Skin & Hair Care

Cosmetic manufacturers are not required to only use materials that have been tested for safety or to disclose all ingredients used in a product. They can use any raw material as an ingredient without approval from the FDA.

Therefore, it is up to us to become educated so that we can avoid the thousands of harmful chemicals used in personal care products. Most consumers assume that Skin & Hair Care products for sale in the market are safe, but they most often contain chemicals that are neurotoxic, carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, plasticizers, reproductive toxins, and pesticides/fungicides/mildewicides.

For example, there are thousands of xenoestrogenic chemicals (estrogen disrupters) alone found in cosmetics and personal care products. These estrogen disrupters are carcinogenic and can severely damage and alter multiple functions of the body as well as mimic the fat-storing effects of natural estrogen in the body. Xenoestrogens trigger fat cells to generate non-stop inflammation and it is very difficult to lose weight unless you detoxify your body of xenoestrogens.

The lack of standard and labeling loopholes do not warn consumers of these and other possible dangers. In a report to a House subcommittee in May of 2008, Jane Houlihan, the director of research for the Environmental Working Group stated that personal care products are the biggest source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals. The sad thing is that our exposure is due to lack of knowledge, which is why we must become educated to protect our families and ourselves so that we can choose safe products.

It is important to realize that when you put a lotion or cream on the skin or use a shampoo the ingredients don’t just sit on top of the skin, but that the ingredients penetrate and enter the tissues and blood stream. In fact, if a woman is pregnant the fetus will be exposed to any of these chemicals that the mother applies to her skin since her blood nourishes the growing fetus.

A recent study by the University of Rochester Medical Center showed a link to the feminization of male babies with diethyl phthalates, a common fragrance component in personal care products. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency, in a 326-page report, showed that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals found in personal care products and in the environment are feminizing male children and reducing sperm counts in developed countries around the world. Major studies by the University of Aberdeen in conjunction with other universities around the world reported in May, 2008 that the developing female fetus exposed to chemicals in the womb is more likely to have consequences for reproductive development, reduced fertility, increased risk of breast cancer, poorer general health, and an earlier onset of menopause.

Dr. Phillip J. Landrigan, professor of pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine stated, “If babies are exposed in the womb or shortly after birth to chemicals that interfere with brain development, the consequences last a lifetime.” We owe it not only to ourselves, but also to our unborn children to make sure that what we put on our body contributes to health rather than disease and suffering.

Ideally, Three Branches recommends the use of body care products that contain only naturally occurring botanicals with no synthetic ingredients such as fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or additives.

Here are a few brands that meet our criteria for safe and healthy products in terms of ingredients (This is by no means an exhaustive list.):

Aubrey Organics

Weleda

Dr. Hauschka

Genoma Skin Care by D’Adamo

Premier Research Labs

Note: The chemically sensitive must use completely non-toxic, unscented products.

Our criterion for any material or product is always based on the canary principle, which gives us a benchmark for safe materials. If the canary (the chemically sensitive) can tolerate or use the product or material without harm or reaction, then everyone else does fine, but if the canary gets sick or dies, then further evaluation is necessary and everyone is potentially vulnerable. See “Canaries in the Mine.”

Even in light of the evidence, it can be difficult to make a transition from longstanding favorite products. The thought of making changes may be overwhelming and may create many unpleasant feelings. These feelings are to be expected as many long-term consumer habits are being challenged.

Study this material, determine your priorities, and then begin to make changes, as you are able. Education resulting in an understanding of the information is always the key that will unlock your motivation to change. Every effort you make will be a step towards strengthening your immune system and enhancing your family’s health.

Please see Skin Deep and educate yourself on the ingredients that are harmful. You can also search the database to see if there is information on the products you currently use.

Also see “Toxic Chemical Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary” to learn what is in the cosmetics you are using. Get rid of all products that contain any harmful ingredients and change to non-toxic body care products. Get rid of means to actually throw away. Do not store these products in the house, as they will emanate VOC’s even though the lids are closed.

Related Articles:

Reducing Immune Stress: Where Do I Start?”

“Reducing Immune Stress: Non-Toxic Body Products” (This is not an exhaustive list. There are many products being developed that are safe. Become ingredient savvy and explore your options!)