There has a been a lot of talk lately about skin care ingredients.
EWG.org is a poisons and environmental “watchdog” that publishes information on what’s in our food, our environment and what’s in our skin care. They do great work and put tons of pressure on big corporations to clean up their act. And on the government to make changes to legislation that forces big business to stop using chemicals that are harming us. Such as Monsanto with Glyphosate, which is now proving to be questionable at best. Lots of lawsuits happening right now. Glyphosate, is an agricultural herbicide (Roundup) which is finding its way into food, including those branded “organic”.
But let’s talk about skin care for a minute!
There are so many commonly used ingredients now that are proving to be harmful. Even carcinogenic and endocrine system disruptors. The sad thing is that so many people (women and men) are totally unaware. But that is changing and is gaining momentum.
There are an increasing number of companies now that are ceasing to use certain ingredients. But it’s usually not by choice, but by public pressure and changing demand from users. Buyers are getting smarter and better educated. And asking questions!
These are some of the ingredients you definitely want to avoid:
BPA, Triclosan, dimethicone, silicone, PABA, Formaldehyde, Benzoyl Peroxide, Parabens, Mineral oil, Urea, Hydroquinone, Retinal, Petrolatum, Benzophenone, phthalates, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, colors or flavors, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Hydroxy, Mercury, Retinyl Palmitate, Ethanolamines, Triethanolamine, GMO’s, known carcinogens, synthetic fragrances, talc, flour or other fillers, Triclosan, animal products or by products, Benzene, Bisphenol-a.
I have seen items on the supermarket shelves that are touted to be “dermatologist approved” that are loaded with multiple varieties of Parabens, for example. So those endorsements should be taken with a grain of salt.
People ask “does our skin really absorb things into our blood stream”. Yes! Think nicotine patches! But absorption of chemicals through your skin depends on several factors such as temperature, concentration of the chemical, time exposed, and which part of your body is exposed.
Deborah Burnes author of “Look Great Live Green” was quoted as saying “Since we know without debate that some chemicals can and do enter your bloodstream through topical application, you're better off doing your best to avoid all known harmful chemicals on the chance they are entering your bloodstream”.
Did you know that over the past fifteen years, more than 10,000 Americans were tested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) to assess their “chemical body burden.” The results were shocking. Even people living in far flung areas were found to have hundreds of man-made chemicals in their bloodstream. Even worse, exposure begins before we are born. An astonishing 287 toxic chemical were detected in the umbilical blood of newborn babies.
You really need to consider carefully, now, about what you are putting on your body. If you don’t you may pay a high price sometime down the track.
I think a good question to ask yourself before you apply any skin care product to yourself is “would I put this product on my baby?” If, after looking at the ingredient label, the answer is “no” then why on earth would you put it on yourself!
I am on a crusade to educate skin care users to change their habits and use only products that have no harmful ingredients. They are out there, they are great quality and they are increasing in number. There is simply no reason now to resort to using any product with any toxic ingredients.
Our line, Australiana Botanicals, is all plant based: pure, natural and safe. By the way, be a little wary when manufacturers claim “all natural”. This is often intentionally used to disguise. There are lots of things that are “natural” that are very harmful. But it sounds good, right? Don’t be fooled. There is no substitute for being educated on what to avoid and taking the time to read the labels. And don’t forget, last of all, to ask the question……. “would I put this on my baby?”
Bye for now.
David Malpas
Founder
Australiana Botanicals Inc.