What? Toxins In Your Cosmetics?

Did you know that cosmetics and personal-care products are a huge source of chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other diseases.  They can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.  According to the Endocrine Society an endocrine-disrupting substance is a compound, either natural or synthetic, which through environmental or inappropriate developmental exposures alters the hormonal and homeostatic systems that enable the organism to communicate with and respond to its environment. In other words, these substances will cause many of the health issues we are dealing with today such as rising rate of cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and so many others. These compounds are found in the food we eat, the products we use and as this entry points out, the cosmetics we use.  Our body's largest organ is our skin.  We absorb everything through our skin.  This is not meant as a scare tactic.  This is information that you would not normally know about from the government because they can't regulate EVERYTHING!

You must be thinking, "But if it's on the drugstore shelf, it must be proven to be 100 percent safe — right?" Not necessarily. While the Food and Drug Administration regulates the safety of cosmetics, manufacturers don't have to seek approval before they bring a new product to market. Beyond an established list of prohibited or restricted substances, the FDA doesn't have the authority to regulate individual ingredients. As a result, all kinds of questionable chemicals are in the products that many of us rub into our skin every day. Here are some of the potentially harmful ones I want you to avoid:

Formaldehyde: This preservative may be found in moisturizers, facial cleansers, baby shampoo, baby wash, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, eye shadows, mascaras, toothpaste,  and many other products. It's harmful to the immune system and is a known human carcinogen.

Parabens: Found in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, tooth whiteners, toothpastes, facial cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers, and astringents, these preservatives have estrogenic effects on the body and have been linked to breast and prostate cancer.

Placenta: Used in some hair relaxers, moisturizers, and toners, placenta is also estrogenic and may increase the risk for breast cancer.

Triclosan: This antibacterial agent is found in a variety of products, including moisturizers, hand creams, shampoos, conditioners, antiperspirants, and toothpastes. It may interfere with the metabolism of thyroid hormone and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Look for products that are made without these ingredients.  There are many stores where you can find these safer products.  If you would like more information about an online store, where you can shop for safe, green products, less expensive and delivered right to your door, visit my website at http://www.livetotalwellness.com/maryann