Why You Should Switch to an Aluminum-free, Safe Deodorant

 

Why You Should Switch to an Aluminum-free, Safe Deodorant

I have learned the good, the bad, and the ugly during my transition to safer personal care products. Eventually, I knew that I had to face the deodorant debacle.  Many personal care products perform just as well if not better than their unsafe counterparts. But deodorant – we absolutely need it to work and work well! No one wants to walk around paranoid about potential body odor!

Why should we avoid Aluminum-based deodorants?

Clogged Sweat Ducts

Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. The purpose of the aluminum salts is to temporarily “plug” the sweat ducts. Sweat ducts transport your sweat from your body to your skin’s surface. Aluminum salts actually dissolve and form a chemical reaction with the water to block your sweat. The idea of plugging the sweat ducts to keep the area under your arms dry sounds good in theory, but is it really?

Sweating is your body’s natural way of eliminating heat, toxins, and environmental pollutants that attach to your body – I know I want those out! Once your sweat ducts are plugged, the aluminum in antiperspirant deodorant forces your body to reabsorb all of those toxins – gross! No thank you! Just as you need to breathe, so do your pores! Additionally, clogged pores can lead to acne and other dermatologic problems.

What are other common chemicals we should avoid in deodorant?

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives many companies use to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in your deodorant or antiperspirant. What’s wrong with parabens? Research has shown that parabens mimic the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells. By mimicking the activity of estrogen, they disrupt your natural hormonal mechanisms. A higher lifetime exposure to estrogen has been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer. Research shows that parabens harm infertility and reproductive organs and may also affect birth outcomes. Parabens are absorbed through the skin and into your body once you are exposed to them in your personal care products.

Phthalates

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. They are a colorless, odorless, oily liquids that are added to make plastic flexible and more easy to break. Sadly, they are also added to personal care products to make the fragrances last longer. Phthalate exposure has been linked to hormone disruption, worsening asthma and allergies, increased risk of cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth, and low birthweight. The risks are not just unique to women either, phthalates are also linked to interference with male testosterone and can cause irreversible effects on male reproduction.

If that is not scary enough, read HERE for more detailed information on phthalates and why you and your family should avoid them at all costs! Want the quick and dirty? Find a one page phthalate reference guide HERE to assist you and your clean living journey.

Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs) are used as a solvent and thickener cosmetics. PEGs are a mixture of polymers or compounds that have been bonded together. In cosmetics, they soften and moisturize, stabilize ingredients, and enhance the penetration of other ingredients, both good and bad. Therefore, if your cosmetic product contains toxic chemicals, PEGs will make it easier for them to penetrate into your skin. PEGs also alter your skin’s natural moisture balance and are often contaminated with toxic impurities. They should especially be avoided if your skin is compromised or not intact.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a man-made alcohol that absorbs water. Companies add it to deodorant so it glides onto your skin smoothly. Unfortunately, propylene glycol has been linked to cancer, reproductive complications, developmental abnormalities, neurotoxicity, and endocrine issues. Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis are also common with use of products that contain propylene glycol.

Fragrance

What is included in fragrance? That is the problem, no one knows! Under federal law (yes, that’s right), cosmetic companies are allowed to label a product with the word “fragrance” even though it may contain thousands of different chemicals. Brands are protected because fragrances are considered a “trade secret.” What does that mean? Companies ARE NOT required to disclose the ingredients even if they may contain chemicals you are trying to avoid including allergens, preservatives, parabens and so much more. Moral of the story, when you see fragrance listed on the ingredient list, avoid purchasing and using the product!

Interested in changing to a safer deodorant yet?

Yes, yes, and yes! I hope you will strongly consider making the switch to safer deodorant after learning some of the potentials risks with many of the aluminum-based deodorants. Need more information to sway you?

What are the benefits of choosing an aluminum-free deodorant?

Decreased risk of breast cancer

There has been inconclusive evidence linking aluminum-based deodorants to the development of breast cancer. More clinical trials will need to be completed, but for me, it is a pretty simple choice. Upon learning about the potential exposure of chemicals in an area full of lymph nodes near breast tissue, it was a no-brainer. Some studies suggest that aluminum-based antiperspirants that are applied frequently and remain on the skin near the breast, are absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like hormonal effects. It is known that estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells and parabens are found in breast tumors, but a definitive link has not been established. But I would ask you, is it worth the risk?

Keep your pores clear

As you read above, aluminum-based deodorants actually plug your pores and prevent your body from excreting out heat, sweat, toxins, and pollutants. If your pores are continually clogged, it can also lead to acne and other dermatology based issues. Did you know if you or someone you love uses a prescription-strength antiperspirant that it can contain four times the amount of aluminum chloride typically found in an over-the-counter antiperspirant? The area under your arms is also very thin and more sensitive than other areas of your body. Many consumers have significant skin breakdown or irritation from aluminum-based deodorants as well.

Fight odor with natural ingredients

Yes, it does work! Aluminum-free deodorants can be very effective. With the use of essential oils or other natural ingredients, natural deodorants smell lovely and are just as effective and safer than their counterparts that use toxic fragrances. Companies striving for safer, more natural deodorants often use bacteria-fighting ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax in their deodorants.

Improve your skin

Natural, aluminum-free deodorants contain more natural, safe ingredients. Once you stop using deodorants full of chemicals, you will see an improvement in your skin’s health.

Steps to ease your transition

Prepare for a detox period

If possible, try to go au naturel for a few days. Stop using your aluminum-based deodorant and wear nothing. Your sweat glands will become unclogged and your body will naturally begin to push out those chemicals. To support this process, keep the area dry and add a combination of tea-tree oil and lavender or coconut oil. Do not give up! It will be worth it!

Even if you switch directly to a more natural deodorant after stopping your aluminum-based deodorant, you will be lead to believe that it is not working. Stick with it! Your body is in a transition period and purging out build up from years of clogged pores! With that said, it may take several weeks for this process, so please be patient with your body and know that it will pass. Do not revert back or you will have to start the process all over again! Many consumers who have fully transitioned to only using a natural deodorant actually report that they sweat less overall.

Exercise

Exercising more regularly. Yes, you heard me correctly – exercising more often during your detox period may actually speed up the process.

Consume a healthy diet

Eat a healthy, more leafy diet if possible with a lot of water to support your detox during this transition period.

Wash and exfoliate

Wash under your arms with a natural soap daily and exfoliate under your arms once to twice weekly during the transition time.

Keep them dry

Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments – aka under your arms! To prevent the accumulation of odor, which is due to the bacteria, pat the area under your arms dry after your shower and before applying deodorant or essential oils.

Optimize timing between shaving and deodorant application

Even some more natural deodorants can be irritating to your skin. Many aluminum-free deodorants contain baking soda as a natural deodorizer. Some people report irritation from baking soda, so try to find an option with a low concentration or none at all. Additionally, some essential oils may irritate the thin layer under your arms.

Should you experience any skin irritation by your new aluminum-free deodorant, try these tips. If you shave under your arms, wash, then pat the area under your arms dry and…wait! Try to wait around 30 minutes between shaving and applying deodorant. Or better yet, shave in the evening and apply your deodorant in the morning. You can also try an essential oil-free option. Also, consider a more natural remedy to nourish your skin during the night. Consider trying coconut oil, (here is one of my favorites) or a product with calendula flower extract like this Calendula Lip Conditioner (yes, it’s multi-purpose). Another great option is to apply a skin-soothing balm, like Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm every night before bed.

Consider Charcoal

Consider using a charcoal-based body wash, bar, or mask to assist with your detox process. Activated charcoal naturally draws out impurities and bacteria from your body. My favorite charcoal bar is from Beautycounter, learn more about it HERE on “My Favorite Products” page.  Another great option for cleansing with charcoal is the Counterman Energizing Charcoal Body Wash. Even after my detox period, I will occasionally wash under my arms with the charcoal bar or body wash to help pull out impurities. Or consider the Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask with activated charcoal. Apply it to your face and consider it for under your arms as well! It purifies and will help to balance out your skin while also absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities.

