If you are concerned about what you put into your
body you need to be concerned about what goes on your skin.
Although the beauty and personal care industry has lead us to
believe that the skin is an impermeable layer in which nothing can
pass through, this is simply not true. Your skin is created of many
different glands. In one square inch of skin there is 100
sebaceous oil glands, 100 hairs, and 650 sweat glands! Over all
our skin contains about 20 million cells! Your skin is the largest
organ of your body. It is a two-way membrane. Toxins are
eliminated through the skin by perspiration and absorbed through
the skin. Permeation of the layers of our skin can occur by diffusion
via hair follicles, sweat and sebum glands, and by diffusion
through our skin cells!
It is estimated that 60 percent of what you put on
you skin can be absorbed directly into the blood stream. This has
become apparent in the recently popular method of administering
medications through skin patches. Just recently on T.V. I have
seen advertisements for the nicotine patch and the hormone
replacement therapy patch. Even though cosmetics are absorbed
through the skin just like drugs, the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) refuses to treat cosmetics as if they were drugs.
According to the FDA, cosmetic manufacturers can use any raw
material as a cosmetic ingredient without approval from the FDA
and the FDA cannot require them to do safety testing on their
products before marketing. Out of the 10, 500 ingredients used in
personal care, only 11% has been tested by the cosmetics industry.
That's leaves 89% untested and unregulated! Also, just because an
ingredient is tested it doesn't mean that it's safe. Be
skeptical, the body care industry is out there to make profit, not
keep you healthy! Worse yet, companies can petition the FDA if
they have a unique new ingredient to not be disclosed for fear
that another company will steal their formulation. Since it's not
disclosed, we have no idea what is in the products we are using
and thier long-term effects. Also, cosmetic
companies do not have to disclose an ingredient it they only use a
small amount in their product.
Europe is way ahead of the United States when it
comes to the testing of personal care ingredients. The European
Union has banned 450 ingredients while the FDA has only banned 9!
When they tested our products they found that 70% of them had one
or more ingredients linked with cancer and other health problems.
The EPA has been testing personal care products
and after 300 studies they have found that ingredients in our
natural body care products are altering the hormones that control
our reproduction.
In 1989 NIOSH (The National Institute for
Occupational Safety) tested 2938 ingredients used in personal care
products. And they found:
884 of the ingredients were found to be considered
toxic with 778 of them being able to cause acute toxicity.
146 can cause tumors
218 of them can cause reproductive complications
314 can cause biological mutation (mutate the
genetic code of our cells)
376 of them can cause skin and eye irritation.
This test was done in 89 and thousands of new
chemicals are being introduced to us every year.
We have to remember that exposure is cumulative
and it might seem like a little amount per day but it quickly adds
up. For example Dr. Haushka estimates that a woman can absorb up
to thirty pounds of the ingredients in moisturizers in 60 years.
Aveda estimates that woman literally eat about 4 tubes of lipstick
in their lifetime. We also have to remember that cosmetic
companies use penetration enhancers so that the chemicals are more
readily absorbed into our skin. These chemicals can then be stored
in our fat cells and organs and eventually lead to problems.
Combine the personal care chemicals, with the chemicals we are
exposed to in our daily lives through the air we breath, the food
we eat, and the water we drink, and we have a recipe for all kinds
of problems including cancer.
When researching this article I came across the
story of a woman who worked in the fashion industry applying
make-up to models. She also used a lot of cosmetics and personal
care products. Eventually she started to suffer from chronic
fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, memory loss, and systemic yeast
infections. When she got some lab work done the technician asked
her if she worked in the cosmetics industry because her blood work
showed toxic levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals in
her body!
So what seems like harmless products are actually
not so harmless after all.
Read Labels
If you want to stay away from these chemicals stay
out of mainstream drug stores, department stores, and grocery
stores. You can also make you own cosmetic products, which I will
discuss later. Start shopping for body care products at Natural
food stores but this is no guarantee. Some so-called natural
companies are better than others. You still have to learn to read
labels before you purchase or use anything on your body. Think of
it this way; don't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't
eat. Look for products made from herbs and plants found in
nature.
