We use hair products, deodorants, lotions, soaps, body wash, and many other different beauty products on our bodies every day. But do we ever stop to think about how they affect our health? An increasing body of studies shows that these products might be doing more harm than good.
For example, researchers have found dangerous levels of mercury in 1 in 2 anti-aging and skin-lightening creams. They’ve traced fragrances in shampoos and soaps to poor semen quality and fertility issues. They’ve linked chemicals in hair straighteners and dyes to uterine and breast cancer. Even more surprising is that they found heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and chromium and endocrine disrupters like parabens, phthalates, and perfluorochemicals in children’s face paints and cosmetic products.
The toxic chemicals in beauty products can affect anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable to adverse health risks linked to makeup and body products. That’s partly because behavioral patterns like hand-to-mouth increase exposure to products through ingestion. Also, their small body size, rapid growth, immature immune system, and developing organs and tissues make them biologically susceptible to the effects of toxins.
A Quick Look at the Endocrine System
Your body’s endocrine system consists of a network of glands that make and release hormones that help cells communicate with each other. It’s similar to the nervous system in that it helps control and regulate almost every cell, organ, and function in your body. The only difference is that it uses hormones instead of nerve impulses and neurotransmitters.
When the endocrine system is fully functional, everything, including your emotions, metabolism, sexual function, mood, growth, and development, is balanced. However, the hormone-disrupting chemicals in personal care products can disrupt this balance and cause problems.
Endocrine disruptors mimic or interfere with your hormones, leading to health issues. In fact, studies have linked them to numerous health issues in both wildlife and people. Let’s look at some common toxic chemicals in beauty products and how they affect the endocrine system.
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic compounds mostly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, prolonging the shelf life of products. While this sounds beneficial, parabens have a dark side.
Research has shown that parabens may contribute to the development of breast cancer by mimicking estrogen, a hormone involved in breast tissue growth. While the study is ongoing, many experts recommend avoiding products containing parabens to minimize potential health risks.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They’re also used in beauty products to help fragrances last longer. These hormone-disrupting chemicals mimic and interfere with hormones like testosterone and estrogen, leading to problems like infertility and developmental delays in children.
Studies have linked phthalate exposure to reduced sperm quality, early puberty in girls, and even behavioral issues in children. Long-term exposure is particularly concerning because these chemicals tend to accumulate in the body over time.
Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are often made from a cocktail of chemicals, many of which are not disclosed on product labels. These fragrances are common in a wide range of personal care products, from shampoos and lotions to perfumes and deodorants, and can cause skin irritation.
Given that "fragrance" can include thousands of undisclosed chemicals, it's wise to be cautious and opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products whenever possible.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium are sometimes found in cosmetics, particularly lipstick, eyeshadow, and skin creams. These metals can have severe adverse effects on your health.
Lead, for example, has been shown to cause neurological damage and developmental delays in children, while mercury exposure is linked to reproductive and immune system damage. Cadmium and chromium can accumulate in the body, leading to toxic effects over time. In the United States and European Union, there are regulations to limit heavy metals in cosmetics, but trace amounts can still be present, so it's important to choose products carefully.
The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Health
Toxic chemicals in beauty products can mimic, block, or interfere with your body's hormones and lead to:
- Hormonal imbalance: This may manifest in a variety of ways, such as weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and even chronic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Breast cancer: Research suggests that endocrine disruptors like parabens and phthalates may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Reproductive harm: Exposure to these chemicals can also affect reproductive health. In men, phthalates have been linked to reduced sperm quality and fertility issues. In women, endocrine disruptors can lead to menstrual irregularities and early puberty.
- Nervous system disruption: Some endocrine disruptors can affect the nervous system, leading to cognitive issues, behavioral problems, and developmental delays in children. Heavy metals like lead and mercury are particularly harmful to the developing brain.
- Hair loss and skin irritation: Phthalates and synthetic fragrances are known to cause allergic reactions and dermatitis, while heavy metals can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning or loss.
Choosing Safer Beauty Products
But the good news is that there are alternatives to these toxic beauty products – green beauty products. These are products that use natural and organic ingredients that are not just good for the skin but the environment as well. And the best part is you can get all kinds of green beauty products – whether it’s nail polish, face mask, hair dye, or sunscreen.
For your health and peace of mind, these products are:
Free from Harmful Chemicals
Many standard beauty products contain endocrine disruptors like parabens and phthalates, which can mess with your hormones and lead to health issues like reproductive harm or even breast cancer. Natural products, like those from Pure Treesy and other green cosmetic manufacturers, are free from these harmful chemicals, and are a safer choice for you and your family.
Gentle on Your Skin
Green products include ingredients that are kind to your skin. Unlike many conventional products, they don't contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergies. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients that nourish and protect your skin.
Environmentally Friendly
Green products are usually made with sustainable practices and eco-friendly packaging. This means they’re better for the environment. When you choose green products, you’re not only taking care of your body, but you're also taking a big step towards helping to protect our planet!
With green beauty products, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for safety. Pure Treesy has a collection of affordable green beauty products available for purchase online. Whether you're looking for face masks, hair care, body wash, sunscreen, etc., we have a selection to match your preference. And the best part is that our products are eco-friendly and offer great results without all the harmful side effects!
