Over Exposure

Did you know that your average morning cleansing routine could expose you to over three hundred potentially toxic chemicals?

With up to 60% of skincare ingredients being absorbed into the body, it comes as no shock to us that our growing dependence on make-up and a multitude of scented, coloured and harsh skincare products means, according to research, our absorption rate is increasing each year.

One such ingredient found in personal care and cosmetic products is a family of preservatives known as Parabens. Parabens, such as propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben are synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products like shampoos, skin creams and deodorants.

They are suspected to be endocrine disruptors, and they have been found to mimic oestrogen in laboratory experiments.

There is a growing awareness of Parabens and fears over their safety in skincare products since they have been found in samples of breast tumours, which have not been fully explained. Needless to say, there is a great ongoing debate as to the safety of products containing parabens and common sense dictates that if it is in question, why not avoid it.

Another ingredient found in most shampoos, shower gels and bubble baths that has a harsh and drying effect on the skin is foaming agent Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. It is probably one of the most dangerous ingredients used in skin and haircare products. In the cleaning industry SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, carwash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces.

Just as we watch what we eat and put into our bodies more and more of us are watching what we put on our bodies. Next time you buy toiletry products check the ingredients and see if they have been listed in our Ingredients List. Maybe try changing a few products at a time and see if over time you notice a difference. Of course we advocate changing all of your products to more natural based ingredients and let’s face it if it can be done then why not! Nothing to lose and everything to gain!

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