Do you know what's in the cosmetics you use? Learn why having knowledge is very vital.
As natural mothers, we put a lot of thought into the foods we choose for our children and the cleaning supplies we use in our homes, but frequently, our personal care falls to the bottom of our long list of natural chores. But more recent study on the chemicals in cosmetics shows how critical a close examination of our beauty products is.
Why Should You Care About Cosmetic Chemicals?
We are constantly exposed to many substances. One study found that without even realizing it, the average woman daily applies 515 synthetic chemicals to her skin. The issue? These substances can be absorbed by the body up to 60% of the time. (source) Additionally, research indicates that the ingredients in cosmetics have the potential to have a wide range of harmful health impacts, from the more minor allergic reactions to the more serious and chronic conditions like breast cancer and even unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published the following in 2013:
"There is “robust” evidence linking “toxic environmental agents” to “adverse reproductive and developmental health outcomes.”"
The Study
In order to fully comprehend how chemicals in cosmetics might impact a woman's hormones and subsequently her reproductive system, researchers from George Mason University set out on a mission.
The process was simple: At different times during the women's menstrual cycle, researchers took 509 urine samples from 143 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 44 who were free of any known chronic health concerns and using no birth control. They next conducted tests on the urine for the typical environmental contaminants found in cosmetics, including:
Parabens: Artificial substances that are employed as preservatives.
Benzophenones: Substances that prevent ultraviolet (UV) light from altering the content of personal care products.
“This study is the first to examine mixtures of chemicals that are widely used in personal care products in relation to hormones in healthy, reproductive-age women, using multiple measures of exposure across the menstrual cycle” — Dr. Anna Pollack, study author and Assistant Professor of Global and Community Health
The Findings
Researchers found that even low levels of exposure to chemicals in cosmetics can have a harmful impact on the levels of reproductive hormones.
We have preliminary evidence that substances like parabens may raise estrogen levels. Additional research may corroborate this conclusion, which could have ramifications for estrogen-dependent disorders including breast cancer.
And according to the study's authors, their findings show that cosmetic chemicals are far more complex than previously believed. In the study, various chemical mixes in cosmetics reduced the levels of reproductive hormones. Other combinations actually raised levels of reproductive hormones.
The Lesson
The findings of this study demonstrate that we need to use caution while choosing our cosmetics and toiletries. There are several chemicals used in cosmetics, and there is still much to learn about the effects of what we put on and in our bodies.
Our endocrine systems, which regulate our fertility, moods, sleep cycles, and other aspects of health, are extremely delicate. In this case, it's simply preferable to be safe than sorry.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Cosmetic Chemicals
Don't panic if you haven't already marched to the restroom to check your toiletries. I'll wait...
Even if you don't want to be humorous, there are some fairly simple things you can take right away to reduce your exposure to the toxins in cosmetics. Here are a few concepts:
1. Educate yourself
You're aware that a strong attack makes for the best defense. Give yourself the information you need to make informed decisions about the things you use.
Learn more about using natural beauty products and reducing your exposure to the chemicals in cosmetics by reading this page.
2. Examine the ingredients
Never rely on the package's front. Many brands and goods use buzzwords and packaging meant to deceive consumers to make them appear green, eco-friendly, and natural. Unpleasant substances may be found if you take a closer look at the ingredient list on some of these goods.
On the ingredient list of any product, look for the following paraben and benzophenone pseudonyms:
-
Paraben
- methylparaben
- ethylparaben
- propylparaben
- butylparaben
- isobutylparaben
-
Benzopheone
- benzophenone
- benzophenone-#
- BP#
- oxybenzone
- sulisobenzone
- sulisobenzone sodium
3. Exercise diligence.
Websites like EWG Skin Deep are good places to go; they have hundreds of studies on thousands of items. It's a fantastic one-stop shop for information.
4. Reduce soap use.
Many soaps contain unpleasant substances, which makes them harmful for the environment, poor for a healthy microbiome, and bad for vitamin D absorption. Apply some natural soap to your bits and pits before putting it back on the shelf.
5. Create your own cosmetics.
What is the most reliable approach to ensure that you are not being exposed to chemicals in cosmetics? Utilize some excellent natural alternatives. Try using sugar as an exfoliator, activated charcoal as toothbrush, and coconut oil as a moisturizer.
How About You?
Do you frequently examine personal care product labels? Comment below with your experiences!
