uncover the truth behind the ingredients.
Your skin will thank you for it.
Products I recommend
Beesilk Reviews
Laura
"Received the pocket sized tin for Christmas and I've used it on my hands and elbows about 4 times now and I cannot believe the immediate difference!
My elbow feels completely smooth for a LONG period of time (instead of what feels like a minute with traditional lotion) and I cannot wait to keep using this to see how much better it gets.
I've already ordered more for my side of the family and have a wish list built up!"
Layna
"Thank you so much for doing the [Beesilk] Junior in lavender!! It's amazing! My granddaughter has eczema and loves the junior but I absolutely love that now we have a great smell too!! Thanks so much!!!"
Emily P
"I absolutely love the texture and feel of the Bee Silk Junior! Kind of a hard, waxy-like butter, but melts easily when rubbed onto skin. I use the back of my fingernail to push up however much I need. Makes my hands and feet so super soft, and it provides a nice beeswax layer that keeps my hands soft even after a couple washings. I also love the smell! It must be the beeswax with a very subtle honey-like scent. Mmm! I'm always looking for a good, healthy balm or body butter to use, and this one, with only 3 ingredients, is just right for what I need."
The BeeSilk Lotion bar has been one of the best products I have purchased in a long time. We have hard water and as a result it takes a toll on my skin. This is the first lotion I have used that has taken care of very dry skin and actually has stopped the deep peeling from such dry skin. I highly recommend this product.
Love the natural ingredients, but it really is challenging to use due to how it pulls my skin as I rub it on.
There may have been an issue with one batch having too much beeswax. We're shipping you a new bar to compare.
I am very disappointed. I liked the small size, and that's why I ordered a regular size, however, this large one is very dry and hard to apply to my hands. While the small one is smooth and easy to apply, the regular size, no matter how long and hard I rub my hands on the lotion, never gets on to my skin. I don't know if this item is defective or not, but I'm getting tired of using it.
I'm going to look into this for you. We'll ship you a new bar.
I live in a dry climate and have used the lotion bar with great success for years. When I use consistently before bed, my hands are always smooth by morning. It also helps small cuts to heal faster. Great for traveling without worrying about carrying liquid lotion. I recently had a minor issue with one order and Renee was very quick to help me out. Very thankful for this product and company!
i expected it to be a larger size … i also just don’t like it. waste of money.
I use the bars to reduce my liquids when I travel. And to get the benefit of the ingredients. Like this bar, but like better the scented bars--sort of like aroma therapy.
I was pleasantly surprised with how soft this made my skin feel. Even the next day my hands still were very soft.
This lotion bar is so great, I even use it on my face and neck when I am particularly dry. It goes on feeling waxy and soon just soaks in. I love it. I have recommended it to all my friends
I love the basil bars they are awesome. I keep my feet in my hands from cracking. I would definitely recommend it.
I don’t usually write reviews but I love this hard lotion. I had a double mastectomy last October and the skin adjacent to my scars stays dry and itchy. This product is moisturizing and has helped quite a bit.
Thanks for your product
Love the subtle scent and ease of application.
Wasn’t sure if I’d like this as much as the lotion bar; but I do! I typically use it on my feet and cuticles as it’s a little easier to apply.
I absolutely love love Bee Silk Junior. My skin is so dry and Bee Silk Junior soothes the itch and makes my skin soft. I use it every day—I really like the feel of Bee Silk—it’s like a body butter. It ‘s a wonderful product because it’s all natural.
Easy to use, I should of purchased two! My skin is responding nicely & the rash at my ankle is mostly gone. Love it!
I love this product! It makes my
skin so soft and I even use it on my face as a moisturizer.
The BEST moisturizing product on the market! I love to put this on my kids right after bath time!
Lotion I must have after bath. I use it all year round. Love it!
I tried it, looking for something softer than the regular bar. It doesn’t seem to moisturize as well and leaves more of a greasy residue.