Chemicals In Your Body Care
Nanotechnology
Baths & Showers
Hair Care
Skin Care
Oral Care
Personal Care
Cosmetics
Fragrances
Sunscreens
‘It’s important to say that household cleaning and personal care products aren’t the only source of chemicals in your home, but they are the easiest ones to replace! What can we do? The answer is to start in small ways at home!’
Dr George Grant - Founder of the International Academy of Wellness
You can have a naturally healthy looking skin without using a cocktail of products. Drinking plenty of filtered water, eating a balanced diet rich in fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, taking regular exercise, doing relaxation and facial exercise, sleeping well, avoiding over-exposure to strong sunlight, avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar and salt will all contribute to your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Since the advent of petroleum ingredients in the mid-1900s, chemicals have proliferated. The practice of using some substances with the assumption that it was safe until proven otherwise became routine. Only limited research has been done on many of the chemicals that can be legally used in beauty products.
Remember your skin is the largest organ of your body and it absorbs many substances it comes into contact with. Consider carefully what you put on your skin as chemicals applied topically can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and through that, to vital organs.
There is growing concern that daily exposure to a combination of toxic ingredients found in most skin care, personal care and cosmetic products could result in detrimental long term health effects.
Cosmetics and toiletries ingredients are only loosely regulated. Legislation on labelling is not universal. Currently, there is a lack of labelling legislation protecting the words ‘natural’ and ‘organic’. Often products can be labelled ‘natural’ provided at least one per cent of their ingredients are from natural sources. Manufacturers can claim that a product is ‘organic’ when it contains only one organic ingredient with possibly hundreds of others that are not.
‘Natural’ is a term used widely and loosely in the cosmetic and toiletry industry. Many companies use it to make their products appear ‘green and eco-friendly’ when in fact they contain multiple synthetic chemicals which are anything but ‘natural’.
There are no official definitions for misleading terms commonly used by those in the cosmetics industry such as ‘ hypoallergenic’, ‘low sensitivity’, ‘unscented’, ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘dermatologist tested and approved’.
Many chemicals will never be listed on the ingredients listing because they are hidden within the generic term of ‘parfum or fragrance’ or they are not actually ingredients, rather a by-product of manufacturing.
Current legislation requires cosmetic labels to list ingredients in descending order. As a general rule, the first third of ingredients makes up 90 to 95 per cent; the second third makes up 5 to 8 per cent; and the last third makes up 1 to 3 per cent of the product.
Some products have long lists of bewildering ingredients which makes it hard to distinguish which are good or bad. If in doubt, choose the products with the least number of ingredients of any kind.
Body care products should be free from petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, harsh foaming agents, synthetic additives, animal ingredients and colourings. Choose products with ingredients from renewable resources and with minimal packaging.
Since it is considered unethical to test potentially harmful substances on humans, animals have been subjected to scientific procedures to determine harmful effects on humans. Many animals have been poisoned, tortured and killed in the process.
Look for cruelty-free labelling and buy products that have not been tested on animals.
The best option is to always choose certified organic body care and cosmetic products. However, in Australia, the only organic certification available for skincare is a general food standard. To attain a ‘certified organic’ status, a minimum of 95 per cent of all ingredients (excluding water and salt) must be organic, sourced from a certified organic supplier.
The remaining 5 per cent non-organic ingredients have to be all natural such as natural minerals and other allowable inputs as defined by the Organic Standard. Synthetic chemicals, genetically modified (GMOs) ingredients and harsh chemical processes such as hydrogenation and sulphuration are not allowed. Animal testing is prohibited.
Products labelled as ‘made with certified organic ingredients’ must contain at least seventy per cent of certified organic ingredients (excluding water and salt). The remaining ingredients must be all natural such as clay and minerals or non-organically produced agricultural ingredients, with strict processing criteria such as no synthetic chemicals or GMOs.
If certified organic products are not readily available or affordable, choose those that are mineral-based or made with natural ingredients such as natural pigments and essential oils from plants grown without pesticides or artificial fertilisers, thus avoiding the potentially harmful effects of synthetic chemicals.
