#CleanSkincareDiaries Part 2 - Your skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs EVERYTHING that is applied to it. This is very evident with bio-identical hormone treatment. When you apply a treatment cream to your skin that contains estrogen, progesterone or testosterone, it chemically alters your entire hormonal system, your endocrine system, your musculoskeletal system and your nervous system. All absorbed directly through the skin. It's pretty powerful stuff. So imagine applying the latest creams, washes, makeup and lotions to your skin without ever investigating if they contain any potentially harmful toxic ingredients. Not only can certain toxins send your skin out of balance, potentially creating skin conditions like pigmentation, eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and even premature ageing - but can also disrupt your entire body and your brain - even leading to serious illnesses like cancer, alzheimer's, neurological disorders and even death.
Here's a list of potentially harmful ingredients to look out for on your product labels. These can be found in mainstream skincare, personal care, hair care and makeup ranges. We also uncover why these ingredients are potentially harmful to your skin health, gut health and emotional well-being:
Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate:
Is actually car wash soap, an engine de-greaser, garage and concrete floor cleaner. When used in beauty and hair products it is known to surround hair follicles in shampoo to keep it from growing, with the result that hair falls out. In Toothpaste it is known to possibly weaken enamel on teeth and cause cavities: SLS is very abrasive and may burn the skin, mouth or scalp. The journal of the American College of Toxicology reports that (SLS) is easily absorbed into your skin and builds up in your heart, liver, lungs, and brain… even if you wash it right off after using it!
Cocoamide, Lauramide DEA (diethanolamine):
Is readily absorbed through the skin, is a potentially cancer causing ingredient found in many mainstream cosmetics and toiletries. Reacts with nitrates in cosmetics to form another potential carcinogen/DEA. Your blood cells immediately take it through your skin to the body’s organs, particularly the liver, kidneys and heart.
Petrochemicals
Many skincare products contain synthetic substances – petroleum (chemical) based. Studies have found that oral and topical application of petrochemicals in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended.
Parabens
Also known as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, IIsoparaben, Butylparaben. Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They have been linked to possible carcinogenicity, as well as an estrogenic effect from being exposed to the continued use of parabens as preservatives. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?” reported that the parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. It is a known medical fact that estrogen stimulates breast cancer and anything absorbed through the skin may be as high as 10 times the concentration of an oral dose.
Parfum
The common ingredients found in perfume are benzyl alcohol, acetone, linalool, ethanol, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, camphor, formaldehyde, methylene chloride and limonene. Exposure to fragrance chemicals can cause headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; nausea; forgetfulness; loss of coordination; and other respiratory and/or neurotoxic symptoms. Many fragrance ingredients are respiratory irritants and sensitizers, which can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate sinus conditions.
These chemicals can also be found in many face and body moisturizers, shampoos, body washes, and cleansers.
Antiperspirants
A few studies from the early 2000s conclude that aluminum in antiperspirant might increase the risk of breast cancer. They suggest aluminum compounds found in cancerous breast cells near the armpit are the result of antiperspirant use.
With the above in mind, I urge you to become your greatest ally, by educating yourself with every single product you are using. Read every ingredient list and google any ingredients that you have never heard of or you can't pronounce. Those are usually the ones to watch out for. In your google search always type in: 'potential adverse effects from XXX ingredient in skin care or make up". You'll find a wealth of information to arm you with knowledge to be in the best health of your life. It certainly changed my life and through this investigation I created, formulated and launched Eco Diva Natural. - At Eco Diva Natural you can rest assured that there are zero toxic ingredients ever used in our range. Only helpful, nourishing, nutritious superfoods that allow your skin to heal and repair every day.
Wishing you joy on your google travels into the deep unknown of toxic ingredients that could be seriously harming your health. Let's turn this ship around!
Love always
Nicole x
