Traditional cosmetics 'contain harmful chemicals'
Using organic cosmetics has been described by one expert as just as important as eating healthily.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Jane Houlihan of the Environmental Working Group warned many traditional products contain chemical ingredients.
"What we put on our skin often ends up inside our body and so it's every bit as important as what we eat, drink and breathe when it comes to minimizing exposure to things that aren't healthy for us," she stated.
The specialist described how chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and diethanolamine often feature in ingredient lists and individuals need to be wary of them.
Author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry Stacy Malkan also urged ladies to think twice about what they use on their bodies.
"Research has shown that many conventional personal-care products contain chemicals of concern that can disrupt your hormones, have been linked to cancer, cause allergies or can damage your skin," the expert commented.
Ms Malkan added that many traditional deodorants, moisturisers, shampoos, soaps and makeup contain these potentially harmful ingredients.
It was noted that while a one-off exposure to chemicals through cosmetics may not have immediate side effects, regular use can lead to a build up of toxins.
Director of the Environmental Health Education Center at the University of Maryland School of Nursing Barbara Sattler warned about the repercussions of contact with dangerous additives from a variety of sources.
Ms Sattler remarked: "If you've got a set of neurotoxins in two or three or five products you're using and you're putting them on your skin and inhaling or ingesting them every day, you're increasing the risk of an untoward effect."
Laura Jane Sessions, makeup artist at organicmakeupartist.co.uk, recently claimed that although products are rigorously tested, the long-term effects of their use can never be fully known.
Posted by Claire Thomson
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