As I started to learn about toxins in naturopathy and I started to read some of the ingredients in my skin care. I was shocked to discover that many of these ingredients not only enhanced aging but also contained carcinogens. As I examined more and more of the products in my house, I realised that my routine would need a massive overhaul if I wanted to prevent a build up of toxins that were damaging to my body.
Over a week I gradually removed all the toxic products from my household, including harsh chemical cleaners. I then gradually replaced these products with more natural products. In this post I am going to walk you through how to detoxify the beauty products in your home for a more natural lifestyle.
So what are these chemicals?
Formaldehyde - causes fatigue, dermatitis and headaches and is a known carcinogen. Watch out for this in body wash, nail polish, and cleansers.
Parabens (Ethyl, Butyl, Propyl and Methyl) - endocrine disruptors - mimic oestrogen in the human body causing hormone excess. This can all sorts of adverse effects including mood swings, fatigue, and fluctuations in weight or blood glucose. Watch out for these in deodorants, body washes, and makeup.
Mineral Oil - is found in most body moisturisers and clogs pores to prevent toxin elimination.
Phlalates - also disrupt hormones in the body - present in perfumes, hairspray and nail polish
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Sodium Laureth Sulphate - anything that foams contains SLS including shampoo, body washes and bubble bath. It strips skin of natural oils causing irritation and allergic reactions, dermatitis and eczema.
Phenoxyethanol and Butoxyethanol - can be found hair sprays, lacquers and enamels. Causes dermatitis, liver and kidney damage, neurotoxicity and worsening of eczema.
Toluene - made from petroleum products and commonly found in nail polish and nail polish remover. Causes nausea, skin irritation and respiratory issues. Petroleum products are usually contaminated with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's)
Synthetic colours - contain heavy metal salts which deposit toxins onto and irritate skin.
Synthetic fragrances - can consist of over 4, 000 separate chemicals. Cause dermatitis, allergies and respiratory issues.
Propylene Glycol (PG) - another petroleum derived product associated with skin irritation, dermatitis and hives.
Dioxins - high in carcinogens and easily absorbed in the skin causing hormone disruption and damage to the immune system.
Urea (diazolindyl urea, imidazolindyl urea) - releases formadehyde causing symptoms associated such as headaches and dermatitis.
Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) - form nitrosamines (carcinogens) by binding with other chemicals.
Hydroquinone - commonly found in moisturises and skin lighteners. Is a potent carcinogen and causes skin irritation, liver and nervous system damage.
Oxybenzone - another hormone disrupter to be avoided.
Benzophenone - commonly used in perfumes and other beauty products. Builds up in the liver, blood and kidneys and damages liver cells.
Aluminium - commonly found in deodorants is a heavy metal and can cause toxicity symptoms such as confusion, weakness, seizures, slow growth and fractures.
Isoparaffin - commonly found in over the counter balms not recommended by dermatologists as can clog pores and could be toxic to skin.
Nanoparticles - may be absorbed through skin into the body causing damage to cells
Chromium Hydroxide Green - contains heavy metals which can be damaging to skin and nervous system.
Chlorine - is carcinogenic and toxic to humans. It is used to disinfect drinking water, perfumes, deodorants, and on feminine hygiene products.
Ammonia - a highly toxic carcinogen commonly used in many cleaning agents in the home.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - found in fabric softeners, disinfectant sprays and wipes. Interfere with hormones, cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
Paraphenylenediamine - causes skin irritation and dermatitis.
Carbon Black - uses the combustion of hydrocarbons to add colour to products and is a known carcinogen.
Talcum powder - breathing in and repeated exposure can result in respiratory issues and cancer.
Removing these products may feel daunting at first. If you tackle it one day at a time one type of product at a time it will be an easier process. If you absolutely can't live without that lipstick or face cream I recommend checking out Nourished Life, where you can get a lot of toxin free beauty products, cleaning products and everything else for the home.
How to simplify your skincare routine to reduce toxin exposure
Face cleanser - use an oil that is close to the natural oils of the skin on our face. Great options include: jojoba oil, olive oil, argan oil, or sweet almond oil. If your skin is naturally oily try using one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water or rosehip seed oil to wash with.
Toner - rose water, witch hazel, green tea or aloe vera all make great toners.
Cream - use coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter.
Face serums can be made using 4 tablespoons of any of the above oils and 20 drops of essential oils (frankincense, geranium, orange, lemon lime, cypress, vetiver, patchouli, lavender, cedarwood, myrrh, sandalwood, chamomile, ylang ylang, etc)
I hope that helps you to reduce your toxin exposure. If you are concerned about reducing toxins, eliminating toxins or want any further tips please feel free to contact me or a book a naturopathy appointment.
Naturopathy can assist you naturally with detoxification and elimination of chemicals via the liver, kidneys, lungs and bowel with herbs and nutrients.
Love and light,
Branwen
References
Comments