Did you know that there are approximately six pounds of skin on your body which provides a porous membrane into your system? Dirt, dust, pollutants, and other environmental pollutants enter the body through the skin, making it an even more significant gateway to your system than food. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxic. And a recent Canadian study of pediatric drugs found cosmetic and personal care products as the most common cause of unintentional poisonings of kids under six.
The chemicals and toxins found in most commercial skin care products also have a detrimental effect on the environment, although their effect is just beginning to be understood. A team of US Geological Survey scientists showed that a variety of chemicals from personal care products were among 95 wastewater contaminants found in US waterways.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cosmetics into 13 categories, but it does not regulate them. Seven toxins are banned, but many more known toxins and carcinogens are allowed in cosmetic formulations. Less than 1% of the FDA’s budget is allocated for the evaluation of skin care products. And because the FDA does not regulate skin care manufacturers, questionable ingredients often make their way into their formulas. These ingredients may seem harmless in the short-term, but their chemical components are stored in the fatty tissues of the body where they accumulate and magnify over time.
What should a layman do in these circumstances? If a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, write down its name and do a little research. A quick online search should reveal its true nature. As a consumer, you need to be on the look out for chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and your body. You would never think about eating a food that contained chemicals or cancer causing agents. Don’t let these toxins enter your system through your beauty products either!
