In the past few week, I’ve been focusing on food; but it’s important for you to realize that we can also absorb chemicals through our skin.
We often don’t think about what we might absorb from our:
– Makeup products
– Shampoos and soaps
– Sunscreens
– Hand-soap and anti-bacterial gels
In fact, the average woman absorbs two kilograms of chemicals from cosmetics a year.
Former Miss USA, Susan Jeske has taken it upon herself to spread the message about the twelve most toxic chemicals commonly found in our everyday care products. She has coined them “The Toxic 12”. And the government and beauty industry know about the negative effects of these chemicals. According to Jeske, “More than 1,100 harmful chemicals used in personal care items have been banned in most European countries. In the U.S. only 10 have been banned.” Here they are:
Benzoyl Peroxide: Frequently used in acne products, the MSDS states, “Facilitates action of known carcinogens. Possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen; produces DNA damage in human and other mammalian cells in some concentrations. Also, toxic by inhalation. May be harmful if swallowed and in contact with skin. Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.”
DEA, MEA, and TEA (Di-, Mono-, & Tri-ethanolamine): The foam booster is a skin/eye irritant and causes contact dermatitis. Easily absorbed through skin to accumulate in body organs, even the brain. Repeated use resulted in major increases of liver and kidney cancer.
Dioxin: Unfortunately, this won’t appear on an ingredient list. Often contained in anti-bacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs, and ethoxylated cleansers like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Dioxin causes cancer, reduced
Most visible example of Dioxin poisoning was Yushchenko, the Ukrainian President, who suffered from dioxin poisoning. immunity, nervous system disorders, miscarriages, and birth deformities. It’s a hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion – that’s one drop in 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, cancer, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, and aggravate coughs and colds.
FD&C Color & Pigments: Synthetic colors from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in skin, causing skin sensitivity / irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and death. Animal studies show almost all are carcinogenic.
Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl): Used as preservatives and aren’t always labeled “parabens.” They’re used in deodorants and antiperspirants and have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens, as xenoestrogens (hormone disruptors), may contribute to sterility in male mice and humans. Estrogen-like activity causes hormone imbalance in females and early puberty. Some estimates state parabens are in 99%of all ‘leave on’ cosmetics, and 77% of ‘rinse off’ cosmetics.
Phthalates: These are another “xenoestrogens” that are commonly found in many products, usually not listed on labels. Health effects include damage to liver/kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts and early breast development in girls and boys. Prolonged exposure to estrogens – linked to breast cancer.
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Petroleum plastics act as surfactants (wetting agents, solvents). EPA considers PG so toxic it requires protective gloves, clothing, goggles and disposal by burying. Because PG penetrates skin so quickly, EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. There is NO warning label on products where concentration is greater than in most industrial applications. Found in soap, blushers and make-up remover, has been shown in large quantities to depress the central nervous system to make it function less effectively
PEG (Polyethylene glycol): Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Furthermore: dangerous levels of dioxin have been found as a by-product of the ethoxylation process. PEGs are in lots of products: including personal care, baby care and sunscreens.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and 90% of personal-care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation–even death. SLS may also damage skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate, inflame and age. Often found as an ingredient in shower gels and shampoos
Sunscreen chemicals: Avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA are commonly used ingredients that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers
Triclosan: Synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient with chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health and environment. Classified as a chlorophenol, chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. Tufts University School of Medicine says triclosan is capable of forcing emergence of ’super bugs’ it cannot kill. Found in antibacterial soaps and cleaners
