July 5th: Skin Care

We all use personal care products every day, but some products can be damaging to your health. Reading the labels on your body care products can make all the difference, and it can lead to having healthier skin and hair. Here’s five harmful chemicals to avoid in your personal care products:

skincare

  1. DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine). These  are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can contain cancer0-causing agents. They are commonly found in shampoo, soaps, bubble baths, and facial cleansers.
  2. Phthalates and Parabens. Commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, they keep hairsprays sticky and bacteria and fungus out of things like nail polish and perfume. Both have proved to be carcinogenic and particular linked to breast cancer.
  3. FC&C Color Pigments. Most FC&C color pigments are made from coal tar and studies show that almost all of them are carcinogenic. Many of these pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation, or even oxygen depletion in the blood.
  4. Fragrance. “Fragrance” is a euphemism for nearly 4,000 different ingredients. Most “fragrances” are synthetic and are either cancer-causing or otherwise toxic. Exposure to fragrances has been shown to affect the central nervous system. “Fragrances” are found in most shampoos, deodorants, sunscreens, skin care and body care products.
  5. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydrantion. These are derivatives of formaldehyde, which is what scientists and morticians use to preserve corpses and body parts. These chemicals are linked to allergies, chest pain, chronic fatigue, depression, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, loss of sleep, and cancer. They are used on skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants, and nail polish.

 

Click here for an article that outlines several more ingredients to watch out for on the labels of personal care products.

 

There are several vendors at our Saturday Farmers Markets that specialize in making organic and healthy skin care products. Come check them out this week! Special thanks to Shevlin Health & Wellness Center for presenting this handy tip!