Here at Health Beauty Life, we’re obviously interested in, well, health, beauty, and life. It’s only natural then, that any blend of these topics is right up our alley. In this particular case, and with the help of an extra ”y“, we’re spotlighting a merge of health and beauty, and are talking about healthy beauty.
So what do we mean by ‘healthy beauty?’ In short, a personal care and beauty routine that is truly natural, and non-toxic to both you and the environment.
Why is that important?
Well, it’s common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ on the body, and no secret that it’s porous, so put two and two together: anything put on your skin can be transmitted into your blood stream, and that’s the last pool you want toxins swimming in! Not to mention, we also breathe in powders and sprays, swallow products that are on our lips and hands, etc.
According to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, women on average use 12 personal care products a day, and are likely exposed to 126 unique chemical ingredients in personal care products alone.
That’s a lot. And I don’t know about you, fellow beauty lovers, but I bet I use closer to double that (GASP!).
A lot of people don’t realize that the cosmetics industry isn’t policed. There’s no governmental organization regulating what they can and can’t put into their products, and onto their labels. This means, for example, that the appearance of the word “natural” on a product doesn’t really mean, well, anything at all. This is why it’s so important to do a little research of your own so you can become a smarter consumer who’s informed about what they’re putting into their body.
For a quick start, here is a list of 6 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products.
Petroleum
What Is It: Mineral oil jelly used as a barrier to lock in moisture.
Found In: Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products, Lip Balm/Lipstick.
Health Risks: Can be contaminated with PAHs (a carcinogen), Endocrine Disruptor, Skin Irritation and Allergies.
Mineral Oils
What Is It: A petroleum by-product.
Found In: Baby oil, body lotions, soap, makeup.
Health Risks: Clogs pores, interferes with body’s ability to eliminate toxins, slows skin’s natural cell development, causing premature aging.
Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfates (SLS)
What It Is: Foaming Agent.
Found In: 90% of personal care products that foam, degreasers.
Health Risks: Skin irritation, hair loss, eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea.
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Buthyl, Ethyl)
What Is It: Used as a Preservative.
Found In: Makeup, lotions, and shampoos.
Health Risks: Endocrine disrupter that mimics estrogen; may contribute to hormone imbalances in females and early puberty, and sterility in males; linked to weight gain and breast cancer.
Phalates
What Is It: Used as a preservative.
Found In: Beauty and personal care products.
Health Risks: Damage to liver/kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, early breast development in girls & boys.
Triloscan
What Is It: Synthetic antibacterial ingredient; the EPA registers it as a pesticide; it has a similar chemical structure to Agent Orange.
Found In: Soaps and Disinfectant Gels, Toothpastes.
Health Risks: Carcinogenic, can affect sexual function and fertility, causes, birth defects, lowers immune system.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg, but don’t go throwing away everything in your beauty cabinet just yet. Educate yourself through a little research, and if you don’t like what you see, then as you finish a product, look around for a cleaner alternative to replace it with. Your body and the environment will thank you.
Written By: Nicole Walker
Sources:
EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
