Its estimated that only 20% of ingredients in cosmetics have been tested for their safety…
From the moment we wake up we are using harmful chemicals that are being absorbed into our bodies. Everything from toothpaste, to hand soap, shower gel, body lotion, moisturizer, shaving cream, deodorant and perfume. It is scary to think about how many harsh chemicals we are applying to our skin every day.
To stay healthy many people take supplements and follow a strict diet choosing organic food and drinking clean water , but they will use chemicals on their skin throughout the day that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Once these chemicals enter the bloodstream they disrupt normal hormonal function and have toxic effects throughout the body. Some experts believe that the chemicals that are absorbed through the skin are more dangerous then the those ingested.
Chemical Absorption into the Skin
When we eat food that contains toxins our body flushes them out of our system via the liver and kidneys where enzymes can break them down. Eating protects you to some degree as the digestion provides detoxification pathways. Chemicals that are absorbed through the skin enter our blood stream and bypass the liver, and digestive system. That means they aren’t broken down or flushed out of our system. They can build up in our body and become stored in our bodies fat and brain.
Interesting Fact: When we put a fat dissolvable substance on the skin or scalp, it will absorb 10 times faster than when it is eaten.
The 12 most toxic chemicals that need to be avoided in skin care products are known as the ‘Dirty Dozen’. The Dirty Dozen are estrogen mimickers. This means that once they have entered the blood stream after being applied to the skin they appear as estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a good thing in our bodies but when we have an excess of it that is when it can cause many health issues. Too much estrogen can cause early onset of puberty in both boys and girls, reproductive and infertility issues, anxiety, depression and weight gain. To read more about the Dirty Dozen download our Free ebook here. Click To View
Here are other ingredients to avoid when choosing a natural skin care:
- Triclosan
- Triclocarban
- Methylisothiazlinone
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Formaldehyde releasing preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Diaxolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl, methenamine or Quarternium-15)
- Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Talc
- Any word that ends in ‘PARABEN’
- Phthalates
- Artificial Fragrance
- Toluene
- Mineral Oil, Parafin and Petrolatum
- SLS & SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
We need to be aware of the different levels of exposure we are getting from certain products. If we are using a face cleanser every day that is left on for a short amount of time you will be getting less exposure to chemicals than if you are covering your body in a moisturizer every day and letting it absorb into your skin. If you are using certain skin care products regularly make sure these contain no harmful chemicals.
We also need to be aware of household cleaning products such as washing detergents many contain chemicals that become trapped in our clothing and bedding. These chemicals rub onto our skin from our clothing and bed sheets.
Just like we feed our body with nourishing food we also need to feed our skin with ingredients that will heal and protect our bodies largest organ, not brake it dow. So if you are confused about your skin care, come to The Laser Image Company, your place for treatment and education.
