When thinking about overall health, many can often neglect the looking at the products that are applied to or are directly in contact with the skin. This includes things like sunscreen, lotions, soap, cleaning products, and makeup just to name a few. These chemicals can absorb into your skin and cause some major long-term damage.
Dermal absorption (absorption through the skin) has long been known as a route of exposure for toxic substances and even the administration for medication. These medications, often called "transdermal", can include things like the nicotine patches or patches that contain painkillers, such as opioids that release slowly over time to control chronic pain. This method of administration has grown in popularity as it can provide a level of consistency to medications that pills cannot. That being said, there are many layers of skin that a substance would need to pernitrate, so the application has its limits and the medication needs to be in stronger doses.
The same mechanisms that make it hard for certain medications to be administered transdermaly, are the same that protect you from many other toxins that you encounter daily. But the skin has its limits.
Buying skin care products can be really complicated these days. With all the unpronounceable ingredients and the ability to hide ingredients behind things like "fragrance", it can be frustrating to even know where to start. some options on the market can also be misleading with "greenwashing" phrases like "all natural" or packaging that looks to be holistic or even medical.
By taking the time to review all of the products that come in contact with your skin, you will not only benefit now with healthier skin, but you will benefit in the long run by cutting the toxins. Many of these toxic and harsh chemicals can absorb into your body and cause long -term damage to your vital organs and spark the roots of various diseases.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for new skincare products:
Sunscreen - Here in America our standards for sunscreen need improvement. While I personally feel that it is vastly overused, there still may be times that you need to put on a dab. However, many popular brands include chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate. All of these have a very high absorption rate and can be toxic to your health. While there is no "perfect" sunscreen there are some better options that do not include harsh chemicals. Here is a list of some better options from The EWG. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/
This is just scratching the surface of the sunscreen issue. You may have fun plunging down that rabbit hole.
Lotions - Much like sunscreen, lotions are left on the skin and can have some unwanted chemicals that absorb into your body. Dyes, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrance/perfumes, phthalates and even formaldehyde can all result in health issues down the road. Thankfully, there a some much safer alternatives. Look for ingredients that you understand like, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera and other natural ingredients. When considering a scent look for those with essential oils. This provides a natural smell plus added health benefit.
Makeup - By now I think you are getting the picture on this. Get rid of the toxic chemicals and replace with better ingredients. Makeup is no different. Many popular brands are now offering slightly better options. However, it is still not good enough to get me excited. (Not that I use makeup, but I do have 3 daughters and a wife) When shopping for makeup look for organic, non-toxic options like natural mineral makeup. In time your skin may even begin to heal from chemical damage requiring less and less application.
Soap - One thing that makes soap a bit different it the fact that you are not leaving it on your skin. But that does not mean that there is not a residue left on the skin and there is still time for chemicals to absorb and cause damage. The good news is there are many great toxin free alternatives! One of my favorites is an activated charcoal soap. I am not sure if it’s any more effective, but it sure leaves an awesome black mess in the shower. ;)
Another thing to keep in mind is that using an antibacterial soap has some big issues. Added ingredients like triclosan and triclocarban can cause major issues. These chemicals disrupt the natural microbiome of your skin and weaken the immune system.
Antiperspirants and Deodorants - Now if you skip over any one of these, please do not let it be this one. Typical deodorants are LOADED with harsh and toxic ingredients. Things like aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, triclosan, silica, and more are trapped on a thin layer of skin all day and readily absorb into your body. NOT GOOD. For years now I have used Tamanu Oil instead, but there are many other great alternatives based in things like arrowroot or baking soda. They also can include other healing ingredients like coconut oil or beeswax. Your body may take a few days to adjust, so just plan the switch when you have a weekend to yourself. :)
Cleaning Products - Another often-overlooked thing are cleaning products. Not only can harsh chemicals be absorbed into the skin but also the lungs. Thankfully, there are some great natural cleaners. By switching to things like white vinegar, baking soda, liquid castle soap, essential oils, and many others you can keep a clean home without the toxic load. One thing to keep in mind, is my previous Wellness Wednesday on "greenwashing", cleaning products are notorious for misleading "all natural" claims. Do your research and learn about each product you allow in your home.
Final Thoughts:
I am sure there are other things that I have not mentioned. The key is to research your products before purchasing them.
In our day and time, it is especially critical that we limit the toxins that we are exposed to. We have previously discussed things like water, air and eating organic. All these toxins on their own may not be that big of a deal in small amounts, and our bodies natural defense mechanism are more than capable of handling them. But, when you add them all together, with the many unavoidable ones like pollution, you can get a toxic overload leading to many issues.
Take a little extra time now to ensure that you are reducing your toxic exposure and you will see massive benefits over time.
Until next time. Make good choices and stay healthy! 😀
