The concerns with store-bought lotions: The dangers of the ingredients and the benefits of homemade alternatives like Frankincense and Myrrh lotion

The concerns with store-bought lotions: The dangers of the ingredients and the benefits of homemade alternatives like Frankincense and Myrrh lotion

## The concerns about purchased lotions

When it comes to store-bought lotions, it's important to know that not all of them are the same. While some products actually prioritize natural and safe ingredients, others may contain elements that are harmful to your health.

In order to make informed decisions, it is important to understand what is in our skin care products. While certain chemicals and compounds may be included for their specific benefits, some have been identified as potential health risks.

**Phthalates (as “fragrance” or “perfume”):**
– Description: These are used to extend the scent of perfumes in products.
– Concerns: Phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, premature breast development in girls, and reproductive defects in men and women.
– Information about this can be found in the “Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database”.

**Benzyl alcohol:**
- Description: This is used as a preservative and solvent in many skin care products.
– Concerns: Excessive exposure may cause skin irritation. Although the direct link between benzyl alcohol and cancer is not clear, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
– Further details can be found in the Skin Deep Database.

**PEG-100 Stearate:**
- Description: This is used as a moisturizer to treat dry, rough, flaky skin and minor skin irritations.
– Concerns: It may be contaminated with toxic contaminants that are harmful and potentially carcinogenic.
– The Skin Deep Database provides insights into various products that contain this ingredient.

**Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben):**
- Description: Parabens are synthetic compounds used as preservatives in a variety of beauty and personal care products.
– Concerns: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially causing a hormone imbalance. Some studies have detected parabens in breast cancer tissues, raising concerns about their role in breast cancer.
– Information about various parabens and their associated risks can be found in the Skin Deep Database.

**Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (Quaternium-15, DMDM ​​hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea):**
- Description: These chemicals release small amounts of formaldehyde over time, which acts as a preservative for the product.
– Concerns: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
– The Skin Deep Database provides further information on formaldehyde and its emitters.

**Retinyl palmitate or retinol (vitamin A):**
– Description: Often found in anti-aging products.
– Concerns: When used on the skin and exposed to sunlight, it can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
– For more insight into using retinol in skin care, check out the Skin Deep Database.

While many store-bought lotions promise miraculous skin transformations, it's important to understand the potential risks associated with their ingredients. Making an informed choice can not only benefit your skin in the short term, but also your overall health in the long term.

## Natural alternatives: myrrh and frankincense essential oils

More and more people are turning to natural solutions, and essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Myrrh and frankincense in particular stand out with their beneficial effects on the skin.

## Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil:

– Myrrh is known for its medicinal properties. It is:
– Anti-infective
– Anti-inflammatory
– Antiseptic
– Antitumorous
– Astringent and tonic

These properties make myrrh beneficial for pain, inflammation, and even promoting wound healing.

## Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil:

– Often revered as the “King of Oils,” frankincense has impressive skin benefits. It:
– Promotes skin cell renewal
– Moisturizes dry skin
– Reduces signs of skin aging
– Minimizes the appearance of scars and stretch marks

## Homemade lotion: Use the power of frankincense and myrrh

Why not make a lotion that combines the best of both oils? Here is a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup beeswax
– 1/4 cup shea butter
– 2 tbsp vitamin E
– 12 drops of frankincense essential oil
– 12 drops of myrrh essential oil
– Lotion dispenser bottle without BPA

**Directions:**
1. In a bowl, combine coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax and shea butter. Place this bowl in a pot filled with water.
2. Heat the pot over medium heat to allow the ingredients to combine.
3. Once the mixture has melted, place it in the refrigerator and let it solidify for about an hour.
4. Using a mixer, beat the chilled mixture until it reaches a creamy consistency.
5. Add the essential oils and vitamin E and ensure an even mixture.
6. Transfer the homemade lotion into a BPA-free bottle and store in a cool place.

**Additional Information:**
Although this lotion is made from natural ingredients, it is important to patch test when using any new product to rule out any allergic reactions. If you have serious skin problems, it is also important to consult with a dermatologist or medical professional.

Having control over what we put on our skin can be empowering. Although not all lotions you purchase are harmful, it is important to be aware of potentially concerning ingredients. By using homemade solutions like frankincense and myrrh lotion, we not only reap the benefits of nature, but we also have peace of mind about what we are using. Remember, it's not just about looking good, it's also about feeling good about the choices we make for the health of our skin.

You can also read the article Regenerate and Revitalize Skin: Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion at [Healthy Holistic Living](https://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/reg