How Green are Your Skin Care Products?

Everyday we wash down millions of gallons of chemicals down the drain. These chemicals come from cleaning agents, industrial and agricultural sources, and skin care products just to name a few. These chemicals disrupt aquatic ecosystems, seep into underground water sources and contribute to the endangerment of marine life and wildlife. Additionally, most communities get their drinking water from surface sources such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and while our drinking water is filtered through a water treatment facility, traces of chemicals still remain.

There are many benefits for you and the environment when choosing green skin care products. First and foremost, green skin care products do not include harmful ingredients such as:

1,4-Dioxane: a known animal carcinogen, a known eye and respiratory tract irritant, and is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system.
 
Phthalates: Studies have shown these cause birth defects and harm male reproductive organs. Unfortunately, a legal loophole in the US means that phthalates can be included in a product's fragrance without actually appearing on the label.

Parabens: These are common preservatives which can mimic the hormone estrogen, which can increase the risk of developmental breast cancer and urogenital abnormalities. A recent study by the Environmental Working Group just completed a study of hormone disrupting chemicals in skin care products and teen age girls. You can read that report at Environmental Working Group on the web.

Triclosan: This is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen, and its overuse could result in drug-resistant bacteria. This chemical is commonly found in anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners. You can read more about this chemical and it overuse on squidoo lens titled Creating Super Germs.

Whether you decide to make your own skin care products or purchase green skin care products, rest assured that by doing so you will be protecting your health and the health of our environment.

Use one of these oils as a natural, non-toxic moisturizer:
Moisturizing Oils - olive oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil. Apply a light layer to warm, moist skin.

For more skin care recipes, informative articles, and truly green skin care products visit Complete Skin Care Therapy on squidoo