So after many months of researching make up and health, I was trying to evaluate what to replace my current make up with... my trusty advisor and green mentor said it best, "if you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin!" Words I am trying to live by. I dumped most everything from my bathroom make up cabinet and decided to start over. This isn't the best advice -- as I believe in order to make a lasting change, moving slowly is better than impulsively. However, in this case, after reading about how many unhealthy chemicals go into most make-up, I was enraged that manufacturers are even allowed to sell this and make a profit off of us. To me, it is no better than tobacco companies adding chemicals to cigarettes.
To that end, my parents always said, "when you know better, you do better" and that is what I hope to offer my readers... health and make-up should go hand in hand, just like eating organic when you can. Feed yourself and your body real food, free of chemicals and synthetic, processed additives. You will feel better, sleep better and eliminate the every day toxins much better as well.
Here is a list of what we call the "Dirty Dozen" -- a list of 12 hazardous chemicals that have been linked to many severe health ailments and diseases. These are in most commonly manufactured make ups including pharmacy and boutiques alike. Don't let the price tag fool you either -- these hazards can be found in everything from Cover Girl to Lancome.
(1) Antibacterials
(2) Hydroquinone
(3) Coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1, Green 3
(4) Diethanolamine (DEA)
(5) Formaldehyde (diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaterniumcompounds)
(6) Fragrance (containing phthalates)
(7) Petroleum distillates -- anything that starts with Petrol
(8) Lead and mercury
(9) Nanoparticles
(10) 1,4-Dioxane
(11) Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl-)
(12) p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
I does take a bit longer to read labels and figure out what is really bad for your skin, however your skin is the largest and most porous (has lots of holes) organ on the entire human body. Your 3 layers of skin interface with your surroundings -- and it plays the most important role in protecting (the body) against pathogens. Its other main functions are insulation and temperature regulation, sensation, and synthesis of vitamin D and the protection of vitamin B folates. If you use lotions and make up that infiltrate the body with chemicals, you are essentially breaking down its ability to keep you healthy and full of the nutrients you need to survive and stay optimally functioning.
Tomorrow I'll post a review of some good organic and natural or mineral based make up choices.
http://www.organicforme.com
