Organic Beauty Care

An increasing number of consumers are choosing organic foods to reduce ingesting toxic pesticides. Organic foods are not the only way to avoid toxins in the body. Research has shown “that up to 60% of what we apply to our skin may be absorbed into the bloodstream.”http://www.wen.org.uk/cosmetics/index.htm There are many toxic chemicals found in conventional health and beauty products.

Skin Absorption

The skin is the body’s largest organ. Many oils and alcohols can easily be absorbed into the skin. This makes them a favorite choice in large manufacturer skin products because it will help carry the active chemical ingredients deeper into the skin.

Chemical Ingredients

Researchers are now discovering that many of the chemical ingredients used in conventional skin care products can be hazardous to our health.

Mineral Oil: A petroleum by-product that inhibits the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins which increases acne and other skin irritations. It also decreases cell development which increases the risk of premature aging. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Mineral oil derivatives include: Liquidum paraffinum (posh mineral oil,) Paraffin oil, Paraffin wax, and Petrolatum.

Parabens: Easily absorbed through the skin, parabens are used as a preservative in cosmetic products. The main area of concern surrounding parabens is the risk of breast cancer. A study by Dr Phillipa Darbre at Reading University in 2003 traced parabens that were found in breast cancer tumors. Forms of parabens include:  methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Commonly used in soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes and other products, both chemicals are foaming products chemically known as surfactants. Both SLS and SLES are known to be damaging to health. Among the possible dangers researches have noted include: skin irritation / skin corrosion, hormone imbalance, eye irritation / eye deformities in children, protein denaturing and carcinogenicity. Sodium lauryl sulfate mimics the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for health problems that include PMS, menopausal symptoms, and increasing the risk of cancers such as breast cancer.

Organically Cleanse and Rejuvenate Your Body

Researching the benefits of organic skin care can answer the important question of why organic skin care products are an important and healthy choice. If you are using non-organic skin care products, it is important to note the effects that the toxic chemicals have on your hormones. It has been proven that the increase in paraben use is directly related to an increased risk of breast cancer. It is important to check the label for ingredients that contain butyl-, ethyl-, methyl- and propyl-, which are the four major parabens.

To ensure healthy skin care, take the time to replace your current skin care products with organic products.  Your skin and overall physical health will appreciate the change.