Detox your skin for a healthy, natural glow
The skin is an organ of digestion and sixty percent of what you put onto it is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Have a think about it; nicotine patches are designed to be placed on the skin and absorbed into the body, so why wouldn’t the ingredients you layer on your skin everyday be leeched into your system too?
You’ll find an array of chemicals in beauty products on store shelves. Some have extremely low health risks, while others are known carcinogens or linked to other serious health problems.
Never let yourself be fooled by the large claims of the cosmetic industry. There is no doubt that beauty comes primarily from within. It’s a huge misconception to think that layering ingredients on the outside of our bodies will make us beautiful.
Here are some nasties to look out for:
Parabens
frequently used as a preservative in products, have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body, interfering with hormone function.
Phthalates
Chemicals that are used as a solubuliser in many cosmetics and perfumes. Studies have shown that phthalates can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, and reproductive systems.
Formaldehyde
Has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Yet, there is still no requirement for the amount of formaldehyde to be tested in personal products. Formaldehyde can be found in some nail polishes, shampoos, liquid hand soaps, body washes, toothpastes, lotions, and more.
Petroleum products
Found in lip products, petroleum jelly, baby oil, hair products, moisturisers, sunblocks, deodorant, soaps, and more. They interfere with the body’s natural moisture-production and the body’s detox efforts.
Synthetic fragrances
Contain a laundry list of chemicals that don’t have to be disclosed on labels, since most are a unique blend formulated by companies. They normally contain harmful ingredients that have been linked to all sorts of dangerous health issues, and unfortunately, are found in most of the store bought beauty products you can buy.
And the list continues…
The beauty industry loves to promote the promise of eternal youth, but there are many scary truths that are hiding behind these promises of beauty and attraction.
Nowadays, more than ten thousand chemical ingredients are permitted to be used in the production of personal care products. The danger is that many of these chemicals have been scientifically linked to a range of harmful diseases and bodily reactions.
Taking these facts on board, it’s important to read the ingredient lists of your products, and do your research so that you and your family are safe from their harmful effects.
Bath, beauty and skincare products should be made with pure, organic oils, fragrances, butters and pigments, and should contain absolutely no synthetic preservatives, toxins, artificial fragrances, colours or mineral oils.
Start reading the back of you products and if you can't spell it you probably shouldn't be putting it on your skin!
You can start simple by using olive oil and coconut oil on your skin, or most chemists, supermarket, and health food stores have a handful of non-toxic, organic products - just be mindful and read the back of the pack, as sometimes the labels can be deceiving!
To get you started, here are some of my favourite skincare products:
- Inika Organic Botanical Face Oil - I love this stuff, and with 18 gorgeous organic oils, your skin literally drinks it up!
- La Mav BB Cream - a certified organic, cruelty free, and award winning product that I've been using for years. My skin looks great without foundation and it's claim to prevent prematuring aging seems to be doing the trick!
- Rosehip oil - a good addition as it is shown to regenerate the skin, reduces scars, promotes skin elasticity, smooths wrinkles. Essano, Trilogy and Sukin brands are all very affordable.
- Antipodes Anti-Aging Range - I use a few of the products in this range hailing from New Zealand that includes sustainable, vegan, organic, and native ingredients. For such a premium brand, the products are well priced and smell amazing!
- Weleda Skin Food - I use this at night time as it has been shown to lock in hydration - I use it on my face, elbows, knees, - anywhere that's dry! And it's so cheap!
- Manuka Oil - scientific evidence shows it to be 30 times stronger than Tea Tree Oil. This brand our entire family uses, is an effective antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. -
- Frankincense essential oil (I love the doTERRA brand!) - contains incredible properties for skin rejuvenation and helps fight wrinkles. It is cytophylactic and promotes the production of leucocytes (white blood cells).
- Natural deodorant paste - I (love) and use the Black Chicken brand which contains magnesium and Diatomaceous earth, and is actually detoxifying for the body.
- Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil & almond oil - all wonderful, nutrient-dense oils, and make good cleansers, makeup removers and moisturisers.
Once you’ve re stocked your makeup bag and bathroom with safe, organic products, you will notice an improvement in your overall health, which in turn, will improve the way you look, especially in the long term.