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Hidden Dangers
in Cosmetics
Shelly Ballestero
Could
that “hope in the bottle” cause disease, disrupt hormones, or trigger allergies
and irritate your skin?
The
answer is yes. Scientists have shown that chemicals in cosmetics can pass
through the skin, into the bloodstream and internal organs, so we should be
more aware of what is being absorbed into our skin.
Hidden
Dangers in the Powder Puff
Let’s
take a well-known ingredient that is in a ton of foods, makeup, skincare,
powders, and medicine… talc.
What
is talc?
According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, “Talc is a mineral, produced by the mining
of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Processing
eliminates a number of trace minerals from the talc, but does not separate
minute fibers which are very similar to asbestos.”
Now,
you may be thinking that talc has been around for years, so how can it be
dangerous? Read on.
Talc
particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer
victims.
In
1973 the FDA drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like
fibers in cosmetic-grade talc.
According
to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, no ruling has been made. Cosmetic-grade
talc remains non-regulated by the federal government.
Your
best bet is to stay away from talc and try other alternatives, such as mineral
powders, cornstarch, or rice powder for oil absorption.
Some
to try are Burt’s Bees face powder, and they have a great baby powder for the
body that I use. It smells great.
Allergies,
Migraines, and Cancer — Oh, My!
Here’s
another "winner" to stay away from: coal tar, found in eye shadow,
which is also linked to cancer.
Lipstick
can contain high levels of artificial colorings made from coal tar derivatives,
which can cause allergic reactions. FD&C color pigments are often made from
coal tar, too.
Nitrosamine,
a preservative, has been found in foundation, cured meats, pesticides, water,
even air.
Some
epidemiological studies have associated increased incidence of human cancer
with the presence of nitrosamine.
This
added ingredient takes the prize: Formaldehyde — the same stuff that preserves
deceased bodies — is used in makeup, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner,
moisturizers, and a whole lot more.
Laurel
sulfate may contain formaldehyde as a preservative, and other toiletries may
have it without listing it on the label.
For
instance, imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin may release formaldehyde and
cause migraines, allergies, and asthma.
A
couple more to avoid are paraben preservatives and propylene glycol.
Parabens
were developed in the 1930s to stabilize creams, and are now used in nearly all
skin care products.
Recently,
researchers have found that there may be a connection between paraben
preservatives and both breast cancer and male reproductive problems.
Propylene
glycol is an alcohol. It is manufactured synthetically, typically from
petroleum, or it is manufactured naturally from corn.
Propylene
glycol, which is used as a wetting agent, is an active ingredient in industrial
anti-freeze. It may cause kidney and liver abnormalities and even damage cell
membranes.
Why
do companies use harsh ingredients like these? Because they can, and the
cosmetic industry is not as strict as it is for food and drugs.
Plus,
synthetic ingredients are a fraction of the price of their natural
counterparts, making them attractive to manufacturers.
Be a
Label Detective
Understanding
these ingredients and decoding what they really are will allow you to be
consumer savvy.
A
couple of resources that will help you become a label detective are The Safe Shopper’s Bible by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S. I also like Pure Skin by
Barbara Close.
Most
people have been shopping in the dark — until now.
We
are turning the light on so that we can see what is on the labels and what is
going on and in our skin.
Beauty
and health go hand in hand. It’s about balance. Beauty in balance means a
healthier you.
Shelly Ballestero
Shelly
Ballestero is a licensed esthetician, make-up artist, beauty editor of
Lifestyle Magazine, and author. Shelly has studied under Emmy Award winner Eve
Pearl, head make-up artist for ABC's The View. In addition, Shelly is one of
the make-up experts for Jane Iredale cosmetics and participates in the
International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa conference. Shelly and her
husband, Angelo, a worship pastor, live in Windermere, Florida, with their two
children. (Photo of Shelly courtesy of Katie Meehan, www.phfocus.com.)
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