Everyone knows the importance of good hygiene. Something very few people know, however, is the importance of using personal hygiene products with all-natural ingredients. The benefits of natural ingredients are many, but the biggest one is that they don’t contain harmful or toxic chemicals. Though many products on the market are ruled to be safe by the FDA, they are not necessarily good for maintaining a healthy body. Some chemicals may not actively cause damage, but they often wash away the oils essential for skin and hair health, causing adverse effects.
What’s Wrong with Typical Hygiene Products?
Typical hygiene products are often comprised of harsh chemicals, GMOs, and very few natural ingredients. In particular, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, skincare products, and hair products often contain many industrially-produced chemicals. These chemicals can strip the skin of the natural oils and cause skin to become less healthy. When used in hair, they can lead to damage in the hair follicles and, in some cases, even cause hair loss.
Here are some chemicals to avoid:
- Phthalates/parabens – These are often used in hairspray and perfume. They are banned in the European Union and have been shown to be carcinogenic.
- Mineral oil – This is a derivative of petroleum, which prevents the skin from breathing and functioning properly.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate – This is a chemical often found in deodorants and is extremely toxic. It has been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.
- PEG (polyethylene glycol) – Removes protective oils from the skin and makes the skin vulnerable to toxins and bacteria.
- Propylene glycol – Often found in deodorants, propylene glycol is the active ingredient used in antifreeze.
- Triclosan – A synthetic antibacterial chemical. This is often used in soaps. The EPA has it registered as a highly toxic pesticide. It is also carcinogenic.
What Products Should You Use?
When you look for personal hygiene products in the future, be mindful of the ingredients that you see contained in them. Anything with chemicals and things you can’t pronounce or have never heard of are more than likely processed industrially or have harmful chemicals present. Skin is the largest and, arguably, most important organ of the human body. Healthy skin is essential to immune health. Natural products have the benefit of not only preventing toxins and harsh chemicals from damaging your body, but they also promote healing and health.
Here are some of the best options in terms of natural hygiene products:
- Burt’s Bees – Producer of all-natural lip balms and other personal care products.
- Bronner – All organic ingredients, primarily healthy oils. They produce soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, among other things.
- Tropical Traditions – Specializes in the production of coconut oil, essential oils, and natural soaps. Also provides healthy food options.
- Scotch Naturals – Producer of nontoxic nail polish and other makeup. Free of phthalates.
- Soothing Touch — A family owned business dedicated to offering cruelty-free, paraben-free, and nontoxic hygiene products while maintaining ecofriendly practices.
- Trillium Organics – Producer of nontoxic health products. Trillium Organics is, obviously, all organic. They also produce treatments for skin conditions including acne, dermatitis, and eczema.
It’s not always easy to know which products are safe to use. When you are beginning to change your personal hygiene regime, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to get a good baseline for your health.
Michael Forman, DOM, has the experience and knowledge to help guide you on your journey toward total health restoration, including personal hygiene care. His approach is based on using the innate intelligence of the body to determine the best direction for total body wellness, including through acupuncture and Nutritional Response Testing.
If you’re ready to move forward with a healthier, happier approach to personal care, contact Dr. Forman and his compassionate staff today and make an appointment for your total health restoration.
305-741-2102