Beware of these following claims:
1. Not tested on animals. Just because the
finished product wasn't tested on animals doesn't mean that the
individual chemicals in the product weren't!
2.Natural- Means absolutely nothing.
3.Organic-Only one ingredient in the formulation
has to be organic for this claim to be made.
Avoid Certain Ingredients:
I can't possibly mention all the ingredients to
avoid. Rule of thumb, if you can't pronounce it don't use it. Here
are just a few:
1) Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Parabens-
Preservatives derived from petroleum used in 99% of all hair and
skin products today and in many so-called 'natural' products. They
are highly toxic, mimic estrogen, cause hormone imbalances, and
are linked to reproductive cancer. They may play a role in falling
sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates. Companies use these
because they are extremely cheap and they extend the shelf life of
the product by inhibiting microbial growth.
2.) Formaldehydes: DMDM hydantoin, Quaternium
15, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea,
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol-Widely used as preservatives
second only to the parabens. They release formaldehyde at just
over ten degrees. They are known to be irritating to mucus
membranes, can cause an inability to urinate, skin rashes,
internal bleeding, and are known carcinogens.
2) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth
Sulfate (SLS)-This toxic synthetic (used for its foaming
properties) is a harsh detergent believed to case urinary tract,
bladder, and kidney infections, genital disorders, eye
irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp problems similar to
dandruff, and allergic reactions. It forms carcinogenic nitrogen
compounds when combined with specific ingredients. It penetrates
the skin and has long-term retention in the body. Almost every
"regular' conventional shampoo contains it. Also found in
toothpaste. It is frequently disguised in so called "natural"
cosmetics with the explanation that the source is " from coconut."
3) Synthetic Colors- Labeled as FD&C or
D&C, followed by a color number (such as FD&C Yellow 6) Developed
from coal tar, aluminum salts, and lead. Lead toxicity primarily
targets the nervous system, kidneys, bones, heart, blood and poses
greatest risk to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Many
colors are considered to be cancer causing. Some dyes are a risk
to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
Some cause hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred
vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose. (When you wear lipstick
with these colors--and most contain them--you are EATING them!)
4) Synthetic Fragrances-When a label simply
lists "fragrance," it can refer to any combination of up to 200
cheap, synthetic, toxic ingredients that can cause headaches,
dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting,
and allergic skin irritation. Fragrances can affect the central
nervous system causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability,
inability to cope, and other behavioral changes. They mimic
estrogen, remain in body fat, and have been found in mother's
breast milk.
5). Parraffin -Derived from petroleum in
the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum jelly. Paraffins
promote sun damage, as well as coating the skin and interfering
with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism. They mimic
estrogen. They create the very conditions they claim to alleviate.
Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
Found in chap sticks, lip sticks, lotions, and other personal care
products.
6.) Aluminum -Aluminum is mostly absorbed
through the skin, lungs, and intestinal tract. Too much aluminum
may cause problems with metabolic processes, particularly those
concerning calcium, phosphorus and iron. Aluminum may also
contribute to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia,
and other neurological disorders. It is carcinogenic, toxic and
mutagenic; a coloring agent found in eye shadows, toothpastes,
hair dyes, antiperspirants, lipsticks and more.
7.) Sunscreen-Avoid conventional
sunscreens. Avoid these ingredients:
Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid and Oxybenzone. Research
shows that a factor in skin cancer may be a result of the
sunscreen chemicals absorbing into our skin and the toxins
mutating in the hot sun. Look for natural sunscreen with Titanium
Dioxide (a mineral) and other natural ingredients.
