Check Your Personal Care Products And Cosmetics For Toxins Now!

If your Personal Care Products and cosmetics contain these chemicals, you may like to reconsider applying these toxins to your skin, hair and body – and to your families. We list some of the dangerous chemicals found in your everyday skin care, cosmetics and personal care products, often causing skin rashes and worse.

If your Personal Care Products and cosmetics contain any of the following chemicals and toxins, you may like to reconsider whether you want to continue applying these personal care products to your skin, hair and body – and to your families.
Many people, even those who select organic foods to eat, choose skin care products and cosmetics that can serious damage their skin, hair and body. I am not suggesting you intentionally apply toxins to your skin. You simply may not realize the extent to which many common personal care products and cosmetics contain suspect ingredients with unrecognizable or unpronounceable names. Do you ever put things onto your skin that you would not think of eating? I hope not… what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream and integrated into your body and skin tissues. A number of these potential toxins can wreak havoc on all your good health intentions.
Believe it or not, the following toxins and chemicals are NOT ALL the dangerous chemicals found in your everyday skin care, cosmetics and personal care products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
This harsh detergent and emulsifier, petroleum derived, strips your skin and hair of natural oils, increasing skin permeability and allowing absorption of other toxic chemicals into the dermis and bloodstream. This is a known skin irritant, often causing skin rashes, skin and eye irritation and conditions like cataracts, blindness, organ damage, damage to your immune system, respiratory damage, headaches and vomiting. SLS is found in nearly any personal care product that lathers, including toothpastes, shampoos, body washes and skin moisturisers.

Formaldehyde
This highly toxic preservative causes skin rashes and has been linked to cancer, skin irritation and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, dermatitis, asthma, shortness of breath, nose bleeds, nausea and vomiting, chest pains and dizziness. Formaldehyde is used in cosmetics, nail polish, nail hardeners, mascara, soaps, shampoos, many moisturising skin care creams, personal care products, bubble bath and deodorants. The following chemicals are derived from Formaldehyde and should also be avoided.
• Imidazolidinyl urea (can cause contact dermatitis)
• Diazolidinyl urea (can cause contact dermatitis)
• 2-bromo-2nitropane-1
• 3-diol
• DMDM hydantoin
• Quaternium 15

Isopropyl alcohol
This anti-foaming agent, petroleum derived, can damage hair and cause skin rashes. Toxic to the liver, kidney, respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems. A teratogenic also linked to foetal and birth defects. This dangerous chemical is found in hair dye, skin care moisturisers, aftershaves, antifreeze, carpet cleaner and the list goes on.

Paraffin
From petroleum or tar, Paraffin is a non-renewable resource that has a negative impact on our environment. Your skin initially feels smoother due to the surface layer Paraffin forms but your skin can not ‘breathe’ and is de-hydrated by any petroleum based personal care product. This starts a cycle of continued use to prevent the feeling of dryness, which the product is actually responsible for. Used in wax strips, skin care moisturisers, personal care products, body oils etc.

Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly)
An incredibly cheap mineral oil derivative that will dry your skin out, strangely enough this is used in skin care products and lip balms specifically targeted at dry skin, mainly due to the coating left on the skin after use. Used in personal care products and found in skin care products recommended for nappy rash. Talk about self perpetuating personal care products!

Propylene glycol
This humectant is another petrochemical mix that can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, hives and eczema.Also found in brake fluid and anti-freeze. Please avoid the chemicals below in your personal care products, they are very similar.
• PEG (polyethylene glycol) (A by-product of PEG-stearate-20 that was used during WW1 as a toxic gas!)
• PPG (polypropylene glycol)

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens
A preservative used to extend shelf life of personal care products, Parabens can cause skin irritation, skin rashes and allergic reactions. These preservatives can interfere with the endocrine system, they contain properties known for oestrogen mimicking. Studies have connected paraben exposure and breast cancer.

Fragrances
A general term referring to as many as 200 synthetic fragrances used in personal care products and cosmetics,none of which are required to be individually labelled. Often petroleum based, fragrances can cause dizziness, skin rashes and pigmentation which is why some people have brown skin marks where they apply perfume. “Fragrance–free” products can contain chemicals to mask unpleasant smells.

DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine)
These chemicals are ‘amines’ (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when in contact with nitrates. Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents, they cause eye, hair and skin irritation and skin rashes and are toxic if absorbed for a long period of time. DEA is known to cause liver and kidney tumours in mice. DEA is still used in many products in Australia, despite international warnings. These chemical compounds cause allergic reactions, irritate eyes and dry the hair and skin. Any product with MEA or DEA listed individually or in combination with another ingredient (e.g. cocamide DEA) should be avoided in personal care products and cosmetics.

Methylisothiazolinnone
A preservative linked to allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Artificial Colours
FDC RED 4, FDC RED 1 or FOOD RED 1, should all be avoided. Banned in food but can still be used in personal care products, skin care and cosmetics. Known to cause urinary bladder polyps and deterioration of the adrenal glands.

Coal Tar
(FD & C) and (D & C) colours to be avoided. Derived from petroleum coal tars and linked to asthma, headaches, nausea, fatigue, nervousness and lack of concentration. Coal Tars are confirmed human carcinogens and skin irritants. They are thought to increase risk of tumour growth. Used in anti-dandruff shampoos and for colouring cosmetics.

TEA (Triethanolamine)
Emulsifier, skin irritant and known mutagen, which causes changes in cellular DNA. TEA is also a contact allergen causing eczema and skin rashes. Used in skin care products and to coat non-organically grown fruit and vegetables.

Tallow
Watch out vegetarians!! Made from boiled sheep organs, this is used in lipsticks, soaps and shaving cream…

Fluoride
Used in toothpaste.This industrial waste product can reduce the risk of dental cavities, it has however been linked with cancer, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, birth defects, increased risk of fractures, dental and skeletal fluorosis and impaired brain function. Used by Hitler in concentration camps to pacify detainees.

Phthalates
Used in thousands of plastic products to make them more flexible. Examples include toys, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, vinyl, food packaging and containers.
• DBP (dibutylphthalate)
• DEP (diethylphthalate)
• DMP (dimehtyphthalate)
Often not found on the ingredients list as there are no statutory requirements. Studies have found that phthalates used by pregnant mothers can increase the risk of low birth weight and undescended testes in baby boys. May lead to feminising traits in males and possibly increase the risk of prostate cancer. Phthalates have also been found in breast milk.

Why do so many personal care products contain potentially harmful ingredients? The simple answer is: because they are cheap, readily available, and easy to dilute.
Are there non toxic, Natural Skin Care Products and Personal Care Products out there that deliver results? Yes, loads! There are many great quality organic and natural personal care products, skin care and cosmetics out there that are hand made with love, but do not trust a label just because it reads ‘All Natural’, read on… Unfortunately the market is being flooded with companies trying to sell you personal care products that are not at all ‘All Natural’.

What can you do to keep your skin healthy without using potentially harmful substances? Eat plenty of fresh, raw food and getting enough omega-3 fats are ways to improve your skin… Through exercise, your skin detoxifies impurities from your system; known as perspiration… Do not smoke. Beyond that, here is a critically important step to skin care you need to be aware of… Just 5 minutes per day gets you on the road to a younger looking, vibrant face : use natural skin care products and a daily skin care routine. Every day of your life, pollution, grime and dust attach to your skin. If you do not take a couple minutes each day to cleanse your face and unclog your pores, your skin may look sluggish instead of its bright and shiny best. Take time to thoroughly cleanse your skin with natural skin care products and you will find your face looking and feeling younger. If you are in the sun for extended periods of time, use a natural Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen with safe and effective ingredients.
Don’t expect overnight changes. Don’t be discouraged with seeming lack of progress. It may take a week, a month or even two to notice changes and bring your skin back to a natural, healthy balance. Plus, it is quite possible that others will notice your increasingly youthful-looking face before you do!

References:
Detox your home, body and mind (by Wendy Duyker)
The Guardian supplements
Clean Food Organic
Dangerous Beauty (by Dr Peter Dingle and Toni Brown)
The Chemical Maze (by Bill Statham)
Cosmetics Unmasked (Dr Stephen and Gina Antczak)

Today’s Personal Care Products – Health and Beauty

Personal care products help us to improve hair, skin, health and fitness. These items can improve are lives and the way in which we live them. These products have come a long way over the years and definitely make our personal hygiene chores a lot easier.