Cleansing Charcoal Bar

How to decide which natural deodorant to use?

The process of switching to an aluminum-free deodorant is more seamless than in previous years. Companies have really done their homework and you can now find a safe and effective deodorant. It really comes down to trying out different aluminum-free deodorants and deciding which works best for you. I will walk you through my process and how I ultimately decided on Primally Pure’s deodorant.

Native

Initially, I started using deodorant from Native. They do not use any parabens, aluminum, or sulfates. The wide variety of scents are lovely and a great option. My favorite is the Coconut and Vanilla. The deodorant glides on smoothly and I love the scents. Some other great options include the Cucumber and Mint, which is very refreshing or the Lavender and Rose has a nice floral scent.  They also launch different seasonal options to change the scents up. The only downside I experienced with Native, was as the day progressed, it would clump together in little balls under my arms which was not very appealing. Truth be told, I used this brand for over a year and found that it did control any odor and I never had any break outs from it.

Schmidt’s

Due to the ability to go to a local store and purchase Schmidt’s deodorant, I thought I’d give it a try! But I found that it did not glide onto my skin smoothly. I also felt that it did not control my odor as well as Native.

Primally Pure

I then decided to try out Primally Pure’s deodorant.  Va Va Voom! It is by far my favorite option out of all of the natural, safe deodorants that I have tried.  Primally Pure’s natural deodorant contains a small amount of baking soda to combat odor. Formulated with kaolin clay, a powerful detoxifier and non-nano zinc oxide, it soothes away any irritation. The additional organic ingredients including grass-fed tallow, fair trade coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax and essential oils make it glide on smooth, prevent clumping, and it effectively combats any odor. The Blue Tansy is my favorite and contains Blue Tansy essential oil that effectively combats inflammation and calms irritation while also soothing your skin.  I also really love the Charcoal deodorant. Formulated with activated coconut charcoal, it contains additional detoxifying benefits while it also deodorizes and disinfects – great option for the man in your life.

Blue Tansy Deodorant by Primally Pure
Charcoal Deodorant by Primally Pure

Primally Pure also offers a variety of deodorant scents and additional safe and natural products. They have a subscription option available as well to ensure you never run out of your deodorant or other favorite products!

I hope I have brought some valuable information your way regarding aluminum-based deodorant and why you should really consider making the switch to a safe, more natural option. After doing my research, the information makes me even more furious. To learn that products I purchased here in the United States, contain dangerous chemicals gets my blood boiling! Before I knew any better, I applied products while I was pregnant that likely contained parabens and phthalates. Both of these chemicals are linked to miscarriages and preterm birth – two very personal and devastating events that have affected me personally. So please, learn from my mistakes! Become your own advocate, expand your knowledge now, protect yourself and those you love, and do not be afraid to make changes!

Please reach out with any questions! Be well!

Nicole

Get Insider Tips

Sign up to get weekly tips, updates, and giveaways

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Exposure to phthalates and their affect on your health

Phthalate exposure and your health

Why do we really need to worry about phthalates? Do they really deserve the bad rap they have been given? Uhmmm, yes! But why? First off, the word is incredibly difficult to spell! But in all seriousness, phthalate exposure has consistently been linked to hormone disruption, worsening asthma and allergies, increased risk of cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth, low birthweight, and so much more!

according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals that are used as an additive to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids that are added to make plastics flexible and more difficult to break.

Phthalates are also used as solvents or dissolving agents for many other materials. They are often added to personal care products to make the fragrances last longer. But did you know that the ingredient “fragrance” can include dozens of chemicals and companies are not required to disclose the ingredients publicly on the label.

