Body Care Products and Cancer

March 29th, 2018

Contributing writer for Wake Up World

Depending on what body and hair care products you put onto your body, you many be increasing your risk of cancer, without even knowing.

When you go through the aisles of shampoos, face wash, lotions, toothpaste, makeup, etc. you have to know that the majority of what you will find are products full of toxins. Anything that you put on your skin is directly absorbed through your pores directly into your bloodstream. So if you’re using commercial body care products, those toxins are absorbed into your body, many potentially causing diseases like cancer.

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Some of the Common Toxins in Body Care Products:

Formaldehyde:

Found in, nail products, eyelash glue, hair gel, hair-smoothing products, baby shampoo, body soap, color cosmetics, formaldehyde is a preservative. It is a internationally classified carcinogen (cancer causing).

Aluminum:

Found in many deodorants, aluminum is studied as a potential cause of breast cancer when used in as an antiperspirant agent in deodorants.

Parabens:

The most common parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben are chemicals commonly used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, including makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving creams/gels. Parabens can penetrate the skin and act like a very weak estrogen in the body and spur the growth of breast cancer cells.

Lead:

This heavy metal was found in more than 60% of lipsticks, according to FDA researchers. Several studies in lab animals have found that exposure to lead compounds (by swallowing or other means) can cause cancer. Kidney tumors have been linked with lead most strongly, but tumors of the brain, lung and other organs have also been linked to lead exposure through different studies.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate:

Found in toothpastes, shampoos and hand soaps, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) it is a cleansing and emulsifying agent. It has been linked to many health problems, including cancer.

Fragrance:

‘Fragrance ’ is a chemical found in most personal body care products and has been connected to allergic reactions, skin irritations, cancer and reproductive toxicity.

For more information on the toxins in commercial body products, and their effects, check out this article.

So What do to?

Taking care of your personal care needs does not need to be a toxic affair. There are natural and organic products out there made without toxins. Before buying body care products, please do your research and read the labels. Remember everything you put on your body goes into your body. You are what you wear 🙂

You can also make body care products in your home with very simple and natural ingredients. I have found the perfect combination of inexpensive ingredients that will give you the cleanest teeth, hair and skin you could imagine, and you can find it all in your kitchen cupboard — ingredients such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Himalayan Pink Salt, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Honey. If you’d like to learn more, check out this article where I walk you through what to use and how.

Other natural products such as Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera, Macadamia oil, and citrus juices are all excellent for personal care. You can learn more about their use in this article.

And, if you subscribe to my ‘Earthie Mama’ newsletter and you’ll also receive my free Natural Body Care Recipes e-book, which teaches you how to make your own body care products at home with simple ingredients and directions.

To your health!

Alex (Earthie Mama)

Recommended reading from Alex ‘Earthie Mama’ Du Toit:

About the author:

Alexandra is a true Earthie Mama, helping others tune into their most natural, thriving state while bringing harmony and balance into all areas of their lives. She hosts a well-known blog, EarthieMama.com, where she writes about health and wellness, conscious parenting, green living, self sustainability and getting off the grid. Alex also has an MA in Psychology, and is a registered Yoga Instructor, environmentalist, conscious mother, green living advocate and natural birthing expert. She also sells all natural products and her ebooks through her website.