Not all Skincare is skin care...

Skincare… it can be your absolute best friend. It can help you to achieve the results you’ve always desired, completely transforming your skin. BUT it can also be your worst enemy, if harmful ingredients within those products are being used. You see, not all skincare is skin care. Unfortunately due to the lack of rules governing the use of ingredient within Australia, many ingredients circulating within in products are not going to be great support for the health of your skin! With current legislation's allowing over 40,000 chemicals to be used in everyday cosmetic items, such as; skincare, body wash, toothpaste and shampoo. This is why its absolutely essential to be able to understand what ingredients to avoid and why, so you can make an educated decision before you buy.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID & WHY -

Fragrances - The most stimulating ingredient found within skincare for allergies or irritation is fragrances. Although I’m sure they make your moisturizer smell amazing… they are not our friend. Especially for those who are concerned with pigmentation, did you know that fragrances can make our skin more sun sensitive? This meaning greater susceptibility to sun damage (eeek!)

Mineral Oil - This is basically a by product of petroleum. It coats the skin like plastic and allows for clogging of our pores, increased risk of acne formation! This also interrupts our skins communication with the cells below, slowing down cell development and therefore contributing to premature aging!

Parabens - The most common preservative found on the market, used to prolong the life of your products! However they have actually been known to interfere with our skins DNA, and excessive exposure has actually been linked to breast cancer. Soooo I would recommend to proceed with caution!

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - SLS is a common ingredient found within shampoos, hand wash, detergent and cleansers. So you would think it would be good for your skin right? Unfortunately no. SLS is a skin irritant that will often cause major affects on the skins protective barrier, and immune response. OH, and its been linked to kidney and respiratory damage (eeek!)

Synthetic Colours - Colours will often have derived from coal tars or petroleum, which are often contaminated with heavy metals such as lead or arsenic. Both of which cause irritation, sensitivity and blockages in the skin.

Triclosan - This is a antibacterial and anti fungal agent that is most commonly found within personal care products like soap, cleansers, toothpaste etc. However what isn’t known is this chemical ingredient can actually be linked to thyroid dysfunction… so proceed with caution!

Now I bet you’re thinking “WHAT THE HELL! Surely they aren't knowingly using harmful ingredients?…. “ Unfortunately yes. The rules for governing ingredients within Australia aren’t very good, and most cosmetic companies will take full advantage of this!As the ingredients are cheaper, and allow the products to last longer/look more appealing to the naked eye. BUT as they say, knowledge is power! Hopefully you’ll think twice before jumping at the newest and coolest skincare product on the market! CHECK THE LABEL BEFORE PURCHASE.

At SJM Skin Aesthetics we believe our skin needs to be treated with love and nourishment in order for it to perform at its best,and it’s not ever going to be able to do that if you are using harmful/toxic ingredients on your skin. That's why we use the product range Dermaviduals... Dermaviduals is a range that forms rigorously tested science-based products, free of fragrances, emulsifiers, colours, mineral oils, silicones and amines. Instead using natural compounds that mimic the skins natural composition (see table below), which is aimed to maintain and restore the health and protection of our skin.

DERMAVIDUALS DMS BASE CREAM      SKINS NATURAL STRUCTURE

> Phosphotidylcholine (from soybean)             > Phospholipids

> Ceramides (from yeast)                       > Ceramides

> Triglycerides (from coconut oil)                 > Triglycerides

> Squalane (from olives)                        > Squalane

> Sterols (from shae nut)                       > Cholesterol

> Fatty Acids                                 > Fatty Acids & Natural

Moisturising Factor