Were you aware that our skin is an organ?! In fact, the skin is the largest organ in the body, as well as an eliminative channel responsible for one-fourth of the body’s daily detoxification. What we touch goes straight into our bloodstream. This means that the lotions we apply, the soaps we lather, the foundation we spread, and the lipstick we kiss onto our loved one—the ingredients all end up in our bodies.
Every time you use a dab of liquid soap to clean your hands, rub shampoo into your scalp, or spray perfume on your neck, your skin is absorbing that body care product like a sponge soaking up water on a kitchen countertop. Scientists believe that the skin absorbs up to 60 percent of everything applied to it and sends those substances directly into the bloodstream. Children's bodies absorb 40-50% more than adults. They are at a higher risk for diseases later in life when exposed to toxins.
Every time you use a dab of liquid soap to clean your hands, rub shampoo into your scalp, or spray perfume on your neck, your skin is absorbing that body care product like a sponge soaking up water on a kitchen countertop. Scientists believe that the skin absorbs up to 60 percent of everything applied to it and sends those substances directly into the bloodstream. Children's bodies absorb 40-50% more than adults. They are at a higher risk for diseases later in life when exposed to toxins.
But because toxins build up gradually and over time, it can be difficult to trace the causes directly to the effects. In our quest toward health and well-being, we need to learn how to be more proactive and kill the causes (i.e. chemicals found in many cosmetics and beauty products) before the effects (i.e. cancer, reproductive complications, etc.) get more out of control.
Let's talk about what ingredients
you should AVOID at all costs!!
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, which promote the elasticity and softness of plastics. Common phthalates include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). They are found in nail polish, perfumes, lotions, hair sprays, and other various perfumed cosmetics. Also alarmingly noted is that these same chemicals used in many cosmetic products are also found in, plastic wrap, wood furnishing, lubricants, insecticides, and detergents.
“Nicknamed, ‘gender-benders,’ these chemicals are causing the males in many species to become feminized.” Phthalates also promote an early onsets of puberty, fertility issues, and even possible birth defects.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, including makeups, lotions, shaving products, and most skin care products. Studies have indicated that parabens can increase the risk for cancer—particularly breast cancer. Parabens are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. This chemical also has a negative impact on reproductive functions in the body.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This chemical is a foaming agent detergent, which is located in most household shampoos, soaps, and toothpastes, in addition to other beauty products. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is known for being an irritant to the eye and skin. It may also form into a carcinogen when combined with other toxic chemicals.
Artificial Colors
Harmful chemicals that are used to synthesize artificial colors may have FD&C or D&C on their labels, followed by a number. They are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. The ingredients used to create these chemicals that produce artificial colors are considered to be toxic and carcinogenic, and they may even contribute to ADHD.
Chemicals in Sunscreen
Ironically, the very substance that many place on their skin (and the skin of their children) for protection from the sun…may in fact be causing more harm than good. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, “which is linked to hormone disruption and potential cell damage that may lead to skin cancer,” and which is in 56% of sunscreens, according to the Environmental Working Group. In addition, look out for sunscreens containing benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate, and methoxycinnmate.
Many sunscreens contain toxic chemicals and prevent the good sun rays from penetrating through the skin in order to allow the production of vitamin D, which is vital to our health. In addition, these chemicals are believed to cause damage on a cellular level–which is how cancer is formed—once they are absorbed through the skin and enter into the bloodstream.
