Furthermore, according to Love Green founder, Sue Rowan, "As much as sixty percent of these chemicals are further absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in chemical traces throughout the body tissues and even in secretions such as breast milk!"
Over the years, the increased amount of chemicals found in skin care products has caused people's skins to become more reactive to environmental and internal allergies, hence an upsurge in conditions such as eczema.
"The risk of cancer and hormonal imbalance have also increased as a result of the presence of carcinogens and endocrine disruptors which are exacerbated by 'penetration enhancers' that alter the skin structure and allow chemicals to penetrate to its deep layers," she says. Even 'organic and natural' products still contain harmful preservatives, emollients, surfactants and solubilisers.
In response, the use of parabens (para-hydroxybenzoate) as preservatives in beauty products has been banned in Europe along with 1100 other chemicals. In both the USA and Canada, a list of over 23,000 chemicals that have never been tested for safety are being reviewed for use, but so far only nine chemicals have been banned from cosmetics. Even in countries where companies are required to list all ingredients on the labels of beauty products, this is of limited benefit to consumers without in-depth pharmacological knowledge.
"My advice is, if you can't pronounce it; don't put it on your skin!"
Going back to nature when it comes to skincare is proven to hold a variety of benefits, says Rowan. "Natural and organic products have now developed to the point that organic products are outperforming traditional skincare brands, which is amazing because there has always been this notion that 'Green is nice, but does it work?'"
Furthermore, as the way that 100% organic products are made tends to be more environmentally friendly than those that use hazardous chemicals, the positive impact of 'going green' in the beauty department reaches much further than just one's skin.
"It's all about making choices that not only contribute to one's own health, but that also contribute to the wellbeing of other people and the world we live in," concludes Rowan.
