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Dangerous Beauty

by David Lowell Kern (continued)


PG and Premature Skin Aging

The science of skin biology has advanced substantially since propylene glycol was first introduced to cosmetics over 30 years ago, and yet PG is still the major ingredient in most skin creams, regardless of cost, market share, or “natural” claims. New findings suggest that using PG and other occlusive (filming) ingredients on the skin actually ages the skin prematurely. Estimates are that skin ages at least 13 years for every 10 years these type products are used.

Fortunately, products are now being developed based on scientific breakthroughs to reverse environmental and aging damage to the skin, and to support the biology of the skin as a living organ. This approach is returning rapid results in skin healing, wrinkle diminishment, and other problems of aging skin (sagging skin, eye bags, etc.).

You won’t find these products in department stores any time soon, however. Many formulas with these new and often exotic ingredients are exclusive to a single manufacturer, and the expense of these breakthroughs is prohibitive for the major manufacturers. Fortunately, there are independent manufacturers beginning to bring these advances to market.


What You Should Do:

  • Check your shampoos, toothpastes, liquid soaps, body gels, and other skin products for sodium lauryl sulfate. We recommend that you avoid any further skin contact with products containing this ingredient.


  • If you have children, make sure they are not using shampoos and toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. Also check sunblock products. (We found one that contains SLS and aluminum, a potentially dangerous combination for brain cell deterioration).


  • Replace products containing SLS with safer alternatives (formulas without SLS).


  • Check all your cosmetic products for propylene glycol, and get them off your skin. If you have infants, check your baby wipes and baby lotions, and find alternative products that are safe for children (some baby wipes are available with aloe instead of propylene glycol).

References:

  1. Clayton et.al., Fd.Chem.Tox., 1985
  2. Br J Dermatol 1992 Sep
  3. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Jul
  4. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1991
  5. Acta Derm Venereol Supply (Stockh) 1992
  6. The Lancet, Feb 3, 1990
  7. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Sep
  8. Contact Dermatitis 1993 mar and 1993 Feb
  9. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Sep
  10. Journal of Toxicology, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 1992
  11. Toxicology Letters, Vol. 26, 1985
  12. Toxicol Pathol 1992
  13. Gov’t Reports Announcements & Index, 1993
  14. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1992
  15. Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
  16. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1987 Jan
  17. J. Pharm Belg 1989 Nov-Dec
  18. Am J Otolaryngol 1990 jan-feb
  19. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989 Jul-Aug
  20. Pharm Res 1989 Sep
  21. J Parenter Sci technol 1989 Jul-Aug
  22. Pharm Res 1989 Sep
  23. Hum Reprod 1990 Feb
  24. Dermatol Clin 1990 Jan
  25. Contact Dermatitis
  26. Derm Beruf Umwelt 1988 Jul-Aug
  27. Postgrad Med J 1988 Aug
  28. Pediatrics 1987 Apr. 1979
  29. Postgrad Med J 1988 Aug
  30. Pharmacology 1989
  31. Lab Invest 1990 Jan.



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