BY Amy Anderson 20 June, 2007

A new report published this week found that the average woman absorbs almost 5lbs of chemicals a year from their skin and hair care products, which, according to biochemist Richard Bence who carried out the research that was published in this month’s trade journal In-Cosmetics, might cause untold long-term damage to skin and health as well as potentially ageing skin prematurelyThe most troublesome chemicals identified by this week’s report were foaming agent Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) used in most shampoos and shower gels, moisturising agent Cocamide MEA used in most general moisturisers and benzyl alcohols used to scent skincare products and cosmetics. All three ingredients can cause moderate to severe irritation to the skin, especially if skin is very sensitive such as akin prone to eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.

In addition Parabens, which are preservatives widely used in skin and hair products, and which help inhibit bacterial growth are also widely thought to mimic side effects of female sex hormones, which might increase the risk of cancerous tumour growths. Mr Bence warned that absorbing these chemicals through the skin can be more dangerous than swallowing them.

Another recent report from the campaign group Chemicalsafekincare found that the average woman uses at least 12 toiletry products a day containing up to 175 different chemicals that could damage their health.

Consultant dermatologist Professor David Gawkrodger, a dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation said that an astonishing 8 million people in the UK suffer from skin complaints and that those with very sensitive skin and atopic eczema were most at risk from every day toiletries containing chemical irritants, as many contain trigger negative skin reactions.

To read more on what chemicals can harm the skin and how to avoid visit www.soilassociation.org or to find out more information on the latest skin research and advise for problem skin conditions please visit www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk.