THE TOXICITY OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We use beauty products in high quantities every day and in the process, we are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals that may cause a range of negative long-term health effects.

Most people don’t realise it, but our favourite skincare products can be significant contributors to harmful ingredients, toxins and chemicals. The majority of store-bought, commercially-produced beauty products come packed with artificial colours, fragrances, and preservatives that can easily be absorbed through the skin’s pores, potentially causing a range of negative long-term health effects.

HORMONE IMBALANCES

According to Dr.Axe, one of the most significant consequences of built-up toxin exposure from artificial skincare products is hormone imbalances, since many products contain chemicals that can and may disrupt our hormones. These additional hormones found in commercial products are substances produced outside the body that may act as our natural hormones, but in reality, they do affect the hormones that are already found inside our body.

Some product includes synthetic, patentable hormones that harmfully affect the endocrine system and can also impact on a women’s menstrual cycle and even hormone levels in men. While other products include endocrine disruptors, which have these chemicals’ molecular structures that resemble natural estrogen.

DR. AXE EXPLAINS THAT

"...the chemicals found in beauty products can be damaging throughout their entire life cycle, from the way they are produced and used by consumers, to the methods of their disposal and their negative impact on the environment."

Putting these harmful chemicals on your body will limit your skin’s natural healing processes. As a result, your body’s immune system, the health of your eyes, and your respiratory system will become weaker and in the long-run can they can be damaged by unhealthy chemicals and additives. Many of these chemicals are skin irritants, leading to red, dry, flaky skin.

WHAT TO DO?

It is always better for the environment to make your homemade scrubs and lotions. Many products are petroleum-based oils that are made from unsustainable fossil fuel. The plastic packaging is a huge waste, so by creating your beauty product you are not only protecting yourself but the environment.

Fernanda XOX