Step Nine: How to Choose Natural Hygiene & Skin Care Products

This is the ninth post in a 20-part series about how to detox your body, life and spirit. Make sure to check out the first post in the series, which also lists all 20 steps of the detox program. You can also subscribe to be notified of future posts, and sign up to receive my free 67-page detox e-book.

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READ THE INGREDIENTS

Many consumers are unaware of the toxins in everyday products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and lotions. 

One key to purchasing natural and healthy products is to read the ingredients. Don’t buy the product if:

• There is an ingredient that you don’t know the purpose of
• You can’t pronounce it
• It simply has a straight up chemical name.

I recommend shopping at your local natural and/or organic markets where there is more of a selection of healthy options. (Source)

TOXIC CHEMICALS IN PRODUCTS

Avoid the following chemicals (and anything that relates to these names):

• Parabens: Parabens possess estrogen mimicking properties that are associated with breast cancer. Parabens are mainly found in makeup, body washes, shampoos and conditioner.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): SLS’s are found in 90% of personal care and cleaning products as a foaming agent. They can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity. SLS may denature proteins in the skin, hence exposing deeper layers of skin to irritation. The liver can’t metabolize it, and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting. This means it stays in the body tissues for longer, and your body uses much more precious energy to get rid of it. (Source)
• Phthalates: Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Phthalates are present in a few forms: dibutyl phthalates in nail polish, diethyl phthalates in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalates in hairspray.
• Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP’s) are used in many cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (LARC) has listed this chemical as a carcinogen.
• Fragrances: According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential harmful effects on the reproductive system.

If you enjoyed this post, which is the ninth in a series of 20 detox methods, make sure to check out the first post in the series, which lists all 20 steps. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of future posts, and sign up to receive my free 67-page detox e-book.