Hair Products Could Be Causing Your
Skin And Scalp Problems

It's hard to believe but hair products CAN cause dandruff, itchy, dry scalp and even acne. My name is Nanette, and I am here to guide you in learning which ingredients to avoid and which ones to look for!

As a practicing Herbalogist I see many, many skin and scalp conditions that are actually caused by the very hair products (most of them highly advertised) we use daily.

Here is the problem: Many people can have a reaction to the harsh chemicals and other ingredients that can be found in some of your favorite hair products.

It may happen to you even if your skin is normal, dry or oily. Learning which ingredients to stay away from will keep your skin, scalp (and overall health!) balanced and healthy looking.

1) MINERAL OIL - a key ingredient in some hair shine and frizz control products. It is the worst for oily or problematic skin. Mineral oil is actually a by product in the processing of gasoline from petroleum. When it sits on the face or scalp for a long period of time it acts like a plastic wrap, cutting off precious oxygen and preventing toxins from escaping the skin which can cause acne. Mineral oil is simply a cheap filler 80% of companies use to help increase their products regardless of the harmful effects to your skin and health.

2) DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine) are hormone-disrupting chemicals found in many shampoos. They're thought to cause cancer so stay away.

3) Imidazolidinyl DMDM Hydantoin - these are preservatives in many hair products(creams, gels, sprays) that release formaldehyde, (formaldehyde based solutions are used in embalming to disinfect and temporarily preserve human remains pending final disposition), triggering skin irritations and even heart palpitations.

4) FRAGRANCE - if you see the word "fragrance" on the ingredient list it means synthetic ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.

5) ALCOHOL - dries out hair and skin so if you tend to have dry skin, avoid most hairsprays and volumizers, which contain tons of alcohol.

6) PHTHLATES, (pronounced thowl-ates) - used in a lot of skin-scalp-baby care products to stabilize fragrances, also makes plastics flexible. Studies have suggested that phthalates can cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.

7) SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE - used because it is an inexpensive detergent and makes mixtures foam well but has cancer causing properties.

8) BETAINE - used in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener, can cause a red, drying rash on your scalp, around the eyes and along the neck, with flaking, peeling, and itching.

9) PARABENS - preservatives that have been identified as clear-cut xenoestrogens which are synthetic toxic substances that have the potential to act like the female hormone estrogen in women's bodies, found in popular skin lotions and shampoos, increase women's breast cancer risk.

Some of my clients ask me, "Why should these ingredients be of concern? These chemicals go only skin deep, right?" In fact, because phthalates aren't always strongly bonded to the materials to which they are added, they can be absorbed into the human body either through inhalation or through the skin.

Parabens are also extremely well absorbed via the skin. Leave-on products, such as skin lotions, hair sprays, gels and facial make-up, are of greatest concern because of the long exposure time and opportunity for migration via the skin into the bloodstream.

Their use in skin and hair care is particularly troubling because their absorption into the bloodstream bypasses the gastrointestinal tract where they might be broken down. In other words, cosmetic products likely deliver one of the most potent dosages of these harmful toxins.

I found out that a recent marketplace review of more than 100 leading brands of shampoos indicated that most contain these ingredients. The main reason sodium lauryl sulfate is used is because it is an inexpensive detergent and makes mixtures foam well. Sadly, it has a significant degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties.

Studies have indicated that sodium lauryl sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact and poses a serious potential health threat from its use in shampoos and cleansers. It was also concluded to cause corneal(eye) damage.

Still other research has indicated sodium lauryl sulfate may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.

Additional studies have found that sodium lauryl sulfate is heavily deposited on the skin surface and in the hair follicles causing damage to the hair follicle resulting in hair loss.

In fact, shampoos rank among the hair products most often reported to the Food and Drug Administration in association with dry scalp, irritation and outbreaks, stinging eyes, and tangled, split, and fuzzy hair.

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As an advocate of natural remedies, I believe in the immediate and long term benefits of using only natural skin and hair products for your scalp.

It should contain the right combination of natural herbal extracts, vitamins C and E, tea tree oil and more. You see, these are highly reparative ingredients that can be used for every type of scalp condition! And the body responds quickly to "natural" as you will see.

Remember, this is your valuable life, your wonderful body, your rightful health......choose wisely and please stay informed.

Click here for my high recommendation of only natural hair products for the health of your skin and scalp.

I was so relieved when you explained that so many hair products out on the market contain chemicals that our skin can react to. I was actually beginning to think that something was seriously wrong with ME! I followed your recommendations and what a difference in my skin and scalp. The itchiness and rashes are now gone thanks to your advice. Sincerely, V.L.,Athens,MI