You’ve probably heard of this one before but yes – the SKIN is the LARGEST organ of the body. It never sleeps, never takes a break and it literally ” eats” everything you apply on it through the bloodstream sending all types of chemicals and toxins everywhere in the body. And that can later on translate into so many health issues such as headaches, hair loss, acne, skin allergies, infertility, hormonal imbalances, cancer.
I love make up and most probably you do too since you decided to read this post. I started experimenting with make up since I was 13 years old. Adored the idea of creating something new every single day. It started as a passion, later on became a necessity ( acne problems) and now it’s a combination of both. Make up has been on my face for the past 14 years give or take, not every day of course, especially when I am on vacation somewhere by the beach. And even though I am a doctor it never occurred to me how many toxins our skin absorbs on a daily basis from all the products we use.
Today I want to give you a quick intro on why you should consider switching to non toxic make up brands, a few tips on how to do it as well as the names of the non toxic beauty products that I am currently using.
Making the switch over to non-toxic makeup was on my to-do list. I am not the greatest with to-do lists, sometimes I plan on doing things for several months before I actually do them so there was a lot of me thinking “Yeah, I should do that. Maybe on a weekend? Will probably take some research, time, and money”—aka, not happening any time soon. A lot of excuses and maybe some doubt too. ” What if it’s not good? What if it’s flaky or chalky? What if? What if?”. But then while scrolling on my Instagram I watched an IGTV with Celeste Thomas from @thetruespoon doing a makeup on Kirbie Johnson with non toxic beauty products. And right then and there I decided to end my what ifs and start this journey. So I ordered my first non toxic foundation from @juicebeauty – the Phyto-pigments youth cream compact foundation ( $45). A hydrating, balm-like foundation made with certified organic ingredients, plant-derived pigments of rose and lotus formulated with coconut alkanes and grapeseed oil instead of silicones and petroleum byproducts. First impressions? Too oily for me. I’ve been following Celeste for some time now and I know she is all about a glowy dewy skin and it fits her perfectly but not me. I am on the other side, I like my makeup to be matte. So I immediately ordered the Phyto- pigments flawless finishing powder. Problem solved! The powder is really amazing. Then I purchased their Phyto-pigments ultra natural mascara and Stem Cellular cream which sometimes I use as a concealer. And received a free gift with my order, the Phyto-pigments luminous lip crayon which I freakin’ love! Gives me such a natural look.
So what exactly is the problem with conventional beauty products and what do I mean when I say chemicals and toxins.
In 2013, a study called HERMOSA was done by researchers at U.C. Berkeley, in which they asked 1,000 girls from California to use cosmetics without potential endocrine disruptors (parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and oxybenzone). The researchers provided the cosmetics to the girls. At the end of the study, they found that there was a 25-45% decrease in the presence of endocrine disruptive chemicals in the girls’ urine. That said, we cannot pretend anymore that cosmetic products don’t make a difference.
What do I mean when I say chemicals and toxins:
–Phthalates – a group of chemicals that may be disruptive to the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production. Such interference can lead to developmental, reproductive, and neurological damage.
–Lead – a proven neurotoxin linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility, and delays in the onset of puberty for females. About seven years ago, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found lead in over half of the 33 brands of lipstick they tested.
–Quaternium-15 and Other Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives – The European Union (E.U.) mandates that formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in cosmetics be labeled as such if they exceed .05%. For those outside the E.U., we have to get savvy with our ingredient vetting. Look for – DMDM hydantoin, BHUT (butylated hydroxytoluene), bronopol, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydrozymethylglycinate, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quarternium-15, Quaternium-18, Quaternium-26.
–PEG compounds – petroleum-based compounds that are used to thicken, soften, and gelatinize cosmetics, making them a common ingredient in cream-based products. The main issue with PEGs is that they are often contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both known as human carcinogens.
–Butylated Compounds (BHT, BHA)
–Parabens – can mimic estrogen, and have been detected in human breast cancer tissue. They also interfere with reproduction, the nervous system, and the immune system—all things we would like to keep in well-working order.
–Siloxanes
–Carbon black
–Octinoxate – Found in foundations, this is an unstable chemical linked with endocrine disruption and thyroid disorders.
In case you’ve never heard of EWG you should definitely check it out. I’ve been using it with my clients and myself mostly for guidance on produce pesticides – EWG dirty 12 list and clean 15 list (click here to learn more about it). They now have a Skin deep database as well where you can basically search for a product and see what it’s in it. EWG ( The Environmental Working Group) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that is “dedicated to protecting human health and the environment”. Another good helpful online resources is Think Dirty App.
How to make the switch to non-toxic beauty products more easy
Give yourself some time. As with all big changes, be patient. Rome was not built in one day. Now of course you can go cold turkey too if you have the resources, the time and the mood to do so but from my experience this takes time.
For example, I started with changing my deodorant ( now I use Native Lavender and Rose, DM on Instagram if you are interested in purchasing one I can offer you a discount code), then I changed my shampoo ( now I use Neem Turmeric Shampoo from Alaffia), then foundation, powder, mascara, and lipstick ( all from Juicebeauty – tagged it all above).
For my skincare routine I am still using the Clinique moisturizer which I am planning to swap with Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer once I finish it. For make up removal I am currently using Rooted Beauty Purifying Facial Towelettes. For during the night I am currently using Kiehl’s Midnight recovery concentrate which I am going to swap with Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum. For cleaning my face I am using Juice Beauty Organic Facial Wash and once I finish it I will try the Clarifying Cleanser from Tata Harper.
As you can see this takes time because there are so many products out there that one must try before deciding which one works best for her/him. As for my journey I am now starting to change conventional house cleaning products with natural toxic free ones and I am lovin’ it. Such a new vast world! So like I said, take your time and make sure you enjoy every minute of it. Who doesn’t like to try new skincare beauty products every month especially when you know they’re toxic free? 🙂
To Your Health and Success,
Xoxo Ranim
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