Top tips for your personal care
One of women’s most enduring quests has been to look younger, thinner, and more gorgeous. And to go on the quest they rarely think over the authenticity of the products they buy from the worldwide cosmetics market. Sadly, many of these products contain ingredients with unsure implications (many of which are petroleum derived), as well as potentially toxic agents that are not even included on the label. There are, however, easy and affordable alternatives available to every consumer. If you invest so much time and money in your personal care and appearance, doesn’t it make sense to do so in a constructive way that doesn’t harm neither you nor your environment? The following tips will give you some general information and inspire you to make a few small changes in your own routine.
- Never Forget Looking at the label
Unregulated chemicals that are used to make the cosmetics we use are the most complicated issue to deal with. From the consumer’s point of view there are certain common substances to look out for. The best thing is to learn the main ones to avoid and then check the product ingredient label. Or instead of scouring every label, you can also choose a cosmetics company that has signed the CSC’s compact and uses certified organic and natural ingredients.
- Go only for aluminum-free deodorant
Aluminum is commonly used in antiperspirants, which not only causes skin irritation, but the inflammation caused may spread all over where the antiperspirant is being applied, leading to more general inflammation. Antiperspirants also block pores, which ultimately prevent the body from eliminating toxins through perspiration. This reduces the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Rather than using antiperspirant, try to use natural deodorant brands that don’t contain aluminum.
- Check the levels of chemicals in toothpaste
Because we like a bright smile, many major companies of toothpaste use chemicals like parabens, titanium dioxide for whitening, and high levels of fluoride. There has been concern for some time about the level of fluoride that we ingest on a daily basis both through drinking water and toothpaste. Although fluoride helps fight tooth decay, high doses can also be harmful.
- Take good care of your hair
A number of products we put in our hair. Shampoo, conditioner, serum, wax, gel, hair spray, and color to name a few. Hair is enormously absorbent and all those products can contain potentially harmful chemicals. Make sure that your shampoos and conditioners are not containing petroleum products; hair dyes having carcinogenic coal tar (strong dandruff and psoriasis shampoos can also contain coal tar); hairsprays and hair gels containing petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance.
- Watch out for petroleum derivatives
Most of us don’t mind on the overuse of fossil fuels anymore. There are a lot of petroleum derivatives to be found in our cosmetics as well as in our personal care products like the plastics used in sanitary pads. Mineral oil, paraffin, and propylene glycol can be found as basic ingredients in the majority of cosmetic products. Once again, it is essential to read the ingredients and look for certified labels. One of the most obvious products using petroleum is lip balm and lip gloss – rather you should go for the beeswax!
- Use only natural sun creams
There is much debate about the actual efficacy of SPF factors as well as studies into the potentially harmful ingredients used in sunscreens. According to the experts, “Because sun creams encourage a false sense of security, we stay out in the sun far longer than is smart or safe. Few of us apply sun creams as regularly or as thickly as manufacturers recommend. Chemicals that provide sun protection are also potentially irritating to the skin, and irritated skin is more prone to sun damage. So, either use natural sun creams or stay out of the midday heat.
- Get away from toxic shock syndrome
We know that tampons come inscribed with warnings about toxic shock syndrome (TSS). While rare, it still does occur in women who use super-absorbent and synthetic tampons. However, TSS is not the only health danger in using these products. The chlorine bleaching that is used to make tampons and sanitary pads look “clean” produces dioxin, a known carcinogen and pollutant. Dioxin settles in the fat cells of our bodies and stays there for the rest of our lives, building up cumulatively over time. So, increased exposure means increased risk. We suggest looking for 100% cotton tampons and sanitary pads, organic if possible.
- Prefer using menstrual cups to avoid the landfill
Another way of avoiding the toxins related to tampons and sanitary pads is to use a menstrual cup. This has several benefits. Not only is it reusable, but you will be saving money every month by not buying all those disposable products. Furthermore, if you are not buying them then you won’t need to dispose of them, therefore sending less to landfill. A menstrual cup is convenient, cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment too. There are cups made from rubber and silicone, however it is thought that the silicone cups are better for those who might have sensitive skin or are allergy prone.
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