Dangers Of Conventional Body Products
Posted on 20 April 2010
The skin is our biggest organ and it is permeable. Although it is designed to act as a barrier modern day chemicals found in many of the products we use will penetrate the skin and pollute the body.
A Typical Morning
Wake up and head to the bathroom and get in the shower. Grab the shampoo and start washing your hair, follow that up with a big scoop of conditioner and scrub the body with some kind of “Aqua Fresh” body wash.
Jump out the shower dry up and take some body lotion to moisturise that dry skin. Next grab the razor and shaving cream and clear away that overnight stubble for the day at work, then apply some after shave balm and of course the deodorant before heading off to get dressed and spray on a bit of cologne…..
Look and Feel Fresh…
Sadly though the stuff you are using everyday is having a profound effect on your body and health. Let’s have a look:
- Your Shampoo and Body Lotion probably contain Cocamide DEA which is a carcinogenic and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is a mutagen.
- Most Conditioners contain methylisothiaolinone which is currently being investigated for its cancer causing effect and being another mutagen.
- Shaving cream contains a-pinene another cancer causer it also damages the immune system.
- The moisturizer you just put on contains henol carbolic acid, which can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and death as a result of respiratory failure.
- Your Toothpaste will probably be loaded with these as well as fluoride which stirs up a load of debate…..
Now this all sounds pretty dire doesn’t it and the purpose of this post is not to scare monger but rather inform you of the dangers. In all honesty I believe the human body is pretty strong and can withstand a good hit of toxins for a prolonged time without becoming sick, So feel free to use these products on occasions but when it comes to everyday use I prefer to steer clear of them at the expense of smelling extra fresh…..
Not only are many of these substances damaging to the bodies tissue, most of them can have a hormonal effect such as the fluoride in your toothpaste which is known to adversely affect the thyroid or that many of the modern cosmetic products are oestrogen forming in the body and cause a build up of toxins which is further blocked by the skin which is a detox organ being covered in creams and lotions that stop it detoxing.
What to Use?
There are a host of body products out there which are natural and ideally you should look for something free of Parabens and Sodium Laureth Sulfate as well as artificial colours and fragrances. I like to keep it simple and only keep on hand a handful of natural cosmetics.
- Dr. Bronners Soap (The No.1 thing you should own in this department)
- Aloe vera based Toothpaste
- Natural moisturiser with essential oils
- Natural Deodorant (I like Toms of Maine)
- Coconut oil for dry skin and hair
That is about all. I don’t get obsessive over it and when I need to will occasionally use a conventional product – When you can though stick to some of the natural basics mentioned above……
18 comments so far
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Comment by Grok
20 April 2010
Haven’t used any cosmetic products for almost a year now. Unga-Bunga Ha-ha. I’ll be writing all the details on my site probably right about the start of summer. I started the article 4 months ago! Sheesh.
Sometimes I need to wear deodorant for formal meetings, but it doesn’t touch my skin. I run it over the top of my undershirt.
Comment by Ben
20 April 2010
What do you use Dr. Bronners soap for? Does it help with dandruff on your scalp or mostly for washing body?
@ Ben: I prefer Dr. Bronners as a face and body wash, as it can leave the hair pretty dry. Getting a natural paraben free shampoo from somewhere like wholefoods is the best option when it comes to hair washing….
Comment by Jonathan
20 April 2010
Great article. I like the idea of keeping it simple too because its keep you from getting caught up in the latest and greatest products (i.e. no wrinkles, no eye-bags, the closest shave ever since the closest shave product we introduced last year).
I love Dr. Bronners too and its great for travel because you only need to bring one thing. My other two favorites are the salt crystal deodrant stone and, without losing any man-credibility, I like a moisturizer called Bee Yummy Skin food made by live-live & Organic (honey based with only like 6 or 7 ingredients), its pretty great for dry skin, especially on the face.
Comment by sian-girlgetstrong
21 April 2010
I’ve got this big tube of coconut oil and I dont really like the taste..I think you have given me a use for it..I will try it in my hair and skin….I hope you are right…
Comment by Luke M-Davies
21 April 2010
Fascinating post Chris. I’m fairly well groomed for a male (i.e. use face lotion/eye cream) but I’ve been considering scrapping such products and going for a more natural approach. I will definitely be looking into some of the products that you mention.
Who knows maybe coconut oil will stop my hair falling out…
Cheers,
Luke
Comment by Anastasiya
22 April 2010
It seems that no matter where you go now you always get bombarded with chemicals, carcinogens and other substances that can scare even the calmest minds. I am still looking for my perfect beauty routine (as a girl I have a bunch more products to consider
) and your suggestions are definitely helpful. I also like olive oil for hair and skin. It gives nourishment and healthy glow.
Comment by Kujo
22 April 2010
Coconut oil is great for skin, and hair. I currently just use on my face, feet and hair, and will probably go full body soon.
Comment by Luke M-Davies
22 April 2010
I have 2 questions. All suggestions welcome:
1. My skin loves moisture and is quite dry – would you say coconut oil is my best choice for a healthy moisturiser?
2. I often use Vaseline in the winter. What ar your thoughts on petroleum jelly products?
Thanks all,
Luke
@ Luke: Coconut oil when used sparingly is a great moisturiser, definitely give it a try. As for Vaseline and petroleum jelly products I know that they are abrasive to the skin and therefore I avoid them, In the past when using Vaseline on dry lips I have found that it has deteriorated the condition.
Comment by Rodney
22 April 2010
I love Dr Bronners! I like the peppermint and lavender scents best. They make a bar soap, but I prefer the liquid. I dilute it quite a bit and put it in an empty foaming soap dispenser. The foaming makes it easier to use in the shower or to wash hands at the sink.
I will second Tom’s of Maine for deodorant, except that they sold out to a big conglomerate.
Nature’s Gate makes fluoride-free toothpaste in a few different flavors. I have heard some people actually use Dr Bronners for teeth, but I can’t bring myself to try it!
Lastly, I have been using baking soda as a shampoo, with an occasional diluted apple cider vinegar rinse (no odor left behind). Giovanni makes a couple of organic shampoos I use on occasion since I had stocked up before trying the baking soda.
Comment by mike
24 April 2010
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions in regards to shaving cream and after shave lotion/balm? thanks
Comment by Deb
24 April 2010
Very interesting reading. Although I have never personally know of anyone who died because of their shampoo, moisturizer, etc., common sense tells me that more natural is probably more healthy.
Comment by Adam | SEE
24 April 2010
I haven’t used shampoo or conditioner for months now. My hair is better than ever…looks and feels great. Really a change for the better. | http://goo.gl/3a06
Like many of you, I use Dr. Bronner’s in the shower and Tom’s for deodorant. Has anybody seen the Dr. Bronner’s documentary? Recommend it?
Comment by Jessica
14 May 2010
I use Shave Secret for shaving and I LOVE it. I got in a schwag bag at a triathlon once many years ago and now I buy it at Walmart. It’s essential oils and some other ingredients, and you only use 2-3 drops per leg. The more water you use, the better it works, unlike shaving cream that washes off.
Comment by Robin
27 May 2010
Very informative. I’ve been in the process of getting rid of the chemicals in my bathroom. I tried some conditioner from a health foods store that I don’t really like. I will try some of these suggestions! Thanks!