What You’re Letting in to Your Skin

Before you even have to think about poisons in the air, water, food, et cetera, there is the issue of getting ready for your day, your morning hygienic routine. You might be surprised by the amount of toxins going on, and subsequently absorbed in, your body before you are even dressed for the day. This short amount of time can be one of the most toxic for your body and most detrimental to your health. A "U.S. News and World Report" article published in 1998 stated, "We look good, we smell good, and we have just exposed ourselves to 200 different chemicals a day, through personal care products."

Over the years, the products you put on and in your body build up poisons that aid in the destruction of your organs and overall health. Many of these toxins are in very small quantities in products, but when they are applied everyday of your life, they are building up in your body and organs. Skin is the largest organ in the human body and absorbs applications directly into the blood stream. You definitely want to eliminate them when and where you can to lower the accumulated levels in your body. There is a simple, proactive measure you can take to free yourself from the dangers of your hygiene and beauty routine.

You must become a label reader. Most products labeled as “natural, organic, herbal…” still contain harmful ingredients. Remember, manufacturers want to sell their products, and they use deceptive marketing and hot words to persuade you to purchase their toxic products. Please understand, they do not care about your health. They are solely motivated by getting you to hand out your money for their deadly merchandise which uses the cheapest products available, regardless of the damage they incur.

Likewise, consumers can not trust A.M.A. or FDA testing because both agencies receive money from chemical manufacturers. Always follow the money trail when the government and big corporations/industries are involved. Over the last 100 years, the rate of cancer in the U.S.A. has increased from 1 out of 800 to 1 out of 3! We do not have total control over all of the contaminants in our food, water, environment, etc., but we can sure try to eliminate some of them if we know what is in the products we are buying and avoid them, make better, more natural choices.

MAIN TOXINS TO LOOK FOR AND TO AVOID

It is not easy to remember all of these scientific, chemical names, so print and keep this information with you as you shop so that you may reference it to check labels for dangerous chemicals. Please note that these toxins are found in women’s, men’s and children’s products.

ALUMINUM:

Found in deodorants. When absorbed on shaved area, it is absorbed directly in to the lymphatic system which is connected to the breasts. May cause breast cancer in men and women. Also builds up in the brain and may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

BHT:

A Toluene substitute, used as a preservative. Found in eye liner, eye shadow, facial moisturizers, lip stick, lip gloss, sunscreen make-up. Affects the brain/nervous system, organ toxicity/damage, allergy/immune system, suspected carcinogen.

*DIOXANE:

A carcinogen. Found in a variety of cleansing products: antiperspirants/deodorants, baby bath products, body wash, bubble bath, mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo, skin creams/moisturizers, and more.

DIOXIN:

Known carcinogen, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune and hormonal systems.

FLUORIDE:

Does more harm than good. It is toxic and was once sold as a rat poison. Found in tap water, toothpaste and mouthwash. A tube of toothpaste with fluoride can kill a small child. That is why there is a poison warning on the tube. May cause bleeding gums, thyroid issues, weak joints, arthritis, allergic reaction, retardation, still birth/miscarriage, birth abnormalities, potential death (There are numerous studies reporting the serious dangers of fluoride).

*PARABENS:

Petroleum based, synthetically created chemicals that include: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and others. Parabens are found in many beauty products that are absorbed through skin and in to the body.

PHENOLCARBOLIC ACID:

Causes coma, death from respiratory problems, circulatory problems, paralysis, convulsions.

*PROPYLENE/ETHYLENE GLYCOL:

An alcohol commonly used in paint, antifreeze, brake fluid, tile grout, sealants, shoe polish, and most beauty products that are absorbed through skin and in to the body. Causes kidney and liver damage.

*SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE:

Used in engine degreasing and auto cleaning products, carpet cleaners, fabric glue. Rapidly absorbed in to the skin. Reacts with other chemicals (such as Dioxin) to become carcinogenic. Causes skin irritation, eye, heart, brain damage, dissolves natural/protective oils on skin. Found in many bubble bath, soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, shaving cream, toothpaste, and more.

TOLUENE:

Causes anemia, liver and kidney damage, blood and nervous systems, respiratory and skin irritation. Found in fragrances. Contains petroleum and coal tar.

*Most common, widely used.

