Dying to Look Good

When you feel good, you look good!At least that was the clich I grew up believing.So, like many of you, I spend a lot of time and money on products that I know will help me to feel good and look as good as I feel.In my early 20′s I bought products based on the advertisements of that product.My decisions were superficial and how it was going to impact my overall health was not a consideration; at least not a conscious one.

During the last 15 years, I have become more educated about the cosmetics and beauty industry and aware of the ingredients that are used.Some of these have proven to be linked with various diseases and illnesses.My decision to choose products that are safe and beneficial to my overall well-being is in alignment with treating my skin as a valued commodity.As with any information you receive, do your own research and weigh your decisions based on your findings.

Society’s craving for inclusion in the BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE crowd is leading us to the hospital [even the grave] instead of the spotlight.Certain types of cancers are on the rise, and more frequently among younger people.Is this coincidence?Maybe, maybe not.The reality is our environment is plagued with toxicity, and inferior cosmetics and beauty aids are guilty culprits as well.We can only go forth in ignorance for so long, but at some point we have to become responsible for educating ourselves about the toxic ingredients we glamorize with daily and make better choices.

Here are common ingredients which may be capable of causing skin damage with prolonged use, or are simply redundant.

FD&C Color Pigments – Synthetic colors made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) – A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin’s natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.

Anionic Surfactants – Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.Surfactants can pose serious health threats.They are used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers – and in 90% of personal-care products that foam.

These are the names of some Anionic Surfactants:Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate; and many more!!!

Formaldehyde is found in nail polish, shampoos, soaps, skin creams, and used in nail salons.

Potential Harm: This potentially irritating preservative can be absorbed into the skin and cause allergic reactions, headaches, even asthma. The ingredient, if listed at all, is often referred to as formalin. Its use in cosmetics is banned in Japan and Sweden.

Solution: Read labels carefully: products containing levels that might trigger an adverse reaction are required to carry a caution.

Propylene Glycol found in Suntan lotions, lipsticks and other cosmetics and toiletries.

Potential Harm: Its humectant properties are used to stop products from drying out. But it has also been linked to liver abnormalities and kidney damage. It is also known as a skin and eye irritant.

Solution: Avoid it altogether and instead choose alternative products containing glycerin or sorbitol.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate found in bubble baths, toothpastes, shampoos and lotions

Potential Harm: This detergent, which has been found to enter the brain, heart and liver and impair the immune system, has been linked to eye irritations, skin rashes and allergic reactions. The biggest problems occur when it is mixed with other chemicals, like those typically used in toiletries, because it can form carcinogenic compounds.

Solution: Minimize the risks by using products with SLS sparingly and rinsing off quickly afterwards.

Talc found in powder makeup and body powders

Potential Harm: Mineral talc has been linked to ovarian cancer and has been found to induce cancer in rodents.

Solution: Avoid using talc-based powders, especially on genital areas.

Mineral Oil found in makeup removers, lipsticks, lotions
Potential harm: A petroleum derivative, it has been linked to everything from clogged pores to cancer. Its density does not allow skin to breathe.Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores.Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging.Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Solution: Avoid it entirely

Methyl Methacrylate found in nail products, primarily used in application of acrylic nails

Potential harm: The chemical has been linked to fungal infections, nail deformities and other problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to eye, skin and lung irritation, abnormal liver or kidney function, nervous system damage or reproductive problems.

Solution:Stick with salons that use ethyl methacrylate, a safer bonding liquid, instead. Although this may be more expensive; your health is worth it!

Stop dying to look good!How about this, look well and be well.

Published author, inspirational speaker, talk show host, and Wellness Coach, Kim Harris, delivers an empowering message of possibility living in her new book, a few choice words…Affirming Your Life, Positively!

Ms. Harris is recipient of the 2005 SBA Women in Business Champion of the Year award, and co-founder of The Haven Women’s Outreach, a Dallas-based nonprofit. She conducts workshops, seminars, and e-learning that empowers women to authentically stand in the center of their purpose and well-being. For a comprehensive list of pure, safe, and beneficial products visit http://wellnessforever.myarbonne.com