Your Personal Care Products May Be Killing You!
Are you aware of the vast number of carcinogenic chemicals and hormone disruptors in your cosmetics and personal care products? Lotion, shampoo, cologne/perfume, foundation, mascara - these are not innocuous substances folks - quite the opposite! Your skin is a highly absorbent organ responsible for transporting the majority of environmental toxins into your body. Bottom line, everything you put on your face, hair, legs, hands, eyelids, etc... gets into your body!
Here are my tips for choosing healthy personal care products. I've also included my top favourite clean and gorgeous cosmetics.
COMMON COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
The cosmetic industry is poorly regulated and many beauty products contain untested chemicals and toxic ingredients.
When perusing the beauty aisle, ensure you take the time to carefully read the ingredient list. Be wary of claims like "natural" and "gentle" - this is often just a marketing strategy.
A smart and savvy cosmetic consumer should steer clear of products with the following ingredients:
- "Fragrance" - synonymous with containing hundreds of chemicals which may trigger allergies.
- Parabens (propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl) - often found in shampoos and lotions, this is a documented contributor to breast cancer and other hormonal conditions.
- Retinyl palmitate or retinol - found in facial moisturizers and lipsticks, it can increase the risk of skin cancer. Good news - this chemical is banned in Canadian-made cosmetics, so shop local!
- Oxybenzone - Found in sunscreen, this highly absorbent chemical is an overall health hazard. It builds up in your body and is linked to reproductive disturbances.
MY FAVOURITE CLEAN COSMETICS
Burt's Bees Lipstick - top safety rating by the Environmental Working Group, this low toxic product poses almost zero health risks. It also contains castor oil which is highly moisturizing and healing. This product comes in a variety of colours, is available at your local pharmacy, and has an accessible price point.
Coola Suncare Sport Mineral Sunscreen - a zinc-based sunscreen that goes on clear. It also is filled with moisturizing and antioxidant botanicals, and nutrients to nourish and revitalize the skin.
For the kiddies, I prefer Think Sunscreen or Substance Sunscreen.
Evohe Omega 369 Facial Serum - Worth the shipping cost from Australia, this gorgeous serum hydrates and revitalizes your skin like you wouldn't believe. It contains three high-antioxidant oils with no fillers or fragrances. Applying it all over the face after washing feels incredibly nourishing.
Sappho New Paradigm CC Cream - this light mineral foundation provides reasonable coverage and feels light and moisturizing. The best thing about it? The absence of nasty parabens, fragrances, and other common cosmetic chemicals. It's also organic, vegan, and made cruelty-free.
"You don’t need a truckload of personal care products to look and feel your best. Less is more. You can invest in products that amplify your sense of self without damaging your body."
— Dr. Laura Brass
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