Unfortunately, when phthalates interact with each other, the exposure effect is increased. In the 2008 report, Phthalates and Cumulative Risk Assessment, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) found strong evidence that exposure to a low-dose mixture of five different phthalates caused harmful effects even when exposure to each phthalate individually showed no effect.

Where will you and your family be exposed to phthalates?

You can find phthalates in hundreds of products, including, but not limited to vinyl flooring, shower curtains, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, plastic clothes (raincoats), air fresheners, soft-sided lunch boxes, plastic food wrap, garden hoses, inflatable toys, medical tubing, and even some children’s toys.

Children's toys, exposure to phthalates and altered behavior
How many of your children’s toys may contain phthalates?

They are also often found in cleaning products and personal care products.  Personal care products with phthalates added to them may include soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, nutritional supplements, and nail polishes.

Personal care products and your exposure to phthalates
What ingredients are in your hand soap?

 

How will you and your family be effected by phthalates?

You may be exposed to phthalates by eating foods or by drinking liquids that have been in contact with containers containing phthalates. Phthalates do not attach to the product, they migrate to the surface and are then released through heat, agitation, and prolonged storage. The release occurs during all of the stages of the product lifecycle from production, through use, and even disposal. It is also possible to inhale the vapors if the air contains dust contaminated with phthalate particles.

Once phthalates enter your body, they are converted into metabolites that are quickly excreted in your urine. Studies have shown that over 90% of the American public has measurable amounts of phthalates in random urine samples. What does that mean? Sadly, although they may be excreted quickly, we are repeatedly and continually exposed to them.

Who is at an increased risk from exposure to phthalates?

Pregnant women and their fetuses

Recently, two studies from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that phthalates may increase both the risk of miscarriage and gestational diabetes.  Studies have also shown that fetuses who are in a critical window of human development are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from phthalates.  Phthalates cross the placenta and they can be transmitted through breastmilk. A study showed that children whose mothers were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy were more likely to have problems with motor skills and language development. Therefore, there are not just short-term effects from phthalates but effects that may last their entire lifetime.

Young children

Sadly, young children are also at a greater risk of being exposed to phthalate particles because of their hand-to-mouth behaviors. They are also more at risk from phthalates because they are at critical stages of development and due to their smaller body size.  With repeat exposure to children’s products manufactured using multiple types of phthalate compounds we are sadly unsure of the amount of exposure for our little ones.

Children's toys and potential exposure to phthalate and altered behavior
A simple toy may expose your child to dangerous phthalates.

How to identify the most widely used phthalate compounds in products

Some of the common phthalates found in consumer products include:

  • Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
  • Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
  • Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
  • Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
  • Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
  • Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
  • Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP)

Exposure to phthalates and reproductive health

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors.  They have been shown to disrupt the body’s hormones and cause reproductive health effects. Many phthalates interfere with the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone which is necessary for proper development and function of the male reproductive organs. Interference with testosterone activity, especially early in life, may have irreversible effects on male reproduction.

Additional health effects of phthalates

According to Jurewicz (2011), there are strong and consistent indications that exposure to phthalates increases the risk of allergies and asthma as well.  Studies have also shown an adverse impact on children’s neurodevelopment and negative changes in toddler behavior.  Phthalate exposure in humans has also been linked with an increased risk of cancer, obesity, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, birth defects, preterm birth and low birthweight.

Why are we still exposed to products with phthalates?

It is personal to me!

After reading all of this, you may wonder how is it possible that we are still exposed to phthalates on a daily basis? For me, it is a very personal issue to hear how phthalates may have effected my pregnancies and ultimately my children. I had my son prematurely at 23 weeks followed by two miscarriages.  Could my preterm delivery and miscarriages be due to exposure to phthalates? Maybe – but I’ll never really know.

Why are we not protected from phthalates?

Sadly, current law does not require manufacturers to disclose whether or not products contain phthalates, which leaves regulators and consumers completely in the dark. Companies can also just add “fragrance” to the label even if phthalates make up 20% or more of the product.  Some toy and cosmetic companies have started to eliminate phthalates from their products, which indicates that it is possible to reformulate products without the use of dangerous phthalates! So why do other companies not follow suit?

