22 Jan 2022 09:24
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More and more products are increasingly being discovered as having harmful chemicals in them which, as time passes, penetrates to the within of our bodies. Studies now are finally being done to link many health conditions to these chemicals such as:
- Increase in Cancer
- Reduction in sexual re productivity
- Changes in hormonal activity
- Neurological Disorders
But "going natural" isn't that easy. First, you've to find some great and truthful information on exactly what chemicals are bad and what potential side effects they have.
Then you definitely need to determine what chemicals may be substituted when coming up with products.
Consider these chemicals, be familiar with one of these chemicals and try to avoid - these chemicals:
* PARABENS (Methyl-Propyl-Ethyl-Butyl)
Common preservative utilized in cosmetics to length shelf life - Possible endocrine disruptor - potentially causing birth defects and cancer
Alternative: preserved with phenoxyethanol - found in nature and based on essential sage oil
* CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS (Oxybenzone/Avobenzone)
Synthetic Sunscreen built to absorb UV rays instead of block the rays - potentially disrupt hormone balance
Alternative: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
* PETRO CHEMICALS (Petrolatum, mineral oil, parrafin)
Used as emollient to smooth skin but are non-renewable crude oil by-products and have potentially dangerous impurities
Alternative: Use oils found in nature: Beeswax, Apricot kernel oil and coconut oil
* PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Humectant, absorbing watker from the air, it is just a petroleum derived synthetic chemical and could draw chemicals into bloodstream. It is just a known skin and eye irritant; causing allergy symptoms and acne
Alternative: Use Glycerin, and Natural Humectant - keep moisture in and other chemicals out
* PHTALATES
Used to blend oils & liquids - very common in fragrances. Known irritants and more studies being done to link Phthalates to possible carcinogenic properties
Alternative: Search for "Phthalate Free" on products, especially individuals with fragrance added or perfum added Velovita Europe.
* DEA/TEA
Adjusts PH levels, but reacts with other nitrates. Reactions can result in nitrosamines which have been associated with potential carcinogens
Alternative: Use Sodium Hydroxide in small amounts to balance PH
* FORMALDEHYDE
Preservative- in lots of personal care products. Very strong skin irritant (eye, nose & throat) EPA has classified this as a "Probably Human Carcinogen"
Alternative: Use preservatives that do not release formaldehyde or irritants. Peppermint oil may be used for antibacterial
* 1, 4 DIOXANE
No purpose in products but is produced as a "by-product" of certain manufacturing procedures - it is just a suspected carcinogen
Alternative: Find a company that vows in order to avoid any processing that might produce this by-product
* ACRYLATES
Thickening agent and reduces feeling of "greasiness" ;.Regarded as a strong irritant.
Alternative: Use Natural Gums "Guar Gum" or "Xanthan Gum"
* CARBOMER
Thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer - can contain hazardous "by-products"
Alternatives: Again, use Natural Gums "Guar Gum" or "Xanthan Gum"
* PVP
Cosmetic Industry uses these as thickners but again, they could contain hazardous by-products.
Alternatives: as noted before - use Natural Gums (Guar or Xanthan)
* CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES
Used to kill any imposing bacteria - can contain formaldehyde (see point 7) and some are known to be irritants
Alternatives: Use Natural preservatives such as Vitamin E and select essential oils
* SILICONES
Protects against water evaporation but hazardous by-products can result from the manufacturing process
Alternatives: Natural Oils - Apricot Kernel oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and jojoba oils are just a few of the alternatives
*QUATS
Preservatives and adds a connection within conditioners. Can produce hazardous by-products in manufacturing process and known to be skin irritants.
Alternatives: Use specific quats easy on skin and monitor manufacturing process to ensure no hazardous by-products are contained within
* TALCS
Absorbent, utilized in many cosmetic products to include softness as well. Closely related to asbestos, talc posses health risk when confronted with lungs and genital areas. Has been associated with both lung and ovarian cancer.
Alternative: Corn Starch - 100% Natural
It's not no problem finding products which are Natural, and even if they say Natural - you need to be careful. Especially since not all ingredients can tell you if you will find "Phthalates" or "Petro Chemicals" ;.
Finding companies that are dedicated to production of "Natural" products is an excellent solution to minimize your risk. Search for the NPA (Natural Products Association) Certification on products and do your research.
There are so many products on the market saturated in chemicals we haven't even begun to appreciate how harmful they are on us and the environment. The standards are quite flexible and not many studies are done to protect us, our youngsters and our environment.
It is up to us - to protect ourselves. It is up to us, to educate our youngsters, family and friends, so that they too can educate others. We have to make healthier choices and those choices must certanly be educated and well informed choices. It's not about why we ought to avoid these items - but HOW in order to avoid these products.
Consider these everyday items and try to find Natural Alternatives.
- Cosmetics
- Nail Polish
- Skin creams, lotions, bath products, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, scrubs
- Hairspray, perfume, candles, air freshners, deodorants
- Laundry detergents, fabric softners (which to produce chemical compound that attaches itself to the fabric and will Never come off - suspected carcinogen)
Tamara Laschinsky is the master of Expressions by Tamara and leader of TeamExpress - a Watkins Independent Consultant Group. Making the environmental surroundings a much better place to live in, Tamara promotes Watkins products as a "green" choice and promotes other local "green" companies in her monthly newsletter. Mother of two, Tamara uses her college degree to operate her own business at home and to help others do the same. Active in her community, Tamara puts much emphasis on family time and community events. In her own words, " Work is work once you don't enjoy it! Find something you adore to do and discover a way to have paid carrying it out! My choice to market Watkins and grow my business team was easy - I already use the products everyday and they are the exact same price as store-bought brands. Joining Watkins made sense for me personally and has allowed me to make use of better products within my home which are safer for my loved ones and the environmental surroundings! I like doing what I really do and helping others do what they want to do. Being an Indp. Watkins Manager I really do what I could to help increase education in today's world of avoiding harmful chemicals for a healthy today and tomorrow.