Triclosan
Stay clear of products containing the chemical ingredient, triclosan, too. This chemical is commonly found is antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants. Its purpose is to limit the growth of bacteria in the products. This chemical is classified as a pesticide! Not only does it contribute to heart disease and failure, but it also can negatively affect hormones:
Triclosan can affect the body’s hormone systems—especially thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism—and may disrupt normal breast development. Widespread use of triclosan may also contribute to bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Stay clear of products containing the chemical ingredient, triclosan, too. This chemical is commonly found is antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants. Its purpose is to limit the growth of bacteria in the products. This chemical is classified as a pesticide! Not only does it contribute to heart disease and failure, but it also can negatively affect hormones:
Triclosan can affect the body’s hormone systems—especially thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism—and may disrupt normal breast development. Widespread use of triclosan may also contribute to bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Lead
Ahh! At last here’s a name we can all pronounce and have some familiarity with… If I recall correctly, modern pencils no longer contain lead, as it is deemed unsafe for people to be exposed to high levels of it. Instead, a mixture of graphite and clay are used in pencils. Interestingly enough, though, a study done by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, (which included both pricey and inexpensive brands in their research), concluded that sixty-one percent of lipsticks contain lead! Lead is also sometimes found in other beauty products and cosmetics, such as foundation, nail polishes, sunscreens, and whitening toothpastes.
Lead is proven to be toxin to the brain and can negatively impact one’s behavior. It may also be attributed in miscarriages and in infertility and reproductive functions.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP’s) are commonly used in many cosmetics in order to prevent bacteria growth. Chemicals you should stay clear of that fall into this group include: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, methenamine, and quaternium-15. This type of chemical can be found in various cosmetics, including eye shadow, nail polish, shower gels, shampoos, and conditioners.
This group of chemicals slowly release formaldehyde, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has deemed a human carcinogen. Need more be said? But unfortunately, there is more to be said. Formaldehyde is also thought to be harmful to the immune system, and it promotes skin allergies.
Propylene Glycol (PEG)
This chemical is derived from petroleum. Ew! When I think of that word, the word gasoline comes to my mind… Anyways, propylene glycol is commonly found in lip glosses, lipsticks, and various creams and moisturizers.
Propylene glycol has a bad rep… Here are some of its possible effects:
* May cause respiratory and throat irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders
* May cause nystagmus, lymphocytosis
* Skin irritation and dermatitis, conjunctivitis
* If ingested may cause: pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycemia, intravascular haemolysis.
Parfum (Fragrance)
As a consumer doing research, parfum (fragrance) surprised me as being one of the top ten chemicals to avoid in beauty products. When I hear the word, “fragrance,” I do not think of chemicals at all. I imagine flowers, yummy foods, spices, etc. However, this word, when used as an ingredient in beauty products and cosmetics, is a type of catch-all word, which also allows companies to keep their ‘secret recipes’ so to speak.
Fragrances can be formulated out of any slew of the chemicals listed above, in addition to others. Synthetic fragrances can be found in many products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, perfumes, and even in baby washes.
Some fragrances can interfere with the immune system, and they may serve as allergens or even neurotoxins. One study done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database concluded that fragrances have been correlated with allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory and reproductive problems.
One Last, Bonus Chemical: Fluoride
Though fluoride did not make it to my top ten list, based on my research, it ought to be eliminated, also. Found in many toothpastes, fluoride is suggested to help prevent tooth decay. One author summarized my findings of fluoride quite succinctly: A waste product of the phosphate fertilizer industry, fluoride is a known carcinogen, a neurotoxin, and an endocrine disruptor. Modern research doesn’t support the idea that it reduces risk of cavities…
Young Living sells quality beauty products FREE of all the chemicals & toxins listed above, including-- sunscreen, makeup, oral care, soaps, shampoos & conditioners, lotions, shower gels, deodorant, bath bombs, insect repellent, and all the amazing facial care products I will be sharing with you here!
So what is something GOOD for your skin?
Hyaluronic acid!
Hyaluronic acid may not be the newest or flashiest ingredient out there, but it’s tried and true and seriously good for your skin. First off, don’t let the word “acid” fool you. Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated and, yes, young-looking.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.
Know how a baby’s skin always looks so deliciously dewy and pillowy? It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.
While you’re never going to get back that perfectly dewy baby-skin, it is possible to help restore the skin’s hyaluronic acid content and give grown-up skin a younger, fresher, more supple look.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.
Know how a baby’s skin always looks so deliciously dewy and pillowy? It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.
