Your daily skin care and cosmetics might be slowly making you SICK

How many different products are you using daily as skincare or cosmetics?

Deodorants, perfumes, lotions, hair products, makeup — foundations, mascara, eye shadows, powders — soaps, shampoos, conditioners… All these products, as soon as put on your body, penetrate it AS IF YOU WERE EATING THEM.

This doesn't only concern women. Men, teenagers, children and babies are all being exposed to hundreds of chemicals daily.

The law does not require any pre-market testing or health studies on cosmetics. Safety is checked by the same companies that produce them. FDA is not even authorized to order product recalls.

The Facts

1. -

   On average, a woman uses 12 personal care products daily, containing more than 168 different chemicals (men: 85, teens: 17). There are over 10,500 chemicals used in skin care and cosmetics — many are known carcinogens and powerful endocrine disruptors.

2. -

   Parabens and phthalates have been found in high concentrations in breast tumor tissues. Links have been acknowledged between these chemicals and elevated risk of breast cancer, early menopause, early puberty, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer.

3. -

   Tests on teens found more than 16 different hormone-disrupting chemicals in their body tissues.

4. -

   Nail polishes from major brands have been found to contain DBP — known to cause lifelong reproductive disruptions and linked to birth defects in animals. It is found at its highest levels in women of childbearing age.

5. -

   Wildlife hormone systems are being disrupted by chemicals from personal care products rinsed into rivers and oceans.

6. -

   A study testing 49 makeup products found contamination with serious levels of heavy metals:

   • -90% contain lead
   • -90% contain beryllium
   • -61% contain thallium
   • -51% contain cadmium
   • -20% contain arsenic

Heavy metals are among the most harmful poisons for your body and extremely difficult to eliminate. They can disrupt the brain, nervous system, heart, kidneys, liver and hormonal system.

The Most Harmful Chemicals to Watch Out For

• -Paraben — used in deodorants, hair products and cosmetics. Copies the action of estrogen and contributes to the growth of breast tumors.
• -SLS / SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) — a surfactant also used in industrial cleaners. Produces a known carcinogenic by-product.
• -Phthalates — linked to birth defects and lowered sperm motility. Often hidden as "FRAGRANCE" on ingredient labels.
• -MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) — used in shampoos to kill bacteria. Toxic to the nervous system.
• -Toluene — found in synthetic fragrances and nail polish. Linked to anemia, liver/kidney damage and fetal harm.

What to Do Instead

There are many truly natural, organic, toxin-free alternatives. Look for products with short ingredient lists — ones you can actually pronounce.

Beware of products labelled "All Natural" — this label means nothing legally. Always check the ingredients list.

My go-to? Coconut oil. Makeup remover, moisturizer, hair care, deodorant, toothpaste — this oil is magic in the kitchen AND the bathroom. Mix it with quality essential oils for added benefits and scent.

When I learned all of this, I went to my bathroom and threw away everything. I realized I don't need as many products anymore — just a large jar of coconut oil and some great essential oils. It saves money, and it might actually save your life.

In Health and Happiness,

Stephanie