Always do a patch test first to test for an allergic reaction before using any new skin products. Always seek professional medical advice prior to using essential oils and herbal extracts as they may interact with certain medications and exacerbate underlying illnesses. Do not use essential oils in pregnancy as they can be harmful. Keep them out of reach of children.
Chemicals In Your Body Care
There are three types of chemicals that are of particular concern. They are commonly found in beauty and body care products. Chemicals that cause cancer or damage DNA; endocrine disrupting chemicals or hormone disrupters that interfere with the hormone systems of animals and people; and persistent organic pollutants that won’t dissipate in the environment or in the body and may accumulate and cause increased levels of exposure over time.
You can use the ‘SIRI Material Safety Data Sheets (or MSDS)’ or online chemical database search facility to research the chemicals found in body care products. MSDS is recognised as the international standard for providing safety information about chemical ingredients used by humans.
Petrochemical based products contain ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, coal tar, paraffin, parabens and any ingredient that has the prefix ethyl-, methyl-or propyl-. Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is used commonly as an emollient; it strips the skin of its lubricating oils and may cause premature skin ageing.
Mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. The less refined forms are used as industrial lubricants, coolers or sealants while the more refined white oil is used extensively in skincare because it is very cheap. They coat the skin like plastic, clogging the pores and blocking the skin’s natural function of respiration and toxin elimination. According to the International Agency for Research into Cancer in Geneva, mineral oils are most likely carcinogenic. They are also skin and eye irritants.
Alcohol or ethanol is often used as a co-preservative and regardless of its origin, is not suitable for use on the skin due to its drying and irritating effect especially on dry or sensitive skin. It strips your skin’s natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to micro-organisms.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) & Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are used as moisturizers in skin creams, foundations with sunscreens and dandruff shampoos. They are suspected to increase cell turnover and reduce the outer skin thickness.
Artificial colourings and synthetic dyes are used to make a product more appealing. Many of these colours are made from coal tars or are aluminium lakes, both of which can be stored in our organs and fatty tissues. Coal tars can potentially cause nausea, mood swings, headache, fatigue and are potentially carcinogenic. Dyes derived from precipitating soluble colours with aluminium are called lakes and can potentially cause nervous system disorder. Chemicals such D&C Red 33, Green 3, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 5 & 6 are potential carcinogens and can possibly damage the bone marrow.
Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) are ammonia derivatives that are highly allergenic and can cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. They bind oil and water together and act as detergents and emulsifiers in body care products. They are also used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt, which then becomes the base for a cleanser.
These amines react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines which cause cancers in experimental animals. Examples of commonly found nitrosating agents in body care products include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Formaldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, MEA, DEA and TEA derived compounds.
Many body care and cosmetic products contain preservatives such as Kathon GC, formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and parabens. Kathon GC (scientific names: methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone) used in shampoos and conditioners, is thought to damage cell processes and can potentially cause cancer.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause irritation to skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is not easy to recognise as it is associated with the additives DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3diol, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea or quaternium-15. It is used in shampoos, conditioners, hand washing liquids and nail hardeners.
Parabens are derived from petrochemicals and used as inhibitors of microbial growth to extend the shelf life of water-based products. There are a few types of parabens including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl and butyl parabens. They can cause irritation to skin, eye and respiratory tract. Research in the UK showed they mimic oestrogen and could potentially upset the oestrogen balance in animals including humans. They could possibly cause osteoporosis, prostate disorders, sperm abnormalities, testicular and breast cancers.
Phthalates such as Dibutylphthalate (DBP) &Diethylphthalate (DEP) are highly allergenic petrochemicals and have been found to cause birth defects in rats. They are used in skin creams as emollients and to enhance absorption. They are also used in nail polishes, hardeners and mascara to create a flexible film.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is a water soluble polymer derived from petroleum, used as detergents, emulsifiers, moisturizers and cleansing agents. It can be found in cleansers, body cream, cosmetics, toothpaste and personal lubricants. It can contain harmful impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both carcinogens; and heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, iron, lead and nickel.
