The next time you are out shopping for cosmetics and skin care products, check out what goes into your deodorants, anti-perspirants and shampoos. You are likely to see parabens or sulfates as one of the ingredients. Parabens are chemicals that act as preservatives; they prevent the bacterial growth and extend the product’s shelf life.
How do they affect the environment?The parabens accumulate in the soil and water ways when washed off and disrupt the hormones on the animals consuming that water resulting in giving rise to thousands of animals with genetic defects.
How do they affect you? Research has shown that parabens are not only hazardous for the environment as well as your skin. Parabens could cause breast cancer and make you fat too! This is because the chemical structure of parabens is similar to the hormone, estrogen. When this gets absorbed into your skin, they react with the body just like estrogen and cause hormone related diseases.
That’s not all, the nail polish remover, hair color and bleach you use, all contain chemicals like Mercury, Lead Acetate, Formaldehyde, Ethyllacrylate, Toluene, coal tar and petroleum distillates. Lipsticks are made with man-made oils, synthetic colors and petroleum based waxes.
Even though you are using a small amount of cosmetics, the chemicals do get absorbed into the skin and affects your health in the long term. There are a number of companies that offer eco-friendly cosmetics that are great for both your skin and the environment. Try them.
Natural, pesticide free and eco-friendly cosmetics are expensive comparatively, but the investment is worth it when your skin thanks you for pampering it the right way!
Image
Source
