5 Pounds of Toxins Each Year!

The average American woman absorbs five pounds of toxic chemicals each and every year from her makeup and personal care products. Every time you wash your hair, brush your teeth, rub on moisturizer, use a deodorant or spritz on a fragrance, you’re adding to your toxic load.

Did you think the FDA was protecting you? Not so much. However, there are some steps you can take to cut down or eliminate these sources of toxins.

First, though, you need to know what they are! Here’s a partial list:

1. Phthalates / DBP. Kids’ toys containing phthalates have been in the news in the past few years, but a lot of cosmetic products include them as well. Often in cosmetic or personal care products you’ll find the ingredient DBP, which stands for dibutyl phthalate. Phthalates cause cancer and interfere with your ability to reproduce.

2. Petroleum distillates are carcinogenic. Propylene glycol is derived from petroleum, is readily absorbed through the skin, and is so toxic that workers are required to wear protective gear when handling it. It’s used in industry to make things like hydraulic brake fluid and antifreeze. It’s found in very high concentrations in stick deodorants.

3. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives. They might show up as methyl paraben, propyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben or PHB Esters.

4. Mercury and other toxic metals.

5. Formaldehyde. Even if formaldehyde is not listed on the ingredients label, it might be released by imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin or Hexamethylenetetramine.

6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) destroy cell membranes. It’s derived from coconut, so it’s frequently labeled as a “natural” product. However, after being mixed with other chemical cocktails, it damages your immune system, causes eye damage, and collects in the heart, lungs, brain and liver.

7. Triethanolamine (TEA) is a synthetic chemical frequently contaminated with nitrosamines.

8. Coal tar derivatives are found in dyes and colors.

9. Triclosan is found in almost all toothpastes and hand sanitizers, and is readily absorbed through the soft tissues of the mouth and skin. It disrupts thyroid activity, drops testosterone levels and increases the risk of cancer.

The FDA has admitted it does not protect the public health from toxic chemicals found in cosmetic products.

You Do Have Options for Toxin-Free Products

The Environmental Working Group maintains an extensive database to help you eliminate the damaging chemicals from your personal care and cosmetic products.

It’s divided into logical sections including hair, skin, nails, makeup, etc. You can search for products you’re currently using and rates them as low, moderate or high hazards.

Most shampoos ingredients', while they may not all contain carcinogens, are linked to:

• development and reproductive damage
• allergies
• immune system disruption
• neurotoxicity
• endocrine disruption
• organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
• irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
• contamination concerns
• biochemical or cellular level (DNA) changes

Fortunately, the EWS also provides lists of products with zero toxicity, along with links for purchasing online. All ingredients and thier toxicity levels can be found on their website at http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/. Their disclaimer reads:

“Environmental Working Group is not associated with the manufacturer or distributor of this product and cannot guarantee the safety or quality of the product, the product formulation nor the service of the store owner.”

My Non-Toxic Option

As a result of searching for the purest ingredients that are completely non-toxic, I found Ava Anderson Non-Toxic beauty line. I have been using the entire line and love every single product! I have felt the difference in my skin, my complexion, my hair and texture of skin. It's been nothing short of amazing!

I now represent this wonderful line and can't stop talking about the difference it has made on my skin! If you would like to try it for yourself and join or host a party contact me here! You can check out the entire line at http://avaandersonnontoxic.com/jenelle.

(Several excerpts from http://overcomediabesity.com/5-pounds-of-toxins-each-year/) 

Summer Skin.

Summer's here and so is the beaming sun! Here's a quick rundown of how to protect you and your family's skin in the summer heat, both externally and internally, so you can enjoy the great weather!

Externally:

1. Maintain hydrated skin. Keep your skin clean and hydrated by using a natural cleanser and moisturizer and avoid harsh chemicals (For more info, check out the blog post on skin care ingredients). 
2. Use sunscreen/sunblock. I'm incredibly bias in this one. I highly recommend Badger's SPF line. They are amazing with NO synthetic chemicals or ingredients. Some people complain that it's too thick but get over it, b/c it's wonderful! =) Read the ingredients for yourself and see. The price may look steep but a little goes a long ways.
3. Use natural insect repellent. PLEASE, don't apply chemicals to your skin, much less your child's skin. There are great lines that use only essential oils and natural ingredients. If you want to mix your own, dilute citronella and eucalyptus in oil (1 part essential oil to 10-20 parts oil)

Internally:

1. Drink LOTS OF PURE WATER! You needs to stay hydrated during the summer to help nourish the skin cells and allow for those water-soluble vitamins (like your B-complex) work better.
2. Eat plenty of antioxident-rich foods like fruits and veggies and unrefined whole grains. 
3. Eat good fats like those found in nuts, avocado, flax, chia, cold-water fish and olive oil. These healthy fats support moisture balance in the skin.
4. Avoid refined and fried foods, like refined white flour, french fries, pastries, donuts...and you know the rest.
5. Exercise. It can help your skin! Exercise improves your blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, including skin cells. 

Key Supplements:

• Antioxidents:
• Green Tea- delays skin cell aging, soothes and heals stressed skin, and balances skin tone
• Vitamin C- builds collagen, reduces redness and strengthens capillaries (don't forget that sugar eats away Vitamin C right out of the body!)
• Vitamin E and Selenium- can help protect against UV-induced oxidative stress from the sun
• Carotenoids- such as lutein and lycopene wich fight cellular damage caused by UV sun rays, which can help slow the visible signs of aging (carrots contain these components and more)
• Essential Fatty Acids
•  Borage oil, Flax seed, Fish oil, Hemp and Chia seeds are all great sources of EFA's which help keep moisture in the skin and maintain hydration, making the skin feel softer
•  Hyaluronic Acid - this is a compound vital to healthy skin. It keeps collagen hydrated and youthful allowing moisture retention in the skin.

 Recovering after long summer days outdoors:

• Sunburn occurs from overexposure to the sun. Aloe vera gel is used topically to sooth, cool and speed healing. It's even better if you use actual aloe vera gel from the plant. In addition, cocoa butter and shea butter nourish the skin after a long day in the sun.
• Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac are common weather issues in many parts of the U.S. during long hot days outdoors. Use a spray or gel made with jewelweed, which helps naturally relieve itching. Homeopathic remedies can also work great with poison ivy symptoms. 
• Insect Bites/Stings is one of the most common for me. I really think I have amazing tasting blood b/c I always get bit! My husband says I imagine them and they appear. Not really, but it sure seems that way. The best aid I've personally used is tea tree oil to relieve itching. It's wonderful! You can also use Aloe vera to soothe irritated skin.

Follow these little tips and you'll have fun in the sun without the pain later =)