Do you have any idea how many chemicals are in your foundation, lipstick, eye shadow or even eyeliner? What about your shampoo/conditioner, aftershave, body wash/soaps? Are you aware of the harm that they can do to your body? Well, just in case, let me tell you!
1 in 82,000 (eighty-two thousand!!) of the chemicals that you are smearing onto your face and body every morning are industrial chemicals. Examples of these include;
Many products that you are using include plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants.
Seriously, that sounds like you’re working in an auto repair shop, not in your own bathroom!
Make This Your Mission
Go to your bathroom and pull out your daily use cosmetics. I’m guessing it will include:
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Bronzer
- Foundation/concealer
- Eyeliner/Eyeshadow
- Lipstick/Lip liner
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Shaving cream
- Body wash/soap
- Hairspray/gel
- Deodorant
- Hair dye
- Nail polish
…And how many more?? To boot, these are all products that we use every day, or several times per week. The chemicals in each of these products create a compounding effect as they add up over time through repeated exposure.
Every Single Thing You Put On Your Body Ends Up IN Your Body
The largest organ you have is your skin. Therefore, if you are smearing it daily with toxins, there is nowhere for these toxins to go but in! By adding this toxic load to your body, you are putting excess stress on your entire system. Your body has to work extra hard to detoxify your system.
Click here to read, “Clean Living – How To Detoxify Your Life!”
The Worst Chemical Offenders To Stay Clear Of!
1. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Look for:
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Methenamine
- Quarternium-15
Even small amounts of formaldehyde causes cancer. (Check your nail polish)
2. Parabens
Used as preservatives in a variety of cosmetics- they are endocrine disrupters and interfere with reproductive functions. Also look for related chemicals with “paraben” in their names, such as;
- Methylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Ethylparaben.
3. Sodium Laureth (or Lauryl) Sulfate
This is found in cosmetics that create a foaming action. Shampoos, soaps, body wash and bubble bath are offenders of this. Often, it’s combined with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
4. PEG compounds
These chemicals are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers, and are known carcinogens.
5. Parfum (Fragrance)
Any mixture of fragrances can be used and never have to be identified for their chemical composition! We have no idea what chemicals are used to create various fragrances because the only ingredient that must be listed is ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’. These chemicals trigger allergies and asthma. In addition, some are also linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.
[Here’s my story…]
When I stopped using toxic cosmetic products many years ago, the first thing I noticed was that my contact lenses were much more comfortable to wear and also much less dry. In addition, being disposable, they were actually still comfortable for up to 5 weeks of wear with organic makeup. This as compared to 3 weeks maximum, while unknowingly using toxic products.
So, What Is The Solution??
Firstly, find natural, organic, toxin-free products! There is a world of natural options with no toxins available at the natural health food store. Shampoos/conditioners, soaps and even make-up can be found toxin-free at the health food store!!
Secondly, bring this list with you as a basis to know what chemicals to avoid. Furthermore, do some additional research on your own.
Lastly, my number one guideline is: If you can’t read the ingredient list, put it back on the shelf!! Choose products that contain natural products that you can actually read and know what they are. Also, ask for the support of the employees at your natural health store as they are filled with additional knowledge and trained to help find the best products for you.
Click here to learn more about scientific anti-aging solutions.
Jo-Anne Richardson has almost a decade of experience managing a chiropractic office and educating patients on how chiropractic can allow your body to express optimal health. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and holds a Degree in Communications. She loves to experiment with raw vegan recipes, loves to salsa dance, travel and learn new holistic health information to share tips with everyone who visits the office.