Use Natural Cosmetic Products to Avoid Parabens and Phthalates

Parabens and phthalates are synthetic chemicals used as a preservative. These two chemicals have been a concern and studied since 1982. The results of these studies are a serious cause for concern. These ingredients have been found in human urine, breast tumors, and human fat.

Why is this a problem? Parabens and phthalates, since 1982 until present, have been tested on lab rats. They have caused tumors in rats. I won’t discuss the tecnical definition of carcinogens or the amount (%) that has to be in your body before it’s labeled a carcinogen. I’ll remind you of the increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer each year. Ex: In 1969, 1 in 20 women were diagnosed with breast cancer .At present, 1 in 7.

What we know is that parabens and phthalates causes cancer in rats. We also know of the increasing number of cancer patients…O.K., let’s stop using these ingredients, right….No. What we don’t know is that parabens and phthalates are used as a preservative in cosmetics, perfume, shampoos, gels, topical pharmaceuticals, deodorants ,and most personal care products. These ingredients are the reason why our make-up last longer and enhances skin absorption. The’re what’s making our skin so soft. These ingrdients are why we buy these products. These cosmetics don’t sit on our faces and bodies. They have been made to penetrate into our skin.

One-third of all care products have these ingredients. Their are an estimated 100,000 synthetic ingredients used in the U.S. and less than 10% have been tested for their effects on humans. Aprox. 10,500 of these ingredients are used for personal care products. Out of the 10,500 ingredients , 89% of these ingredients have’nt been evaluated for safety by the F.D.A. Fifty-seven percent of our products have chemicals that are designed to penetrate deep into our skin to the blood vessels.

These statistics are not just alarming for women. Men use deodorants, lotions, shaving and hair products. Studies have been done since 1992 that proved these chemicals effect male and female hormone function. One study showed birth defects and reproduction problems with animals exposed to these chemicals.

What can we do?….Read ingredients before buying your products. Be aware though, cosmetic companies are labeling these ingredients as “fragrance”. The F.D.A. does’nt require cosmetic companies to label the ingredients for what they are.Most synthetic fragrances contain phtalates.If your not sure, go to the Skin Deep database on EWG Website. This website rates most products.

Choose natural cosmetics. Numerous companies have changed their ingredients because of the ongoing concern for cancer. A few companies are: The Body Shop, Burt’s Bee, Kiss My Face, and Avalon Natural. You can also buy crushed mineral products. These products are becoming well known on-line and on infomercials. They contain no preservatives or addictives. Afterglow Cosmetics and Forever Mineral Cosmetics carry this line of cosmetics .Do your homework and shop for safer products, Alima, Aubrey Organics, Eccobella, and MyChelle Dermaceuticals are natural companies.
You can also use products from your own household. Did you know vinegar removes dead skin cells on your face? Any fruit with acid will do, also. Oranges, lemons, etc. The acid in these foods remove any dead skin cells as well as any cream.

Clean your body from the inside first. Echinacea and aloe vera works wonders. Echinacea works by cleaning the body of bacteria. Aloe vera has many health benefits, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and remedy for cuts and bruises. The gel can be used as a sunscreen. After using these products for a while, you’ll notice the change in your skin.

Try natural oils for softness and fragrance, instead of lotions. There are numerous types and fragrances. You can buy them at any natural store or on-line. Mix the fragrance you choose with vitamin e (oil) and olive oil. All of these oils works wonders on your skin. Let’s all become more aware of the choices we have concerning our health and the health of our families.

To learn more, visit: breastcancerfund.org, safecosmetics.org, and ewg.org.