22February
Detoxing Inside & Out
Reducing exposure to toxic products
As part of my New Year's Resolutions, I wanted to replace as many 'toxic' products with organic alternatives. With the press reporting in the past few weeks the link between parabens (used extensively in beauty and skincare products) and breast cancer, and revelations about leading cosmetic companies using lead in their lipsticks it seems a good time to elaborate on my own personal crusade!
I have always loved "smellies" - it's my friends and family's 'go-to' when they want to buy me a gift. I have never really given much thought to the content of said gift items and yet when it comes to buying products for myself, I have always been fairly selective and tried to choose the most natural product I can afford at the time. And in my massage treatments I have only ever used organic and chemical-free oils.
I buy organic vitamin supplements and try to eat a healthy diet. But as part of my commitment this year to lead a less-toxic lifestyle, I have signed up to an organic veg box scheme as I am learning more about the terrible effects of pesticides on our health and on the environment. So it makes sense if I am putting less toxins into my body that I am also putting less toxins ONTO my body.
Here are just a few common ingredients and their side-effects.
EDTA - used to help prevent deterioration of products, maintain clarity, protect the fragrance and prevent it going 'off'. It also helps penetration of the product. This means it breaks down the skin's protective barrier. The skin is our body's first line of defence so why would we want to use something that breaks this down? And if that isn't enough food for thought, EDTA is made from the KNOWN CARCINOGENS formaldehyde and sodium cyanide!
PARABENS - the press has been full of stories about these and their link to breast cancer. They are used as a cheap preservative. Synthetic parabens are fat-soluble and so are more likely to accumulate in fatty tissue, eg in the breast. Parabens have been found in breast tumour tissue. They cause allergic reactions and due to their estrogenic affect, they are thought to cause hormone imbalance. Since they are difficult to remove from water supplies, they end up in our drinking water too.
PTHALATES - these are used to soften skin and prolong the fragrance of a product. It is what makes plastic shower curtains and hose pipes pliable! Numerous studies have revealed that pthalates disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to male fertility problems.
SILICONES - Used to improve the 'silky' feel of a product and in hair products widely used for their smoothing action and to improve shine. But they block pores choking the skin so that it can't perform its natural functions thus leading to skin irritation. They accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and are non-biodegradable.
I buy organic vitamin supplements and try to eat a healthy diet. But as part of my commitment this year to lead a less-toxic lifestyle, I have signed up to an organic veg box scheme as I am learning more about the terrible effects of pesticides on our health and on the environment. So it makes sense if I am putting less toxins into my body that I am also putting less toxins ONTO my body.
Common Toxic Skincare Ingredients
The more I research the ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products, the more determined I am to eliminate the toxic products from my bathroom shelf and make-up bag.Here are just a few common ingredients and their side-effects.
EDTA - used to help prevent deterioration of products, maintain clarity, protect the fragrance and prevent it going 'off'. It also helps penetration of the product. This means it breaks down the skin's protective barrier. The skin is our body's first line of defence so why would we want to use something that breaks this down? And if that isn't enough food for thought, EDTA is made from the KNOWN CARCINOGENS formaldehyde and sodium cyanide!
PARABENS - the press has been full of stories about these and their link to breast cancer. They are used as a cheap preservative. Synthetic parabens are fat-soluble and so are more likely to accumulate in fatty tissue, eg in the breast. Parabens have been found in breast tumour tissue. They cause allergic reactions and due to their estrogenic affect, they are thought to cause hormone imbalance. Since they are difficult to remove from water supplies, they end up in our drinking water too.
PTHALATES - these are used to soften skin and prolong the fragrance of a product. It is what makes plastic shower curtains and hose pipes pliable! Numerous studies have revealed that pthalates disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to male fertility problems.
SILICONES - Used to improve the 'silky' feel of a product and in hair products widely used for their smoothing action and to improve shine. But they block pores choking the skin so that it can't perform its natural functions thus leading to skin irritation. They accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and are non-biodegradable.
And that's just for starters!
