the hidden danger in beauty

in a recent issue of yoga journal i read a long and eye opening article on beauty products. the article addressed the fact that though banned in the EU, thousands of chemicals known to cause cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects are still used in beauty products sold in the US. it goes on to say that the average woman uses about 12 beauty related products a day (from lotion to toothpaste)…and exposes herself to over 168 chemicals through the use of these products. (men you probably use less…but you do use some products.) even the all natural products, things like aveda for example, are far from free of these toxic chemicals. it killed me to read. especially now, as i carry another being in my body, i realize more and more the need to clean up my act. to be more careful about the foods i eat, the water i drink, and yes, even the products i use. there is a great database to search for safe products. here is the link… i don't want to be alarmist. the article notes that people with weakened immune systems (due to cancer for example) are often especially sensitive to these chemical additives…but just because you aren't reacting violently to a product doesn't mean it is good for you or safe. it is just something to think about.

i did buy the aubrey organics shampoo…and wasn't blown away. next time i'll try another one of the list. though i don't love the new shampoo, it does feel good to know my shampoo is chemical free (they even say you can eat it…it is so natural. thanks, but i'll stick to eggs and cheese for dinner tonight.).

here is the short list of worst offenders. see how many of your products contain these:

phthalates (or indredients with this word in the name..for example dibutylphthalate (DBP)): linked to fertility probelms and abnormal genital development in infant boys whose mother were exposed during pregnancy.

Parabens (again look for this as part of a larger word like methylparabens): mimics estrogen in the body and has been linked to breast cancer and birth defects. parabens have been found in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.

petrolatum/ pertroleum jelly: considered a probably human carcinogen (in the EU but not in the US). again this chemical is found in high levels in the tissues of women with breast cancer.

it all makes me mad…that any company would use these ingredients when they are linked to such awful things. cost dominates…these ingredients are cheap and make products last and last. in this world we each need to take care of ourselves…look out for ourselves (and those we love)…because the government isn't going to do it for you. cynical maybe…but be safe…take care. i think a little label reading is worth it…at least on my end.