Overview of Skin and Hair Care Products by Mukti Botanicals

The skin, the body’s largest living and breathing organ, not only acts as a barrier it assists with elimination, and absorbs substances into the body. This mechanism, called the pilo-sebaceous apparatus, regulates the penetration of certain substances into the epidermal and dermal skin layers, which are then absorbed into the systemic circulation and blood stream via the hair follicles and the sebaceous (oil) glands.

Scientific and medical research has shown that an estimated 8 -10,000 toxins are potentially absorbed through the skin from commercial cosmetics and toiletries. An unsettling thought when most of us use 6-12 personal care products daily. Manufacturers continue to incorporate chemical substances such as mineral oils and petrochemicals as they are cost effective, not prone to oxidization, and have a guaranteed shelf life of up to three years or more. The addition of synthetic fragrances and artificial colours in products are based on attracting the consumer and assist with disguising putrefaction and rancidity.

Dermatologists and skincare specialists continue to endorse sorbolene and aqueous (petroleum based) cremes on the basis that they do provide some protection from external factors. They appear to hydrate and moisturise but in reality they suppress the skins ability to function normally. They offer little nourishment, are not readily absorbed, do not contain any essential fatty acids (efa’s) or vitamins and disturb or even prohibit the skin from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and efa’s. Rather than hydrating the dermis, they inhibit the natural transpiration process creating a barrier that prevents the evaporation of water. This application has an occlusive effect similar to applying cling wrap to the outer surface of the skin. Their long-term use is detrimental as the skin develops a dependency on constant applications creating a deterioration of the skins character and overall health; often resulting in sensitivities, blocked pores, allergenic and phototoxic reactions.

The majority of cosmetics are usually accepted into the market place based on how they feel, look and smell rather than what they contain. An overview of the multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry indicates that for every dollar spent on a product 6% goes towards the ingredients, 12% on packaging, 12% on advertising, 20% for wages and administration, 10% to the manufacturer and 40% to the retailer.

In a never ending quest for youth and beauty the consumer buys a product based on miraculous claims and influential, savvy marketing strategies with little or no concern of the contents and the effects on general health and well being.