There is an assumption made that the chemicals within products on our supermarket shelves are kept to a minimum and are safe to use. Unfortunately with the sheer amount of products we are applying directly to our bodies, this build-up is adversely affecting our health. A 2017 study found that the average woman is exposed to over 200 chemicals per day before she even leaves the house.[1]

What we put on our skin and on our bodies every day adds up, so it is important to know what’s in your products.

The use of many of these substances is allowed within certain limits, due to their toxicity at higher concentrations. Unfortunately, these chemicals are not tested in isolation or together. When you add a few chemical compounds together they act differently and more often than not, become more toxic.

So let’s discuss some of these ingredients and the reasons why you want to avoid them.

FRAGRANCE –

The term fragrance or parfum on a cosmetic ingredients list usually represents a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Some 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances. [1] Scan the labels of the products in your cupboard and you are bound to see ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ - it’s in scented candles, air freshener, body wash, perfumes. It’s important to mention that fragrance is also found in laundry detergents and fabric softeners. If we use these products, we are exposed to a chemical cocktail both on our skin and in the air, all day every day.

 

PRESERVATIVES –

These ingredients are used to preserve the shelf life of cosmetics and personal care products. Many products do not even declare that they contain preservatives. The most commonly used preservatives are parabens, which are easily absorbed into the body and are known endocrine disruptors. This means they can mimic estrogen. Parabens have been linked to reproductive issues in men and women, estrogen dominant cancers such as breast cancer and can interfere with nervous system function and immunity. [2]

 

PHTHYLATES –

Exposure to phthylates is a daily occurrence. You will find phthylates in cosmetics, nail polish, perfumes, detergents, plastics and food packaging to name a few. Phthylates are known carcinogens and are directly linked to cancer. According to a study by Harvard, exposure to phthylates can increase the risk of miscarriage and gestational diabetes.[3] In infants and children, phthalates have been linked to allergies, male genital deformities, premature puberty, eczema, asthma, lowered IQ and ADHD.[4]

 

A study was undertaken to determine the presence of potentially dangerous substances in cosmetic products, which can cause adverse health effects. Fragrances were present in 52.3% of the examined products. Preservatives showed a rate of 60%. The other chemicals of concern were detected in 58% of products; included PEGs (62.3%), acrylate copolymer (34%), petrolatum (17.2%), polysorbates (14,8%), BHT (14.7%), ethylhextyl methoxycinnamate (13.6%), benzophenone-1 (3.7%), benzophenone-3 (4.9%), BHA (1.6%), cocamide DEA and toluene (1.2%).[5]

 

Take a look at the ingredients in your shampoo and you might be alarmed to find a number of these chemicals (that can barely be pronounced). If you are ready to make some changes, here’s my easy 3-step process to get you thinking about going low tox.

 

WHERE DO I START?

Here’s what I suggest to my patients who are wanting to clean up their routine, their homes and remove the toxic chemicals from their lives. 

 

1. DETOX the products that go directly onto your skin

Look at this process as a journey to minimise your consumption of products, strip back your regime and only use the things that are essential. Seek out non-toxic skincare, deodorant, makeup, lip balm and toothpaste.

 

2. DETOX the products you use daily

Start from the laundry and work your way through the kitchen, cleaning cupboard and bathroom. Take a look at the products you are currently using such as laundry powder, dishwashing detergent, hand soap, shampoo & conditioner and personal care products including sanitary items.

 

3. DETOX your environment

Keeping the atmosphere clean and green to get the best out of YOU. Some ideas to reduce your toxic load in the home include installing a water filter in your kitchen or a benchtop filter to remove contaminants from our tap water.

Use non-toxic cleaning products, remove fragranced candles (diffuse essential oils instead) and air fresheners, open the windows for fresh air, ditch plastic containers and use glass instead.

Reduce your EMF (electro magnetic field) exposure. Constant exposure over a long period of time (such as when sleeping) is when problems are likely to arise. By simply distancing yourself from EMF you will reduce your exposure to it by 75%. Its the cheapest, simplest and most effective advice I can give. Keep appliances at least one metre away from areas where you spend time such as the bed, favourite couch, work desk.

 

This information can be overwhelming and quite scary.  It’s OK to feel that, but once you have moved past that feeling – its time to take action! I’m not suggesting you throw out everything you have in the house, but as your products run out, replace them with a non-toxic alternative – make healthy swaps. Below are just a few resources you can use to seek out alternatives to the products you are using. If you have any questions or would like more help in this area, please contact me or book an appointment.

 

Environmental Working Group – Skin Deep this app allows you to search millions of products for nasties and check individual ingredients.

Young Living – the world leaders in essential oils, Young Living have a range of personal care products and household cleaning products that are non-toxic, chemical-free and environmentally friendly. I use these products exclusively because of the unparalleled quality. Find out more here

Nourished Life – an online store offering organic skincare, makeup, hair care and more.

Ecostore – cleaning products, washing powder, shampoo + conditioner, hand soaps.

 

 

 

References

[1] https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-parfum-fragrance/

[2] Nowak K, Ratajczak-Wrona W, Górska M, Jabłońska E. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018;474:238‐251. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014

[3] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/phthalates-exposure-pregnancy-loss-gestational-diabetes/

[4] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-08/documents/phthalates_updates_live_file_508_0.pdf

[5] Panico A, Serio F, Bagordo F, et al. Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. J Prev Med Hyg. 2019;60(1):E50‐E57. Published 2019 Mar 29. doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.1.1080

[1] https://www.skinstore.com/blog/skincare/womens-face-worth-survey-2017/