Clean Up Your Skincare!

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and absorbs what we put on it. What we put on to our bodies therefore becomes just as significant as what we put into our bodies! 

Some skincare products contain a variety of different chemicals which tend to be endocrine disruptors. This means that the chemicals can interfere with our hormone systems. Not what we need in midlife! 

Chemicals can disrupt the hormone system by increasing the production of some hormones, decreasing others and interfering with hormone signalling which can cause health problems. 

Below are a few chemicals to look out for when you’re coming to the end of a product and are wanting to make a more natural choice:

PARABENS

Widely used as preservatives in many cosmetic products. They are endocrine disruptors that can mimic oestrogen and affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells.  

SYNTHETIC COLOUR

These are chemical additives added to shampoos, shower gels, soap etc to add different colours. They often contain heavy metals and petroleum which can irritate skin and disrupts the skin’s balance.  

FRAGRANCE

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance is associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Beware of the term “natural fragrance”, which is not really any better. Instead, opt for fragrance scented entirely with real essential oils.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are

dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP), and dimethyl phthalate. Found in nail polish,

deodorants, perfume, fragrance, hair spray, hair dye and moisturisers. Manufacturers don’t always have to list phthalates, but anything with “fragrance” on its ingredient list likely contains them.

SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE (SLS) / (SLES)

These are surfactants, which are responsible for creating a rich lather. They can be found in more than 90% of personal care and cleaning products. SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS’s is their potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines and formaldehyde, both carcinogens. Found in shampoo and foaming cleansers for face, hands and body.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

A skin conditioner used in many personal care products. This chemical may cause irritation to the eyes, lungs and skin from long-term exposure. It has also been associated with dermatitis and hives. Found in moisturisers, sunscreen, cosmetics, makeup, deodorant, conditioners, shampoo, and hair spray.

FORMALDEHYDE

A carcinogenic preservative used in many cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products. This one is also hidden in terms such as Urea, Methyl Aldehyde, Formic

Aldehyde, Quaternion 15. It is thought to cause allergic skin reactions, and inhibits

the immune system. Found in nail varnish/treatments and remover, body washes,

conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, hair dye, tattoo ink and home cleaning products.

TOLUENE

A petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. You may see it

on labels listed as Benzene, Toluol,Phenyl Methane, or Methylbenzene. It is a potent

solvent able to dissolve paint! It affects the respiratory system, causes nausea, irritates the skin, and has been linked to immune system toxicity and blood cancer. Found in nail varnish/treatments and remover, hair dye/bleaching products, home cleaning products, furniture/floor polish, paint and paint thinner, and many types of adhesive films.

SUNSCREEN

Common names for chemicals to avoid in your sunscreen are Benzophenone, PABA, Avobenzone, Homosalate and Methoxycinnamate. These chemicals function as sun-blocking agents, absorbing UV rays. They are known endocrine disruptors, and are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. They may also cause cellular damage and be carcinogenic. Not only that, but they are toxic to aquatic life. Found in conventional sunscreen products. Look for (non-nano particle) zinc-based products instead.

A good starting point is with deodorant. This is because shaving creates microcuts that allow greater absorption into the body. The underarm area is also home to a number of lymph nodes. Try to choose a natural deodorant rather than antiperspirant as these stop you from sweating. 

There are lots of apps available now to check your products including EWG Healthy Living, Yuka and Think Dirty. Get scanning!