Lotions & Potions...
What's in your Medicine Cabinet?
The global skincare industry market is estimated to grow to 135 Billion in 2022. It's likely for many harsh chemicals to reach the largest organ on your body. Yep. You guessed it. the Skin.
Do you struggle between understanding natural and organic label, petroleum free, FDA approved? Are drug store brands better than specialty shops?
It's all so confusing, but I'm here to clarify the good, bad, and the ugly.
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Understanding what Organic means...
Understanding what Organic means?
When I enter a supermarket, it's very daunting when reading labels. Do you ever wonder what organic labels mean? After researching, I learned products that say "Organic" is too general in making healthy choices.
As if it's not confusing enough, I had to decipher different acronyms such as GMO, and GF and their meanings and how they can affect product authenticity.
When we see a product that says USDA, the food is certified to have grown in soil with no pesticides, fertilizers, or toxic chemical substances for at least three years before cropping starts, which is key since our fruit and vegetables are vulnerable to the elements and the integrity of our farmers.
I feel that GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) is one of the most controversial acronyms because the many major corporations that control agriculture claim there is no such difference between planting seeds and spraying pesticides on food. As a side note, organic farmers can't plant GMO seeds and can't use any GMO ingredients. It's widely known that Corn is the most commonly grown crop in the United States. Corn is often resistant to insects that have tolerance for herbicides and environmental conditions that can cause many different kinds of inflammation in the body or worse.
There are many complexities involved in diet and labels. I recommend consulting a doctor or dietician to start you on the right path to understanding labels and good health.
Phthalates, Parabens and Petroleum oh my...
One of my favorite classic movies is The Wizard of Oz. I was watching it again the other night and thought about the famous Dorothy line, “Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my”.
I can't help but wonder if it were the present day, all the Hollywood activism Judy Garland would be championing natural products somewhere on a platform, saying “Phthalates, Parabens, and Petroleum, oh my!” or something like that.
I can only imagine the harmful chemicals in makeup and skincare in the 30s and 40s. It appears that we still use those dangerous and potentially cancer-causing ingredients despite our awareness of the long-term risk of exposure.
This week, my grocery store was having a sale on skincare and body products. I reviewed many "All Natural" labels. I became suspicious, and as suspected, the very three ingredients used decades ago are also the top ingredients listed on many labels.
Phthalates, Parabens, and Petroleum are in many mainstream popular makeup and skincare products. Studies indicate that long-term use may create endocrine disruption in your body, and side effects can cause skin and respiratory issues.
Phthalates can affect the reproductive system and are often present in eyeliner, hair gels, and various skincare products. They are used to give more staying power while disrupting your thyroid function. It is also very commonly used in plastic, which we absorb through our skin. Yikes!
That brings me to Parabens, the most commonly used chemicals in beauty products, which are frequently used as a preservative in cosmetic products to prevent bacteria. It is in shaving products and moisturizers. Parabens are known to disrupt the endocrine system in the body and can affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells.
The final P does not stand for pretty. Petroleum and Petroleum Jelly are often found in many lipsticks, glosses, moisturizers, and body washes. It softens and moisturizes the skin. The jelly does not allow your skin to breathe. It may also flare up rosacea from prolonged use. Although not considered the most harmful, these products that contain petroleum jelly can contaminate the body and interfere with estrogen levels, which may have carcinogenic properties.
If you are still scratching your head and even more confused, I listed a few helpful apps and websites to check out before making a purchase.
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•EWG Healthy Living
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•CosmEthics
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•Detox Me
