Wednesday, October 28, 2009

THE GREAT COSMETIC COVER UP


Petro Chemicals in our products should be avoided at all costs, Although many big name brands still have them in their products that we are putting onto our hair, into our skin, there are many Australian Made companies out there who have had experiences with cancer and close to them to want to make that switch. www.naturalhaircare.com.au
All i can ever say is lets help prevent any types of cancer and definitely rid the products that are causing harm to our children and families.
Read on and you'll be amazed to see products that are still on our shelves today, that we purchase daily and consume! And we worry about global warming?

Sodium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth Sulphates:
Sulphates are a chemical used as a base surfactant and foaming agent to diminish oil and surface impurities. Most often found in cleansers, shampoos and shower gels. Studies have indicated that sulphates enter and maintain residual levels in the body from skin contact. They can be responsible for increased skin sensitization and impaired barrier functions.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong smelling gas commonly used as a preservative and mostly found in personal care products, shampoos, moisturizers and deodorants. Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is an irritant that causes allergies, contact dermatitis, headaches, dizziness, chronic fatigue, nausea, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Formaldehyde
is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. 

Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals most commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics and skincare. They provide bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity against a number of organisms. They have been known to cause many skin irritations although most recently, studies have shown a link between parabens in cosmetics and breast cancer. Through this, parabens have been found in breast tumour tissues. 

Diethanolamine (DEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. It provides a rich lather and a creamy consistency in products. On its own, DEA might not be harmful although over time on the shelf, it will mix with other ingredients in products to form a potent carcinogen called Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA).
NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has in the past been linked with bladder, liver and stomach cancers. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), "There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodiethanolamine -- ." 

Ethoxylates
Ethoxylated Surfactants are commonly used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process, the toxic chemical 1.4-dioxane which is a potent carcinogen is generated. 

Phthalates
Phthalates are a toxic chemical used as a plasticizer in food wraps and many pliable containers. This ingredient is commonly found in some cosmetics, nail polishes and hairsprays. Phthalates have been known to cause sexual abnormalities and deformities. 

Propylene Glycol/Butylene Glycol/Polyethylene Glycol
A petroleum derivative that penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structures. Propylene Glycol is also known as an antifreeze coolant, it is so concentrated that it can remove barnacles from the bottom of boats and the substance is so toxic that workers are required to wear protective gear. It has been known to cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities and as well as skin irritations and dermatitis. 

Mineral Oils
Mineral Oil is a clear liquid with no scent that will not spoil. It is a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. It is more expensive to dispose of mineral oil than it is to purchase it.  Mineral Oil forms a plastic like coating on the surface of the skin. It cannot absorb and therefore clogs the pores which slows the skins ability to eliminate toxins and promotes the formation of acne and other skin disorders. 

Lanolin
Lanolin is obtained from the fleece of sheep. Sebum is extracted from the wool and then cleaned and refined to produce anhydrous lanolin. This is comprised of 3 parts; wool alcohols, fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Any chemicals used on the sheep will contaminate the lanolin extracted from the wool. The majority of lanolin's used in cosmetics are highly contaminated
with organo-phosphate pesticides and insecticides. Lanolin can be sensitizing to the skin and can also have a comodogenic effect.

Silicone
Silicone emollients are occlusive meaning that they coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do). Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental
impact.

Harsh Preservatives
Preservatives can be essential ingredients in skin care as they reduce microbial growth. However, many of these preservatives can be damaging to human health causing skin irritations, sensitivity and allergic reactions.

Artificial Fragrance/Artificial Dyes
Artificial fragrances are added to cosmetics for the scent. Not only has artificial fragrance been known to cause skin irritations and allergic contact dermatitis, but it can also be responsible for photo-sensitivity of the skin and having an adverse effect on the central nervous system. Similarly, Artificial Colours extracted from coal tar; FD&C colour pigments deposit toxins onto the skin and are also known to be sensitizing as well as comodogenic. 

Essential oils
Some essential oils may be harmful if they are not used correctly, prescribed correctly or at the correct dosage. Certain oils are problematic in pregnancy and are also photo sensitive, therefore people with hyper pigmentation will find that their condition will worsen rather than improve.

Although many major companies hide this in their labelling there are many wo want to make a difference. Go to naturalhaircare.com.au 
Martin Costanzo is communications manager and has been dealing with harmful chemical for over 3 years and has seen the effects on adults first hand. From simple skin and scalp conditions to serious cancer causing conditions.

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