Good Skin Care Includes Avoiding the Top Causes of Dermatitis by Gloria MacTaggart

With the prevalence of dermatitis in today’s society estimated at 10 to 20 percent of the population, it is no surprise to find that the most common substances causing the problem are in some of the most widely used products on the shelves. The good news is that the effects of almost all of these can be avoided or lessened by substituting products containing these substances for another and by using skin care treatment that helps prevent the absorption of chemicals.

A recent Mayo Clinic study revealed the top 10 causes of dermatitis.

• Thimerosol: the preservative used in vaccines
• Neomycin sulfate: a common ingredient in over the counter and prescription antibiotic ointments
• Bacitracin: another topical antibiotic
• Nickel: commonly used in buttons and jewelry clasps
• Gold: most likely in your jewelry
• Fragrance mix: eight of most common flavorings used in packaged foods
• Formaldehyde: a preservative found in drugs, paper products, household cleansers, paint and other building materials
• Cobalt chloride: used in products such as hair dye and antiperspirants as well as in snaps, buttons and tools
• Quaternium-15; a preservative in a variety of skin care products as well as industrial products such as paints, polishes and waxes.

If you’re an advocate of natural skin care, you’re probably not surprised to find that one of the major ingredients in skin care products is on the list.

Here are a few suggestions that will help avoid these substances or lessen their effect.

• Coat jewelry with clear nail polish to help avoid the metal leeching into your skin.
• Avoid topical antibiotics whenever possible and use natural remedies instead – aloe vera and Vitamins E and A work great.
• Stop eating foods that contain artificial flavoring. In fact, ‘natural’ flavorings should also be avoided as they often consist of ‘natural’ substances that are harmful – MSG, for example.
• Use natural household products whenever possible. You will avoid formaldehyde and a long list of other irritating and toxic chemicals.
• Natural hair dyes and antiperspirants are also available.
• Believe it or not, there is non-toxic paint. Do an Internet search and you’ll find it.
• Switch to natural skin care treatment products that contain ingredients your research has shown to be safe.

Of course, you can’t avoid everything. So, always protect your skin by using a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion is a versatile skin care treatment; it bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps moisture in, keeps chemicals out and helps any skin type to prevent and heal a variety of skin conditions.

Copyright Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for The National Skin Care Institute. For more information, visit http://www.skincarenet.org. Article Source