Propylene glycol, a petroleum derivative is commonly found in skin and personal care products. It is a cheap substitute for vegetable glycerine. It is used as a solvent to dissolve oil and to thicken product. It is also used to make extracts from herbs. It has been found to cause cancer and reproductive abnormalities in experimental animals. According to MSDS, inhalation may cause throat and respiratory irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders. It can also cause skin and eye irritation.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (‘quats’) such as Benzalkonium Chloride and Quaternium-15 are used in lotions, shampoos and conditioners to impart a slippery feel to the skin and hair. They also have anti-microbial properties and are commonly used as preservatives. They can cause irritations to skin and respiratory tract, and some people are highly allergic to them. ‘Quats’ are slow to degrade in the environment and are highly toxic to marine life.
The most common surfactants (foaming agents) added to soaps, cleansers, toothpastes, shampoos as well as many detergents are the Linear Alkyl Sodium Sulphonates (LAS). These include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium LaurethSulphate (SLES), mostly derived from petroleum.
These anionic surfactants can affect your skin by partially dissolving the membrane of your skin cells. Cell membranes are made up primarily of fat molecules which are very similar in nature to anionic surfactant molecules. Therefore, it is not surprising that these surfactants are very readily absorbed into the skin cell membranes.
At first, you might not notice the damage taking place to your skin whenever you use these surfactants. Only at sufficiently high concentrations of SLS on your skin will you detect the damage that it is causing. At lower concentrations, you will still suffer cellular damage but you will not be able to tell it is happening.
In addition, SLS can potentially cause hair loss, allergic reaction, irritation to eyes and mucous membranes. It can also mimic oestrogen and act as a hormone disrupter, affecting the reproductive system. It may react with other chemicals found in body care products such as DEA to form nitrosamines, which cause cancers in laboratory animals.
SLES is the alcohol form of SLS. Even though it is somewhat less irritating than SLS, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and therefore, its effects are much longer lasting. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane as a by-product of the manufacturing process. 1,4-dioxane is a carcinogen and irritant to kidney, lung and the nervous system.
Plant-based surfactants derived from coconut and palm oils can be contaminated with toxic chemicals such as dioxins and benzenes during the manufacturing processes. Not only are they harmful to the person who uses the detergent that accidentally contains them, these toxic chemicals are frequently leaked into the environment during the manufacturing process.
Dioxin is a manufacturing by-product of chlorine and plastics, thus not listed as an ingredient. It can contaminate any product that has been bleached or packaged in plastic such as toilet papers, facial tissues, cotton balls, tampons, sanitary pads, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos and other body care products. It can accumulate in our bodies being stored in the fat cells. It may also affect the immune and reproductive system and is a probable carcinogen.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology in the beauty industry involves making products with nanoparticles that can go deeper below the skin’s surface. A nanoparticle is approximately one billionth of a meter, one thousandth the width of the human hair and can only be seen by a very powerful microscope.
These nanoparticles can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream to reach the vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. There is limited research on the long term effects of these particles on our health.
Many companies are incorporating nanoparticles into their cosmetic products such as anti-aging creams and sunscreens despite the unresolved safety issue of these particles. Some are not even identified specifically as nanoparticles on the label.
Baths & Showers
Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in soaps because they are not considered as cosmetics. Soap is made from fat and lye (caustic soda or sodium hydroxide). In most conventional soaps, the fat comes from animals. In vegetable-based soaps, the fat usually comes from palm, olive or coconut oils.
When the fat and lye interact in a process called saponification, soap forms and glycerin is the by-product. Commercial soap manufacturers remove the glycerine for use in other more profitable lotions and creams.
Some soap makers use glycerine to make the clear ‘Melt and Pour’ soaps that contain about 15% - 20% pure glycerine. This high glycerine content causes the soaps to dissolve more rapidly in water than conventional soaps.