We need stricter regulation in the United States

A growing number of states, including California, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, require product manufacturers to disclose the use of chemicals that may cause birth defects, reproductive harm and/or cancer. But consumer protection should not be left to the voluntary actions by just a few companies or states.

We need stricter regulations here in the United States to protect us. Food manufacturers should no longer use food processing equipment and packaging that contain phthalates. State and federal governments should ban phthalates in home furnishings, building materials, cosmetics, food packaging, and medical devices. ALL cosmetics companies should refuse to use phthalates and other potentially harmful toxic chemicals in personal care products. Hospitals should no longer use PVC medical devices.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Read labels and avoid using products that contain phthalates. Support and purchase from companies that are committed to producing phthalate-free products like Beautycounter. Avoid products that include the vague ingredient “fragrance” on the label. Purchase products that are organic and products packaged in glass. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher.  Click HERE for a quick one-page reference on phthalates – what to watch for and how to avoid them!

 

Get Insider Tips

Sign up to get weekly tips, updates, and giveaways

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Celebrating and honoring all mothers on Mother’s Day

Celebrating all mothers on Mother’s Day

Honoring all mothers on Mother's Day
Our family

The grief that may come to many on Mother’s Day

I wanted to take a minute and explain why I believe all mothers should be honored on Mother’s Day.  It should be a joyous day, but it may not be for everyone.  The weeks building up to it and the actual day can be difficult for many people.  We are blessed enough to still have my mother and mother-in-law in our lives, but many people have lost their mothers, and mourn them even more on Mother’s Day.  Many women have hopes of becoming a mother, but for whatever reason, often due to infertility or other complications, that dream has yet to be fulfilled. For many women, they mourn for their children that they were never able to meet alive or some have gone through the horrific tragedy of losing their child.  A day that is meant to be joyful can quickly turn into a day that many may dread or have a hard time getting through.

The different types of mothers we need to honor

Many women may not have children of their own, but they may play the role of a mother.  We also need to celebrate those women as well! You may be an aunt, a teacher, a mentor, or an amazing friend – remember, you mean so much to those children, do not take your role lightly, and celebrate it!  You may be a step-mother and you are unsure of your place, but believe me, your role is incredibly important!

Being a step-mother

I officially became a mother to my step-daughter, Reece, when Josh and I got married in September of 2013.  We have definitely had our ups and downs, but overall, we have a great relationship.  Has it been difficult? Absolutely! Becoming a step-mom has been one of the most difficult experiences I have ever been through.  I often feel as though I’m the first one to blame and the last one to thank.  I care so much and I have the best intentions in mind, but I often feel that my opinion and role are second fiddle because I am just her step-mom.

Defining your role as a step-mother

I know some step-mothers struggle with which role they will play – will they be more of a friend or a mom.  For me, I instantly took on the motherly role.  Although, at the young age of 6, Reece gave me the line, “you’re not my mom” after I had scolded her one time very quickly.  🙂 I have always known that she may not like me in the moment, but I know that deep down she does love me.  It brings me so much joy to see how kind, loving, and well-mannered she is – or at least as much as a thirteen year old can be 😉  She loves Jesus and is an amazing big sister! I feel blessed to have had an opportunity to play a small part in her life! Although it hasn’t been easy, I feel like we are better than we have ever been and I’m excited to see what our future holds!

Being a step-mom
Reece and I

William, my first born

William.  He has taught me more than anyone in my life thus far!  Throughout my pregnancy and since he took his first breath, nothing has been easy for him, but he has continued to persevere.  He had to be emergently delivered at 23 4/7 weeks and weighed only 1 lb, 6 oz.

