November 22, 2016
What are you putting on your skin?
While we know that eating healthy – avoiding preservatives and choosing organic – is a key to preventative health, what about everyday grooming products that we use ON our bodies? Part of our daily routine includes sprays, lotions, soaps and shampoos. All of these items come in direct contact with our skin – easily absorbed into our bloodstream, especially via opened pores during hot showers.
This post will focus on some of the top offenders that could be harming your health found in shampoos. If you suffer from any nagging health problems such as itchy, flaky skin and scalp, sinusitis, allergies or wheezing – many of the below additives could be to blame.
They can also mess with your immune system causing colds, fungal infections and can even contribute to cancer.
1. Parabens
Parabens are used in a variety of personal care products such as moisturizers, foundations and shampoo. Chemical preservatives with similar properties as estrogen, they are easily absorbed into the body and have caused cancers linked to estrogen imbalance.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Widely used in shampoos, body wash and toothpaste, this detergent easily penetrates the skin and can remain in the body for up to a week. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that it can cause cellular damage and severe inflammation of tissues.
3. Fragrance
These are highly toxic and can result in liver toxicity, damage to the central nervous system, allergies, brain fog, obesity, asthma, headache, contact dermatitis, organ toxicity, and cancer. They are made from petrochemicals and often compromise of many different secret chemicals.
There are many great all natural shampoos available but to cut down on cost and stay as simple as possible, I like to make my own. I use the below recipe, give it a try!
Try the below recipe for your own DIY Shampoo;
http://www.thankyourbody.com/all-natural-shampoo/
- ½ cup distilled water
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap (I like Dr. Bronner’s unscented baby mild… I can use it on my baby, too!*)
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1/8 tsp peppermint essential oil (Learn how to get my favorite essential oils at wholesale prices here.)
- 1/8 tsp tea tree essential oil
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional, gives the shampoo a little more “body”)
- 10 – 15 drops of essential oils* (optional, but makes it smell goooood!)
Put the above ingredients in a bottle (you could even reuse an old shampoo bottle). Shake well before each use. Pour a little over your head. Lather good. Gently massage in the scalp for a minute or two. Rinse completely
