Last week, CBC News wrote a story on Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder relating it to the cause of death to a woman with ovarian cancer as a result of using the talcum powder for feminine hygiene for 35 years. I find this very upsetting. Our skin and body is porous. What we choose to use on the outside of our skin, will affect our internal health. For today’s Wellbeing Wednesday tip I am sharing with you some ingredients to avoid in conventional skin care products. They have been found to not only irritate the skin, but disrupt the endocrine system, linking them to hormonal cancers.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS): Is a cleaning agent, emulsifier, and makes products such as shampoo, toothpaste, and bubble bath, foam and bubble. We tend to like that. Due to its degreasing abilities, it’s been known to dry and irritate the skin and eyes. It’s also documented as an endocrine disruptor and thus carcinogenic.
Parabens: are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products; they stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom. They act as a hormone disruptor, by mimicking estrogen, and have been linked to breast cancer, testicular cancer and low sperm count.
Propylene glycol: One of the most widely used cosmetic ingredients, that permeates moisture from the product into the skin. It is found in everything; make-up, deodorant, lotions, baby products, mouth wash, suntan lotions. Strangely enough, it is also an ingredient in anti-freeze, adhesives, paints, varnishes. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my paints and cosmetics to share ingredients.
Toluene: Is a crude oil added to gasoline, and is one of the ingredients found in nail polish and hair dyes. Toluene is a moderate skin irritant that can cause dermatitis with prolonged contact. Inhalation of toluene vapour can affect the central nervous system causing slight drowsiness and headache at low levels and irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract at increased levels.
Triclosan: is mainly used in deodorants and hand sanitizers, due to its antibacterial properties. It is the extensive use of triclosan in consumer products that have been linked to the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. It is also a known skin irritant and has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor.
I cannot stress the importance of making the switch to Natural Skin Care products. It’s such an easy choice that is both clean to your body and the environment. There are so many wonderful natural skin care options on the market that are hydrating, beautifying, cleansing, anti-aging and chemical-free. Give them a try, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Most importantly, your body will thank you.
Some of my favorites and local brands are; Matter Company, Ella’s Botanicals, Province Apothecary, Evan Healy, Pure + Simple and Living Libations and can all be purchased locally. Be sure to visit The Bump to Baby Show, a free family event on May 15th at the Wychwood Barns that is inspiring families to go natural. Many of these local companies will be showcasing their brands. Hope to see you there.
RACHEL SCHWARTZMAN is a naturopathic doctor in the St. Clair West neighbourhood. She is the co-owner of West End Naturopathic Doulas, a naturopathic collective that supports pregnant women and partners with the birth of their babies. Westenddoulas.com
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