Living in the NICU – Living with no regrets

He is now a strong, funny, sarcastic, smart, shy, strong-willed, determined 5-year old.  After 91 days in the NICU, we were able to bring him home.  Once we walked out of those NICU doors, I was completely a different person and with an renewed sense of trust, faith, hope, and belief.  I feel so blessed to be his mother.  Josh used to get after me when William was in the NICU because I spent all of my waking hours sitting next to his isolette or holding him when I could.  It was the most helpless feeling I have ever experienced.  As a Mom, I wanted to protect him and I believed as though I had already failed him in that regard.  I could not protect him in the womb, so I had told myself that I was going to sit there and fight the fight with him.  If God forbid anything happened to him, I did not want to have any regrets.  Considering everything he had to endure and for how hard he had to fight, the least I could do was sit there, pray with him, sing to him, love him, and support him.

My strong-WILLed 5 year old

William is doing remarkably well considering he was born so prematurely.  There are still some things that are more difficult for him.  It is hard to decipher what may be due to his prematurity versus him just being William.  And in reality, it doesn’t really matter.  But as a mother, to see your child struggle is incredibly difficult.  All I have ever wanted to do is protect him and I can’t always do that, even now.  He is definitely a little spoiled, but still so kind, incredibly strong-willed and he has such a big heart.

He made me a Mama
William and I at his fifth birthday party

My personal struggle with miscarriages

After William, we waited awhile, but then decided to proceed with building our family.  I became pregnant and Josh and I were cautiously optimistic.  Just as in William’s pregnancy, my first trimester went by very smoothly.  But as I entered into the second trimester, I quickly began to have problems that mimicked my pregnancy with William.  Unfortunately, unlike William’s pregnancy, they were unable to stop the preterm labor and I delivered my son Weston at 14 weeks.  That same year, I experienced another miscarriage in my 8th week of pregnancy.  I think of the babies I lost EVERY. SINGLE. DAY, but Mother’s Day is extremely difficult for me.

If you have experienced a miscarriage or know someone who has, please visit HERE and listen to my conversation, Working Through Emotions After a Miscarriage with Julia Pascoe, LCSW.

Honoring your infants after a miscarriage
Remembering mothers who have had a miscarriage or loss

Bereaved Mother’s Day

There is a day called International Bereaved Mother’s Day that is celebrated the week before Mother’s Day.  It is dedicated to remember mothers who have either lost a child or have not been able to conceive.  I like the idea of this, but at the same time, I also believe that these women should be honored on Mother’s Day.  They are still mothers and always will be.  Even if I was not lucky enough to have Reece or William, I would still be a Mama to Weston and Baby Nyberg.

So next year, please remember those who may struggle a little more on Mother’s Day.  Talk to them about it and do not be afraid to tell them Happy Mother’s Day!

Has your sorrow ever blindsided you on a Monday afternoon?

 

Moving on from your grief – or are you?

I am just like you.  I have grief and anguish that rises up within me on a daily basis from previous chapters in my story.  Someone may look at me on the outside and assume that my heart has not been completely crumbled and that I do not have daily struggles. In my professional life, I am able to go to work, do my job well and for the most part, hold it together.  But, I am broken on the inside too. I have been able to put one foot in front of the other and move on from my losses.  But that’s just it, I have moved on, but not through my many layers of pain.  

Sadly, the pain that we carry inside of us from our difficult chapters will follow us until we work through it.  Over time, we will just keep piling up our baggage until we almost break physically and mentally.  

How do you know when you aren’t handling your grief well?

Late last year I finally admitted to myself that I was struggling.  There seemed to be more bad days than good.  Looking back now, I knew that I was not my best self for awhile before that day.  I was snapping more at my family and I was much more short-tempered and sometimes, just mean.  I realized that I had never actually worked through my pain and losses.  It is amazing how time still moves on regardless of what you may personally be going through.  Before you know it, a few days pass by, followed by a month, then years.

Has your sorrow ever blindsided you on a Monday afternoon?

