Use this, not that: Shower Time!

Self-Care Books

• 47 Simple Wellness Tips for the Body, Mind, and Soul- Kendra Pennington
  

Let’s go over what some of the symbols and buzzwords mean when we are looking at some toxin -free shower products !

Okay first, why is this important. Your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs everything that is on it ( lotion, clothes, perfume, cologne, body wash, etc.) and around it in the air ( aresol sprays, herbicides, pesticides, hair spray, etc.). There are many yucky ingredients that are in the most of the common shower and bath products. These ingredients disrupt your entire body's system, especially something called the endocrine system. When the endocrine system is out of balance then your whole body becomes out of balance, which creates room for dis-ease (disease) to present itself in the body, such as cancer, inflammation, gastrointestinal tract issues, depression, anxiety, issues with females menstrual cycle....and the list can go on and on. The good thing is that you can better your health by simply reading labels, and choosing products that are healthier for you.

Now, these chemicals are not only disrupting the body's internal ecosystem, but in some individuals the reactions to these are severe, and can happen very quickly. Chemicals in these products are spoken about below, especially synthetic fragrance, which is also labeled as "fragrance", and "phthalates". These toxic chemicals can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, upper respiratory infections and much more.

I know many people that state that they do not really care about thier own health, they just don't, and that is okay. However, you can at least care about the peoples health who use the products in your house and/or office.

You may be thinking, why would the government not label these things as toxic if they are? Well, that is a good question. The United States Government has a few hundred chemicals that cannot be placed into products that we put on, in and around our body's. Other countries......well, they have THOUSANDS of chemicals companies cannot place into their products due to the documented harm it causes the human body.

So here is a list of a few words to be on the lookout for:

Certified vegan: this means that the product has been certified as not containing animal products or by-products, and have not been tested on animals. Also look for "cruelty free".

Sulfate: A sulfate is a salt of sulfuric acid. When used in body care products, sulfates are aggressive detergents made of sulfur-containing mineral salts. The most common are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are associated with the “foaming lather” of soaps and detergents. Sulfates are very aggressive, de-harmonizing the natural ecosystem of our skin and hair. Sulfates wash away the natural antimicrobial peptides, proteins, and waterproofing oils our natural biome creates. They lift the cuticle of the hair causing all of the moisture and oil to be released which causes dryness which then makes our hair take longer to dry because the cuticle of the hair is lifted meaning that moisture is absorbed into the cortex. Sulfates leave an anionic charge which means that when you rinse the shampoo away the negative electric charge stays, meaning that it creates a dull residue that causes static. Then you are told to use synthetic, silicone-based conditioners (more chemicals), which mask the damage caused by the sulfates with artificial shine. Sulfates also cause scalp irritation and inflammation as well as follicular stress. Each follicle protective “Lipid Cap” cover is removed due to sulfates, causing the good bacteria to die and bad bacteria to have direct access to your undefended follicle.

Now, these are not to be confused with the sulfates that are "plant derived". Plant-derived sulfates are less abrasive, and are healthier for you. The product should have this labeled on the packaging.

Phthalates: a salt or ester of phthalic acid. This is a group of chemicals often use to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl. High levels of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are used in medical tubing, and plastic devices for feeding, medicating, and assisting the breathing of newborn infants. Government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Toxicology Program’s Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, have reports of how these can affect your health. Phthalates are suspected to be endocrine disruptors, and may adversely affect human reproduction or development. Some have even been listed as ”reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”.

Paraben: parabens are esters (compound formed from acid and alcohol) of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Most common parabens are: methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. These have been linked to being endocrine disruptors, mimicking estrogen and disrupting hormones, which may cause cancer and infertility. NOTE: this also effects males as well.

Synthetic colors: some chemicals found in synthetic dyes/colors are mercury, lead, chromium, copper, sodium chloride, toluene, and benzene. Exposure to large doses of these substances can be toxic and have severe effects on the body. Synthetic colors/dyes (artificial dyes in food) may be linked to numerous forms of cancer, along with hyperactivity and other behavioral problems, as well as allergic reactions. There are certain dyes that the Food and Drug administration has acknowledged to be carcinogens yet, they are still being used.

Propylene Glycol: this is a type of mineral oil that, in industrial grade, is used in anti-freeze, paints, enamels, and airplane de-icers. The pharmaceutical-grade form is used in many personal care products, including toothpaste, as a surfactant. Research on the safety of propylene glycol in personal care products is lacking, although it is a known skin, eye, and lung irritant, and may also cause organ system toxicity.

Synthetic Fragrance/Fragrance/Parfum/DEP, DBP or DEHP: Up to 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions, including a fragrance sensitivity allergy. Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals and environmental toxicants.

Source: https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/

* If you would like to know more about these topics, there are a lot of reputable articles and sites that can be found on the internet. There is one episode of Dark History that pertains to this subject, I'll link it here.

Where to find products without these chemicals?

-Natural Grocers

-Market Street

-HEB, Marshall’s, Ross and TJMaxx

-Central Market

-Whole Foods

Here are a few product names that you may be able to find at these stores listed above, or on Amazon:

• Everyone

• Acure

• Avalon

• Dr. Bronners

• Puracy

• Clean Cult

• Alba

• Jason

• Kirks

• Andalou

WARNING: Just because a brand looks natural and even states that it is natural, does not mean it is. Read the ingredient labels. Empower yourself to take your health into your own hands.