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7 Toxic Substances to Avoid

Many skincare products are loaded with substances that are disrupting to your natural defense system (your skin).

Here are the 7 most common ones to avoid:

  1. Petroleum based chemicals – petroleum jelly or mineral oils. They tend to clog up the skin’s pores and can accelerate the aging process.
  2. Parabens – methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben or benzylparaben. Evidence has indicated that parabens are estrogen-mimickers, and can lead to problems such as breast cancer.
  3. Sodium laurel sulfate – lauryl or laureth. These are industrial detergents that strip skin of their natural moisture.
  4. Talc – Known to create acute respiratory irritation if inhaled; has been linked to ovarian cancer.
  5. FD&C Colours – These are often seen in skincare products; some are considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
  6. Fragrance – perfum or perfume. These chemicals are made of a plethora of potentially toxic ingredients (some of which include ‘phthalates – see #7 below). Fragrances are the most common ingredient associated with allergy and skin reactions.
  7. Phthalates – Dibutyl Phthalate (1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER // DIBUTYL 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLATE // DIBUTYL ESTER 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID // DBP // DIBUTYL PHTHALATE; DIBUTYL PHTHALATE // DIBUTYL PHTHALATES // DI-N-BUTYLPHTHALAT)

Diethyl Phthalate (1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER // DIETHYL 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLATE // DIETHYL ESTER 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID // 1,2BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER // DEP // DIETHYLPHTHALATE). Studies repeatedly show the dangers of phthalates for men and boys. Sperm damage, infertility and feminization of baby boys are just some of the concerns with exposure to phthalates.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) report that “Major gaps in public health laws allow cosmetics companies to use almost any ingredient they choose — even lead, mercury, and placenta”.

Please visit their website www.ewg.org for your list of harmful brand name products that you may want to replace with safer ones.

Michale Hartte, BASc (Nutr), RNCP is a Registered Nutritional Consultant and offers Customized Online Nutritional Plans through her website. Visit www.fitnhealthynutrition.com to take your FREE health assessment.