MAIN PRODUCTS/AREAS WHERE TOXINS ARE FOUND

The most rampant harmful chemicals are highlighted and a solution or better option is offered.

IN THE SHOWER:

Water: Common chemicals found in tap water include: fluoride, chlorine, mercury, lead, PCBs, arsenic, MtBE (used as a gasoline additive), DCPA (herbicide), Perchlorate (used in rocket fuel and explosives), Dioxin, HCB (pesticide), DDT (insecticide). Chemicals from tap are easily absorbed into skin. May cause Alzheimer’s, bone cancer, brain damage, jeopardized immune system, lower IQ.

BETTER OPTION: A great investment in your health is to have a water filtration system installed for your whole house. You want the most optimal, pure water going on and in your body.

Soap/Shower gel/Bath oils: Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulfate

BETTER OPTION: Purchase natural soaps without harmful chemicals. Many local shops and farmers’ markets have natural soaps available made by locals.

Make your own soap. There are many methods to making soap and an endless variety of oils, flowers, honey, and herbs that may be incorporated. Numerous websites are dedicated to tutorials on this process.

Shaving cream: Triethanolamine, BHA, Isopentane, Isobutane, Methyl Paraben (causes tumors), Phthalates (has neurotoxins, causes allergies), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

BETTER OPTION: Use a variety of oils (coconut and olive oils work wonderfully), witch hazel, and a few drops of scented oil (peppermint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree …).

Shampoo/Conditioner: Benzaldehyde, Cocoamide DEA,Ethanol,Linalool, Methylene Chloride, Paraben, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, and more. Most of these cause neurological and nerve damage and cancer.

Please note that baby shampoos contain some of the highest amounts of chemicals. Check the labels carefully.

BETTER OPTION: Make your own shampoo with a variety and combination of natural ingredients mixed with water:

Baking soda, Borax, apple cider vinegar, jojoba, tea tree oil, rosemary, sage, lavender, rose petals, marigold petals,..

Make your own conditioner with a variety and combination of natural ingredients mixed with water:

Olive, coconut or other oils. Add a scented oil for fragrance. Work through wet hair.

Deep conditioning: Use mayonnaise and olive, coconut, avocado or other oils, yogurt. Work through hair, wrap with a towel; leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.

TOOTH PASTE: Fluoride, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulfate

Read label ingredients carefully. Many “natural” tooth pastes contain harmful toxins.

BETTER OPTION: Purchase toothpaste without chemical additives.

Make your own toothpaste using all or some of these ingredients:

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a mixing bowl

2. Add a dash of salt (natural mineral salt is best)

3. Add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide (food grade is best, but you may use the drug store kind)

4. Add 1 drop of peppermint oil

5. Add a dash of stevia (more if you want it sweeter)

6. Mix it all up until it becomes paste like. You may have to add more hydrogen peroxide to get the right consistency.

FACE CREAMS/MOISTURIZERS: Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulfate

BETTER OPTION: Coconut oil (unrefined), olive oil, vitamin E oil, shea or cocoa butter, other natural oils.

BODY LOTION: Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulfate

BETTER OPTION: Coconut oil (unrefined), olive oil, vitamin E oil, shea or cocoa butter, other natural oils.

ANTIPERSPIRANT/DEODORANT: Aluminum and aluminum compounds, which have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, brain disorders, respiratory disorders, tumors, and possibly cancer.

Antiperspirants clog the pores at the sweat glands. This is extremely detrimental, as it prohibits toxins in the body from being released.

BETTER OPTION: Purchase a salt crystal without any aluminum compounds.

Make your own. A bonus is that you won’t get yellow stains on your clothes:

1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrow root powder or corn starch
5 tablespoons coconut oil (unrefined retains its microbial properties)

Combine baking soda and arrow root powder/corn starch in a bowl and mix with a fork.

Start with about 4 tablespoons/one-fourth cup of coconut oil and add the coconut oil to the baking soda mixture, working into a paste. The deodorant will have somewhat of a play-dough consistency, and will be softer or harder depending on its temperature.

Note: Once you switch to a natural deodorant, it may take a few weeks for your body to rid built-up toxins/smells. I’ve used only coconut oil on a hot day, and there was no odor.

HAIR PRODUCTS:

Color: Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) [coal tar, petroleum based; affects the throat and lungs], other numerous chemical carcinogens that specifically may cause non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and many chemicals found in pesticides.

