Beauty Products

[Katie Wilson]

We've all heard it: beauty is more than just skin deep. A person will lather, massage, and spray 10 or more substances on his or her body on any given day. Skin acts as a sponge rather than a barrier.

In reality, we are exposed to around 130 chemicals daily. Although cosmetics companies and the FDA claim that these chemicals are safe, the quantities we are exposed to are not.

Although most people only use a few items each day, the cumulative quantities of exposure pile up over time. We don't know how particular chemicals affect the human body over time, or how the mixture of various chemicals affects the human body. Several chemicals are known to be hazardous, including phthalates, which are prevalent in perfumes and have been related to birth abnormalities, sperm damage, and infertility.

Your skin is the biggest organ in your body, alongside the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain. It shields you from the environment and interacts with it. Detoxification is one of the most critical functions of the skin.

Make Your Skincare Regime More Eco-Friendly

We can enjoy learning how to go green with our skincare regimen now that we realize how detrimental the chemicals contained in beauty products are. These are some steps that we advocate.

Simplify

At best, advertising is flawed. Don't believe the claims of firms that promise anti-aging treatments. Simply use a basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Check to see if the term "natural" is indeed natural.

Keep an eye out for product labeling. Just because something claims it's natural doesn't imply it is. The Environmental Working Group's Skin-Deep Cosmetics Database is a useful resource. It assigns evaluations and danger rankings to popular cosmetics and personal-care items.

Understand the Distinction Between Naturally Derived and Naturally Occurring

There is a significant difference here. Natural ingredients can nevertheless be chemically modified, effectively defeating the purpose. While shopping, be certain that the items include natural components rather than organically produced compounds.

Avoid scented products.

Companies can avoid reporting hundreds of harmful chemicals that a single scent blend may include due to legal loopholes. Phthalates are commonly found in artificial scents and can cause allergic responses and asthma episodes.

Choose non-toxic, recyclable packaging.

Because glass containers are recyclable, there is no risk of contaminants leaking into the product. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycling code #1, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), recycling code #2, are regarded safe for plastics; nevertheless, polycarbonate (#7) can leach the endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A, and BPA, into its contents.