Make-up Products Can Hurt You

The popularity of makeup products today seems to be greater than ever before in human history. Business Wire states that the global cosmetics market reached a staggering $460 billion in 2014 alone. Experts anticipate that the global market for beauty products will continue to rise at an annual rate of 3.8% in the next five years. 

We’re all witnesses to just how big the beauty industry is. Just thinking about the huge number of beauty products we see today can be overwhelming. Beauty is taking over even social media sites like YouTube that had a total of 123,164,115 beauty subscribers in 2015. These numbers speak for themselves, and what they’re telling us is that we are becoming a society of makeup junkies. 

Humans have used makeup for at least 5000 years for the purpose of enhancing features that are thought of as attractive and hiding perceived flaws such as the first signs and symptoms of wrinkles. And although there is nothing wrong with wanting to beautify yourself occasionally, makeup becomes a problem when it creates psychological dependence.

A study carried out by The Renfrew Center Foundation found that almost half (44%) of all

women said that they felt unattractive without makeup. But the problem with relying on makeup to build your self esteem does not end there. More and more medical practitioners, scientists, and consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with how makeup affects our physical health.

The Dangers Of Makeup Products

Most makeup products, from foundations to setting powders, contain a great number of chemicals, some of which may even be dangerous to your health. The way certain chemicals in makeup interact with our skin can lead to skin dryness, flaking, and even allergic reactions. 

But what is concerning is the fact that these chemicals have the ability to penetrate the deeper layers of our skin and enter our bloodstream. If these chemicals happen to be toxic, then chronic exposure to them presents a significant health risk.

Makeup has been a realistic danger for quite some time now. A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found that the bones of Japanese children from the Edo period (1603 -1867) contained levels of toxic metals a dozen times higher than the safety threshold. 

The researchers said that the cause was the use of white facial powder by breastfeeding women that contained dangerous levels of lead and mercury. Another study from 1991 collected samples of kohl eye makeup from third-world countries found that many samples had dangerous levels of lead as well. 

But things don’t seem to be much different these days. A recent study released by Breast Cancer Fund (BCF) for their project The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that almost half of all kids’ Halloween makeup products tested contained banned and harmful chemicals. 

Some of The Harmful Chemicals Found By The BCF Study

Cadmium

A soft, bluish-white metal that studies have linked to kidney failure, bone disease, and even cancer. Researchers believe that cadmium becomes toxic at levels well below limits set forth by the World Health Organization. 

The FDA conducted a test of heavy metals found in popular cosmetics (see here). Cadmium was found in several Estee Lauder, Jafra Cosmetics, l’Oreal, Yves Rocher, Revlon, Proctor and Gamble, Mary Kay, and Jane & Co products including powder eye shadows, cream eye shadows, eye primers, and foundations (source). 

Toluene

A paint-thinner that studies suggest can damage the nervous system and lead to neurological disorders such as dementia. Toluene is found in several nail products as well as some hair dyes (more information here). 

Benzophenones

Used in products such as foundation to protect against UV light. An article published in Dermatitis, states that benzophenones can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes and

even anaphylactic shock. Benzophenones are found in lip balms, foundation, nail polish, fragrances, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and baby sunscreens (more information here).

Parabens

These chemicals are added to cosmetic products to prevent bacteria overgrowth. Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors and one study even found the presence of these chemicals in breast cancer tissue raising further concerns. Parabens are commonly used in perfumes and colognes, but can also be found in shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions (more information here). 

Lead

A heavy metal present in a great number of makeup products, especially those with more pigment such as foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, and eyeliner. Lead is highly toxic when it entered the bloodstream and was found to cause neurological disorders, but also infertility and cancer. 

Lead is most commonly found in lip products including lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners. It is also found in hair dyes, mascaras, eyeshadows, blushes, and foundations. In the FDA lab study, lead was found in measurable or trace amounts in every product tested except for baby powder and most lotions (see the full results here). 

Talc

A mineral used in powder makeup such as pressed powder foundation and blush but also in liquid foundation. The mineral was found to be often contaminated with asbestos which is a known carcinogen. There has been a large number of studies linking talc powder to ovarian cancer according to a review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.

Talc is most famously found in baby powders, but it is also present in deodorants, feminine hygiene products, powdered eyeshadows and foundations, lipsticks and facemasks (more information here).

Conclusion

While most of these chemicals don’t come in amounts that would be scientifically proven to cause adverse health outcomes, chronic exposure to toxins from daily use of makeup may be a reason for concern as explained by Julia R. Barrett for Environmental Health Perspectives. 

If you want to protect your health and your good looks, I suggest that you use Melaleuca products. You can get more info by texting me 832 -766-2172 or check out this website: Follow a Greener Path.

If you want to stick with your current choices, at least read labels carefully and reduce the amount of makeup you use to protect your health.

This post was inspired by a fantastic article by Sophie Addison, a skincare expert. It has been fact-checked and edited by Soutanes..

http://theheartysoul.com/makeup-unhealthy/?t=THS&W=CON

We Want Lead Out Of Lipstick

 

Time to get the lead out?

Is the amount of lead found in lipstick a health hazard?

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a consortium of consumer and environmental groups, thinks so.

They've argued that there's no safe level for lead in lipsticks — especially for pregnant women and kids — and want the agency to do something to bring the amount of the metal down.

A trade group for cosmetics makers says lead isn't put in lipstick on purpose, but it sometimes contaminates raw ingredients.

There's no specific lead limit now for any cosmetics, though color additives used in them are capped at about 20 parts per million, the FDA says.

