Do you ever look at the back of the shampoo bottle and research those ingredients? This is a loaded question for all of us. The average woman applies approximately 168 chemicals to her body daily. Some women are even as high as 515 chemicals a day. Most people are not aware of the dangers of this. We think we are using safe products that are keeping us looking younger, getting rid of the cellulite, the stretch marks and covering up those big old bags under our eyes to hide the lack of sleep we are getting. Well, I am here to help you understand that those products are often filled with the most dangerous chemicals and applied to the largest organ on our body, our skin. It only takes 26 seconds for the chemicals in your skin care products to enter your bloodstream. Here is a list of the top 10 chemicals to stay away from;
- DEA (Diethanolmine) – found in over 600 home and body care products and is a possible carcinogenic to humans.
- Nonylphenols – used in cleaners and shown to disrupt hormones
- Petrolatum – found in lotions and lip products – it is a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
- Triclosan (abbreviated TCS) – it is found in antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers and also in toothpaste. It has been found to affect the male and female hormones and also has an impact on the thyroid. They have also found that it may contribute to antibiotic resistant germs.
- Propylene Glycol – found in cleaners, shampoos, lotions, deodorants and toothpastes. It is linked to kidney disease, liver disease, dermatitis and can damage the cell membranes causing rashes and dry skin.
- Parabens – used as a preservative and germicide. It is found in skin care products, lotions, creams and deodorants. It is often found in breast cancer tumors and is banned in Japan and Sweden.
- Fragrance – found in soaps, cleaners, perfumes, lotions and shampoos. Chemicals found under the name fragrance can lead to loss of muscle control, brain damage, headaches, memory loss, speech, hearing and vision problems.
- Alcohol – most mouthwashes have a higher alcohol content than most alcoholic beverages. It is linked to cancer of the mouth, tongue and throat.
- Phthalates – found in cleaners, lotions, body sprays and deodorants. It is a known carcinogen and has a long list of health ills ranging from infertility, trouble losing weight, birth defects and yes even certain cancers.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – found in shampoos, soaps, conditioners, cleaners and toothpaste. It is often used to degrease engines and floors. It is banned in Europe and Canada and can cause hair loss, cataracts and rashes.
I know this all sounds overwhelming and I remember thinking, Where do I start? I started in the easiest place first. My bathroom, which contained my lotions, perfumes and body care products and then I continued to eliminate these chemicals from our home one by one. It is a slow process but the wonderful effects you start to feel will change your life forever and could change the course of your family and friends lives as well. Now is the time and you have a choice. Know better, do better. Choosing Young Living helps me to know we are living without all of these terrible chemicals in our home. It all adds up over the course of a lifetime!