What we put in our bodies is as important as what we put on our bodies. Many products we use to clean, moisturize, beautify and protect also contain harmful chemicals which have been proven to cause rashes, allergies and worse- cancer. In this column, I am going to concentrate on hair care and hair dyes and bleaches. I will start with the head and move my way down the body, so check back for more valuable information.
According to Greg Horn, a leader in the health and wellness industry and author of “Living Green”, “If you wouldn’t eat it don’t put it on your skin.” Not that he expects you to eat your soap, but if it is not made from natural oils, herbs, vitamins and minerals- it probably isn’t good for you. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, it most likely isn’t safe. Anything put on your body or scalp is absorbed into your body and affects your health and well being. There is no mandated requirement for safety testing on personal care products before they go on the market. The FDA has no power to regulate before there is a known problem. However the FDA does have the authority to require complete labeling for all ingredients. However, they DO NOT issue warning labels for products which contain dangerous and toxic ingredients. So if you want natural products, safe products, you have to be willing to seek them out. Learn to read labels and refuse to settle for anything but safe, effective and natural personal care products. When we all start doing this, the industry will have no choice but to provide safe, organic and natural products for their educated consumers.
Avoid the following ingredients in all personal care products:
Phthalates are a group of petrochemicals that are known to have endocrine disrupting properties. Phthalates are used to make rigid plastics soft and pliable and are also commonly added to cosmetics. Phthalates are linked to elevated rates of endocrine disruption and are possibly carcinogenic. Centers for Disease Control report found alarming rates of phthalates in urine and blood samples.
Formaldehyde - used as a preservative and often listed as quaternium 15 (which releases formaldehyde). Avoid products that contain any of this toxic chemical that can cause nerve damage, allergies, enhance your sensitivity to other chemicals and even cause cancer.
Dimethyl dimethyl hydantoin- A microbicide found in a wide range of products from hair conditioners to shampoos, hand soaps, baby wipes and sunscreens. DMDM hydantoin can break down to ingredients that trigger skin sensitivities.
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, Ethyl Paraben and Parabens — Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. These have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. They are usually combined with other chemicals, parabens have been found in breast tissue samples of women with breast cancer, although no firm link has yet been scientifically established. But if you don’t need it, why risk it?
Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) — Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea — These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate — A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
Petrolatum — Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
Propylene Glycol — This is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics.
PVP/VA Copolymer — A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.
Stearalkonium Chloride — A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.
Synthetic Colors — along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don’t use it.
Synthetic Fragrances — The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read “fragrance.” Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on.
Aluminum Chlorohydrate or Aluminum Zirconium – Often found in deodorant. These compounds are very soluble and are readily absorbed by the body. Once in the body, the aluminum portion of the molecule ionizes, forming free radical aluminum (Al+++) This passes freely across cell membranes and forms a physical plug, that when dissolved is selectively absorbed by the liver, kidney, brain, cartilage and bone marrow. It is this concentration of aluminum that has been the source for concern in the medical community, and has prompted the research being done on Alzheimer’s disease and Breast Cancer victims.
Coal Tar: Coal Tar is a thick liquid or semi-solid obtained as a by-product in the destructive distillation ofbituminous coal. In the United States, Coal Tar may be used as an active ingredient in OTC drug products. When used as an active drug ingredient, the established name is Coal Tar. Coal Tar has reported used in the following product types: dandruff/scalp treatment, shampoo, bath oil/salts/soak , anti-itch/rash cream, eczema/damaged skin treatment , conditioner
Lead Acetate: Lead Acetate is the inorganic salt. See Used in the following product types: hair color and bleaching, styling gel/lotion , dandruff/scalp treatment. Causes cancer and is extremely toxic. The same lead we are trying to avoid in paint is found in some personal care products (mostly hair dye).
The human body has a few areas that it uses to purge toxins: Behind the knees, ears, groin area and armpits. The toxins are purged in the form of perspiration. Antiperspirant, as the name clearly indicates, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging toxins from below the armpits. These toxins do not magically disappear. Instead the body deposits them in the lymph nodes below the arms since it cannot sweat them out. This causes a high concentration of toxins that leads to cell mutation a.k.a. Cancer. Nearly all Breast Cancer tumors occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area. This is where lymph nodes are located.
Are Hair Dyes to Die For?
THE PROBLEM:
Some 35-40% of women ages 18 to 60 color their hair. Research shows a strong connection between the use of commercial hair dyes and various forms of cancer. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute estimate 20% of all cases of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, the cancer that killed Jackie Kennedy Onassis, are due to women using commercial hair dyes. There is also a very high incidence of cancer among hairdressers. Some of the most popular brands that can be purchased at your favorite grocery and drug store contain the most toxic and dangerous ingredients.
TIPS:
1. Put off using permanent and semi-permanent hair coloring products as long as possible.
Avoid the extremely dark shades of hair dye products— brunettes, blacks, and blues seem to pose highest risk.
