Should you worry about toxins in skincare products?  Are we overly cautious when it comes to the products we use?  Are we looking at toxins in skincare products the way we look at germs?  Today it seems folks cannot leave the house unless they are armed with their favorite latte, bottled water, and hand sanitizer!  Do we worry more about germs and hydration than toxins in our personal care environment?  It seems we overlook the effects of the skincare and cosmetic products we use on a daily basis.  Considering our skin is our largest organ, should we give it more love?

What To Consider

Is what we use on our skin really a big deal?  Consider this.  We have skin to protect the rest of our body.  Even though it is our largest organ (face it, there isn't any part of us that isn't covered in skin!) it is highly absorbent.  I came across an article from The Global Healing Center and thought I would share.  Please read it and let me know your thoughts.  Here are a few of mine.

Chemical Sensitivity

One in four Americans suffer from some sort of chemical sensitivity.  Symptoms range from rashes, headache, dizzy spells, and breathing disorders.  By cleaning up their personal and home environment, often some if not all symptoms disappear.  One of the biggest culprits is caused by scented cleaning products.  A manufactured scent is laden with chemicals.  Products scented with natural essential plant oils do not irritate most folks.  Of course, there is always an exception when a person is very sensitive to any type of scent.  If you suspect you or someone in your household falls into that category, it is best to buy products that are free of any added scent.

How To Choose

When shopping for organic skincare products, look for products with the fewest ingredients.  Whether you are shopping for organic soap, shampoo, or a cosmetic, the ingredient list should be short and easy to read.  If an ingredient has many syllables, either research the ingredient or avoid the product.  Take the same care and attention when shopping for things you put on your body as the products you put in your body.

If You Are Sensitive

If you have a sensitivity, carefully look at the products you are using.  Start eliminating one product at a time until you get relief.  When you eliminate a product, give yourself at least a 5 day trial without the product.  Pay attention and notice if your symptom or issue goes away.

Additional Benefits Of Natural Soap

When a soap is made from a plant oil, such as olive oil for example, the natural glycerin is retained.  Commercially produced soaps are made from detergents.  Glycerin is added, otherwise the soap would be too harsh to use.  Since natural soap is made from a natural product, there is no need to add glycerin, it is already there!  The result is a gentle product that leaves your skin feeling soft.  It is common for a handmade olive oil soap to keep the natural fragrance from the olives, another bonus!

Although handmade natural soap is usually more expensive than mass produced varieties, the benefits derived outweigh the extra cost.  If it is highly concentrated, you will notice it will last longer than commercial products because less is needed.

MCS Awareness

May is MCS Awareness month.  This article is our way of supporting the mission of the MCS Awareness Organization.  Thank you for reading.  If you know someone sensitive to toxins in skincare products, please share this with them.