In today's fast-paced world, where beauty and skincare are a significant part of our daily routines, it's crucial to understand what we put on our skin.
The skincare industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with an increasing focus on innovative products promising flawless skin. However, behind the alluring packaging and enticing advertisements, there's a dark secret: toxins in mainstream skincare products.
These toxins can have a significant impact on your hormones, potentially disrupting your endocrine system and causing a range of health issues. In this blog post, we'll delve into the dangers of these toxins and how they affect your hormonal balance.
I recently met a woman who was excited to tell me about a new spa she is opening up. She didn't know that I am in a skincare formulator and well educated about ingredients (and toxins) in skincare. I asked her what kind of products she plans to use in treatments and whether they are all clean ingredients. She hesitated a moment and then said "well mostly clean I think".
That's not good enough for me. I have spent the past decade educating women about safer alternatives and I am certainly not putting myself in harms way in the name of a good facial deal!
You have a right to ask (and an obligation to your health!) what products an aesthetician or spa is using on your skin before you have a treatment. Be sure to advocate for yourself!
Understanding Your Endocrine System
Before we explore how toxins in skincare products impact your hormones, let's get familiar with the endocrine system. This complex system consists of various glands, including the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, and sex glands, that work together to produce and regulate hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that influence various bodily functions, from metabolism to mood.
The Role of Hormones in Skincare
Hormones play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. They influence sebum production, collagen and elastin levels, and skin hydration. An imbalance in hormones can lead to various skin issues, such as acne, eczema, and premature aging. That's why it's crucial to protect your hormonal balance when choosing skincare products.
Toxins in Mainstream Skincare Products
Many skincare products on the market contain harmful toxins, including parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances to name the Top 3 that I always educate women about. These toxins can enter your body through your skin and disrupt your hormones, leading to a host of health problems. Here's how they do it:
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Endocrine Disruptors: Many toxins in skincare products are endocrine disruptors (called xenoestrogens), meaning they mimic or interfere with natural hormones in the body. For example, parabens can mimic estrogen, leading to estrogen dominance, which can result in hormone-related cancers, fibroids and fertility issues.
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Thyroid Interference: Some toxins, like phthalates, can interfere with thyroid hormones, affecting your metabolism and energy levels. An underactive thyroid can lead to dry, brittle skin and hair and can also lead to an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. For more education on the toxins to avoid check out The EWG's Dirty Dozen.
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Inflammation and Skin Conditions: Synthetic fragrances and preservatives can trigger inflammation in the skin, leading to issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Inflammation can also disrupt your hormone balance by overstimulating the adrenal glands, causing stress hormones to surge.
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Skin Aging: Toxins can accelerate the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Protecting Your Hormones and Skin
Now that you understand the dangers of toxins in mainstream skincare products, it's essential to take steps to protect your hormones and your skin. Here's how you can do that:
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Read Labels: Always read the ingredient list on skincare products. Avoid products containing parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other known toxins. When you know better, you do better!
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Opt for Natural and/or Organic: Choose skincare products that are natural and/or organic, as they are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. Just a note on organic ingredients: it is very expensive for skincare co's to get "certified organic" status and therefore some co's (like mine, Clean Kiss) use organic ingredients but we don't have the certification. Just be informed!
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest research on skincare ingredients and their effects on hormones. And read blogs like ours to keep yourself educated!
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health, and what you put on it matters.
Toxins in mainstream skincare products can wreak havoc on your hormones, leading to a host of health issues. By being aware of these dangers and making informed choices, you can protect your hormonal balance and enjoy healthy, radiant skin.
So, the next time you reach for a skincare product, remember to read the label and make choices that prioritize your well-being.
About the Author: Jodie Pappas
You can work with Jodie in her Holistic Nutrition Coaching practice Soma and Soul Wellness, where she focuses on working with women ages 35+ to help balance gut and hormonal health, skin issues such as acne, eczema, and healthy aging skin using a non-restrictive approach that incorporates natural skincare, intuitive movement through yoga and pilates, and of course whole foods nutrition.
Jodie is the Founder and Skincare Formulator of the Canadian-made, small batch, plant-based skincare brand Clean Kiss. Jodie creates clean, natural skincare products for women to feel confident and glowing in their skin, without the use of any harmful toxins.
Jodie is a published author, Certified Organic Skincare Formulator, a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner (CNAP), a Registered Yoga & Barre Teacher and is also presently studying to be Holistic Nutritionist. She believes that beautiful pro-aging skin and a body you love is available for every woman and uses a holistic lifestyle approach to educate and inspire.
Jodie has been featured on Global TV Morning, CHCH Morning, CityTV's Breakfast Television, Rogers TV and various radio stations across the country.
Want to work with Jodie on your Hormonal Health & Nutrition? Get in touch NOW.
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