Our skin is our
largest organ where the typical human body contains epidermis. All that skin
plays a key role in our wellbeing because it serves as a protective barrier,
helps to maintain stable body temperature and allows us the sense of touch. The
skin acts as a passageway from the outside world into the bloodstream, so what
we put on our skin can be absorbed by the body and enter our blood. Our skin
can absorb up to 55-60% of what we slather onto it and the sensitive areas
around our faces and armpits can absorb two to six times as much as other areas
of the body. Cosmetic products usually penetrate the skin and it’s estimated
that most of the makeup products that people use are absorbed in the skin and
deposited into the circulatory system. If the makeup is rich in toxins, then it
can cause irritation and other side effects. Every harsh product you use,
eventually finds its way down the drain where it enters the environment and can
pollute our rivers, streams and wildlife. So not only using a toxin free
skincare is good for you, but also it is better for the environment too. Toxic
ingredients can affect ecosystems, whereas natural ingredients simply return to
the earth where they came from in the first place.
Researchers at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) find that many people absorb
these toxic ingredients in their skin. Here are a few common ones:
Phthalates
These are linked to
breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes as well as birth defects in male fetuses and
early menopause in women. This toxic ingredient is commonly found in nail
polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos and fragrances.
Parabens
The CDC found widespread
exposure to parabens, although they argue measurable amounts don’t imply
parabens cause adverse health effects. According to studies, the main concern
with parabens in cosmetics is the potential of some to act like hormones and estrogens.
This toxic ingredient is commonly found in makeup, moisturizers, hair care
products, and shaving products.
Sodium lauryl sulfate
(SLS)
SLS creates foaming
or lather in products. The EWG classifies SLS as an environmental toxin with strong
evidence that it can irritate skin. This toxic ingredient is commonly found in
makeup, toothpaste, hair care products, and beauty creams, among other
products.
Triphenyl phosphate
(TPhP)
TPHP makes nail polish
resist chipping. One study found that TPhP disrupts carbohydrate metabolism,
lipid metabolism and DNA damage repair. This toxic ingredient is commonly found
in nail polish and nail treatments.
Titanium dioxide
According to
cosmetics researchers, titanium dioxide was listed as a potential human
carcinogen. Over 70-80 percent of all products reported contain titanium
dioxide. This toxic ingredient is commonly found in makeups, sunscreens
lotions, soaps and beauty creams among other products.
Avoiding toxic
ingredients in cosmetics requires reading labels, choosing ethical brands and
becoming proactive about what beauty products you put on your skin. Always read
and get a toxin free skincare products, since you know exactly what that
product goes into your skin. Aim for toxin free skincare products from companies
that are proven to be toxin free and safe. Reducing toxin exposure and all its
potential repercussions ultimately goes beyond cosmetics. What you eat and how
you live can significantly impact your body’s toxic burden too.
