OK, I'm going to get a little commercial on you here. I just did some research and am shocked at what I read. Did you know that most baby products, skin care products, fragrances, deodorants, toothpaste, etc., contain either phtalates or paraben - or both? "So?" You might be saying as you get ready to click to a more entertaining blog. But wait. For your sake, please read on. And I won't get commercial on you until the end.
Phthalates. Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). They are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride. People are commonly exposed to phthalates, and most Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have metabolites of multiple phthalates in their urine. How does this happen? There are many ways, but what most of us are unaware of is that they are contained in baby products and hair and nail care products. Why? Many cosmetic companies use this chemical regularly in everyday products because they cling to the hair and nails to give perfumes, hair gels and nail polishes more staying power. Are you kidding, you ask??? NO. Do your research. Long term effects of usage of products containing phtalates include damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in animal studies. But the FDA doesn't regulate this and companies are not required to put include this on their labels.
Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. So the next time you are spritzing your hair or painting your nails - think about it. Your scalp and nails are absorbing this lethal chemical. And what's worse is if your kids are hanging around, they're breathing it in as well. Not good.
Scientists at government agencies in both the U.S. and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in people. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that five percent of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers initially hypothesized. CDC found phthalates in virtually every person tested, but the largest concentrations -- 20 times higher than the rest of the population -- were found in women of child-bearing age. Meanwhile, another study, led by Dr. Shanna Swan of the University of Missouri, identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers’ bodies. What can you do about it? I'll tell you at the end of this blog when I go commercial on you.
Parabens. Parabens are found in almost every skin care product I came across in my bathroom cabinet. This is one reason I don't use them anymore. I use them for another purpose (see further on down). Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteria killing and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives. And they are found in large numbers of baby care products.
There is scientific research showing that parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to the cause of breast cancer and other types of cancers.
Let's face it - our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. Don't tell me you didn't know that. If you didn't, take a look at yourself. It is a living, breathing, functioning organ that does all kinds of wonderful things for us. It not only absorbs oxygen and helps to rid the body of toxins, but that beautiful organ that we take care of with all kinds of lotions, fragrances and deodorants, absorbs everything we put on it. Everything.
So what can we do about this? Buy products that we know do not contain these poisons. It truly makes me wonder about the rise of autism in this country when I read how these poisons are absorbed in the body and can cause reproductive defects and birth defects as mothers are totally unaware that what they are putting on their hair, nail and skin is toxic, not only to them, but to their developing fetus. Of course, time and research will be the answer. Until then, we can do the necessary things to protect ourselves and our children.
And now for the commercial: Arbonne products do not contain any phthalates or parabens. They are botanically based, thoroughly researched, natural products that work. I became a consultant two years ago because I loved their anti-aging products. But as time went on, I became a fan of their balancing cream which has eradicated my hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and other things that are a major pain to a menopausal woman. I love that their makeups and nail polish are phthalate and paraben-free. I love their shampoos and their health products. And I keep the bad products that are cowering in my bathroom cabinet to bring with me to my demonstrations to show others how simple things such as shower gels, lotions and hair products contain poisons that, over time, will tragically effect your life and the lives of your loved ones.
You can see more about Arbonne at their site. If you contact me personally, I will give you a 20% discount on your first order. I believe in their research and the products they offer that much. And it doesn't matter where you live. We ship via good ol' UPS. So email me and I will give you unlimited access to all kinds of great things - that will not poison you or your children.
Copyright 2009 liamsgrandma
