Our skin is the largest organ in our body, m up of two main layers: the epidermis (outer) and the dermis(under). Our skin acts as a barrier keeping water, moisture, and nutrients in; and toxins and harmful bacteria out. Our exterior is not a complete barrier, and chemicals that we put on it—either intentionally or unintentionally—can penetrate into our bloodstream and adversely affect our health.
In our daily lives, we are exposed to unwanted chemicals that can absorb through our skin, in everything from the water we wash up with, to the personal care products we use. In fact, research shows that skin absorption can account for a whopping 64% of the daily volatile organic compounds (VOCs) we take in from tap water, such as during baths or showers! - Brown, H. S., Bishop, D. R., & Rowan, C. A. (1984). The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. American Journal of Public Health,74(5), 479-484. doi:10.2105/ajph.74.5.479
The David Suzuki Foundation surveyed more than 6,200 individuals to determine their exposure to 12 of the most toxic—and most commonly used—ingredients in personal care products, and the results were astonishing. Nearly 80% of products contained at least one of the “Dirty Dozen” ingredients, and over half of the products contained multiple offenders:
1. BHA and BHT These preservatives are generally used in moisturizers and makeup. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) can interfere with hormone function and may cause cancer, and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) can mimic estrogen and may cause liver, thyroid, and kidney issues.
2. Coal Tar Dyes (p-phenylenediamine and colors listed as "CI" followed by a five digit number) Used in cosmetics and hair dyes, coal tar dyes may be contaminated with heavy metals and are recognized as human carcinogens.
3. DEA (cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA) DEA compounds are used in shampoos, moisturizers, sunscreens, and soaps to make products creamy and foamy. High doses can lead to precancerous skin changes and even liver cancer.
4. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) Mostly used in nail products and as a fragrance ingredient, DBP is a suspected endocrine disruptor, can lead to genetic mutations, can impair fertility, and may cause harm to unborn children.
5. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate) These preservatives, which appear in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products, slowly release formaldehyde, which is a known cause of cancer.
6. Parabens The bad boys of the ingredient world, parabens are the most widely used preservative in personal care products. Because they are able to easily penetrate the skin, parabens are especially dangerous as hormone disruptors and estrogen imitators. One particular paraben, methylparaben, is associated with DNA damage and increased skin aging.
7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance) More than 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances in personal care products, but you’ll be hard pressed to figure out which ones, since companies aren’t required to list exact fragrance ingredients. These chemicals can cause everything from migraines and allergies to asthma.
8. PEG (polyethylene glycols) Petroleum-based PEGs are often used as cream bases in cosmetics, and can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen.
9. Petrolatum Frequently used as a moisture barrier in moisturizers and in hair products to promote shine, petrolatum may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause cancer.
10. Siloxanes (ending in -siloxane or -methicone) These silicone-based compounds—used in personal care products to smooth, soften, and moisten—are endocrine disruptors, and may harm the reproductive system.
11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate Common in cleaners, shampoos, and bubble bath, sodium laureth sulfate is a foaming agent that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which can cause cancer.
12. Triclosan Triclosan is an antibacterial agent and preservative common in cosmetics, cleansers, sanitizers, and deodorants. In addition to acting as a possible endocrine disruptor, triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance by wiping out beneficial bacteria. In one study, nursing mothers who used personal care products containing Triclosan had higher concentrations of the chemical in their plasma and breast milk than mothers who didn’t use such products.5 In another study at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, researchers swabbed the noses of 90 adults and found Triclosan was present in the nasal secretions of a whopping 41% of them.
NutriLife Skincare not only takes the time to source the best ingredients, but we take the time to make our products right, safe and effective, without harsh chemicals that can affect us in so many subtle ways, as well as not so subtle.
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