Did you know that your skin makes up the largest endocrine organ in the entire body? An endocrine system is a network of chemical messengers (or hormones), and the glands that transport these hormones directly into the blood stream. This system is the reason why medicine has allowed us to regulate hormones via skin patches, as seen in estrogen and progestin patches. The patch absorbs hormones directly through the skin, and into the blood stream. How then, can we not pay attention to the hundreds of toxic chemicals that we apply to our skin daily?
Here are a few facts borrowed from the Environmental Working Group:
- 12.2 million adults – one of every 13 women and one of every 23 men – are exposed to ingredients that are known or probable human carcinogens every day through their use of personal care products.
- One of every 24 women, 4.3 million women altogether, are exposed daily to personal care product ingredients that are known or probable reproductive and developmental toxins, linked to impaired fertility or developmental harm for a baby in the womb or a child. These statistics do not account for exposures to phthalates that testing shows appear in an estimated three quarters of all personal care products but that, as components of fragrance, are not listed on product ingredient labels (EWG et al. 2002).
- One of every five adults are potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients — hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide. The top most common impurity ranked by number of people exposed is hydroquinone, which is a potential contaminant in products used daily by 94 percent of all women and 69 percent of all men.
- Women use more products than men, and are exposed to more unique ingredients daily, but men use a surprisingly high number of products as well. The average woman uses 12 products containing 168 unique ingredients every day. Men, on the other hand, use 6 products daily with 85 unique ingredients, on average.
Labeling Tactics
Do I have your attention? Most products labeled “natural” still contain ingredients that are harmful to the body. In fact, the word “fragrance” is listed on many “natural” products and can hide 3,163 different chemicals (including hormone disruptors and allergens). In other words, that deodorant you are using that has 4 simple ingredients and starts with “fragrance”? It could potentially turn into a product that has 3,163 ingredients, PLUS the 4 ingredient shown! Ouch.
How Do I know if My Product is Safe?
A safety rating is provided by the Environmental Working Group, regarding products that are commonly used. Keep in mind that this database is fairly new and does not contain a thorough list of products.
Where To Start
After revamping everything from laundry detergent to makeup bag, there was one product that I was not able to replace. Deodorant! Lets be honest. The “natural” stuff just does not cut it! After gathering some courage, I finally took the plunge and managed to find a product that smelled great and actually worked! However, after 4 months of use, I developed a reaction to the product. It turns out, there is a percentage of us who are sensitive to baking soda, the active ingredient in most natural deodorants. Go figure!
After attempting many different product lines, I have found one that far supersedes any other, when it comes to skincare. Primally Pure formulates products using real ingredients, derived from nature. Made with certified organic ingredients, these products offer recognizable results!
The Primally Pure Everything spray can be used for just that; everything! Use it as a clear skin toner, pit refresher, ingrown hair reducer, after sun-soother, and wound remedy. In my case, it serves as my deodorant. It contains only essential oils, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, magnesium oil, and radish root ferment. Soak up any wetness with the Primally Pure Baby Powder and stink is a thing of the past!
Natural Deodorant Does Not Work For Me
In conclusion, it takes time for your body to expel toxins and thus, the stink. Give it time! The investment into your health is well worth it! In the meantime, try a DIY armpit detox and drink plenty of water! Hang in there! Before you know it, your natural scent won’t send the bees running!
Furthermore, Primally Pure offers body butters, bath soaks, Jasmine body oil, and dry shampoo for both light and dark hair. These are only a few of their highlighted products. Click here to find more!
What natural products have you tried and loved? Comment to let us know!