Wellness of Scalp, Skin, and Hair ~ Richa Khurana & Dr. Farzana Wani July 1st, 2022 Who doesn't like lustrous hair and glowing skin? Having good hair and nice textured skin surely boosts confidence. But what if, on a certain day, you realise that everything you're applying to your body accounts for long-term disastrous results such as deteriorating health and even insomnia. 90% of the 'Hair and Cosmetic' products we use every other day contain one or more of the highly hazardous agents- Benzalkonium Chloride, Lanolin, Denatured Alcohols, and Petrochemicals, to name a few. Very few of us go through the labels, which works in favour of the manufacturers. Creating a lather and imparting a 'natural' shiny bounce to the hair and putting an instant glow on the face, the products do give a temporary rejuvenation, but they certainly do not assure complete care. Shampoos that we use every alternate day are high in Sulfates- for lather, Parabensfor prolonged shelf life, Phthalates- to extend the spreadability, and Synthetic Fragrances- to give them a smell-good vibe. Regular use of these results in hair becoming weaker, causing hair loss, prone to damage hair, and irritation resulting in flaky scalp and dandruff. Parabens and Phthalates are the two ingredients that are most toxic to human skin and health; not only do they typically harm the skin but they are also known to increase the risk of breast cancer in women and cause lower sperm count in men. Dryness in the hands is usually settled by applying a moisturiser that smells good and makes the hands soft for a short while, making everybody use it at least twice a day. Yes, keeping hands moisturised is important as dryness would cause the skin to scrape off, rendering it rough and painful. But at what cost? The majority of the creams or products used to nurture the skin are rich in fragrances and oils, which
aren't as beneficial as they are marketed to be. What our skin requires in abundance is water. It is the effect of water on enzymes that makes or breaks the skin. The National Eczema Association reported, "Almost 20% of the general population is sensitised to at least one allergen, and Fragrance is one of the most frequently quoted substances causing reactions. According to the Dermatology Times, "fragrances can most likely lead to allergic contact dermatitis. They contribute to about 30-45% of reactions in cosmetic products." But what if there is something that can reverse the 1:3 ratio of pros to cons in all of the ingredients? As a natural antiseptic, Molecular Iodine (I2)- the active biocidal in iodine formulations promotes the healing of scars, cuts, and other wounds, while balancing skin moisture levels. It triggers cellular activity, which regenerates the lower layers of the skin. I2 penetrates effectively in broken skin, which in particular, is its key feature. Other pharma and cosmetic formulations execute their function by using bactericidal complexes that oxidise and stay on the surface of the skin, unlike molecular iodine, which controls the acne-causing hormones. Consequently, the skin, nails, and hair are fully restored. Researchers have proved that it leaves no stain or odour. Since it penetrates underneath the skin's epidermis, Molecular Iodine (I2) eliminates all microbial load on the first contact while preserving the moisture level. Also, molecular iodine (I2 ) being gaseous at room temperature diffuses out of the skin, and the iodine level in the dermis slowly decreases over time, making it safe for use.