Note from Soutenus:

After reading the info above . . . are you shaking your head in dismay or steaming from the ears in frustration?  I am steaming.  This is just another of so many reasons I appreciate shopping with a company that puts health and safety first.

Frankly, I wonder why people would shop anywhere else. If my store has it, I buy it from them.  So, I do not have to worry about things like this . . . . but so many people are so blissfully, but dangerously, ignorant.

There's no specific lead limit now for any cosmetics.

The burning question for me is, "Why even allow lead in a product?!"  FDA what are you thinking?   I know many of us remember the lead in paint fiasco!  

My philosophy is, "Why not make smart simple changes?

The Story of Cosmetics

Sexy For Her; Poisonous For Baby (& Her)

Your perfume, shower gel or deodorant could contain chemicals that disrupt hormones, affect immune or nervous systems, or trigger cancer, allergies or other health problems. And not only that, but the chemicals we wash down the drain in our daily ablutions pollute the environment and harm wildlife.

Such is the grim news from the Women’s Environmental Network who have just launched a campaign to end the cosmetics cover up. The campaign aims to empower women to take action and lobby for safer cosmetics and toiletries.

The concern is that women are being exposed to tiny doses of chemicals that can build up in the body. The long-term effects of such exposure are unknown. Chemicals to watch out for include:

Phthalates – found in hair sprays, perfume, nail polishes and some plastics
Parabens – used as preservatives in moisturisers and deodorants
Triclosan – an antibacterial used in deodorants, toothpaste and liquid soaps
Toluene – used in lacquers and nail varnish

Research published a couple of years ago in the USA found that people were being exposed to much higher levels of phthalates than anticipated. Cosmetics were thought to be the missing source. Phthalates have oestrogenic properties and, at high doses, damage male reproductive tissues and cause deformities in developing embryos. Recent research in the USA found phthalates in 52 of the 72 beauty products tested, including all 17 of the perfumes.

Meanwhile another US report looks at the cumulative exposure to phthalates from cosmetics, breast milk, soft PVC toys and even in indoor air because of leaching from PVC products. One source highlighted was PVC medical equipment – tubes, IV bags and blood bags. Many of these products are used in the care of premature babies and so deliver a phthalate dose at the most vulnerable stage of development. The report calls for a phase out of the production and use of phthalates. The EU is trying to get the most toxic phthalate, DEHP, restricted but the chemical industry is delaying them.






A few simple GENERAL and easy ways to avoid many toxins:

• keep informed (you are reading this -- you are doing great in this area)
  
• always take shoes off in house (use house shoes or socks)
• filter your water  (even a Britta filter for drinking water is better than nothing!!)
  
• buy from a store that makes avoiding toxic chemicals easier (we have found one).
  

We have made a simple decision to shop at a store that uses NO harmful chemicals in their products. It is VERY affordable, too.  We like it so much we always tell others (it turns out - that is the ONLY way they advetise)
If you want more info on this subject I'd be glad to give it to you.
peggycortez@yahoo.com

Contact WEN for how to get involved in the Cosmetics Cover Up campaign by ringing 020 7481 9004 or visit http://www.wen.org.uk/Contact Health Care Without Harm at http://www.noharm.org/ or ring 01759 368286 for more details about the US research. http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/magazine/news/newsarchive.htm

85,000 chemicals

There are more than 85,000 chemicals that are currently licensed for use in North America. Less than half have ever been tested for human health risk and even fewer for potential environmental impacts. Remember that babies (born and unborn), children and pregnant moms are at the greatest risk.
Just one more reason to buy from a company with health as its first priority - get out of the habit of trusting products on those store shelves! Need more information on how to make simple changes to take better care of yourself, your family and our environment?

Just ask! Peggy 832 766 2172
OR Visit: How Safe is Your Home?

source: TorontoStar June13th, 2005

SOURCE ARTICLE: What's causing cancer? by Mitchell Anderson

Sexy For Her; Poison for Baby

Your perfume, shower gel or deodorant could contain chemicals that disrupt hormones, affect immune or nervous systems, or trigger cancer, allergies or other health problems. And not only that, but the chemicals we wash down the drain daily pollute the environment and harm wildlife. Such is the grim news from the Women’s Environmental Network who have just launched a campaign to end the cosmetics cover up. The campaign aims to empower women to take action and lobby for safer cosmetics and toiletries.

The concern is that women are being exposed to tiny doses of chemicals that can build up in the body. The long-term effects of such exposure are unknown.

Chemicals to watch out for include:

• Phthalates – found in hair sprays, perfume, nail polishes and some plastics
• Parabens – used as preservatives in moisturisers and deodorants
• Triclosan – an antibacterial used in deodorants, toothpaste and liquid soaps
• Toluene – used in lacquers and nail varnish. Research published a couple of years ago in the USA found that people were being exposed to much higher levels of phthalates than anticipated. Cosmetics were thought to be the missing source.

Phthalates have oestrogenic properties and, at high doses, damage male reproductive tissues and cause deformities in developing embryos. Recent research in the USA found phthalates in 52 of the 72 beauty products tested, including all 17 of the perfumes. Meanwhile another US report looks at the cumulative exposure to phthalates from cosmetics, breast milk, soft PVC toys and even in indoor air because of leaching from PVC products. One source highlighted was PVC medical equipment – tubes, IV bags and blood bags. Many of these products are used in the care of premature babies and so deliver a phthalate dose at the most vulnerable stage of development. The report calls for a phase out of the production and use of phthalates.

The EU is trying to get the most toxic phthalate, DEHP, restricted but the chemical industry is delaying them.

For more details about the US research. http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/magazine/news/newsarchive.htm