Bodycare

Today I received an article about bodycare products and the bad ingredients that can be harmful to your health. I think education is one of the keys to wellness. I had never heard of some of these ingredients and what makes them harmful. I am passing this on to you so that we can be more aware of what we are putting onto and therefore into our precious bodies. First I've listed the bad ingredients and why to avoid them. After the harmful ones is a list of 7 helpful ones.

This information is from Anne Marie Fine, M.D. a Scottsdale, Arizona based naturopathic skin care specialist.
The bad stuff:
parabens- These are preservatives used in 90% of cosmetics. Ongoing studies suggest parabens may act like estrogen in the body, and estrogen exposure has been linked to breast cancer and hormone eruptions.

disodium laureth sulfosuccinate(DLS)- it can produce harmful byproducts such as 1.4dioane and ethyl oxide, two chemicals linked to cancer.

triethanolamine(TEA)- Research has linked TEA to certain cancers. Additionally its sometimes contaminated with nitrosamines, a class of suspecfted carcinogens. TEA may also irritate skin and muchous membranes

propolene glycol- It may interfere with reproductive health. Additionally, because it helps other substances sink into skin, it becomes detrimental if the product contains irritants or toxins.

phenoxyethanol-Japan restricts use of phenoxyethanol, which research has linked to both endocrine disruption and cancers. It may also cause skin and eye irritation.

imidazolidinyl urea- A top cause of contact dermatitus, imidazolidinyl urea may also stress your immune system. Plus when used with water, it can release formaldehyde, a toxic chemical.

PEGs-polyethylene glycol or polyethylene- PEGs can be contaminated with1.4-dioxane, a known carcinogen creayted during the manufacturing process. Certain PEGs may also cause hives and eczema and have been linked to kidney toxicity.

petrolatum-(petroleum jelly) petrolatum forms a film on your skin to prevent moisture from escaping. Unfortunately, that film also traps toxins under the skin
(your largest organ) and keeps it from breathing properly. This can clog pores and interfere with skin's excretory function( sweating) and cell development.

Check out your products. I know it's hard to throw stuff away especially if it was expensive and you have a lot left. You might want to consider using up what you have and buying a new product that's healthier. Remember if we keep buying this stuff they will keep making it.

Seven good for you ingredients:
what it is and what it does
ascorbic acid- vitamin C. Keeps products from spoiling. C also stimulates the procuction of collagen, which slows as you age, and minimizes fine lines.

butyrospermum parkil-shea butter. Provides easily absorbed moisture and can also heal minor blemishes and reduce inflammation

cera alba- beeswax. Helps makes products more unifrom in texture. It also allows skin to seal in moisture naturally and has antibacterial properties.

hyaluronic acid- a sugar compound that occurs naturally in skin cells. Boosts firmness and combats aging and wrinkles, and plays a role in cell turnover, which promotes a radiant healthy skin.

panthenol- vitaminB5. Offers deep penetrating moisture to heal and fortify skin and hair. Additionally it may help repair skin tissue and fight certain types of dermatitus.

retinol- vitaminA. Boosts long-term hydration, penetrates deeper layers of the dermis to improve texture, and also aids in evening out mottled pigmentation.

tocopherol-vitaminE. May slow the aging process by fighting free radicals and protecting skin against sun damage. It can also help smooth out skin overall.

I have learned a lot from writing this. I hope you have too. I plan to read labels more carefully. I just used up my old shampoo and am in the market for a new one. A trip to the health food store is in order. How about you?