There will be no breaking news anytime soon that a direct correlation exists between what we feed ourselves and the health of our bodies.  Eating right makes us healthier….eating junk takes a toll.  Even die-hard cookie, chip and cake lovers know these facts.  More Americans than ever before are thoughtfully and deliberately purchasing healthier foods.  Good for us!  Eating healthy is a lifestyle that rewards us with both immediate and longterm benefits. 

Unfortunately, as a whole, consumers are not as knowledgable about the others methods through which we introduce both good and bad substances into our bodies.  For many years, the skin was considered a barrier that protected the body from outside elements and influences.  We now know that skin actually serves as a transport system for delivering all sorts of substances into the bloodstream and to vital organs.  In fact, absorption of chemicals through the skin is considered to be “direct absorption.”  In other words, anything brought into the body through the skin rather than through the digestive system may be as high as 10 times the concentration of an oral dose.   Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an excellent example of how quickly chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.  The Journal of the American College of Toxicology notes that this ingredient has a “degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties.”  What’s more, the journal adds, “high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration.”

The absorption of substances through the skin can be very useful in certain circumstances.  For instance, many different medications can now be delivered directly into a patient’s system through transdermal patches.  These patches are applied directly to the skin and are extremely effective in the steady delivery of medicinal substances over relatively long periods of time.  We see these being used for nicotine addiction, birth control, treatment of depression and many other useful applications.

In contrast, we must also recognize that harmful or toxic substances applied to the body can also travel through the skin and enter into the bloodstream or vital organs.  Many skin care and hair care products that contain known cancer-causing chemicals also contain ingredients called “penetration enhancers.”  These ingredients further increase the degree to which other chemicals in the product are absorbed into the body.  It has been estimated that women, in particular, apply more than 1000 chemically distinctive ingredients to their bodies on a daily basis.  Considering that a single fragrance oil can contain more than 300 chemicals on its own, this number represents a reasonable scenario.  While certainly not all of these chemicals are harmful or toxic, it does seem prudent that consumers should arms themselves with knowledge and exercise discretion when choosing products that will be applied to the body.

Due to the lack of FDA pre-market testing requirements for personal care products, only one of every ten ingredients used in cosmetics has been tested for safety.  The European Union has banned almost 1,200 ingredients from use in cosmetics due to research findings that indicate toxicity or other harmful effects.  In contrast, only eleven ingredients in the United States have been banned for use in these same products.  While U.S. manufacturers are certainly required to pull any products from the market that have been proven harmful, there is no system in place to identify these products prior to consumer use.  Furthermore, this requirement applies to only the product as a whole with no consideration given to the individual ingredients used to create the product.

Protecting the body from unnecessary toxins and pollutants, whether ingested or applied, is an attainable and worthwhile lifestyle choice.  Current regulations are an inefficient method of gauging the safety of personal care products such as shampoo, shower gel, baby products and lotions.  Until such regulations exist, the responsibility for eliminating harmful toxins lies squarely and completely on the consumer.  Assistance with this is available through several private organizations and consumer alliance agencies.  The Environmental Protection Group has created a database through which consumers can research products and ingredients.  Their grading system indicates the level of concern associated with the ingredient’s safety.  Many brands and specific products can be searched as well.  The same grading system is used for these.  You can access the EPG database at cosmeticdatabase.org.  There is no fee associated with the site, however, they do allow donations to be made if you find the information useful.  Also consider joining the The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  This organization is a strong, active supporter of stricter legislation for cosmetic companies and they maintain a useful database of manufacturers whose products are formulated using safe, healthy ingredients you can trust.  Visit safecosmetics.org to learn more about this company and the services it provides to consumers.

Visit “Salon Naturals” at www.salonnaturalsonline.com for more great articles that will arm you with the information needed to shop wisely!