Take a look at why it might be time to reevaluate what's hanging out in your bathroom cabinets.
Can we have your number?
Studies show that the average woman exposes her body to 168 different chemicals daily. That may sound like a lot but think about all the products that make up your daily self-care routine. Now think about what's in each of those products. And now think about the fact that you've been introducing your body to each of those ingredients regularly.
Want to take another look at those labels? Go ahead; we'll wait.
It seems counterproductive that the products we use to care for ourselves may contribute to long-term and harmful health complications. So does that mean we give up on bathing and empty our toiletry bags in the name of self-care? Thankfully, no.
It does mean that we take a closer look at what we're putting on (and in) our bodies and switch to clean, safe, and toxin-free products. Not sure where to begin? Start with the basics.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants:
Walk into any drug store, and you'll be greeted by an entire aisle dedicated to the cause of keeping your underarms smooth, dry, and odor-free. And who doesn't want that, right? While we use these terms interchangeably, they each have a specific mission: Aluminum-free deodorants work by masking odor. Antiperspirants use aluminum salts to block your sweat glands and stop you from sweating – no sweat, no stink. Many products on the market are a combination of both.
So what's the big stink?
While aluminum might be appropriate for baking a potato, you are not a baked potato, and blocking your sweat glands prevents your body from eliminating toxins which is what your body is supposed to do. This could be a form of disrupting the endocrine (read: hormone) balance. Also studies suggest that aluminum may be linked to incidence of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, though more research needs to be done.
Deodorants and antiperspirants often contain high doses of fragrance too. Did you know that in the United States companies are not required to disclose the ingredients in fragrances used in personal care, even natural skin care and clean beauty products! Fragrances often contain hundreds or thousands of ingredients. One of the most common are phthalates [pronounced THAL-ates] which help the fragrance stick to the skin … and are known to cause endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer (we get it, we’re scared too).
What should I look for instead?
Don't sweat it! Nowadays, there are much safer (but still effective!) options on the market. Our line of aluminum-free deodorant is free of unidentified chemicals, toxins, and aluminum salts. They also list every fragrance ingredient on the back of the package. Using familiar ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe, and proprietary sweat-activated formula, they are clinically proven to provide long-lasting protection without the scary side effects.
Toothpaste:
We all know that good oral health is an essential part of total body health, and not to mention we all want our pearly whites lookin' good for the 'gram. Many kinds of toothpaste on the market contain fluoride, aluminum hydroxide, and artificial coloring to achieve these results.
If those are found in most toothpaste, surely they can't be that bad.
While fluoride in small doses can help prevent tooth decay, if ingested in large amounts, it can cause fluorosis, which affects your teeth' enamel. Same with aluminum hydroxide. If you absorb too much into your system, it can cause severe stomach pain or constipation. Yeah, not great.
What should I look for instead?
Try a fluoride-free product, like this Reflection Toothpaste from ELIMS. It's a safer and cleaner alternative that will keep your smile looking good without some of the negative health implications. Powered by nano-hydroxyapatite, a clinically proven natural fluoride alternative, it remineralizes enamel, fights sensitivity, and gently uses baking soda and coconut oil to whiten your teeth. Say cheese!
Moisturizers:
The skin is the body's largest organ, so it's critical to select clean skincare products that you can safely absorb on such a large level. Another unsuspecting beauty product that you may be constantly slathering on in the Winter months is Hand Cream. One thing you'll find in common with other clean beauty products, however, is that it too usually contains loads of potentially harmful ingredients. Like parabens.
What are parabens, and why is that a bad thing?
Parabens are chemicals used in many beauty and self-care products to increase their shelf-life while preventing harmful bacteria and mold from forming. That seems like a good thing, right? But consider this: What are these artificial preservatives doing to you once they are absorbed into your system? They aren't preserving our youth, that's for sure—quite the opposite. Studies have shown that parabens can cause hormonal chaos, affect your fertility, and cause skin irritation. No, thank you.
What should I look for instead?
Like our deodorants, we have created a clean hand cream alternative that is free of toxins, aluminum, and parabens. We use nut oils, shea butter, and aloe vera to soothe your dry, cracked hands without any greasy after-feel. And natural preservatives Sodium Gluconate and Potassium Sorbate. Your skin will be feeling so smooth and so soft you'll be walking around the house holding hands with yourself.
Don't stop there!
Knowledge is power. Continue to dig deep and carefully consider the natural skin care and clean beauty products you use. With so many quality alternatives on the market today, clean and toxin-free self-care products have never been more accessible. Continue to empower yourself to make good choices; your future body will thank you.