Personal care products and our health
Do you know what's in the personal care products you use daily?
When I went through my 2nd topical steroid withdrawal in 2014, I switched my cosmetics to toxic-free products.
I learned my lesson the hard way when I unknowingly used a cream that had steroids as a hidden ingredient. My lesson from the experience was not only the importance of reading the ingredient list (in my case, the steroid was not listed so there was no way of knowing) but also doing research on the companies. Their philosophies, where they source the ingredients etc. I now only buy products from companies that make all the details transparent to the users.
There are studies that show the connection between personal care products and the presence of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the body which can have long-term health effects. While other countries have banned hundreds of ingredients in personal care products, in the US, FDA has banned only 11 ingredients. So it's even more crucial to take time to read the list of ingredients to protect ourselves (and our loved ones) from unnecessary exposures to toxins.
I do have a hard time remembering all the names of the chemicals that I should avoid so my rule of thumb is to never buy things that have unpronounceable ingredients. And when the ingredients are endless, I simply don't even consider using them because I know they are unnecessary.
The following are known to cause endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive harm, allergies, organ toxicity, and irritation.
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS, SLES)
- Polyethylene glycol (PEGs)
- DEA/TEA/MEA(Ethanolamines)
- Oxybenzone
- Triclosan
- Fragrance
The products in the picture are what I use daily to get ready. Of course, clean ingredients are a top priority but the company's social responsibility is something I also care about. I make sure the products are cruelty-free, the company has a sustainable practice, and gives back to the community.
Cosmetics should not be used as the main source of healthy skin. Always remember that what's happening on the inside of our bodies is more important. Let's not jeopardize our health with products we put on our skin.