Now let me begin this post by saying that my views on these American industries and the products they produce are (mostly) not new ones. I've just been once again reminded of the truth since reading Skin Cleanse by Adina Grigore, and I'm making the decision to do something about it. If the information in this post interests you, I would strongly encourage you to check out her book! (Literally, if you find it at the library like I did :)
About a year ago, I worked at a hair salon downtown as a receptionist. This woman didn't carry brands that you would see in most beauty shops such as Redken, Big Sexy Hair, Paul Mitchell, etc. She was really big on a brand called ColourProof, but also sold a few other ones I hadn't ever really heard of. I didn't really question it because I was mostly there to pick up the phone and clean. I later found out that the reason for her choice in products was the ingredients in them. I had never really thought of it.
It was during those months working there that I had first ever heard the word paraben. Maybe you have, but don't know what it is or why it can be harmful to you.
Let me just take a second to chime in that the beauty industry is technically under supervision of the FDA, but it is basically almost entirely unregulated. Do some reasearch, or read more about it in Skin Cleanse. I find that a little unsettling.
Parabens are chemicals that many brands in the beauty industry put in their products to kill bacteria and prevent it from growing. Sounds like a good thing. If you look at the ingredient list for your deodorant, makeup, or skincare products, you may find the words methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben. If you don't, I'm sure the word "fragarance" is found. Really specific, right?
When you apply that deodorant or facial cream, the product and all of the chemical ingredients that it is made of don't just sit on your skin. They are absorbed into your pores and then into your blood stream and into your body.
The reason they are harmful is because they are one suspected cause of Breast Cancer. Parabens have been found in cancerous tumors on the breast, and researchers believe there is a link. I just recently learned from this Good Human Article that a reason parabens are dangerous in our bodies is because they are xenoestrogens, and therefore mimic the real thing, oestrogen, in the body. They're artificial and unnatural.
Most beauty products, especially those of the most popular brands, are filling their products with these and other things, such as: formaldehyde (a classified carcinogen), polyethylene/PE/phthalates (plastic), petroleum (think petroleum jelly, but it is linked to kidney and liver abnormality and damaged cell membranes), asbestos (another carcinogen), and lead/lead acetate (do a little research on the lead paints Queen Elizabeth used and how it leads to infertility, seizures, and can be fatal if consumed topically over time). I learned about these other commonly used ingredients in Skin Cleanse accredit the information to the author. The scary thing is that you may not even notice any immediate side effects, but absorbing these ingredients into your blood system every single day (think about how many products you use, including soaps, lotions, makeup, etc.) over a long extended period of time could have some harmful effects.
If you're new to the concept of avoiding these and other harmful chemicals, you may think that it's going to be extremely difficult and expensive, but it's really not! Target sells some organic/natural brands that are safe to use and at reasonable costs, including:
1. S-W Basics, created by the author of Skin Cleanse and has 5 Ingredients or less!
2. Carol's Daughter, a brand which I was just browsing last night at Target. I'm pretty sure the next time I need shampoo or conditioner, I'm going to try this brand.
3. EDEN Body Works
4. SheaMoisture
5. Tom's of Maine, this is a link to their ladies' deodorant, which I now use.
5. And more natural haircare, the page on the Target website for all paraben and other harmful-chemical free products
It doesn't get any more easily-accessible than Target! Rule of thumb is that if it doesn't state on label that it is paraben-free, it probably isn't. Be sure, however, to still read the ingredient list carefully and know what you are putting in your body.
If you're like me, you probably have a ton of products in your home that you use that have parabens, and to go buy new face wash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and all other hair and skincare products would be crazy expensive. Just start with one thing at a time, or try making your own! Search on Pinterest for "DIY toner" or whatever other product you need and you'll be surprised to see how easy it can be. You probably already have most of the ingredients you need in your kitchen!
It all begins with being informed, but the choice is yours!
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