Dare To Be Aware | Detox Your Mind | Alternative Lifestyle

What Chemical Products Are You Putting on Your Skin?

By Viola Woolcott

Have you ever thought about that our skin is the body’s largest organ? At least 60% of what we use on our skin ends up in our bloodstream. Therefore I believe that it is really important that you are fully aware of what is in the products you are using.

Tens of thousands of chemical products have been developed over the last 50 years and a vast array of these new synthetic chemicals are absorbed from foods, toiletries as well as our immediate environment. Is it a coincidence that conditions such as eczema, allergies and even cancers have greatly increased during that period of time?

As we may not be able to avoid most of these chemicals, we have to at least minimise contact with them wherever possible.

Cleansing, protecting or conditioning the skin are the basic functions of toiletries. To make this possible, the producers have to add a number of ingredients.

>> Shampoos, soaps and shower gels contain detergents and strong detergents leave the skin dry or irritated, as it strips away to much of the natural protective oils.
>> Liquid Paraffin (Mineral oil) comes from the petroleum source. It can not be synthesised by the skin. The oils block the pores and reduce the skins ability to function properly.
>> Parabens are very often used in established skin care. It acts as a preservative. Parabens are responsible for a great number of allergic reactions and they have also been well known for their estrogenic function.
>> To produce a silky feel to your skin and hair, silicones are added. But all they do is create a plastic-like wrap. Silicone destroys the skins ability to release toxins, which in turn traps irritants onto the skin and therefore block the pores and stop the skin from breathing. Also, silicones are non-biodegradable and could also be listed as Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone copolyol.
>> Conventional toiletries manufacturers use synthetic colours, which can have harmful effects as well as irritating the skin.
>> ‘Perfume’ is an ingredient listing which can mask a hidden majority of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are the major cause for many allergic reactions.

Choosing organic products is beneficial to you and the environment. Products should be certified which means that it has been independently approved as meeting specific standards. When it comes to health and beauty products, there are no equivalent regulations, therefore the term “organic” can be very misleading, as there is no guarantee that it even contains any natural ingredients. Products that are certified organic by the “Soil Association can be chosen safely, as they only add certified organic ingredients. They do not add any GMO (genetically modified ingredients). Their product labelling is honest and clear to understand. And their ingredients are environmentally friendly, which means biodegradable. Note that they do allow a restricted percentage content of non-organic ingredients.

You are reducing the amount of chemicals that will be absorbed by your skin, by using organic ingredients on your body. Simple and natural ingredients as well as a good, balanced diet does more for your complexion than a number of different synthetic toiletries and cosmetics.

Take responsibility for the full impact of your actions. Inside as well as outside of your body.

Filed under: Organics on November 30th, 2007