Conventional soaps also contain a variety of petrochemicals including SLS; synthetic fragrances and colourings, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic antioxidant; Tetra sodium EDTA, as a preservative; and Disodium phosphate as a buffering agent to adjust the pH. Chemical plasticisers are also added to soaps to make them easier to mould.
Antibacterial soaps contain triclosan which has been indicated as potentially harmful to the liver. When mixed with tap water, triclosan can also form potentially carcinogenic chlorine gas.
Vegetable-based soap is made primarily of water and vegetable oils such as palm, coconut and olive oils. Each type of oil offers quite different fatty acid content resulting in soaps of distinct feel. Soap made from pure olive oil is sometimes called castile soap and is reputed for extra mildness. There is also a wide variety of castile variants that use oil from plants such as coconut and jojoba.
Choose vegetable-based soaps which are plain, uncoloured and unscented. If you would like it scented, choose those that use essential oils and herbs for fragrance. Use soap with added bran and seeds for a good body scrub. Alternatively, you can try ground soap nut, derived from a tree in India and Nepal that has been used for thousands of years.
Most conventional bath oils have detergents, foaming agents or preservatives. Even though some claim to have a relaxing and invigorating effect with the addition of essential oils, most have too few oils to have any real therapeutic effects.
Try making your own bath oils by adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a quarter of a cup of carrier oil such as apricot oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oil directly to the running water in your bath.
Hair Care
Commercial shampoos often contain: Quaternium-15, which releases formaldehyde; detergents such as SLS and SLES; foam boosters such as cocamide DEA; liquid plastic polymer PVP, thickeners, preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, paraben and Kathon GC; modifiers, artificial colours and fragrances, propylene glycol and other chemicals.
Some of these chemicals produce highly toxic vapour, which is particularly concerning given the combination of the shampoo and a hot shower will facilitate optimal absorption of the vapour via the skin, scalp, nose and mucous membrane.
Ingredients in conventional conditioners have been linked to health effects such as skin, eye and lung irritation; toxicity to kidneys, the reproductive and nervous systems; and cancers.
Use organic shampoo based on plant materials or you can make your own using food ingredients or soapwort. Soapwort contains saponin which produces lather similar to soap. Instead of using shampoo, beat an egg and massage it into the scalp and rinse in warm water. Use the juice of half a lemon in the final rinse for added shine. Rub baking soda into wet hair after shampooing and rinse off. It makes a great, natural hair conditioner.
When you change from conventional shampoo and conditioner to those made from natural and certified organic ingredients, you might experience ‘hair detox’. This is due to previous use of conventional hair care products that coat your hair with silicone. Your hair can initially be a little tangled until all residues from the previous products are gone.
Anti-dandruff shampoos generally contain cytostatic chemicals that reduce the rate of cell growth in the scalp’s epidermis. They may contain selenium sulphide, a potential carcinogen that may also cause eye and skin irritation and damage to the liver; zinc pyrithione which may cause dermatitis; and resorcinol that may cause eyes and skin irritation. Coal tar and salicylic acid may also be used. Coal tar is a carcinogen and skin irritant; and salicylic acid can cause dermatitis.
For treatment of dandruff, try rubbing lemon juice into hair roots and scalp. Some have found natural treatments using essential oils that reduce inflammation and improve the health of the scalp to be effective. Identify and remove aggravating factors such as excessive use of hair styling products, heater and air conditioning, additives in processed foods and even stress.
Hairsprays are largely filled with petrochemical derivatives and emit a fine mist that is easily absorbed not only via the skin but inhaled to cause respiratory illnesses. The two most common active ingredients in hair sprays, octinoxate and oxybenzone, have both been linked with a host of health problems.
Hair gel and mousse may contain mineral oil or paraffin, formaldehyde, artificial fragrance, alcohol and plastic polymer PVP, which cause eyes and nose irritation.
Hair colouring products can contain many toxic chemicals including para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and ammonia or ammonium hydroxide. PPD which is used to produce the black colour in hair dyes can cause severe skin reactions and is potentially carcinogenic. Both ammonia and ammonium hydroxide have been linked to skin, eye and lung irritation. Hair dyes have been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia, ovarian and bladder cancer.