There are countless other chemical components widely used with similar harmful effects on the body. So this year, I resolve that every time I need to replace a product I am doing so with an organic, chemical-free version. I choose Neal's Yard for the majority of my replacements as they guarantee their products are chemical-free and the ingredients are organic or wild-crafted, they smell beautiful and they work! They are also cruelty-free and ethically sourced. Plus, they use organic plant oils with known therapeutic benefits so most products not only perform their prime function but they provide other bonuses too!My current favourite products are:
Beauty Sleep Concentrate - more than just a night-cream, this light lotion also contains aromatherapy oils that promote a good night's sleep and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It isn't heavy or greasy like many night creams I have tried in the past. I always sleep very well when I use it and wake up with soft, radiant skin.
Seaweed & Arnica Bath Foam - I use this after my long run on Sundays. The foam doesn't last as long as chemical bubble baths but that's because it doesn't contain chemicals to make it foam! It smells lovely and it really does soothe tired muscles and reduce post-exercise aches and tension.
Organic Eye Make-up Remover - at first this seemed expensive in comparison to the make-up remover wipes I used to use but it has lasted me much longer, it removes make-up more effectively and the soothing ingredients reduce puffiness and fine lines. Literally a couple of drops on a cotton wool pad is all you need per eye! And it's certified organic by the Soil Association.
Make the change
If you would like to make the change to chemical-free, organic products I will be holding regular Neal's Yard parties where you can come and sample some of the products in their extensive range, browse the catalogue and place an order. The first of these is on Wednesday 29th February at our premises in Portchester. For more information, call 02393 233140.
And the following evening, 1st March, we launch our Healthy Lifestyle Club where we will talk more about getting back to 'Real Food' and the many health benefits that that offers. It starts at 6.15pm. Please call 02393 233140 to book your place and to find out more.
Please note that at On The Bench, we only recommend products and services that we use and believe in. I became an independent consultant for Nature's Sunshine and Neal's Yard because I have used their products for years and experience their benefits for myself on a daily basis.
And the following evening, 1st March, we launch our Healthy Lifestyle Club where we will talk more about getting back to 'Real Food' and the many health benefits that that offers. It starts at 6.15pm. Please call 02393 233140 to book your place and to find out more.
Please note that at On The Bench, we only recommend products and services that we use and believe in. I became an independent consultant for Nature's Sunshine and Neal's Yard because I have used their products for years and experience their benefits for myself on a daily basis.
- Tags: Detox, Food Supplements, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyle Club Fareham, Massage in Fareham, Massage in Portsmouth, Massage Therapy, Nature's Sunshine, Neal's Yard Fareham, Nutrition, Personal Training in Fareham, Personal Training in Portsmouth
About the Author
Sam Colverd
Sam is our Remedial & Sports Massage Therapist and also holds qualifications in Swedish, Indian Head, Seated Acupressure and Hot Stone Massage, a Diploma in Massage for Pregnancy and a Foundation Diploma in Systematic Kinesiology.
Sam is also a distributor for Neal's Yard Organic Skincare and Nature's Sunshine nutritional supplements. She says, "I only recommend products that I believe in and use myself. As part of a holistic approach to well-being, I believe that what we put on and into our bodies deserves careful consideration and should be as free from chemical toxins as possible. Neal's Yard and Nature's Sunshine products fulfill these criteria."
When not at work, Sam enjoys getting out for a run and writes regular blogs offering training advice and race reports. She often runs to raise money for her favourite charity, Mind.
Sam is also a distributor for Neal's Yard Organic Skincare and Nature's Sunshine nutritional supplements. She says, "I only recommend products that I believe in and use myself. As part of a holistic approach to well-being, I believe that what we put on and into our bodies deserves careful consideration and should be as free from chemical toxins as possible. Neal's Yard and Nature's Sunshine products fulfill these criteria."
When not at work, Sam enjoys getting out for a run and writes regular blogs offering training advice and race reports. She often runs to raise money for her favourite charity, Mind.
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