fabric conditioner eczema
How these chemicals affect your skin
According to a recent interview with Stacy Malkan, cofounder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, use young women around 12 or more products a day and thus exposing themselves to hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals.
Depending on the products you use, you expose yourself to several carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and irritants. According to a study published by Mayo Clinic, these chemicals are one of the most common causes of dermatitis and similar skin problems.
Here are some of the well known problem chemicals commonly used in skin and personal care products:
Methyl, propyl, butyl and / or Ethyl paraben
Used as preservatives to extend shelf life of skin and personal care products. Parabens have been reported to have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are potentially toxic.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative, is a known carcinogen (cancer causing). Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The steam is very irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).
Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA)
DEA and TEA are often used in cosmetics and shampoos as emulsifiers and / or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of skin and hair. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form carcinogenic nitrosamines, when they come in contact with nitrates. They are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period.
Diazolidinyl Urea, imidazolidinyl Urea
These are common preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115th None of the chemicals Germall contains a good antifungal agent, and must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfate
A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos, bubble baths, hand and body wash products for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is often disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts. "It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Avoid at all costs.
Methylisothiazoline (MIT)
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a biocide widely used in industrial and cosmetic products and have proven to pose a potential risk to unborn babies. It is widely used in shampoos, and there very well could be neurodevelopmental consequences from MIT. It is particularly concerned for women with occupational exposure to MIT during pregnancy, as there is a possibility of risk to the fetus. Avoid at all costs.
Petrolatum
Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutritional value for the skin and can disrupt the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is incredibly cheap. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens, and to be avoided.
Propylene glycol
Ideally, a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Normally it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware-these are related synthetics. The natural versions are fine, and certainly not as their synthetic counterparts.
PVP / VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hair spray, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens.
Stearalkonium Chloride
A plant-based ingredients, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair, and is a good conditioning agent. It is a quaternary ammonium compound also used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or natural remedies that are beneficial for hair. Causes allergic reactions. Potentially toxic.
Synthetic dyes
Used to make cosmetics "Pretty" synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD & C or D & C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD & C Red No. 3 / D & C Green No 6 Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, do not use it.
Synthetic Fragrances
The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what chemicals are, since the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation-the list goes on. Synthetic fragrances should be avoided. Be careful when you look at these because often lable may say "fragrance of lavender" or fragrance of "Rose" or other popular ethereal oils. Fragrance of = Synthetic, NOT the real essential oil.
You can check this for yourself by just doing a search using the terms in bold in the list and add the following MSDS. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, which is testing conducted on chemicals to determine their "safety".
How do you avoid these dangerous chemicals?
Simple, switch to 100% target = "_new"> pure natural skincare products and you will eliminate the risk of being exposed to these chemicals through the skin and personal care products.
The benefits are not only that you remove these dangerous chemicals, but with great natural skin and personal care products that contain herbs, essential oils and other natural ingredients will benefit your general health too.
There are also other advantages. Formaldehyde, for instance, is very harmful for our natural environment. By removing products containing this and other toxic chemicals, you're actually not just enjoy your own health but that of the environment as well.
So to change. Switch over to using natural skin and personal care products and you will not only benefit your health, but help the environment as well.
About the Author
Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.
They practice Herbal and Chinese medicine at their Wildcrafted Cottage Clinic.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products Pty Ltd. 2009
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