With statistics such as the ones I’m about to share, it’s a no brainer to me that body care products are another aspect of my daily life that I need to keep as clean as possible.
According to the Environmental Working Group, a trusted source I seek data from on a regular basis, “Women use an average of 12 products a day, containing 168 different chemicals. Men use fewer products, but still put 85 chemicals on their bodies. Teens on average use 17 personal care products a day, according to the group, which tested 20 teens’ blood and urine seven years ago to find out which chemicals from these products were ending up in their bodies. They said they found 16 hormone-altering chemicals, including parabens and phalates.” (source)
80 percent of ingredients in beauty products have never been tested for safety (chemicals linked to breast cancer, learning disabilities, infertility, and other health issues are allowed in the products we use every day). (source: Beautycounter)
1400 ingredients are banned or restricted from personal care products in the European Union. 600 ingredients are banned or restricted from personal care products in Canada. YET only 300 face the same stringency in the United States. (source: Beautycounter)
According to Breastcancer.org, 85 percent of breast cancer occurs in women who have no family history of breast cancer? It’s time to take a look at environmental factors, starting with what you put on your face and body every day.
Harmful Ingredients in Personal Care Products
According to the EWG, the following ingredients are among the next 12 that should be removed from cosmetics according to the Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act:
- Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.
- Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.
- Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
- Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
The Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act was signed into law in California in September 2020 and bans 24 harmful ingredients that are already banned in the EU. This is a step in the right direction, if only it would become nationwide.
Uncovering These Toxicities in Your Body
On a daily basis, we see chemical toxicity of some sort or another in our Nutrition Response Testing clients. Toxicity such as these may manifest in physical ways such as headaches, acne and other skin issues, digestive disturbances, and more. From dry cleaning fluid to food dyes and from medications to personal care products and cosmetics — once we identify what the body is struggling with, my job is to then find out where they’re using these products in their daily lives and educate them on how to transition into something safer.
When making lifestyle modifications like this, my clients often ask me for recommendations for alternatives. My favorite personal care product go-tos are Beautycounter and Young Living as direct sale online resources. Local here in Minnesota, I love to use Modern Roots products (specifically their cashmere rose body lotion and their array of hand soaps, candles, and room sprays).
2 Easy DIY Detox Ideas
Weekly Epsom salt baths — Mix 5 – 6 drops of your favorite relaxing essential oil such as Young Living Stress Away, Peace & Calming, or Lavender into your bath water with 1 cup Epsom salts and soak for 20 minutes.
Dry brushing — Good for increasing blood circulation and also for increasing lymph flow. It leaves your nervous system feeling energized and refreshed and unblocks pores as an exfoliation process. This is recommended minimally once every 2 weeks up to 1 – 2x/week depending upon how sensitive your skin is.
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