Are You Killing Yourself to Look Beautiful?

On average, women uses about 12 beauty products each day. Researchers estimate that in these beauty products there are approximately 120 chemicals present. Some chemicals are good and will cause no harm with their use. While others can be detrimental and increase health problems. Unknowingly many of the products you use every day contain chemicals that have been proven to be carcinogens.

Here are a few that can have an effect on your health:

Lipstick – A recent study by the FDA showed that most lipsticks had lead levels that are higher than those they consider safe for foods you ingest such as candy. The FDA allows candy to have levels of lead that are no higher than 0.1 ppm, Maybelline’s Color Sensational 125 Pink Petal lipstick has lead levels 700 times higher (7.19 ppm). Though Maybelline’s Color Sensational ranked the highest, L’Oreal Colour Riche 410 Volcanic lipstick came in at 7.0 ppm and Cover Girl’s Queen Collection, though much better, still is 400 times higher than the acceptable level at 4.92 ppm.

Lead poisoning has been known to increase memory loss, mood swings and miscarriages. For a full list of products and lead levels here’s a link to the FDA website study: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm203078.htm

Shampoo – It was recently reported that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo contains Formaldehyde, another known carcinogen. The Formaldehyde is said to be used as a preservative though it has been discovered that J&J sells the same shampoo in other countries without this chemical as an ingredient. Update: Johnson & Johnson has also promised to remove such chemicals, and others, from all of its consumer products by 2015, including popular brands like Neutrogena and Clean & Clear.   http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/business/johnson-johnson-takes-first-step-in-removal-of-questionable-chemicals-from-products.html?_r=0

Parabens – Found in deodorants can disrupt hormone cycles and wreak havoc on your body.

Endocrine Disrupters – The “endocrine system” manages your hormones. These chemicals can cause chaos leading to reproductive problems, deformities and even cancer. These endocrine disrupters can be found in food packaging, plastics and even in the heat sensitive receipts you get at the gas pump and ATMs.

Start to take notice of the products you are buying. Society does unfortunately put a premium on beauty, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your health. Try and look for products that don’t contain these harmful chemicals.