Now, more than ever, we need to pay attention to the ingredients found in our products. Women pay a high price for the sake of beauty. The amount of products on the market that are leading to cancer diagnosis is alarming.
We’ve known for years that lye found in hair perms were very damaging to African American hair. We’ve suffered scalp burns, hair loss, breakage and thinning but we are now finding out that these harsh chemicals can cause cancer.
We should take extra precautions to research the brands we are using. If we can’t pronounce the ingredients on the labels, it’s most likely filled with harmful or toxic chemicals that we have no business putting on or inside our bodies.
A recent news report shared that UVA lights used to instantly dry gel nail polish has a link to cancer as well. Not only is the manicure process harmful but the actual ingredients found in nail polish and nail polish remover.
Acetone is a clear, colorless solvent used for oils, fats, plastics resin,and wax. Other key ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are hazardous to your reproductive organs. It can also affect your kidneys and liver. It is also known for a fire hazard. The highly strong scent can lead to nausea, headaches, and even allow you to pass out is inhaled for long periods of time.
Everything that we put into our bodies eventually seeps into our pores so you should be mindful of the choices you make when purchasing products. You should choose eco-friendly or non-toxic nail polish and remover for a healthy alternative.
Cosmetics also include talc powders which is found in creams, compact powders, foundations, blushes, and eye shadows. Your alternative is to purchase vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, or clean cosmetics.
Other ingredients to avoid include parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, silica, hydroquinone and refined petroleum. These ingredients are often found is shampoos and skin care products as well. These toxic chemicals can lead to endocrine health issues.
Intimate cleansing products, shaving creams and gels, lubricants and cleansing wipes can alter the natural PH balance leaving you susceptible to urinary tract infections, genital warts or herpes, cervical cancer, pelvic cervical disease, HPV and other reproductive issues. It destroys your natural immune system which is your defense mechanism to fight off bacteria and disease. The higher your alkaline increases the more susceptible you will be to lowering your natural lactic acid which acts as a barrier. Your alternative is to purchase pro-biotic products.
Hair removal creams and lotions include thioglyolic acid which dissolves the keratin of your hair. This is a strong chemical known to burn the skin and it’s recommended to use protective gloves, however, women slather this product on their bare legs to remove unwanted hair.
We actually trust that the products we buy are safe for us to use. However, we live in an economically, money-hungry society and unfortunately some companies do not have our best health interest at heart. In fact, they’re making more money and capitalizing on illness and disease.
Hair dyes are easily absorbed into the scalp upon application which enters your blood stream just like the ink dye in tattoos. Ammonia and sulfates are found in hair color that leads to hair damage and can attack the endocrine system which can possibly lead to breast or bladder cancer.
A substitute for hair color would be using natural ingredients most likely found in your kitchen like lemon, carrot or beet juice. You will need to add a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil to mix.
Just note, lemon juice will permanently strip the color out of your hair and it acts as a highlighter so use a spray bottle to highlight the desired area. It also helps to sit in the sun for at least one hour before washing it out.
Henna is also another option but if these choices are not your jam, you can opt-in for brands like Naturtint, Clairols, Natural Instincts or Lush Henna Hair Dyes.
It’s all about making healthier choices to live our best life.
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