Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s consider for a moment precisely what we mean by the term “organic beauty.”
By “organic,” what we really mean is “without using artificial products.” The term organic can be explained as “relating to or, derived from living matter.” That doesn’t mean that the ingredients are necessarily alive, but means that they must be natural and “related” to living things.
How does this relate to beauty? Organic beauty means creating the beautiful look that you want, but without resorting to the use of chemicals, compounds, and other unnatural substances.
And how is this should be considered? One of the biggest and best reasons to go organic, is that non-organic products designed for health and beauty will very often include synthetic products that can actually be harmful. Let’s take a look to some of the dangerous compounds you might encounter if you rely on mass-produced cosmetic products.
Synthetic Products usually includes the following ingredients:
· Estrogenic Compounds
Estrogenic chemicals are found in everything from shampoos, to Tupperware, to makeup. They include Parabens (used as preservatives), placenta extracts and more. Essentially, it increases the amount of Estrogen in the body. For men, this is particularly bad news as it means lower muscle mass, more body fat, lower sperm count and possibly even depression, lethargy and infertility! Many of these compounds are even found to be carcinogens, meaning that they increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer specifically in men and women.
· Aluminom
Aluminum is found in a large number of different products, including antiperspirants and some makeups. Aluminum works by temporarily blocking the skin’s sweat ducts but it can be absorbed into the skin where it will also have Estrogen-like effects.
· Parfum
These products are well known to cause a range of problems including headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration and more. Some studies also suggest that they can affect the central nervous system and lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
· Phthalates
Phthalates are very difficult to avoid and are found in everything from body lotions to nail polishes and hair sprays. These are used to strengthen the parfums and introduce more issues all of their own – including reproductive problems and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Why do companies insist of adding artificial scents to their products when there are so many fantastic smelling essential oils out there already?
· DEA, TEA and MEA
These three products are additives found in cosmetics such as sunscreens, moisturisers and foundations. They are used to act as surfactants, which are well known to combine with nitrates to form nitrosamines – potential carcinogens.
This is quite ironic because some research suggests that a number of natural sunblocks may actually slightly increase your risk of skin cancer. Repeated application of DEA is also shown to cause liver and kidney damage in animals.
· Led
Led was removed from school pencils long ago because it was found to cause a number of health issues. And yet it is still commonplace in your makeup.
· Ammonia
Ammonia is found in a lot of cleaning products and is a powerful irritant that can cause headaches and breathing problems. It’s almost always inhaled during use and it can lead to bronchitis and asthma in the most serious cases. This is maddening too, seeing as baking soda and vinegar can clean most surfaces just fine!
· Flouride
Fluoride is found in toothpastes and is very effective in preventing tooth decay. Unfortunately, though, it’s also strong enough to actually cause damage to the enamel and it’s something that you’re better off avoiding where possible unless you want to experience ‘mottling’ or ‘fluorosis’.
The golden rule to remember here is that anything that comes into contact with your skin, or anything that you inhale, will eventually enter your blood stream. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable eating it, then don’t rub it on your body or spread it around your house!
- Misty Cassady
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