Protect From Toxins: Use Non-Toxic Personal Care Products
Many of us utilize a host of personal care products in our day-to-day lives, but do we really know what our products are made of? Though it may be embarrassing to admit, for many people the answer to that question is “No.” However, there seems to be a growing discussion about the importance of knowing what our personal care products are made of and the danger of failing to know this information.
Some of the most common toxic ingredients found in many personal care products include (Wells, 2020):
- Parabens: Parabens have been found to mimic estrogen in the body and lead to hormone disruption. Additional research has shown links between parabens present in the body and problems with reproduction, increased risk for cancers, and negative birth outcomes. Parabens are often found in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, lotions, and sunscreens.
- Petroleum: Though touted as good for the skin, a 2011 study published in the journal for Women’s Health found that petroleum in personal care products contained toxic hydrocarbons. Petroleum creates a non-breathable layer on the skin which can prevent it from healing, while also drying out and blocking out pores.
- Phthalates: More than a dozen kinds of phthalates can be found in personal care products, many of which are used to improve fragrance and pliability. Research including a 2010 article found in the journal Alternative Medicine Review outlined some health risks linked to phthalate exposure such as infertility, obesity, fibroids, endocrine system disruption, neurological disorders, and cancers among others. Phthalates are commonly found in nail polish, hair sprays, and fragrances.
- Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbate (PEGs): PEGs are commonly contaminated with 1,4 dioxane which has been reported by several health agencies as a probable cancer-causing agent. Cancers and tumors linked to PEGs have included breast, liver, lung, skin, and gallbladder. PEGs are often found in sunscreens, moisturizers, hair gels, body scrubs, shaving cream, and face masks.
- PFOAS, PFC’s and Teflon Chemicals: Animal and human studies have shown that compounds such as PFOAS, PFC’s and Teflon are linked to a host of health issues such as liver damage and degeneration, kidney disease, uterine polyps, damage to the reproductive system, decreased immune function, and cancerous tumors. Personal care products that tend to have some of these compounds include face moisturizers, sunscreen, shaving cream, blush, eyeliners, mascara, and eyeshadow.
Given these toxins and their outlined risks, it is important to take measures to limit exposures and protect yourself. While it may seem daunting, there are steps you can take to keep your exposure to these compounds low. Reading product labels is an essential step, even for products deemed natural or safe.
This will ensure you know what ingredients are in the product and whether any of the ingredients stand out to you as being unsafe. Additionally, following the precaution of avoiding chemicals that have not been proven safe is another good way to protect yourself from toxins in personal care products.
Just because an ingredient or product is not banned does not mean it is good or safe, for at one time compounds like phthalates and Teflon were considered to be okay.
In the instance that a product with an unsafe ingredient or compound must be used, it is best to limit its use as much as possible to minimize harm and toxin exposure (Akamai, 2020). While seemingly tedious, these measures can go a long way to promote your health and safety when it comes to toxins in personal care products.
Take care of yourself and your family and be aware of these toxin chemicals!
Mac Donoe, President
www.6StarLimo.com
(224) 302-6202
References:
Akamai. (2020, February 22). 7 disturbing facts about chemicals in personal care products & how to avoid them. https://www.akamaibasics.com/blogs/learn-more/disturbing-facts-toxic-chemicals-in-personal-care
Wells, K. (2020, May 17). 10 toxic ingredients to avoid in personal care products. Wellness Mama®. https://wellnessmama.com/426233/toxic-ingredients/
Mac Donoe is the President and CEO of https://6StarLimo.com “6 Star Limo Services” mission is to offer our customers fast and easy access with unbeatable prices for limousine and bus chauffeured transportation services in Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin!.