You may be at work, playing with your kids, or driving in your car and you’re hit with complete and utter sadness and hopelessness.  Have you ever experienced such sadness that it physically makes you buckle in the knees and fall to the floor in complete despair? I know I have! Listen HERE to hear a recent and raw personal experience of mine.

Do you have moments of just wanting to crawl into hole and cry like a baby but you somehow force yourself to keep it together because you are in front of your children or at work.  Personally, I try my best to not get upset in front of my son because he becomes very distraught if he sees me crying and tells me that I’m not sad which is his way to convince himself that I’m okay.  Over time, you may even become impressed by your own ability to repeatedly shove the pain down and tuck it away for a “different day.”  

Have you ever been ashamed of how sad you really are – even to your spouse?

Have you ever tried to hide from your husband when you couldn’t control the tears running down your face?  You are simply too ashamed and cannot bear to see that look in his eyes again, full of worry, concern or worse yet – judgement. Do you smile, laugh at jokes and continue to show everyone on the outside just how well you really are doing?  Yes, yes, and yes!!!  Unfortunately, the facade you present to the outside world just hinders the inevitable and your ability to truly heal.

Does the thought of seeing a therapist make you feel ashamed?

I have felt and done all of the aforementioned.  Moving on and not actually through your grief and sadness is a great defense mechanism.  Many of us have perfected it out of necessity, but it will not lend well to your current and future well-being.  For me, I had told myself that have a family, a busy job, a home to care for and quite honestly, I just didn’t have the time to go and talk to someone – or maybe I just didn’t think that I needed to.  

Does the thought of seeing a therapist scare you or make you feel ashamed? Not me! I love therapy! I think I was just in denial that I needed help and sadly, as a mother and wife often does, I was putting everyone else’s needs above my own – until I couldn’t any more.  By carrying all of the weight of my sadness and grief, I was not serving my family well – or more importantly, myself! Happy wife, happy life – rather healthy wife, healthy life!  

Progress, not perfection

I still deal with some of my sadness on a daily basis, but I am in the process of working through it.  Progress, not perfection.  Deep down, I know that there are pieces of my heart that cannot be completely mended back together, but I do believe that with therapy and support from friends and family that I can start living my best life.  

I am hopeful that as I continue to slowly work through my pain, disappointment, and grief that I am able to help you or someone you love who may be struggling as well.  If you feel as though you are having a difficult time moving beyond your sadness and grief, I also encourage you to find a friend, support group, counselor or therapist to start working through your grief.  We will get there!  

If you or someone you know has had a miscarriage or the loss of an infant, please consider reading this post with some optional podcasts to listen to where I sit down with my friend, Julia Pascoe, LCSW. We discuss working through the many different emotions after a miscarriage as well as the anger, guilt, and loss of control many woman endure. I am here to offer support and help and most importantly, for you to know that you are not alone. 

 

 

May I have a side of chemicals with my makeup?

 

May I have a side of chemicals with my makeup?

Are your products safe?

Do you know ALL of the ingredients in the products you use on your skin, lips, or hair on a daily basis? More importantly, do you know all of the ingredients in your children’s personal care products including their shampoo, body wash, body lotion, or in your daughter’s makeup? If so, can you say with 100% certainty that they are safe?  Unfortunately, in the United States, we can never assume that the products we purchase are safe just because we picked them off of a shelf in a department store.

Unsafe products due to under regulation in the U.S.

The challenge for the average consumer stems from the fact that the personal care products industry is largely self-regulated. The manufacturers are not required to conduct premarket safety testing under the current laws. Amazingly, the laws that govern the office’s authority for personal care products in the United States are just 1.5 pages long.  What is even more frightening, there has not been a major federal law passed to regulate the safety of ingredients you use on your body since 1938, which is when they were first enacted. On a side note, it took me almost 10 minutes to even find the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. The American cosmetics industry is a massive $70 billion-a-year industry, while the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors has an annual budget of just $8 million and 27 staff members.

