Background
As an ex-pharmaceutical chemist my eyes have become opened over the years to how the pharmaceutical industry is not built around creating healthy people. We can see that in the simple fact that the focus is on fixing a problem not preventing the problem in the first place! There are many chemicals in products we use everyday that could me making us sick.
I started researching the ways we can prevent disease and realized that real health begins in your home. What you put in and on your body every day is an indicator of health and longevity.
Have you ever read the ingredient lists on products you buy? Well, I started looking at the labels on the products my family uses every day, and I was simply shocked. The pharmaceutical industry isn’t alone in not caring about creating healthy people, the corporations who make the products we use every day also do not care about our health.
In today’s world, the pursuit of beauty often involves the use of an array of cosmetic products promising to enhance our appearance. However, beneath the allure of flawless skin and luscious locks lie a plethora of chemicals that could potentially harm our health. From parabens to phthalates, the beauty industry is rife with substances known to cause adverse health effects.
What we put on our bodies is extremely important. From perfumes and lotions to beauty products, chemicals are being absorbed into our bodies through our skin every day.
Research
Research has shown that certain chemicals commonly found in beauty products can pose serious health risks. For instance, parabens, used as preservatives in cosmetics, have been linked to disruptions in hormone function and even breast cancer [1]. Similarly, phthalates, often found in fragrances and nail polishes, have been associated with reproductive issues and developmental abnormalities [2]. These chemicals, among others, lurk in our everyday skincare, haircare, and makeup routines, quietly wreaking havoc on our bodies.
Products
As Dr. Joseph Mercola, a prominent alternative medicine proponent, warns, “Many chemicals found in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety over the long term. Given that these products are used daily, this could have serious implications for our health in the long run.”
Choosing products free from harmful chemicals is one way to significantly reduce the risk of adverse health effects. Dr. Mercola has developed a great array of beauty products that are organic and free from harmful parabens and phthalates. I personally love this vanilla whipped body butter that is USDA Certified Organic, cruelty free, gluten and soy free.
Skin Care
Dr. Mercola also offers some amazing skin care products like this cleanser, that is made with cucumber and watercress. All of their facial products are certified USDA organic, cruelty free, and non-GMO.
Choosing products free from harmful chemicals is one way to significantly reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
But we can also learn to prepare our own products, with ingredients we choose and trust.
If you’re like me you also like to try your hand at making some products for yourself out of products you know and trust.
References:
- Darbre, P. D., & Harvey, P. W. (2008). Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 28(5), 561-578.
- Hauser, R., & Calafat, A. M. (2005). Phthalates and human health. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62(11), 806-818.