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| From the tips of our cheery pink toe-nails to the tops of our artistically painted eyelids, many of us, it seems, can't resist the seduction of make-up. And what is the harm in a dab of lickable lipstick? The answer might be hard to swallow. |
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by Lisa Petty From the tips of our cheery pink toe-nails to the tops of our artistically painted eyelids, many of us, it seems, can't resist the seduction of make-up. And what is the harm in a dab of lickable lipstick? The answer might be hard to swallow. Scientific studies are now showing that many chemicals used in our cosmetics interfere with the healthy functioning of our bodies' systems, the long term consequences of which are potentially dangerous . Known as xenoestrogens (pronounced "zeeno-estrogens"), these chemicals look and act like the hormone estrogen and trick our bodies into responding to them as if they were the real . After turning on the body's hormonal activity, however, xenoestrogens do not dissipate like natural estrogen.. Their accumulation, studies show, can trigger the development of cancerous cells in estrogen-dependent breast cells and reproductive organs. Xenoestrogens do not only pose a problem for women. Men also have a certain amount of the estrogen hormones.. It's easy to imagine how having too much estrogen could pose a serious problem for men. The list of sources of chemical xenoestrogens is long, and includes such things as pesticides and fertilizers. (Another good reason to eat organic food!) In our beauty products, false estrogens lurk in preservatives, lubricants, foaming agents and fragrances. Phthalates (pronounced "thay-lates"), another line of estrogen-mimics, can be found in hairspray, deodorant, nail polish and every synthetic fragrance used in the United States. You can recognize them by their pungent smell - the familiar waft you experience every time you crack upon a bottle of nail polish. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and are known to damage the liver, lungs and reproductive system. A recent Harvard study also determined that phthalates damage the DNA of sperm in adult males. In 2002, the European Union banned use of two phthalates. No such ban exists yet in North America.
Parabens are another group of xenoestrogenes, which are commonly distinguished by their first names. The most common parabens are butyl, ethyl, methyl and propylparaben., These chemicals are the darling of the personal care industry, because they do not cause allergic reactions in most people . Although generally regarded as safe by the cosmetics manufacturers, multiple studies show that parabens exert a weak estrogenic activity in both men and women. But don't be lulled into a false sense of security by claims that these chemicals are only used in formulations at safe or "no observable effect" (NOE) levels. Research indicates that when mixed together xenoestrogens can have a synergistic effect - meaning a total effect greater than the sum of its parts. This means, to put it more simply, that your daily bathroom and beauty routine, complete with tiny amounts of harmful chemicals in each bottle and jar, adds up to a even bigger wallop of xenoestrogens before you leave the house in the morning. Humans are not the only species affected by these estrogen-mimics. The chemicals have caused male alligators in Lake Apopka, Florida, to develop both sex organs. This chemical castration by xenoestrogen has led to a serious decline in the alligator populations. Following this trend to its logical conclusion, who knows what impact these chemicals will have on our environment? Healthy
and Beautiful Organic essential oils provide toxin-free fragrances. Lavender, rosemary and jasmine not only smell great, but also act as excellent anti-bacterial agents. Healing Shea Butter is a great natural moisturizer during the cold winter months. When it warms up, try jojoba oil for a lighter touch. And that lipstick that you love? Look for jojoba, vitamin E and natural waxes for soft, kissable, and healthy lips. We want to be intoxicating beauties - in look, not in fact. To find out more information on how, check out: http://www.ewg.org/issues/cosmetics/index.php |
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