Note: The darker the hair dye, the more toxic it is. FYI: Jacqueline Kennedy, a long time dark hair dye user, died of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

BETTER OPTION: Use natural henna leaves (available at Indian grocery or Health/Natural Food stores) or organic hair dyes. Make your own hair tea at home:

Blonde: lemon juice, calendula/marigold, oat straw, and chamomile

Red: Henna leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coffee, beet and carrot juice.

Brunette: Black tea, coffee, black henna, raspberry leaves, sage

Gel/hairspray: There are numerous ingredients in synthetic hair sprays that can be harmful for your health including: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Propylene glycol, Polyvinyl alcohol, Hydroflurocarbon, Denatured alcohol and Carboxylmethylcellulose. All of these ingredients are considered to be toxic or poisonous and can be harmful to your health. Some of the symptoms that are associated with hair spray toxicity or poisoning by way of hair spray include rash, stupor, low blood pressure, burns to the eyes, burning pain in your throat, difficulty with breathing, vision blurring or difficulty seeing, and even coma.

BETTER OPTION: Make your own: Hair Spray

Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

Hair Gel 1/2 to 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

1 cup warm water

Dissolve gelatin in 1 cup warm water. Keep refrigerated and use as you would a purchased gel.

MAKE-UP: Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, Squalane, Triethylhexanoin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl 4 Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG 32, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methicone, Polymethylmethacrylate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Titanium Dioxide, and more!

Purchase natural, organic make-up, without dangerous chemicals.

BETTER OPTION: Make your own: Lip Stain/Blush

Mashed up berries or beets mixed with coconut or olive oil. Use a Q-tip to apply.

NAIL POLISH: Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DPB), and Toluene. These are carcinogens and may cause reproductive/fertility problems.

POLISH REMOVER: Acetone. When inhaled, this chemical enters the blood and is carried to body organs. May cause respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, light-headedness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and increases risk of birth defects.

BETTER OPTION: Purchase organic nail polish and polish remover without harmful chemicals.

PERFUME/BODY SPRAY: 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include many known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

BETTER OPTION:

Make your own fragrance with water, flowers and herbs. Pour into a spray bottle. Use a liberally as you like. It is actually healthful for your skin.

Sample Recipe: 2 cups water

1-2 cups of your preferred herbs and/or flowers

Add water and herbs/flowers to a small sauce pan. Cover pan with a lid and bring to a boil. Once a boil is reached, turn off the heat. With the lid still on, let your mixture sit to release all of the scent essence from the plants into the water. An extra benefit to this process is your home will smell wonderful.

Once your blend has cooled, pour liquid through a strainer and in to a spray bottle (you do not want any bits of plant to clog the sprayer. Discard strainer remains in compost or around the garden.

(Earthy scents: cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, nutmeg, orange peel, pine leaves, rosemary, sage, vanilla)

(Flowery scents: lavender, lilac, calendula/marigold petals, gardenia petals, rose petals)

Be sure to use only non-toxic plants and herbs that are pesticide free. Experiment with your favorite scents to make your own unique blended scent.

FINAL NOTES:

You may alter these recipes to suit your tastes as far as scents are concerned. You can add vanilla/other extracts, herbal/floral essential oils, etc. to your homemade products. Also, there are many online resources to draw further inspiration from.

Keep in mind that you can pay now for better, natural, organic products, or pay later with poor health, medical costs, and even your life. The fact is, if you take a little bit of time to make your own products, you will save a considerable amount of money that you would have paid for toxic products of far worse quality.

FOODS FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR:

Try to consume local, organic, heirloom, non-genetically modified, pesticide-free foods. Big, commercial farming start with genetically modified seeds that have a built-in pesticide in every cell. Eat free-range, hormone free meats and dairy. Avoid using the microwave oven, as it nukes all of the nutrients out of food. Ultimately, eating raw, uncooked fruits and vegetables are the most nutritious. Papayas are an especially nutritive food for skin health due to its particular enzymes. Nuts, seeds, fresh fruits (especially papaya and avocado) and vegetables (particularly dark, leafy greens) with living amino acids, garlic, onions, free-range, grass-fed produce (meat, eggs, milk, butter, cheese, etc.) honey…