Toxmetics

You’ve probably heard about assorted dangers relating to the use of cosmetic products. How seriously should you really take this? And what can you do to protect yourself?

The average woman uses 12 toiletries every day. This equates to direct contact with approximately 175 chemical compounds a day. Of course, many of the 175 compounds will be safe! But if even one or two are toxic and you apply them every day, then you could be setting yourself up for a wide range of health problems.

In North America – the largest consumers of cosmetic products – cosmetics are the least regulated products on the market under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. No pre-market safety testing, no review, and no approval is necessary. FDA officials have found that many cosmetic manufacturers don’t have enough data on safety tests; and when they do have data, they generally refuse to disclose the results. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 of the chemicals available for use in cosmetics have been separately reported to the government as toxic substances. Pretty scary!

Products for men and infants are included in all of this. Last year a group called Campaign for Safe Cosmetics warned consumers that several popular, big-name children’s bath products contained cancer-causing petrochemical 1,4-Dioxane.

Meanwhile, UK organisation Chemical Safe Skincare have put two widely used cosmetic chemicals high on the “Must Avoid” list: parabens and phthalates. Both chemicals have been linked to disruption of normal hormone function and increased cancer risk.

Parabens are antimicrobial preservatives used in deodorants, creams, body sprays, and many other cosmetics. Phthalates are found in deodorant, perfume, nail polish, and hair spray. Their use has also been linked to lung, liver, and kidney damage.

The dangers are real and potentially severe. Following these steps will help you protect yourself:

• Read ingredients carefully, watching for the chemicals named above, particularly parabens and phthalates.
• Generally, choose products that contain fewest ingredients.
• Handle cosmetics in a way that prevents bacterial contamination.

• Source product ranges designed with no harmful chemicals in – the practitioners at The Centre For Integrated Health can recommend some.

For real and lasting beauty results, improving general health is the most important step to take. Call The Centre For Integrated Health to discover how you can eliminate the need for expensive and toxic cosmetic products.
Call 01730 233414 for more information