Other list of ingredients to avoid (not all
inclusive): PROPELYNE GLYCOL, DMDM HYDRATOIN, TEA (Triethanolamine)/
DEA (Diethanolamine) , BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, MERCURY, THIMEROSAL, LEAD ACETATE,
FORMALDEHYDE, TOLUENE, PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, ETHYLACRYLATE, COAL
TAR, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, SELENIUM SULFIDE, DIMETHYLAMINE, ZIRCONIUM
SILICATE, ACRYLAMIDE, PHENYLPHENOL, HEXACHLOROPHENE, LIDOCAINE,
HYDROXYANISOLE, BHA, LITHIUM CARBONATE, DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE,
IODINE, PHENACETIN, PHENOLPHTHALEIN, PROGESTERONE, ALUMINUM
ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLYCINE COMPLEX, ANHYDROUS, FERRIC
AMMONIUM CITRATE, 2- AMINO- 4- NITROPHENOL, BRUCINE,
DIPHENHYDRAMINE HCL, TETRAHYDROZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE, LIDOCAINE HCL,
2- METHYLOXIRANE, HYDROABIETYL ALCOHOL, LITSEA CITRATA (VERBENA)
OIL, DIETHANOLAMINE CETYL PHOSPHATE, TALC, LANOLIN, GLYCOLIC ACID,
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE . . .
Most of the information from this article I got
from: http://www.beautytruth.net/
Although it is best to make your own, here are
some more natural alternatives:
Hair, Skin, and Body Care
http://www.aubrey-organics.com
http://www.sumbody.com
www.nonifruitleather.net (noni lotion)
Dr.Bronner's baby mild soap
www.livingoilwealth.com
http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/
http://www.jason-natural.com/
http://www.albabotanica.com
Coconut Oil
www.tropicaltraditions.com
www.nutiva.com
http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/
Jojoba Oil
http://www.desertessence.com/
Cosmetics and Skin Care
Dr. Hauschka Mascara
The Organic Make-up Company's All Natural Concealer
Dr.Hauschka Sun Block SPF 30 Stick
http://www.greenlifeorganics.com
http://www.nomiss.com
http://www.larenim.com
http://www.eccobella.com
http://www.mineralfusioncosmetics.com/
http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/
http://www.burtsbees.com
(Look for natural mineral make-up with no talc or bismuth
oxychloride)
Toothpaste
http://www.jason-natural.com
http://www.vitamyr.com
http://www.naturesanswer.com/dental/read_dental.asp
Homemade Personal Care
by Cecilia Benjumea
Deodorant (Once you eat all raw foods you
may find that you do not require deodorant)
Coconut Oil
or
Essential oils
Water
Spray Bottle
Use coconut oil as a deodorant after your shower.
Another option is to mix some 2-3 drops essential oils and water
in a spray bottle and apply when needed.
Moisturizer/Make up Remover/Conditioner
Virgin Coconut Oil or other Virgin Oil such as Almond, Olive, or
Jojoba
Oil.
As Moisturizer: After a shower slather your body and face with
Coconut or Jojoba Oil.
As Conditioner: Add a little to your hair for a leave in
conditioner or styling aide.
As Make-Up Remover: Gently apply oil to your face and wipe off
with a damp wash cloth.
As a shaving cream: Spread coconut oil and soap on the area to be
shaved..
Toothpaste
baking soda
1-2 drops essential oil of peppermint, cinnamon, anise, and/or
clove.
Make a paste with baking soda, essential oils, and a little water.
Use like toothpaste.
Shampoo
1/2 cup honey
Juice of one lemon
Mix ingredients in a dish and massage through damp hair and scalp.
Rinse.
Flax Shampoo
1 cup flax soaked in water to cover over night.
Blend flax in high speed blender until thoroughly blended. There
should be no particles of flax visible. Massage through hair and
scalp. Rinse
Acne/Insect Bites
Tea Tree Oil
Dab tea tree oil on insect bites and acne with a cotton swab.
Minor Cuts
Colloidal Silver Spray or dab colloidal silver on minor cuts as an
anti-bacterial.
Sun Burn/Skin Irritation/After Shave Balm
10 drops Calendula Herb Tincture
¼ cup Aloe Vera Gel
Combine the two ingredients and apply to irritated skin.
Facial Mask
¼ cup Aloe Vera Gel
1 teaspoon Jojoba Oil
1 teaspoon Kelp Powder
Mix ingredients together and let set on face for 5-10 minutes.
Can use other ingredients for facial masks. Bananas and Avocado
for dry skin. Oatmeal for oily skin. Papaya for age spots. Don't
let papaya sit to long or it will burn skin. Have fun be creative!
For further reading:
Websites:
http://www.beautytruth.net/
Books: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic
Ingredients by Ruth Winters
Organic Beauty by Josephine Fairley
