By Dr. Christine Gonzalez (PharmD, CHC)
After I discovered yet another natural grocery store this weekend, I found myself inquisitively perusing their extensive HABA (health and beauty aids) section. As part of a continuing effort to reduce the number of toxins I put into my body, I have realized the importance of the quality of the HABA products I put on my skin. The skin is actually the largest organ of the body that breathes and absorbs whatever you put on it. Therefore, these products can have a profound effect on health and wellness.
I usually refer to the Environmental Working Group for credible information on this topic. Plus I love their slogan, “The Power of Information”! From their website, I stumbled upon the results of a recent study on the exposure of adolescents to cosmetic chemicals. The study found an average of 13 hormone-altering cosmetics in the 20 teens sampled. They detected 16 chemicals from 4 chemical families including phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks. The potential dangers of parabens have been highly publicized, especially as related to breast cancer. Used as a preservative, methyl and propylparaben are common ingredients in most mainstream HABA products. The bottom line is that the FDA currently does not require companies to test their own products for safety.
As more studies continue to point to the toxic effects of exposure to certain chemicals in HABA products, more companies will hopefully start "greening their products". In the meantime, ignorance is definitely not bliss. Start taking the time to read the ingredient list of any product you put on your skin. Go to the Environment Working Group’s website and plug in any ingredient you are unsure about to learn more. I personally find that I feel and smell fresher (or so I’m told) when I choose products with simple and natural ingredients. I enjoy exploring new ways to treat my skin and body that go beyond skin deep. I’d love to hear about your favorite or newly discovered HABA products... Visit http://TheHolisticOption.com for more information on holistic medicine, natural remedies, or to find a practitioner or school in your area. And don't forget to check out our podcast, Holistic Health & Wellness.
After I discovered yet another natural grocery store this weekend, I found myself inquisitively perusing their extensive HABA (health and beauty aids) section. As part of a continuing effort to reduce the number of toxins I put into my body, I have realized the importance of the quality of the HABA products I put on my skin. The skin is actually the largest organ of the body that breathes and absorbs whatever you put on it. Therefore, these products can have a profound effect on health and wellness.
I usually refer to the Environmental Working Group for credible information on this topic. Plus I love their slogan, “The Power of Information”! From their website, I stumbled upon the results of a recent study on the exposure of adolescents to cosmetic chemicals. The study found an average of 13 hormone-altering cosmetics in the 20 teens sampled. They detected 16 chemicals from 4 chemical families including phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks. The potential dangers of parabens have been highly publicized, especially as related to breast cancer. Used as a preservative, methyl and propylparaben are common ingredients in most mainstream HABA products. The bottom line is that the FDA currently does not require companies to test their own products for safety.
As more studies continue to point to the toxic effects of exposure to certain chemicals in HABA products, more companies will hopefully start "greening their products". In the meantime, ignorance is definitely not bliss. Start taking the time to read the ingredient list of any product you put on your skin. Go to the Environment Working Group’s website and plug in any ingredient you are unsure about to learn more. I personally find that I feel and smell fresher (or so I’m told) when I choose products with simple and natural ingredients. I enjoy exploring new ways to treat my skin and body that go beyond skin deep. I’d love to hear about your favorite or newly discovered HABA products...