Everyone uses some sort of skin product whether it be first thing in the morning, after your shower, or before you hop into bed. No matter if it’s for beauty purposes or for hygiene, these products have become necessities in our daily lives. In fact, the average woman uses 12 cosmetic products per day. Also, the use of cosmetic products has also increased amongst men in recent years.
With such a widespread usage, cosmetic companies are thriving in the lucrative industry, but even with the high level of success, many of these companies aren’t being careful enough with what they’re putting in their products. This is due to laws not being strict enough when it comes to skin product testing. Only color additives have to reach FDA approval before the products are able to hit the market. The EU (European Union) has bans on over 1300 substances that can’t be used in cosmetics, whereas the United States only has bans on 11 of such substances. As a consumer, this makes knowing how to stay safe from dangerous products very critical. Luckily, there are habits you can implement into your life that will help you avoid using any toxic cosmetic products.
How do I read my label?
It may not be a common practice for you, but if you aren’t looking over your products labels before buying them, then you should start doing so now! It’s important to note that all ingredients that are used in at least 1% capacity must be listed as an ingredient on the label. The order of these ingredients go from the highest concentrated being listed first and lowest concentrated listed last. Learning how to read a label can prevent you from buying products that could be harmful to your health. Some of the common harmful ingredients to keep an eye out for include:
- Phthalates
- Talc
- Triclosan
These are just a few of the possible toxic ingredients that can be found in your skin products. Now what makes these ingredients so harmful to our bodies? Well, while testing will always continue on what ingredients are deemed safe or not, there’s evidence to show that these ingredients can be harmful to our skin and the rest of our body.
Why are these ingredients unsafe?
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that help make plastics more durable. Due to this, they are commonly used in shampoos and nail polish. There is research to believe that phthalates can cause pregnancy complications. They can also cause defects to the reproductive system and genitals. Try looking for phthalate-free shampoos as a replacement if your current shampoo contains them.
Talc
Talc is another potentially dangerous ingredient that has been used in cosmetic products.. This mineral is a popular ingredient in many products because of its ability to absorb moisture which ultimately gives the product a smooth and soft feel. Although the product might feel nice, it could be causing you possible health problems in the future. Talc has been linked to the development of ovarian cancer. Women’s hygiene products containing talc that are applied to the pelvic area can reach the ovaries and cause cancer. That isn’t the only health concern when involving talc.
Through the mining process of talc, there is the possibility for it to be traced with the carcinogen asbestos because the asbestos and talc naturally form near each other. This asbestos contaminated process can lead to the development of other forms of cancer if particles of the product are ingested.. With many talc-based products being a powder-like-substance, it’s easier to unintentionally inhale or ingest it. Avoiding talc-based products entirely is the number one way to prevent exposure.
Triclosan
Triclosan is another ingredient in your products that could potentially cause harm. The organic compound is used in products such as sprays, shampoos, and bath products as a preservative, but could actually be causing issues with the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism. Other health effects from triclosan include the possible development of asthma and allergies among children. There are plenty of triclosan-free replacement options for soaps, body scrubs, and other products.
Since triclosan is used in soaps and cleaners, this toxin may extend outside of hygiene products. Some other products to consider finding alternatives for are dish soaps, hand soaps, and even pet shampoos.
What should I look for in skin products?
After discussing what you shouldn’t look for in skincare products and why they are a danger, being able to identify what you should be looking for can be just as beneficial. Starting a routine with natural products can be a great habit to form. Some key things to look for while finding toxic free products include:
- Organic
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
Using these types of products can be very nourishing for your body and give your skin necessary vitamins and antioxidants that your skin needs to be healthy. Many of the toxic skincare products can make your skin dry and can be an irritant to sensitive skin, whereas organic products can be a much safer alternative. While cutting out toxic products is just one way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is essential for the longevity of your skin and body health to give it products that it deserves to be the healthiest and happiest version of you!
If you are using any sort of toxic material and are interested in cleansing your body, you may benefit from our master cleanse program. Our detox retreats offer healthy fasting, health education, and guided programs all in a soothing environment as a way to help people detoxify their bodies. A detox will help rid your body of any toxins it has accumulated over the years.
