Archive for toxins
Why that powder puff is bad stuff…
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My mother used body powder for years and years. Usually after each shower, she would sprinkle on some powder. In 1999, she passed away of ovarian cancer. I believe talc might have played a role in her death, among other factors. Over the years she didn’t really ever lead a healthy lifestyle either and she exercised in spurts. But I still believe talc played a huge role. Talc is the main ingredient in most body powders, including medicated, baby, and perfumed powders as well as make-up and eye shadows. Many women use powder in the genital area because it absorbs moisture. Through this, the talc particles can enter the body and become embeded in the ovaries. Numerous studies have found talc particles in ovarian tumors and women who use talc are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Talc can also get into the lungs.
So what is talc? It’s a mineral derived from talc rocks and is closely related to asbestos. Further studies show just how similar these two carcinogens are. What a scary thought that even after all these studies, talc is still not regulated. One thing we can do as consumers is quit buying products containing talc and buy safer alternatives. This is the kind of information that I wished I knew before, but now I hope to help other people avoid this incredibly toxic substance.
The gradual path to organic living
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The organic path does not have to be rushed. A lot of people become overwhelmed with everything they have to buy to start going organic. Like I have said before, it’s a process. You have to take it step by step. Prioritize what is most important to you and start there first. This goes for me too. Up until recently, I was still using eye shadow I bought at the discount store. For the most part, you can either use up or throw out what you currently use. In this case, I loved this color so much, I didn’t want to throw it out. Well I ran out, went back to the store and was able to see the ingredients on the package. I was horrified. One of the top ingredients was talc, a substance I stay far away from. Talc has been shown to cause cancer, especially in women as women use make-up and products containing talc more often.
So instead of walking away empty-handed, this discount store provided me with another option. Some mainstream makeup brands are starting to see the light and come out with all natural versions. I was able to purchase Almay pure blends, a new line which is hypoallergenic and 98.2% natural. It contains fruit and flower extracts and no parabens (which mimic hormones in the body) or talc! They make eye shadows, blush, lipgloss, powder, and foundation. If you can’t find the time to get to the natural grocery to buy your cosmetics or wait for it to come in the mail, this is a great way to get what you need in a safe, eco-friendly product. By the way, I purchased the eyeshadow in ivory, a great every day color for $6.44!
A dye job to die for…
Posted by: | CommentsI recently took the plunge and dyed my hair. I’ve come to realize that hair color is quite changeable and can give you a fresh look. This was the first time I had dyed my entire head because for years I was highlighting it. Until two years ago, I was using regular hair dye at the salon, not realizing what kinds of toxins and chemicals I was putting into my body. Yes, the body does absorb what it put into the hair and scalp. Normal hair dyes can be very damaging to the hair and scalp. I have heard stories of allergic reactions, hair breakage and even hair loss. Is it worth it to risk your health for your hair? I don’t think so.
Most commercial hair dyes contain coal tar, a derivative of coal. Hair professionals and people who dye their hair often are the most at risk for the effects of coal tar. Studies show that people who are exposed to coal tar dyes on a regular basis (at least once a month) are more at risk for developing bladder cancer than others. Check your hair dye box and look for the following ingredients:
4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamin
2,4-diaminoanisole
4-chloro-m-phenylenediamine
2,4-toluenediamine
2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine
4-amino-2-nitrophenol
If you see any of these, better safe then sorry…toss that box! Alternatives include henna hair color, which is a natural plant derived colorant. Although henna is great for darker hair, it cannot lighten hair. I have gone to the salon to get highlights with organic hair color. Now that I have actually dyed my hair with all over color, I would be more likely to go to the health food store and buy a box of organic hair color too. As you can see, plenty of options exist. You do not have to put up with that grey! So say no to coal tar dyes…and yes to organic beauty and health!