2. Use as infrequently as possible.
3. If you must use a product with coal-tar dyes, try to choose one with the least number and lowest concentrations of any dyes. Although not perfect, the safest permanent and semi-permanent hair dye products are likely to be found at health food stores and natural health centers. These represent the best and safest choices you can make. See below for a list of natural hair dyes.
4. Read labels. Marketing claims on personal care products are not defined under the law, and can mean anything or nothing at all, including claims like organic, natural, hypoallergenic, animal cruelty free, and fragrance free. Read the ingredient label carefully to find evidence that the claims are true. For instance Herbal Essences is rated one of the worst hair dyes on the market.
5. Choose products that are "fragrance"-free. Fragrances can cause allergic reactions. Products that claim to be "fragrance free" on the packaging may not be. They could contain masking fragrances that give off a neutral odor. Read the ingredient label — in products truly free of fragrance, the word "fragrance" will not appear there
6. FDA Consumer magazine says, “Consumers might also want to consider using henna, which is largely plant derived.
THE SOLUTION:
There are safe, natural and very effective hair coloring products available that can color hair without the dangers of the chemicals described above. One of the primary herbal ingredients is known as henna, and it was used by Cleopatra as one of her eternal beauty secrets. Today Natural Hair Color can achieve a wide range of botanical-based colors with no chemical additives.
SAFE ALTERNATIVES:
Light Mountain http://www.internatural-alternative-health.com/light_Mountain/Light_Mountain_Natural_Hair_Color_and_Conditioner.cfm
Rainbow www.rainbowresearch.com
Manic Panic www.manicpanic.com – crazy hair colors
Fanciful www.thecolomergroup.com
Resources:
• www.ewg.org - Environmental Working Group
• www.cosmeticdatabase.com – Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group. This amazing website allows you to rate all personal care products and see which ones are safe and which ones are toxic.
• Living green by Greg Horn, Freedom Press, www.freedompress.com
• Aubrey-Organics, www.aubrey-organics.com
TAMPA BAY SAFE SHOPPING:
Hair Salons:
Asonipse Spa & Salon
Aveda Concept Salon- uses Aveda and sells Aveda products which are plant derived. Some products contain fragrance. Semi-permanent haircolor is 99% natural, permanent is 97% natural. Both last a long time.
813-662-3848
6136 Winthrop Town Centre Avenue, Riverview, Florida 33569
Shops:
Seedlings
Sell organic products for babies and children including: baby food, shampoos, cleansers, clothing and bedding.
813-251-5111
1530 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, Florida 33629
www.seedlings.com
Happy Paws & Tails
Sell organic and natural dog food and treats.
813-661-5138
6032 Winthrop Town Centre Ave, Riverview, FL 33568
www.happypawsandtails.net
Organic Markets:
Tampa
M D Oriental Market, 1106 E Fowler Ave • Tampa, FL 33612
813-868-1688
Abby’s Health and Nutrition, 14374 N Dale Mabry Hwy • Tampa 33618
813-265-4951
Nature’s Harvest Market, 1021 North MacDill Ave. • Tampa 33607
813-873-7428
Village Health Market, 3225 S MacDill Ave • Tampa 33629
813-831-6065
Chuck’s Natural Marketplace, 11301 North 56th St • Temple Terrace, FL 33617 •
813- 980-2005
Brandon / Lithia/Valrico
Chuck’s Natural Food Marketplace, 114 North Kings Avenue, Brandon
813-657-2555
Natures Health Foods and Café, 3443 Lithia Pinecrest • Valrico 33594
New Port Richey
Nature’s Storehouse New Port Richey, 9131 Little Rd New Port Richey, FL 34654
727-862-6878
Wright’s Nutrients New Port Richey, 6630 US Hwy 19 • New Port Richey
727-848-5140
Palm Harbor / Tarpon Springs
Palm Harbor Natural Foods, 30555 US Highway 19 North Palm Harbor, FL
727-786-
Super Vitamin Outlet, 32510 US Hwy 19 North • Palm Harbor 34684
727-786-5994
Spring Hill
The Green Bean Organic Marketplace, 11020 Northcliffe Blvd and Mariner Blvd Spring Hill 34608
352-688-7979
References:
1. Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living Newsletter, Volume 2, Number The article is footnoted with numerous references and research on the subject.
2. The Safe Shoppers’ Bible by David Steinman and Samuel Epstein, M.D. (foreword by Ralph Nader) Macmillan, NY 1995, pp 240-244
3. The Breast Cancer Prevention Program by Samuel Epstein, M.D. and David Steinman (authors of the Safe Shoppers’ Bible), Macmillan, NY 1997, pp 225-231, 241-243, 328
4. Being A Woman—Naturally by Dr. Jan McBarron, M.D., Freedom Press, Topanga, CA 2002, pp 83-88, 176
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