Green Corner

As environmental awareness has increased, people are paying more attention to ensuring that the air, water, and food they ingest is as pure and toxin-free as possible. There has been less focus, however, on the toxins that enter our body via our skin. As the largest organ in the body, the skin absorbs whatever we apply to the surface, which then affects the health of our entire physiology. In fact, the skin is considered part of the immune system, acting as an anatomical line of defense between pathogens in the environment and the body.

Despite the vital role of the skin in health, in the United States, only 11 % of ingredients contained in personal care products have been tested and approved. The nearly 10,000 ingredients that make up the remaining 89% have not been tested for safety. Given the lack of safety regulation, it’s important that you read the ingredient label of whatever products you’re using on your face, eyelids, lips, and other parts of your skin every day, to make sure you’re not inadvertently putting toxins into your body.

Parabens

Parabens are chemical compounds used to inhibit bacteria growth and lengthen the shelf life of products. According to the Environmental Working Group, 11,335 personal care products, including anti-aging formulations, contain parabens, which have been linked to a number of health concerns, including breast cancer. Parabens also have been found to react with UV rays, resulting in accelerated aging of the skin. A recent study by the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine found that when skin treated with parabens – particularly methylparaben – was exposed to UV rays, there was a 16 percent increase in skin cell death (vs. untreated skin).

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemical compounds that, as many scientific studies have found, interfere with the production of both estrogen and testosterone and disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system. Some of the problems linked to phthalate use include birth defects, reproductive dysfunction, and immune system damage. Phthalates are used in a variety of personal care products, frequently disguised under the term “fragrance.” If an ingredient list includes the word fragrance, you can assume it contains phthalates. Phthalates also are frequently used in nail polish, lubricants, detergents, plastic toys, paints, printing inks, and many other products.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium laurel sulfate is a chemical foaming agent used in toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal care products. It’s also a key ingredient in commercial products used to cut grease, such as garage floor cleaners and oven cleaners. In the short-term, most people have few noticeable side effects, but scientific research is now showing some long-term effects of using products containing SLS, including damage to the eyes and immune system. Some studies have found residual levels of SLS in the heart, lungs, and liver.

These are just a few of the toxins contained in common beauty and health care products. Here is an excellent source for further information if you want to learn more:

www.ewg.org/skindeep (The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website, which hosts a comprehensive data base to find out what's inside your beauty products.)