There is growing concern in recent years with regard to the harmful effects of unnatural foodstuffs such as artificial additives, preservatives, sweeteners and flavourings in our food and even of environmental pollutants.
How conscious are we of the effects of cosmetics and toiletries which we put on our bodies as make-up, creams, lotions, shampoo, toothpaste, soaps, bubble bath and even the effects that household cleaners and detergents have on our health and on our bodies?
It is amazing that so many of us are so unconcerned about the chemicals we plaster on our bodies, that we are willing to apply anything which claims to make us look younger or more beautiful. It wasn’t so many years ago that shocking insight into the incredibly harmful effects of arsenic and lead compounds Victorian women used on their skin became known. It’s almost a philosophy of ‘if you can’t see it, don’t worry about it’.
Just because a product has proven anti-ageing benefits doesn’t mean it doesn’t also contain an ingredient that is otherwise damaging. It is estimated that women absorb 2kg of chemicals from cosmetics via the skin every year. How much of these chemicals are harmless? Chemicals in cosmetics pass through the skin, into the bloodstream and into internal organs. Just how ‘natural’ are products labelled natural, and why do ‘hypoallergenic’ products cause reactions in some people?
In truth there are no real laws defining these words. There are so many ‘natural’ products which have barely one percent of natural ingredients contained in them. What about the other 99%? A product can claim to be ‘hypoallergenic’ if it can show that it causes fewer allergies than a comparable standard product. This is easier than it sounds as it can simply reduce the number of colourants and fragrances, since these are the most common cause of irritations and allergies.
Did you know that a major ingredient in brake fluid and anti-freeze, derived from petroleum is also contained in baby lotion, cosmetics and shampoo? And that some chemicals added to a whole range of products we use daily can cause hormone disruption?
A group of chemicals which have molecules with similar shapes to hormone molecules can trigger functions that are normally only controlled by our own hormones. When they enter the body they are mistaken for hormones. These work by mimicking the female sex hormone oestrogen. What are the likely side effects of these powerful substances on the female body, the unborn, children and indeed males?
Some time ago, a programme showing scientific studies in this area was aired on BBC television. It showed how male fish which were exposed to high levels of these oestrogen mimicking substances actually changed sex from male to female over a relatively short period. This group of chemicals are known as Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs ). Our body’s endocrine system produces a range of hormones which control the way our bodies grow and function. They also determine our sex.
What are we to do to avoid these substances which because of our own disharmony with the planet, they are even in our drinking water? We can only do the best we can with what is left. Eat organic food as much as possible, avoid fluoridated water and use less chemicals in our homes and in and on our bodies.
Keep informed, research unfamiliar ingredients and use chemical free make-up and bodycare. Inika Organic Cosmetics have a broad range of truly organic certified chemical free make up (not just talc-free ) and are suitable for the most sensitive skins. Inika foundations give amazing coverage without the need to top-up during the day.
For more information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Payne’s Lane, Athlone on 090 6487993.