You can use natural hair colourings based on plant ingredient such as henna to dye your hair. The active ingredient in henna is lawsone, which produces an orange or red colour depending on the original colour of the hair. Black henna can contain additives such as silver nitrate and lead acetate which are highly toxic. If you do choose to use henna, make sure it is pure henna without any harmful additives and seek advice as results are variable.
Conventional hair removal creams, wax, gels and foams contain many synthetic petroleum-based chemicals including fragrances and colourings. Use natural beeswax strips instead as they do not contain any chemicals and are reusable. If you prefer to shave, choose a natural or certified organic shaving cream.
Skin Care
Conventional skin moisturisers can contain petrochemicals such as paraffin, mineral oils, parabens, SLES and propylene glycol. Many emollients used in skin moisturisers also contain animal derived ingredients such as glycerine and lanolin.
Glycerine is mostly made from animal fat as a by-product of soap manufacture. It is considered a humectant, which means it attracts moisture. Since glycerine stays primarily on the surface as a ‘skin protectant’, it either absorbs moisture from the air or draws moisture out from the skin. Therefore, unless the humidity of air is over 65%, glycerine draws moisture from the lower layers of the skin and holds it on the surface, thus drying the skin from the inside out.
Lanolin is a natural wax coating found on sheep’s wool and is extracted by boiling the wool and collecting the wax. It can be contaminated with pesticides and fertilisers as sheep are dipped in pesticides (some containing organophosphates) and fed grasses grown with synthetic fertilisers. It should not be used unless it is purified.
Choose either certified organic skin care products or those made from natural ingredients. Crushed strawberries and cucumbers are great for dry skin. For very dry skin, use pure almond oil, peach or avocado weekly to replenish the skin’s natural oils, soften and moisturise it.
Natural organic yoghurt, rose water, cucumber juice and cooled chamomile tea can be used as a skin cleanser. If your skin is slightly greasy, use rosemary tea as it acts as an astringent. Organic apple cider vinegar and rose water makes a great skin toner.
Facial and body scrub can be made from a mixture of sugar, salt and/or baking soda. For a nourishing facial mask, beat the white of an egg, apply to your skin and leave it to dry before washing off with warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or 1 teaspoon olive oil if you have dry skin and 1 teaspoon lemon juice if you have oily skin.
A weekly steam facial is excellent for deep cleansing of the skin as it opens up the pores and assists in releasing impurities. You can also use diluted fresh lemon juice to wipe your face clean of oil and close the clean pores.
Oral Care
Conventional toothpastes can contain fluoride, SLS, saccharin, artificial flavourings and colourings. Choose toothpastes that are made from natural ingredients such as fennel and eucalyptus. You can also use baking soda, which makes a good tooth cleaner and is mildly abrasive enough to remove plaque from teeth. Press a damp toothbrush into a small amount of baking soda before brushing. Alternatively, you can make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of peppermint essential oil and enough water to produce the desired consistency.
Conventional mouthwashes often contain high content of alcohol together with artificial colours and ammonia. High levels of alcohol can cause irritation to the gums and mucous membrane and cause the burning sensation associated with many conventional mouthwashes. Choose mouthwashes that are made from all natural ingredients or you can try making your own using cool mint tea. Add 1 teaspoon fresh mint to 600ml boiling water and leave for 20 minutes, then strain, cool and use as a gargle.
Personal Care
Chlorine bleaching of the wood pulp used in toilet paper, facial tissues, sanitary pads and tampons produces dioxin. Dioxin pollution is a serious worldwide environmental problem and is found throughout the environment in varying levels. It accumulates in the fatty tissues of animals and humans.
Research suggests that dioxin is a hormone disrupter compound that mimics oestrogen and disrupts hormonal function within the body. It has been linked to breast cancer, endometriosis, low sperm counts, early puberty and immune system suppression.
