Our skin is an important organ
and one that is often taken for granted in our daily lives. On average women use
around 200 chemicals on their skin daily, 60% these chemicals are absorbed, so
it is important that we know what is going on our skin. Putting products on
your skin can be more dangerous than eating them as it is absorbed straight
into the bloodstream. Whether you are a consumer, make-up artist or dietician
it is our responsibility to know what is in the products that we are using. Many
of these products are highly unregulated by the Cosmetic, Toiletry &
Perfumery Association (CTPA) - the UK regulatory body and the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration). I’m going to go through the main ingredients that should
be avoided in cosmetic products and outline what the products are and the
possible effects of them. I will not be able to list all toxic ingredients in products
however, these are the most popular. We may not be able to see the immediate
effects of these products however in the longer term many of these products can
be harmful. If like me you are currently in your 20’s or a bit older- you may
not see the effects of these products on your skin until later on in life when your skin is more
mature. Living in our 20’s we think we have so much time however, it is also
the time when we start to think about preparing our future therefore investing
in healthy products is essential. The good news is that many brands are
starting to eradicate toxic and useless ingredients from their products and
with some pressure hopefully someday we can say bye bye to all toxic chemicals!
Join me in the team #GoingClean campaign (on instagram, name:organicbeautyjourney) to educate ourselves and eliminate
toxic ingredients from our personal products and cosmetics. Brands will
continue to contain the toxic chemicals listed below because we allow them to
(it’s as simple as that). Where has all the compassion in this world gone :(.
Anyway enough of feeling sorry for myself (lol), lets educate ourselves…
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INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
Petroleum and Mineral oil: This smothers the skin leaving it unable
to breathe, it can clog pores leaving the skin unable to let out natural toxins,
it can also slow down the way cells are renewed. Thankfully there are many products
out there that avoid using petroleum and mineral oil.
Parabens: (Usually seen on ingredients as Propylparaben,
methylparapen). This is a popular preservative, meaning it is used to prevent
the growth of yeasts, moulds, and bacteria in cosmetics products. As a strong
hormone (estrogen) mimicker, traces of it have been found in cancer tissue. It
can contribute to hormone imbalance in females. Check personal care product
labels and avoid any products with parabens or any word ending in
"-paraben."
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate: These are cleaners that separate molecules
making it easier for the product to interact with the product and the surface. This product is included in nearly all
shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, body washes, soaps, detergents and body
wash.
Fragrance/ Parfum: Fragrance can be the code-name for many toxic
ingredients, it used so that brands do not have to reveal secret ingredients in
their products. This is also responsible for making soap foamy. It has been
connected to cancer, dizziness, headaches asthma and allergies/irritation.
Toluene: This is used in nail products and hair products
and hidden under the ‘fragrance’ ingredients. It is used in the making of many
products including paint thinners, adhesives, rubber and hair dyes. It is also
used in nail products to form a smooth finish across the nail. It explains why
Salon workers should wear face masks when working with nail polishes and nail
products containing such toxic substances!
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): a very drying and irritating solvent
and dehydrator that strips your skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier,
making you more venerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.
Lead: Found in lipstick and hair dye but it is hardly ever listed.
Lead is used in lipstick to give its pigment and most of the time consumers do
not know what is in the lipsticks that they are buying.
Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals: Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is used to absorb ultraviolet light, however, believed to cause hormone disruptions and cell damage that may provoke cancer. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate): Retinyl palmitate is used in sunscreen because of its antioxidant properties and gentle nature, it is also thought to cause cell damage that may provoke cancer.
How to avoid these
and other toxic products:
Make sure that when you are choosing products that claim to be ‘natural,’ you read the ingredients!
- Read, read, read the ingredients labels on all your products!
- Take time to research your staple cosmetic products and brands and what they are doing to contribute to the safety of their consumers.
- Make the switch to natural and organic products- it’s better to be safe than sorry if in doubt of what is toxic and what isn’t! Organic products do not have to be overly expensive it is all about doing your research- over the next few weeks I will be reviewing some affordable organic cosmetics!
Make sure that when you are choosing products that claim to be ‘natural,’ you read the ingredients!
#organicbeautyjourney #obj
Lots of Love,
xoxo
References:
Picture: www.farsali.com
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