Organic Skin Care Products… Better for You, Better for the Environment

Originally Published March 23, 2012   So you exercise daily and try to eat healthy by avoiding foods with chemical additives. But did you realize toxins can get into your system through the products through the products you use on your skin? More than half of the toxic chemicals used in non-organic skin care products are absorbed into your your bloodstream. Further, absorption of these toxic chemicals has a direct effect on hormones. As an example, studies have shown an increase of paraben use is directly correlated to an increased risk of breast cancer. According to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) over 800 chemicals used in Personal Care Products are toxic. It is important to use Organic Skin Care products to avoid toxic preservatives and toxic ingredients such as the four main parabens; Butyl Paraben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben and Propylparaben. 

In addition to having a negative effect on our health, non-organic skin care products have a detrimental effect on the environment. A US Geological Survey showed that 80% of streams sampled had one or more of 95 identified toxic chemicals from pharmaceuticals, hormones, and personal care products. As previously mentioned, parabens are a group of chemicals used in personal care products as preservatives and have been linked to carcinogenicity. Petroleum, synthetic colors such as FD & C Blue No.1, Behentrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropy ltrimonium Chloride and Linolemidopropy PG - Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, are all carcinogens resulting in degeneration of the kidneys, anemia, nerve damage and a rise in cancer. Dibutyl phthalate and Diethyl phthalate are chemicals that are used to aid in the absorption of lotions into the skin and have been classified by the EPA as a “probable human carcinogen”. The list of harmful chemicals used in skin care products goes on.

It is important to read product labels to ensure there is no introduction of toxic chemicals. Ingredients listed on the label should be recognizable to you as natural. If an ingredient listed is unrecognizable, you should look it up. Chances are that ingredient is not truly natural or organic. Organic Skin Care Products are healthier for you and for the environment. Why then use anything else?

Our skin is our body’s protection from external elements and as a result is abused by a variety of conditions that cause wear such as dirt, dust, grim, sun and wind. A daily skin care routine is as essential to our health as is a daily exercise program or a proper diet. It is important to find a routine that fits your specific skin needs and that the routine is effective rather than elaborate. Basic daily skin care should include; 

• Cleaning with warm water and a gentle organic cleanser to remove dirt, pollutants & perspiration
• Moisturizing to re-hydrate dryness caused by the sun, wind, or indoor heating.
• Protecting from the sun's rays with an organic sunscreen