Toilet paper and facial tissues may have been bleached with chloride and can also contain formaldehyde, artificial fragrance and dyes. Choose unscented, undyed and unbleached toilet paper and facial tissues. Certified organic toilet papers means that the trees used for their production meet organic standards.
The mucosal lining of the vagina is one of the most absorbent areas of the body yet women expose themselves to a variety of hazards through the use of tampons every month. Even though the safest material is 100 per cent certified organic, unbleached cotton, the majority of tampons manufactured today contain rayon and rayon-cotton blend.
Rayon is a synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp that is commonly chlorine-bleached to make it fully absorbent. Surfactants are also used in tampons to increase absorbency. These super absorbent fibres absorb not only the menstrual blood, but also normal vaginal secretions resulting in dryness of vaginal tissues. The fibres can also become embedded in the vaginal walls and amplify the production of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin.
Tampons can also contain synthetic fragrance, genetically modified (GM) cotton and pesticide residues used in the cultivation of conventional cotton. These can be absorbed into the bloodstream. There is no research to support the claim that tampons containing GM cotton have been safely evaluated. There is also no regulation that requires manufacturers to specify GM cotton on labels.
Sanitary pads are subjected to the same considerations as tampons when it comes to the fibres used and the chemicals used to treat the fibres. Pads are often made with a dry-weave plastic cover sheet that has been linked to allergic reactions and local irritation. Although they are not in contact with the internal vaginal wall, chemicals from the pads can still enter the bloodstream through contact with the external mucous.
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons to minimise the risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome, a potentially fatal illness. Choose unbleached and unscented sanitary pads made from 100 per cent certified organic cotton. The safest option is to buy reusable sanitary towels made from certified organic cotton. They come with a holder and just require washing after use.
Cosmetics
Conventional cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick, lip balms, eye shadow and eyeliner are made using petroleum-based colourings, preservatives, thickeners and waxes such as ceresin. Choose make-up foundations made from natural pigments and certified organic ingredients.
Conventional lipsticks can contain ingredients such as wax, mineral oils, synthetic colourings and fragrance, preservatives, antioxidants, propylene glycol, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium saccharin and lead.
Natural lipsticks are available with ingredients such as beeswax, mineral pigments and essential oils. Natural lipsticks do require special handling because they are softer. They should not be left in a hot car or in direct sunlight because they melt more easily than conventional lipsticks. Certain colours such as hot reds or bright oranges might not be readily produced from natural colour pigments.
Most conventional lip balms have ingredients derived primarily from petrochemicals. The inactive ingredients have moisturising abilities; which include petrolatum, mineral oil, cetylalcohol, cetylpalmitate, paraffin, propylparaben, polybutene, camphor and menthol. The active ingredients are essentially sunscreen; which include dimethicone, oxybenzone and padimate. Some of these ingredients are known to cause harmful health effects.
Herbal based lip balms usually contain a blend of castor oil, which is used to relieve inflammation of the skin and mucous membrane. They can have other ingredients such as coconut oil, vanilla oil, calendula oil, almond oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, shea butter, honey and beeswax
Nail polish has many harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde resin and plasticiser DBP. Don’t be deceived by brands claiming to have added vitamins as these cannot be absorbed by the nail. Acetone is found in nail polish removers and can potentially damage liver, kidneys, mucous membrane in small doses and cause death in large doses.
Buy nail products that avoid the use of these chemicals or avoid using nail polish altogether. Bring a natural shine to nails by applying a small amount of vegetable oil and buffing with a nail buffer.
Fragrances
More than 90 per cent of fragrances are synthetically produced and used as cheap substitutes to natural oils and essences. Many are derived from petrochemicals and often contain multiple ingredients including carcinogens such as methyl chloride and phthalates which are hormone disrupters.
Synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have hundreds of ingredients that may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. In the name of trade secrets protection, fragrance manufacturers do not have to disclose the ingredients in fragrances, thus there is no way of knowing whether they are safe or not. These chemicals can also persist in the environment and contaminate waterways.