While you’re never going to get back that perfectly dewy baby-skin, it is possible to help restore the skin’s hyaluronic acid content and give grown-up skin a younger, fresher, more supple look.
-ART Renewal Serum
-ART Creme Masque`
-ART Intensive Moisturizer
-Boswellia Wrinkle Cream
-Sandalwood Moisture Cream
-Satin Mint Facial Scrub
-Wolfberry Eye Cream
Before we get into the 6-step beauty regime and a closer look at the amazing products that Young Living sells that are GOOD for your skin, let's look at the different skin types, and the best regime for each!
STEP 1 - CLEANSE:
OR
Want your Orange Blossom Face Wash to last longer?? Follow this DIY for a "foaming face wash" to extend the life AND save money!!
STEP 2 - EXFOLIATE:
STEP 3 - TONE:
STEP 4 - RESTORE:
STEP 5 - MOISTURIZE:
OR
OR
OR
OR
STEP 6 - REFINE (based on needs):
As an extra bonus, here is some information on Young Living's toxin-free Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, you can get in 10 or 50 SPF!!
This non-greasy sunscreen smooths easily onto skin and won't leave behind white residue. Instead, it has a lightweight matte finish that leaves skin feeling soft & smooth. Infused with 100% pure essential oils and other naturally derived plant - and mineral - based ingredients, our Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is different from other sunscreens on the market. We formulated this unique lotion with non-nano zinc oxide to block UVA and UVB rays and help prevent sunburn.
What are nanoparticles?
Nanoparticles are defined as microscopic particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. They are so tiny, in fact, that about 100,000 nanoparticles would fit in the width of a human hair! Because of the extremely small size of these particles, their properties can be very different from the properties of larger particles of the same material. For example, nanoparticles are generally more reactive than standard-sized particles.
Nanoparticles are defined as microscopic particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. They are so tiny, in fact, that about 100,000 nanoparticles would fit in the width of a human hair! Because of the extremely small size of these particles, their properties can be very different from the properties of larger particles of the same material. For example, nanoparticles are generally more reactive than standard-sized particles.
Why does this matter to you?
This high level of reactivity—although with huge potential for science and engineering applications—may make nanoparticles unpredictable in living things. They are not only very reactive, but they are also so small that they can actually pass through cell membranes and even enter the bloodstream. So far, few studies have been done on nanoparticle interactions within cells, but the fact that particles can enter the bloodstream and reach the interior of cells can be concerning.
As nanoparticle-based formulations continue to enter into consumer health and beauty categories, it’s important to exercise caution until further studies are undertaken to prove the safety of these very unique materials. Even if a product contains a natural material such as zinc oxide, it is worth checking to see if that material is a nanomaterial. If it is, you may not want to use it. In this case, you’re better safe than sorry.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of mineral-based products that don’t include nanoparticles, so it’s easy to take care of yourself and your loved ones and to keep enjoying the great outdoors!
Want to save even MORE money, and earn FREE skin care or other YL products??? Sign up for our Essential Rewards Program when you purchase your starter kit!!
Signing up for a Young Living Wholesale Membership allows you to get these great products at a 24% discount! Included with your membership are the following FREE perks*:
*Free perks only available when signing up for a membership under my personal member number. Please double-check that the number, 3212642, is in both the "enroller" & "sponsor" fields when signing up.
Purchase of a Premium Starter Kit or Basic Starter Kit is required to receive wholesale prices, (24% off retail prices), or you may sign up with a Retail Account, if you prefer to only purchase skin care products without a discount.
- A welcome gift package from me
- Secret Facebook support groups
- Online classes
- Contest & Giveaways
- Personal mentoring & one-on-one support
- Optional business training
*Free perks only available when signing up for a membership under my personal member number. Please double-check that the number, 3212642, is in both the "enroller" & "sponsor" fields when signing up.
Purchase of a Premium Starter Kit or Basic Starter Kit is required to receive wholesale prices, (24% off retail prices), or you may sign up with a Retail Account, if you prefer to only purchase skin care products without a discount.
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