What does makeup have to do with my health? A lot! Skin is one big mouth and our skin absorbs much of what we put on it.
Unfortunately, many makeup products contain a variety of chemicals, including preservatives, fragrances, and colorants. These chemicals are added to makeup to improve its texture, appearance, and shelf-life, but they can also have potential health effects.
Chemicals Found in Makeup & Personal Care Products
Many personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and deodorants, contain a variety of chemicals that can be potentially dangerous to human health. These chemicals can be added to personal care products to improve their texture, appearance, and shelf-life, but they can also have negative effects on the body. common chemicals found in makeup include:
Preservatives: Preservatives are added to makeup to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Common preservatives used in makeup include parabens, formaldehyde, and phenoxyethanol.
Fragrances: Fragrances are added to makeup to provide a pleasant scent. These fragrances can be synthetic or natural, and they can be derived from a variety of sources. However, some fragrances can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.
Colorants: Colorants are added to makeup to provide color and pigmentation. These colorants can be derived from a variety of sources, including synthetic dyes and natural pigments. Some colorants, such as coal tar dyes, can be potentially harmful.
In addition to these chemicals, many makeup products also contain other ingredients that can have potential health effects. For example, some makeup products contain sunscreen ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. Some makeup products also contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested – and absorbed through the skin, such as lead and mercury.
Other common chemicals found in personal care products that are known to be dangerous to health include:
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are commonly used in personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. However, parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, and they have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and other health problems.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a preservative that is commonly used in personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. However, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals that are commonly used in personal care products to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. However, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, and they have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.
Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical that is commonly used in personal care products, such as hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps. However, triclosan can interfere with the body’s hormone function, and it has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Havoc for your Hormones – Endocrine Disruptors
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that is commonly used in the production of plastics and resins. BPA is used in a wide range of consumer products, including food and beverage containers, plastic bottles, and the linings of canned goods.
BPA is a synthetic estrogen, and it can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. When BPA enters the body, it can bind to estrogen receptors, and it can interfere with the body’s natural hormone function. This can have a range of negative health effects, including an increased risk of breast cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental issues in children.
In addition to its potential effects on the endocrine system, BPA can also have other negative health effects. BPA is a known neurotoxin, and it can interfere with the development and function of the brain and nervous system. BPA is also a potential carcinogen, and it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Since BPA is a potentially dangerous chemical that is commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, it’s important to avoid products that contain BPA, and to choose products that are made with safe and natural ingredients.
Sadly, many personal care products contain chemicals that can be potentially dangerous to human health. It’s important to carefully read the labels of personal care products, and to choose products that are made with safe and natural ingredients. In addition, it’s important to follow the instructions for use and storage of personal care products, and to avoid using products that have expired or that show signs of contamination.
Making Healthier Choices
You don’t have to sacrifice beauty and comfort for health. Luckily these days there are many safe and low-tox choices in makeup and personal care products. They have found natural ways to us color, performance and nurturing ingredients for our face and body.
Check out brands like Ilia, Ogee, and Beautycounter!
A Step in the Right Direction
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The Wellness Journal