Look for fragrance that is based on essential oils as it is free from petrochemicals. Essential oils are extracted from plant oils and distilled to make natural fragrances. They come in 3 grades. Pure grade oils are very potent and usually mixed with a base oil or water, and never taken internally. Normal or perfume grade oils which may also be labelled as ‘extract’ or ‘tincture’ have been diluted with alcohol and/or plasticisers to make them resilient. Food grade oils can be taken internally.
Many essential oils on the market have been mixed with synthetic fragrances. Choose certified organic oils as they will be free of pesticides, fertilisers, genetic modification and other chemicals. You can make your own fragrance by adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to almond oil.
Most commercial aftershave has a high synthetic alcohol content which makes the skin dry. Choose aftershave with natural ingredients such as rose water and witch hazel.
Both deodorants and antiperspirants can contain aluminium which has been linked to dementia. They may also contain triclosan, ammonia, formaldehyde and artificial fragrance. It is better to avoid antiperspirants altogether as they block the pores and inhibit natural sweating, a process through which toxins are eliminated.
Choose deodorants with natural and plant-based ingredients. Baking soda is an inexpensive but effective and natural deodorant. Just pat on a little with the fingertips after washing while the skin is still slightly damp. Avoid using talcum powder as it could possibly cause female reproductive cancers and it could be contaminated with asbestos fibre.
Sunscreens
The active ingredients in sunscreens work by either reflecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation or absorbing UV radiation. Sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays would provide the most protection.
One of the earliest active ingredients used in sunscreen was para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). While PABA is a powerful UVB absorber, it does not absorb UVA rays. PABA can also attach to skin proteins so it is not easily washed off while swimming. It also stains clothing. Since PABA needs to be mixed with alcohol for application formulas, it can sting when applied to skin. Most sunscreen manufacturers had abandoned its use as a result of perceived sensitivity to PABA and its ester derivatives.
Compounds such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide physically block both types of UV rays by reflecting the rays like a mirror. Zinc oxide is more effective than titanium dioxide. Since they are not absorbed into the skin, they do not appear to cause any skin reaction or photosensitivity.
Titanium dioxide however, has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B carcinogen - ‘possible carcinogen to humans’. It can cause DNA damage due to the formation of superoxide radicals, active oxygen radicals and hydroxyl radicals when exposed to light.
Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are derived from chalky, reflective materials, thus resulting in a white appearance when applied onto the skin. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been developed because they do not scatter light and therefore, do not appear white when applied to the skin.
The safety of these nanoparticles is quite controversial. The debate is whether these particles are small enough to penetrate the skin and possibly cause cancerous cells by promoting the generation of free radicals.
Active ingredients in conventional sunscreens that absorb UV rays include chemicals such as octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), oxybenzone and benzophenones. They penetrate the skin, get into the bloodstream and have been linked to harmful effects on the body. They should all be avoided.
OMC acts as a chemical UV filter in sunscreens and can cause allergic skin reactions. It has been found to bind to DNA (genetic material in cells) and produce free radicals known to be toxic to cells and may contribute to skin ageing. When OMC was applied to the cells of laboratory mice, in much lower concentrations than those found in the majority of sunscreens, about half of the cells died.
Oxybenzone is rapidly oxidised in the presence of light and inactivates important antioxidant systems in the skin. A study by the U.S. Centre of Disease Control found oxybenzone reacts negatively with sun exposure, resulting in formation of free radical chemicals that may be linked to cell damage. Other effects include allergic reactions, hormone disruption, absorption through the skin and prolonged accumulation in the body’s fatty tissues.
Benzophenones have been shown in some studies to promote generation of free radicals, which can potentially cause cell damage.
Look for sunscreens that contain the UV filter, oryzanol which occurs naturally in rice-bran and has enough UV absorption to offer some UV protection. Its action can be further potentiated by the addition of Vitamin E.
The best method for avoiding UV exposure and the associated risks is to take a common sense approach. Limit your exposure by minimising time spent in the direct sun during the hottest time of the day. Covering up with long light-weight clothing, made from natural organic fibres will provide protection and also keep you cool. Always wear a hat and good quality sunglasses.