Monday, October 02, 2006

What's on your skin?

For a while now, I've been concerned about the toxins and chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Most commercial brands of toiletries and beauty products contain chemicals that are proven carcinogens or irritants, or that have not been fully proven safe. The skin, our largest organ, drinks in pretty much everything that we put on it, and what is worse, these chemicals stay in our bodies through a process known as bio-accumulation. The solution is to be as informed and dilligent as possible with the products (shampoos, conditioners, lotions, make-up, shaving creams, perfumes, moisturizers, sunblocks, etc. etc. etc.) that we use. This is especially important with small children, whose bodies are more susceptible to chemicals.

Here are 2 good websites where you can learn more, see how your favorite products rank, and find new options to use. You will be surprised at how little the government and the FDA do to ensure that everyday products are safe and non-toxic. You will become familiar with some of the most offending ingredients to avoid. I was so shocked that some of the companies I consider very responsible still have many questionable ingredients and practices that they use in their products.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Skin Deep

Happy October, everybody!
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10 comments:

Eat Peace Please said...

This is a great post. I only use natural and or organic products on my hair and skin. I have for over 2 years now and I noticed a difference a while back. It is important to know that our skin soaks up so much. There are toxins everywhere... we don't need to be "washing" with any.

Anonymous said...

Happy October Bazu (and Daiku too!)

Thanks for posting such informative sites!! It's amazing to think about all the harmful ingredients people use in everday products. I did a search at Skin Deep for a few products we use and I was suprised to see the Jason Naturals body wash was rated moderate concern. That's good info to know!

bazu said...

Hi Leslie and Emmy,

Thanks for your comments. I was shocked to find the moderate warning for Jason body wash too, since Jason is one of the companies whose products I thought you could feel really good about. The main offending ingredients that are hard to get away from are parabens, and they are linked to breast cancer... I thought the more people knew this, the better!

Judy said...

I have been thinking about this lately too. I am a hairstylist, and so I am in constant contact with very strong chemicals. I breathe in and touch these things every day.
I have been thinking of soon changing careers, partly because of this. If only it were that easy to just start over!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

this is an awesome post, bazu -- thanks for the information. great friday round-up down there too -- lovin' the upside down pineapple cake! looks soo good. :o)

bazu said...

Judy, I understand how you feel. My aunt is also a hairdresser and her hands are raw with sensitivity.
Chris, it does seem like a rock and a hard place, doesn't it? At least we can know the worst offenders to avoid and then work for change from there. (There are petitions to sign asking companies to be part of the safe cosmetics compact, for example).
Vicki, thanks!

KleoPatra said...

i tried commenting last night and couldn't! ARGH!

I wanted to be sure to thank you, Bazu, for this post and for those links. This is so very important a subject.

Isn't it so interesting (read: strange, odd) how the government doesn't do a whole lot to check into stuff we put on our faces (and hair as well)... and the animal testing that still goes on. GRRRRRRRRR!

Candi said...

Oh! Great post! I had fun looking through the companies I was curious about. It's really scary how the ones I felt "safe" about received some bad ratings! Wow!

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Paulie said...

Thanks for your feedback on my blog!

Some really interesting thoughts and ideas on yours - I'll keep watching..

P ;-)

Jennifer C. said...

The skin deep site is very eye opening, isn't it? I'd seen it some time ago and was surprised that so many of the "natural" products companies are not using safe ingredients. It makes me want to go all "pioneer woman" and start making my own stuff! If only there was time...