What’s Beneath the Surface can Kill You

The skin is our largest organ and, within seconds, absorbs anything that is applied to it. In

today’s toxic world, some of the worst offenders are the skin care and beauty products intended to

make us more attractive or keep us youthful. Each company, “natural” ones included, is rushing to

market the latest and greatest anti-aging beauty “miracle”. Unfortunately, to the uninformed consumer

many of the products contain harmful, toxic, and yes, even deadly chemicals.

In the last ten years more proactive companies have endeavored to remove all forms of

parabens from their products. These components such as butylparaben, ethylparaben, methyparaben

and propylparaben and others have been found in breast and prostate tumors. Widely used as an

antimicrobial preservative to extend shelf life, these plant-derived, but now laboratory manufactured

chemicals, are wreaking havoc with our health. Known to have mild estrogenic activity, these

compounds have been suspected of causing, not only hormone related cancers, but also early onset

puberty, which in itself can predispose a person to the development of cancer later on in life.

However, parabens are only the tip of the iceberg. Among other chemical ingredients which

have come under scrutiny are: propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate,

DEA, MEA and TEA; sodium hydroxide; triclosan; polyethylene glycol; mineral oil or petrolatum; and

FD&C color pigments and fragrances. There is not enough room to detail specific research and

dangers associated with these chemicals, but explore for yourself by checking Google for a plethora

of information, and most of it is bad news.

A form of silicone, marketed by many names, is supposedly the latest and greatest for

creating the perfect canvas for which to apply makeup. Although technically oil free, products with

these compounds can wreak havoc on skins of all ages. Another anti-bacterial agent,

phenoxyethanol, is showing up everywhere as an alternative to the now frowned upon parabens. In

fact, it is so ubiquitous that it is in a large percentage of “natural” products found in health food stores,

and in baby care items. In 2008, the FDA issued a warning that phenoxyethanol can cause contact

dermatitis, vomiting and central nervous system shut down! Now that doesn’t sound like a healthier

alternative to parabens, does it? More recently sunscreens have come under scrutiny also, posing

possible health concerns, and new guidelines for the use of sunscreens in products are scheduled to

go into effect this summer.

Along with checking on the internet there are specific organizations concerned with cosmetic

safety and health issues. Here is a list to consult: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

(www.safecosmetics.org), CosmeticsDataBase.com (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), and

Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics (www.ewg.org). Also, there

have been many books written that expose all the dirty little secrets about the cosmetics industry. In

consulting publications, try to get the latest, most up to date editions. More and more ingredients are

showing up on the chopping block all the time.

So, as a consumer, how can you be sure you are choosing safe products? Always read labels

carefully. Shopping may become quite laborious, but if you are not vigilant with your health, who will

be? Do your research and check multiple sources to cross reference. Anti-aging and beauty claims

are abundant, but not very well founded. Many companies say that they have research to back their

product claims, yet still put in chemicals that may put your health at risk, or at minimum may cause

skin irritations, rashes, and breakout. Price is not always the best indicator, but usually you get what

you pay for. Don’t be fooled; read your labels! Contact me if you want more information on how to

become better educated to protect yourself. Somebody has to pay for all the “smoke and mirrors”

that create illusions; just make sure that you are not paying for it with your health!

Charlene Causey is a former registered nurse. She has also been a model, nutrition and fitness instructor, and educational consultant. With over 45 years of experience in research and development, Charlene assists individuals in balancing their bodies in harmony with nature. She is currently a Certified Natural Health Professional, a Certified Personal Trainer and Ballet Body Barre Instructor, and lifestyle developer, whose main focus is a natural approach to health and wellness. You can reach Charlene at www.facebook.com/brilliantbalance or go to www.brilliantbalance.org and join the conversation!