What does that mean for us? It means that there is huge burden placed on all of us to try and decipher what is safe and what is not! Due to the poor and out-dated laws, the FDA is not required to approve personal care products or the ingredients in them before they are launched and sold in stores.  Without the time and appropriate knowledge, the average consumer will purchase these products, take them home, and apply them without hesitation on themselves and their family members!  Did you know that the European Union bans over 1,300 chemicals in the product formulas of personal care products and they have restricted the levels of over 250 more in such products whereas the United States has only partially banned 30 to date?!?

How many chemicals do you apply to your body on a daily basis?

According to the Environmental Working Group, it is estimated that on average, a woman uses 12 personal care products every day, exposing herself to approximately 168 chemicals. Although men tend to use half as many products as women, they still apply on average 85 chemicals to their body every day.  Or think about your tween and teenage daughters, who are experimenting with makeup application and exposing their largest organ to dangerous chemicals or even asbestos as in the recent reports from Claire’s and Justice.

To make matters even worse, if a company receives health-related complaints, they have no legal obligation to report the health problems to the FDA.  In 2014, the FDA began to investigate WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioners and found that the manufacturer had received over 21,000 complaints related to hair loss and scalp problems, yet the product remains on the market.  Or the lawsuit against the well-known Johnson & Johnson who failed to disclose a possible link between their baby powder and Shower to Shower talc powder and ovarian cancer.  Sadly, I was one of the many who used Shower to Shower for years, so the claims are incredibly frightening for me and may be for many of you!

chemicals in products
What is in your products?

Fragrance – what does it really mean?

The law also permits manufacturers to leave ingredients off of a label and it does not require companies to tell consumers what is actually in the company’s secret blends.  Fragrance is essentially a catch all term for “secret ingredients” that companies are able to use. They allow it because the mixes they use to create scents are considered trade secrets, but may contain hidden ingredients like phthalates.  A study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics looked at 17 brand name fragrance products and discovered 14 chemicals known to have harmful effects on the human body. According to the FDA, fragrance blends are actually responsible for up to 30% of all allergic reactions to skincare products.

Allergic reactions, infertility, cancer, endocrine disruption and so much more!

So is a rash or an allergic reaction as bad as it gets? No, not even close! Studies have found direct correlations between chemical exposure in personal care products and infertility, miscarriages, hair loss, asthma, and even cancer.  Chemicals like parabens and phthalates are commonly found in lotions, shampoos, and nail polishes and are in a class of chemicals called endocrine disruptors.  What do endocrine disruptors actually disrupt? Reproductive problems including infertility, early onset puberty, endometriosis, breast and testicular cancer have all been linked to class of chemicals, endocrine disruptors.  Phthalate exposure in humans has been linked to changes in sex hormone levels, altered development of genitals, low sperm quality and count as well as obesity, reduced female fertility, preterm birth, low birthweight infants, worsening of allergy and asthma symptoms, and altered toddler behavior.

What can we do to protect ourselves and our family?

Phthalates and parabens are just two of the chemicals that can be found in products you and your family use on a daily basis.  When is the last time you checked the labels on your products? If you haven’t started, now is the time.  We, as average consumers, have to take our life and that of our family into our own hands when it comes to the potential dangers of chemicals in your personal care products! As you’ve read, the government and FDA are not protecting you as much as you may have thought.

Please start by educating yourself on some of the dangerous, common chemicals found in personal care products throughout your home.  I will continue to provide you with valuable information to help guide you on what to look for on your labels and steer you towards safer products for you and your family! Click HERE to see some of my favorite companies that provide safe and clean products or those companies that also give back in different ways!

It’s time to take action!

Take a bold step today and pull 5 of your products from your shelf and scan them on EWG’s Healthy Living App.  The app will rate the overall safety of your product and more detailed information on any allergy concerns, cancer concerns, or developmental concerns.  It will also provide you with individual scores for each of the ingredients so you can learn what exactly may be problematic and why.  Feel free to comment on what you find out!

EWG hazard score
EWG’s Hazard Score Key