Dying To Look Good!
Our bodies are exposed to many harmful chemicals within the first 15 minutes of our day. This begins with the steamy showers, soaps, lotions, deodorants, colognes and perfumes, hairsprays and gels, to make-up (mascara, eyeliners, eye shadows, foundations, lipsticks, consealers, sunscreens, makeup with SPF’s etc.) .
Woman are said to be exposed to twice as much chemicals as men because of their application of make-up. Hence, without us even knowing it, our morning routine alone exposes us to many harmful chemicals that are killing us. All of these chemicals seep into our system and blood stream and what was once slowly killing us is not rapidly causing and having many silent side effects in our daily lives.
Now let’s look at make-up alone, it may enhance the physical appearance of an individual, however it can also bring with it potentially dangerous health risks. It has been stated that chemicals in makeup have been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, depression and other illnesses.
Below are a few examples of the chemicals found in commonly and daily used products:
Deodorant soap has a pH of 9, which removes the protective acid mantle of the skin making it more alkaline and therefore, more vulnerable to penetration. It also contains ammonia, formaldehyde and phenol, which are known carcinogens and triclocarban, which is under suspicion of being a cancer causing agent with daily use.
Body lotion contains mineral oil, which, as a cosmetic grade petroleum product, includes the contaminant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs) known as xenoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body.
Toothpaste contains saccharin and FD&C Blue#1, which are carcinogens. It also contains resorcinol, which can cause a blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), convulsions and death.
Hairspray contains polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) and reports show that it may cause harm if the particles are inhaled. Modest intravenous doses fed to rats caused tumors.
Facial Moisturizer contains phenol carbolic acid, which can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and death as a result of respiratory failure. It also contains PEG-40, which contains dangerous levels of dioxin and propylene glycol, which studies show can negatively alter brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.
Blush contains FD&C Red #3, which caused human breast cells to grow, mimics the effect of natural estrogen at the molecular level and damages the genetic material of human breast cells.
Eye shadow contains iron oxide, and is a suspected carcinogen, teratogen or toxin. The eyeliner, contains ascorbyl palmitate, and studies suggest that the palmitates are to be considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic.
Mascara may be contaminated with bacteria. Is also contains polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP), a carcinogen.
Lipstick – contains high levels of lead, paraffin, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons and is derived from petroleum. It is known to be contaminated with the carcinogens, benzo-a-pyrene and benzo-b-fluroanthene.
Perfume contains toluene, a suspected potent carcinogen that was found in every fragrance tested, and benzaldehyde, which is a central nervous system depressant that may cause kidney damage.
Sunscreen contains padimate O and the preservative, BNPD, which together create the carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO.
Further Reading on the chemicals and it’s effects:
Phthatale Family: Also known as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylexyl) phthatale (DEHP).
Use: these chemicals are used to make plastics supple and pliable and are found in nail polish, body lotions, hair-straighteners and sprays.
Risks: phthatales are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as well as carcinogens which have been linked to a variety of problems such as damage to the reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and kidney cancer. They have also been linked to lowered sperm counts and testicular injury.
Lauryl Sulfate: Also known as SLS and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES):
Use: a foaming agent and emulsifier, this chemical is derived from petroleum and is usually deceptively described as being extracted from coconuts. These chemicals are found in shampoo, body and shower gels, bath salts and toothpaste.
Risks: lauryl sulfate is believed to be a carcinogen which has been linked to kidney and liver damage. Other health risks associated with this chemical include nervous-system disruption, eczema, dermatitis as well as skin inflammation. It can also cause eye damage, notably cataracts.
Amine Family: This chemical family includes Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA).Use: these ammonia compounds (amines) function as a preservative, emulsifier, pH adjuster and foaming agent added to coconut oils.
Use: in face powders, shaving creams, hair-coloring products for men and women as well as hair sprays. Amines are also used in soaps, sunscreens, foundations, consealers, eyeliners, talcs and face powders.
Risks: amines can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come upon contact with nitrates and are toxic when absorbed on a long-term basis. These chemicals found in common cosmetics have been linked to kidney and liver cancer. In addition, they are also irritants to the hair, skin, damaging to the eyes and may cause contact dermatitis.
Formaldehyde: Also known as Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Nitroopropane-1, Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicic acid, Oxymethlylene.
Use: functions as a preservative, defoamer, germicide, fungicide, disinfectant due to its inexpensive nature and the fact that it mixes easily with water. Chemicals found in this family are used in a variety of makeup products and other personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, nail polish, mascara, mouthwash, makeup remover, bubble bath, hair-care products, anti-perspirants and talcs.
Risks: chemicals of the formaldehyde family are carcinogens which can cause depression, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction. They also cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis and irritate mucous membranes. Formaldehyde can also lead to joint and chest pain.
Paraben Preservatives: Also known as alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl.
Use: parabens are found in nail creams, foundations, consealers, mascara, facial masks, deodorants, sunscreen, hair-coloring products and conditioners. They function as a germicide and preservative.
Risks: parabens can disrupt hormones , namely estrogen, which can lead to cancer. They have also been linked to breast cancer . Parabens also cause skin rashes.
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