Because we’re worth it
So we all know about the importance of reading labels when it comes to figuring out the nutritional content of our food, but how careful are we in doing the same thing with our beauty products?
Research presented last December at one of the largest breast cancer symposia in San Antonio revealed that breast cancer patients who apply moisturisers may be dosing themselves with estrogen without even knowing it.
This makes for sobering reserach. Dr. Adrienne Olson, with Breastlink in Hawthorne, California, and colleagues analysed 16 widely available moisturisers for estrogen-like compounds. None of the creams analysed noted any estrogen content in their list of ingredients. Even so, six samples contained estriol or estrone.
Olson, who is a seven-year breast cancer survivor, explained that estrogens applied to the skin are more efficiently absorbed into the body than estrogens taken orally. She urged women with breast cancer that is driven by estrogen (that is, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer) to avoid externally applied estrogen to minimize the risk of a recurrence.
Women without breast cancer are also at risk, she added. If they use estrogen-containing topical moisturisers, they may be dosing themselves daily with estrogen for extended periods, thereby boosting their risk of breast cancer.
Clearly we all need to be more vigilant and as women we can be very susceptible to the cosmetic industry’s marketing. It is not uncommon for us to use up to 20 different products on our bodies as part of our daily routine. The industry spends a huge amount of money each year persuading us that we need their products.
Many of the everyday products we use contain harmful chemicals. Parabens, a common ingredient in many cosmetic products have been detected in human breast tissue and, although they cannot yet be conclusively linked as a possible cause of breast cancer, evidence suggests they can act as oestrogen mimics. Even for women who have not had breast cancer, they still need to be aware of the fact that lifetime increased exposure to oestrogen is linked to a heightened risk of breast cancer. Unfortunately not all toxic ingredients are listed on products.
However, once again, I do not wish to be part of any scare-mongering. I believe that we have suffered enough at the hands of those who tell us we caused our cancer by doing x, y,z or conversely not doing it. So, let me stress that as yet there is no conclusive evidence linking chemicals such as parabens to cancer, but notwithstanding this, doesn’t it make sense for us to become more informed about potential risks and try to minimise our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals? There are plenty of good resources on the web to guide you in making better choices. So next time you reach for the latest must-have beauty product, ask yourself if you really need it. Women need to be more vigilant about all aspects of their health..because after all, aren’t we worth it?
If you would like to read more on this subject, visit the channel 4 website and see the links provided at How Toxic Are You?
Related Posts:
Sheryl Crow testifies on cancer
Gwyneth Paltrow: is she right?
Thank you for bringing awareness to women on this important topic.
The facts are alarming. Each day, the average woman uses 12 personal care products containing 168 chemical ingredients; the average man uses six products containing 85 chemicals*. We are learning more everyday about the harmful effects of the toxins found in most of these products. The cosmetic industry in the US goes unregulated, companies can put one natural ingredient in their products and make claims their products are natural. European countries have banned thousands of the ingredients that are still used in our cosmetics. Why do they do this, because they are cheap to use, readily available.
Women can check the products they’re currently using at cosmeticdatabase.com if you don’t see the name brand check the ingredients listed on your product.
I look forward to your postings.
Lori
ljhealth
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I was not aware of the cosmeticdatabase website so that will be really helpful in making more informed decisions. It really is vital that we make ourselves more informed on this issue and so many are unaware of the harmful effects of many everyday products.
LikeLike
I hope the cosmeticdatabase.com and safecosmetics.org can help to educate others on the harmful toxic chemicals in our personal care products. Mom’s will want to know that Johnson Baby Lotion has a toxic rating of 7 10 being high, it is in the highly toxic range, how many new mothers use this on their infants and children and are unaware of the effects it can have. This is just one out of many examples. Moms check the ingredients in the lotions and other skin care products your using at this database.
Share this information with others you care about.
LikeLike
Pingback: Gwyneth Paltrow – is she right? « Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer
I really enjoyed the article posted regarding harmful ingredients in personal care products. It was very informative, and I believe you are absolutely correct about the negative impact that these chemicals can have on our bodies. I have discovered several amazing reports to validate your position, and I think you would find the information fascinating. I would love to discuss this further with you. Please email me at your earliest convenience. One report in particular is very serious in nature and was documented on CNN. I’ll send you a link.
LikeLike
Pingback: Environmental causes of cancer « Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer
Hi there, As you requested my link http://undergraduatehorticulture.wordpress.com/ Thanks.
Love the site it’s so handy, really going to try some of those recipes out! I can hardly contain my excitement to go and study plants, its as if a whole new world has opened up to me! Keep up the good work, your blog has got lots of soul. Reading cool blogs are my new addiction! Karl x
LikeLike