What are we actually putting on our bodies?
With the all the recent trends on veganism, healthy and organic living, it is no surprise that the beauty industry is making a rise with green beauty products. However, very few changes have been made to the day-to-day products that we have been using for years. Research uncovers certain ingredients, that are found in products which are used regularly, can cause severe health problems.
We often find ourselves in the toiletry aisles of stores, contemplating between which product to purchase purely based on their descriptions; “For dry skin”, “For damaged hair”, “24-hour protection”. But we do not dive deeper into their ingredients. Yes, perhaps these products do serve their purpose in the short term, however studies reveal that some of these ingredients pose dangers to one’s health in the long term.
The problem stems from the lack of regulatory laws on these products. As Dr Joseph Mercola (Osteopathic physician) mentions in his article, Dangerous Cosmetics Causing Major arm to Skin, “Although the US Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) has the authority to regulate ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, the often do not exercise it.”
Companies do not require meeting certain standards when producing products. There is also a lack of research in what is being put into these products.
So, what do you avoid? Because most products contain numerous complex ingredients, it is difficult to decipher between which products we should and should not use. Here are a few key ingredients, found in a variety of products, that should be avoided:
Parabens:
Although many major brands have gotten rid of the ingredient, parabens are still largely used as a preservative in a range of products, including shampoo and conditioner, moisturizers and shaving products. They mimic the female hormone, oestrogen. By increasing oestrogen levels, you increase the risk of breast cancer
Sulphates:
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)are found in products that suds up, like shampoos, soaps and toothpaste. Despite sulphates being excellent cleaners, they end up stripping the skin and hair’s natural oils, leaving skin and hair dry.
Talc:
Talc is a mineral that is often found near mines of asbestos- a known carcinogen. Talc can be found in baby powder, eyeshadows and pressed powders and deodorant. Because the mineral is so easily exposed to asbestos, it is also associated with cancer.
The list does not end there; toluene (found in synthetic fragrances and nail polish), propylene glycol (found in moisturizers, sunscreen, conditioners, shampoos and hairspray), synthetic colours and fragrances are a couple more of the many chemicals that we should look out for.
Our bodies absorb these toxins which put our lives at risk. Vanessa Cunnigham (Nutrition and Wellness Expert) says, “Look for products that are certified organic if you want to avoid these toxic chemicals”. Not only should we be mindful about what we put into our bodies, but we should also pay more attention to what we put onto our bodies.
DermaRose 