The average woman starts her day with 12 products that contain over 168 different chemicals. It's a startling revelation.
What's even more concerning is that some of these chemicals are hormone disruptors, capable of throwing our hormonal balance into disarray. The repercussions? Weight gain, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, skin issues, and in the worst-case scenario, cancer.
But how do these hormone disruptors operate? Our endocrine system, housing crucial glands like the thyroid and ovaries, is particularly sensitive to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They lurk in our environment, water, food, and personal care products, interfering with hormone production, transport, and elimination. The result? An array of health problems, from weight gain and infertility to hormonal imbalances and even certain cancers. Not to mention their potential impact on our skin, our body's largest organ.
It's worth noting that the regulation of skin care products in the United States is not as stringent as in many other countries. While some nations have banned hundreds of harmful ingredients, the U.S. FDA has only banned a mere 11.
So, what should you watch out for in your beauty products? Here's a list:
Formaldehyde: Found in nail products, hair dye, eyelash adhesives, and shampoos. It's a known carcinogen.
Fragrance: Linked to hormone disruption, headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies. Opt for products with natural fragrances.
Lead: A carcinogen and hormone disruptor found in eyeliners, hair dye, and lipsticks.
Mercury: An allergen that can impair the brain and nervous system with prolonged exposure.
Parabens: Used as preservatives, these chemicals have estrogen-like properties and have been found in breast tumors.
Oxybenzone: Found in chemical sunscreens, it accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cellular damage.
DEA/TEA/MEA: Used in shampoos, body washes, soaps, and more, these are associated with cancer in animal studies.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES): Absorbed into the body and used to create foam in soap.
Diethylene glycol (DEG): A potent kidney and liver toxin found in some fragrances.
Glycerin and propylene glycol: Sometimes contaminated with DEG and common ingredients in personal care products.
In addition to scrutinizing beauty labels, remember that diet and exercise play vital roles in your skincare routine. Nourish your body with healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water helps your body naturally eliminate toxins that could affect your skin. Periodic detoxification programs, like a 21-day cleanse, can reduce inflammation and enhance skin tone.
For those experiencing skin issues or hormonal imbalances, hormone testing is key. A comprehensive hormone panel measures reproductive and adrenal hormones multiple times a day, offering insights into hormone function. So, before you apply it to your skin, consider this: if you wouldn't eat the ingredients, they probably shouldn't be part of your beauty routine either.