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Did you know that your facial moisturizer may contain ingredients that do more than soothe and hydrate?
Why do you care?
- Many moisturizers may contain parabens - also known as methyl paraben, butyl parabens, propyl parabens and parahydroxybenzoate.
- Parabens are used in an estimated 75-90% of cosmetics, including facial moisturizers 1, and most commonly used as preservatives.
- Easily absorbed into the body, where they bind to estrogen receptors - disrupting the natural hormone levels - as they "act" like the females hormone estrogen.
- Concern that parabens (one type of "xenoestrogen" - synthetic agent that mimics the actions of estrogen) - this exposure and the cumulative effect combined with interactions with other xenoestrogene affect our bodies.
- Linked to development of breast cancer.
The Know How
- Does your moisturizer have parabens? Check the label!
- Consider alterative moisturizers - you may have to try a few before you find one that feels right.
- Don't be afraid to step over the wheat germ … Health food stores often have a wide selection of skin care products.
- Alternative preservatives that offer protection against bacteria overgrowth and product decomposition in moisturizers include:
- Careful - even some "natural" and "organic" products use parabens. So…read the labels!
Know and Tell
- Moisturizer was one of the first products Patti changed as her awareness of toxic ingredients in everyday products grew. She looked at the chemicals listed in her drug store variety cream and went "eeeks". After trying a few brands that did not contain parabens, she discovered Dr. Hauschka and has used it for past year, with "glowing results". Her mom, Betty, is also a convert.
- Or for a less expensive option try Green Beaver's Green Tea Aloe Cream, that Tamey uses and finds it "loverly".
- Make your own - either at home - great recipes in Organic at Home, or under the guidance of a professional - like Planet Botanix in Ottawa - which offers raw ingredients and workshops to make your own products.
P.S. After last weeks e-bulletin "Kiss Toxins Goodbye", many of you asked us where you could purchase some of the lipsticks we had listed. To respond we have added another item in each Product Review that lets you know where we purchased an item or where we have seen it. Let us know where you have found a great product.
1 A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Ruth Winter, 2005
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