As much as we try to avoid them, chemicals and toxins are everywhere. They are in our offices, our homes, even in the beauty products we use. So how do you get away from them to live a healthier life? First of all, pay attention to what’s IN the products you’re using. Reading labels and educating yourself is a big step.
If you like any of the products here….you can order them here.
With the help of the internet and watch groups like the Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/), you can find much more information than was previously available. Here are six products you can easily switch out in your home to make a big difference.
Most sunscreens use (chemical sunscreen):
Oxybenzone - Acts like estrogen in the body; alters sperm production in animals; associated with endometriosis in women.
Octinoxate-Hormone-like activity; reproductive system, thyroid and behavioral alterations in animal studies
Both ingredients do penetrate the skin, have significant adverse side effects, and are known carcinogens.
Check out this site for more into:
http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
The natural alternative mineral sunscreens use ingredients like:
Nonnano zinc oxide and titanium- Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection. It is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than titanium oxide or any other sunscreen chemical approved in the U.S. (Schlossman 2005).
Deodorant - possible toxic ingredients with limited data aluminum, BHT, and dimethicone - http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/469429/Dove_Clinical_Protection_Antiperspirant_%26_Deodorant_Solid%2C_Rebalance_Plum_%26_Sakura_Blossom/
It’s alternative uses edible ingredients for antipersperant such as arrow root powder and non aluminum baking soda. It uses peppermint and tea tree for scent instead of “fragrance” and it uses coconut oil and shea butter for chaffing.
Perhaps the most substantial and tangible differences between organic products and non-organic products lie in the various substances used in non-organic food production that are not in organics. Under the NOP, the use of certain modification methods, pesticides and other synthetic substances on food plants, as well as the use of food additives, fortifiers and substances that may be used as processing aids in organic products, are strictly limited to legislation-identified methods, substances and uses (see exceptions here: Substances and methods list). - http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/08/organic-vs-non-organic-whats-the-difference/#.VXY8TlxViko
Also look for words like “flavor” About FLAVOR: Flavor is a term used by cosmetic manufacturers for substances or combination of substances added to a cosmetic product to produce or to mask a particular flavor. -http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706782/FLAVOR/
Lotions - glycerin - Glycerin (also called glycerol) is a naturally occurring alcohol compound and a component of many lipids. Glycerin may be of animal or vegetable origin. This ingredient is listed in the PETA’s Caring Consumer guide as a byproduct of soap manufacture which typically uses animal fat. (ewg.org) It’s purpose is to…Denaturant; Fragrance Ingredient; Hair Conditioning Agent; Humectant; Oral Care Agent;Oral Health Care Drug; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Humectant; Skin Protectant; Viscosity Decreasing Agent; PERFUMING; SOLVENT
Since it is alcohol based it ends up drying out the skin instead of moisturizing it.
Since it is alcohol based it ends up drying out the skin instead of moisturizing it.
It’s alternative natural oils like avacado and sunflower seed oil help to moisturize while pure essential oils provide natural occurring scents. Which are less likely to cause allergies in users.
Label reading and understanding the ingredients that make up our everyday products is an ongoing learning practice. As consumers we have the power to expect safe, effective, quality products for our families. As more of us educate ourselves about product ingredients the more empowered we become to educate others while maintaining a healthy lifestyle for our own families.
