Organic Lifestyle Tips: Safer Cosmetics Help Protect You From Toxins

Safer Cosmetics Protect You From Toxins

We are discussing this month living an organic lifestyle and sharing ideas to help you protect your well-being by removing toxins. Today we share ideas to help you have safer cosmetics.
 
“The average woman uses 12 different beauty products every day — cleansers, conditioners, hair dyes, fragrances, skin care products, scented lotions, nail polish, and makeup, to name a few. Take a quick glance at the labels, and you'll see a cocktail of chemical components.
 
You might assume that all these ingredients have been tested to ensure that they're safe for long-term use. That's not the case.
 
At least on the federal level, no one is checking to make sure that the chemicals you're putting on your body are harmless. "Products are tested to make sure they don't cause short-term problems, such as skin irritation. But they're not tested for long-term safety," says Dr. Kathryn M. Rexrode, associate professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Women's Health at Harvard Medical School. The FDA steps in only if people actually complain about a product because they suspect it harmed them. Prior to that, the onus is on the company alone.

There are several ingredients commonly used in cosmetic products that can in fact be a harm to humans and the environment. Chemicals in cosmetics can end up in your bloodstream via inhalation, ingestion, and absorption by the skin.” - https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/toxic-beauty  
 
Research links some ingredients in cosmetic products to serious health concerns including endocrine disorders, developmental delays, neurological issues, and even cancer. Worse yet, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate ingredients used in cosmetics. Let’s review the harmful ingredients found in cosmetics.
 
Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is found in cosmetics, shampoos, nail polishes, shower gels, and lotions. This agent can lead to irritation of the respiratory system and the eyes and lead to allergic reactions. Cancers can also be linked to the release of formaldehyde in these products.
 
Lead. Lead is generally found in eye products that contain kohl, kajal, surma, tiro, tozali, kwali, or al-Kahal. Talc is a harmful heavy metal when placed into the body and is not safe to be taken in.
 
Parabens. Parabens can be seen on cosmetic labels as ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben and are generally seen in makeup, moisturizers, and hair products. Parabens are harmful because they can enter the body through the skin and mimic the hormone estrogen which can cause cancer cells to grow.
 
Phthalates. Phthalates can be found in some hair sprays, nail polishes, and cosmetic fragrances. These agents can create unbalanced hormones, particularly hormones that work with estrogen such as testosterone.
 
Talc. Talc is often found in products such as blush, bronzer, and eye shadow. The potential health risk of untested talc comes from its possible contamination with asbestos which is known to be a cancer-forming chemical.
 
Toluene. Toluene is found in some nail polishes and treatments. It poses danger to the brain, nervous system, and developing fetuses. Presently it is banned from body care products that are sold at Whole Foods, and stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens are scheduled to move forward with the same ban.
 
Exposure to dangerous chemicals and agents in cosmetic products can be avoided or minimized. Making the switch to non-toxic cosmetic products can be gradual and involve a series of steps to make the process more manageable and feasible.
 
Reading labels and checking for harmful ingredients or ingredients that you may be unfamiliar with can help you to stray away from potentially harmful ingredients.
 
Products that have an organic certification or another certification by a recognized organization that promotes non-toxic products should be sought out and pursued.
 
What ingredients will you begin to eliminate from your cosmetic bag today?
 
Here are some resources that I use:
Food/Beverages, Personal Care Products & Healthy Home Products go here https://bit.ly/3upNqxB
 
Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you.  
 
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