Our skin is the largest organ in our body, yet it’s routinely taken for granted. It’s no wonder that it shows age and neglect. Caring for your skin is caring for your entire body. It acts as a big protective layer to keep out bacteria, viruses and harmful chemicals, but it’s not a waterproof or chemical-proof barrier. In fact it’s quite permeable and it gets pretty stressed out when it’s not cared for properly. Everything that stays on our skin gets absorbed to some extent, especially if it’s left there.
Imagine some really gross substance. Now imagine smearing that all over your face. Next add a toxic chemical or two (or six) to the mix. Now reapply it to your clean skin before you go to bed and then the next morning and the next.
We are too trusting. No one is watching out for us on this one! If it’s sold for skin it must be good, or at least be okay to use. Wrong! Cosmetics are the least regulated products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). It is dangerous and reckless to not know what you’re putting on your skin!
This is a list from the National Cancer Prevention Coalition of the top cancer-causing products in the average home:
- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with talc
- Crest Tartar Control toothpaste
- VO5 Hair Conditioner
- Clairol Nice-n-Easy Hair Color
- Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up
- Ajax cleanser
- Lysol disinfectant
- Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser
We’re working on a list of harmful and/or toxic common ingredients in skin products so be keeping an eye out for that.