Hair removal products have always been an interest for both men and women. Women want those smooth silkily legs without having to shave with a razor blade everyday. One of the first hair removal products I can remember was nair. “Who wears short shorts”, commercial ad comes to mind. Nair is a lotion that dissolves the hair.

What sophisticated products do we have today for hair removal? Well for one the electric razors have come a long way. They claim to leave your skin smooth and soft and to give you closest shave ever. I lost track I think we are up to 7 blades now. The ePen is a home electrolysis system which permanently removes unwanted hair. The ePad extra large body pads remove hair quickly and painlessly.

There is also an abundant of products to stop thinning hair. You don’t have to join a hair club for men or go to the doctors and pay for hair transplants when there are so many products you can use right at home. There are special shampoos, conditioners, hair brushes and treatment solutions to try. These products claim you will get thicker, fuller and healthier looking hair.

What products do we have that fight signs of aging? A product called frownies gently re-educates the underlying muscles to give you a more relaxed and natural, appearance to help with the removal of wrinkles and frown lines. There is also numerous skin care lotions, creams, and sprays to apply to your skin. Some of these brand products are Youthful Essence, Sheer Cover, Aloette, NuGlow and this is just a real small sample.

Whether you are looking for the soothing relaxation and tension easing experience of a personal massager, or want to get a great looking tan, there are many great products designed to make this all possible in the comfort of your home. These products help to promote wellness in your life and improve your looks!

We all want to feel and look our best. Looking good can also mean feeling good!

MSG in Your Personal Care Products

Important! Read this before you buy any cosmetics or personal care products that contain protein or amino acids!

MSG may be hidden in your cosmetics and personal care products. If you know you’re sensitive to MSG, you may be avoiding it in your food but still noticing MSG-type reactions and not know where they’re coming from.

Do you ever get a headache or notice other unpleasant symptoms when you put on your makeup, shampoo your hair or wash your face? Have you ever wondered why? Or do you just shrug it off and pop a pill to mask the symptoms? Maybe you just grin and bear it and don’t give any thought to the fact that there might be a relationship between the product you’re using and the symptoms you’re feeling.

If you try to avoid MSG in your food, just because you believe it’s harmful, you may be surprised to know that MSG is found in more than food. It can be found in your cosmetics and personal care products, like makeup, soap, shampoo and conditioner. You may also be getting a dose of MSG in your daily vitamin supplements. Over-the-counter and prescription medications may also contain it, as well as vaccines that are given to your children.

MSG sensitivity is commonly referred to as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome because it’s frequently used in Chinese foods and many people experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness and sweating after eating Chinese food.

MSG is short for monosodium glutamate. It also applies to processed free glutamic acid, which is glutamic acid that has been freed from protein through a manufacturing process or fermentation. MSG is a neurotoxin. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and excites nerve cells to death. If you’re pregnant, it may even affect your unborn baby.

Even if you’re not sensitive to MSG, these are good reasons to avoid it.

How do you know if MSG is in the products you use?

First of all, you have to read the label. Not just the front of the label that tells you what the manufacturer wants you to believe about the product, but the ingredients list on the back of the label. You know, that tiny print that’s often so small and in a color that blends in with the label that it’s almost impossible to read. The more difficult it is to read, the more important it is for you to read it. Carry a magnifying glass with you and make sure you read every label of every product … BEFORE you buy. Dying To Look Good is a book that will help you read labels and choose healthy products.

Look out for these ingredients that are hidden sources of MSG:
-hydrolyzed proteins
-amino acids
-yeast extract
-nayad (potent yeast extract)
-glutamic acid
-glutamates

MSG may also be in or be the result of:
-processed proteins
-enzymes
-carrageenan

There are many more ingredients that are hidden sources or potential hidden sources of MSG, but these are the ones that are most likely to be found in cosmetics and personal care products.

MSG is not the only ingredient that you need to watch out for in your skin care products. There are many harmful ingredients in the cosmetics and personal care products on the market today. Some are even known to cause cancer. Make sure that the products you use on your skin contain safe and healthy ingredients because what you put on your skin can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream and affect your health.