Skin Deep, Part I - Toxic Influences
By Sally Shultis, Naturopathic Practitioner and owner of Deserts Rose Healing Ranch
This article was first published in the April 2009 issue of Fusion.
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For the next several months, I will discuss how to care for your skin using Young Living essential oils and
products. First let’s discuss why the everyday products you are using can be so harmful to your body.
The products we put on our skin, as well as the foods we put in our bodies, are vitally important to the health of our skin. Why is our skins health so important? It is not just about looking youthful (when we look good, we feel good). Your skin’s health is important because the skin performs several vital functions. Our skin breathes. Skin absorbs up to 2.5% of the body’s total oxygen requirement and expels 3% of the body’s carbon dioxide waste (Bharadwaj, 200). What you put on your skin will influence this oxygen exchange. Chemical contaminants will hinder this process and will compromise the skin’s function, condition and appearance. The skin is highly permeable. It can easily absorb carcinogenic and toxic ingredients. The thinner your skin is, and the more fat you have under your skin, the more susceptible you are to accumulating biohazardous chemicals. Here’s an example: the absorption of DEA (diethanolamine), the chemical used to create lather in shampoos and lotions, is over 100 times greater from the skin than by mouth. This carcinogen has been associated with a 4-7 fold increased risk of childhood brain cancer and leukemia. (S. Epstien).
The National Institute of Occupational Safety (OSHA) has identified 884 toxic or potentially cancer causing
agents used in personal care products. 778 of these can cause toxic effects. 146 of those cause tumors some
being cancerous. 314 of those cause developmental abnormalities (fetus) and 376 can cause skin and eye
damage.
What does all this mean? You need to read your labels! The following is a list of the most harmful
ingredients you should avoid: alcohol, aluminum, DEA/TEA, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate,
tolyene, talc, diazo-lidinyl urea, methyl-paraben, and propyl paraben. These chemicals can be found in
mouthwashes, shampoos, conditioners, bubble bath, deodorants, cosmetics, and most other personal care
products. These chemicals can cause everything form depression and hormonal imbalances to kidney and
liver damage and cancer.
Remember what you put on your body does get absorbed, even if it is only on your skin for a few minutes. Not only do these chemicals affect your health, they also affect the environment, animals and aquatic wildlife. After all, the chemicals your body does not absorb are going down the drain and back into the environment.
Prior to the next edition I would like everyone to read the labels and warnings on the personal care products you
and your family are using. Throughout this series we will discuss the use of essential oils, the role of nutrition
in your skin’s health, and more; you will get the most out of the series by evaluating your own habits as we
move forward. Don’t forget to let me know what you find!
Ref: Saving Face by Dr. Sabina DeVita, and Essential Oils Desk Reference
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Click here to view the complete issue
Also in this issue (click to view):
Cleaning House: Get Organized!
What's New, Puppy Dog? Caring for your Dog's Skin
Try this if your Knees Hurt...
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