Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is found in our bones, skin, nails, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Think of Collagen simply as the ‘glue’ that holds us together. While our bodies naturally produce Collagen, by the time we hit age 25, …
The skin is the largest organ in the body and it is responsible for many functions that contribute to our health and well-being. It protects the body against physical and chemical aggressions, serves as a sensorial receptor, regulates body temperature, and supplies our cells with …
By Mariesette Zeyl, ND
Did you know that we absorb up to 60 percent of what we apply on our skin? Yes, it is true! Anything you are putting on your skin is being absorbed into your body and into your bloodstream. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it is permeable, meaning it allows liquids or gases to pass through it. It is likely that your daily go-to skincare products are loaded with harmful toxins and chemicals that could be affecting your health negatively. We may not notice immediate reactions to these products, but over time the toxic burden can slowly build up in our bodies. A product that features any ingredients which may irritate or upset the skin has to undergo rigorous quality and safety checks and be in line with regulations before it is able to go to market.
Here are some ingredients to that you should avoid, as they can be detrimental to overall skin health:
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that are commonly used as preservatives in lipstick and moisturizers, among other cosmetics and skin care products. BHA and BHT have been known to cause allergic reactions in the skin.1 The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen (cancer-causing).2 According to the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption, BHA can interfere with hormone function,3 which may ultimately affect our growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive function.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is mainly used in nail products as a solvent for dyes and to prevent nail polish from turning brittle. DBP is definitely absorbed through the skin.4 It can also cause genetic mutations.5 And in laboratory experiments, it has been shown to cause developmental defects.6 The European Union categorizes DBP as an endocrine disruptor, as it too also interferes with hormone function.7
Parabens (butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, paraben) are probably the most widely used preservative in the cosmetic industry. About 75-95 percent of cosmetics contain parabens.8 They penetrate the skin easily and can also interfere with hormone function, as they mimic estrogen. In one study, parabens were detected in human breast cancer tissues.9 When they are applied to the skin and absorbed into the body, they bypass the metabolic process and enter the bloodstream and body organs. It is estimated that women are exposed to 50mg per day of parabens from cosmetics.10
Parfum or fragrance usually encompasses a mixture of dozens of chemicals. They are added to perfumes, colognes, deodorants, lotions, laundry detergents, and other skin care products. The list goes on and on! Over 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances11 that act as irritants and can trigger allergies12 and migraines.13 In addition, a survey found that amongst asthmatics, perfumes or colognes triggered asthma attacks in three out of four individuals.14
Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing chemical that makes products bubble and foam, commonly found in shampoos, soaps, facial cleansers and body gel. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified this chemical as a possible carcinogen.15 Many have become so accustomed to this foaming action, that they feel as though they aren’t “clean” without it. But, inversely, there is evidence that sulfates can actually cause rashes, irritating our skin, eyes and even our scalp.16
It is clear that these chemicals can be toxic to our health. Instead, look for these natural ingredients in your skin care products:
Vitamin C is commonly referred to as a powerful anti-aging antioxidant. It protects our skin against oxidative stress and damage from the sun. It also increases the moisture content in the outer layer of our skin, which provides more hydration, and ultimately more firmness. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, which is the main protein and structure of our skin. This should be the ingredient of choice for those who want to combat fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation.17
Vitamin A is also known as an anti-aging antioxidant. Numerous studies have shown vitamin A to aid in the improvement of overall appurtenance, roughness, pigmentation, fine and coarse wrinkles and complexion. It also has an effect on collagen synthesis, and increases circulation in the skin layers.18
Aloe Vera gel is extracted from the aloe vera plant and is commonly known as a multitasker for our skin. Aloe vera is great for providing moisture, healing burns, soothing and calming inflammation (namely skin rashes and eczema), and also is known to be protective against radiation damage to the skin.19
Shea Butter comes from the nut of the African shea tree. It is mainly used in creams and lotions. Studies have proven that shea butter has hydrating properties, as well as the ability to soften scars.20 And it also contains properties that may repair and heal atopic dermatitis.21
Mango Butter is extracted from the stone of the fruit and is typically added to balms, creams or lotions. It has natural antiseptic properties and also restores skin elasticity.22 And it smells great, too!
Since we are undoubtedly and unintentionally exposing ourselves internally to a variety of toxins and chemicals, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients listed on products. Rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce it, then it probably isn’t good for you! The great news is that there are alternatives on the market, including cosmeceuticals and hair care products that are not only safe, but also very effective. Speak to a nutritionist, dermatologist or naturopathic doctor today and make the switch to natural personal care products to further protect your skin’s health and overall well-being.
Diabetes is a vicious and life-threatening disease. It is a condition where your blood sugar is continuously and seriously elevated (and your triglycerides are also). The excess circulating blood sugar is very destructive inflaming tissues in the heart and circulation, in the eyes, brain, kidneys, …
What was once a rare occurrence is now very common – tattoos are everywhere. But could getting a tattoo pose long-term consequences for your health? According to a new study, it could.
Summer is just around the corner – that means more time outdoors, barbecues, the beach, and of course, a lot more exposure to the sun. The sun has some great health benefits, like boosting your Vitamin D levels, mood, and energy. But we all know that too much sun carries serious risks, specifically for your skin. Even one bad sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer isn’t usually considered as a risk to children’s health. Most parents don’t consider this form of cancer a major risk for their children, but according to experts, melanoma accounts for about 3% of pediatric cancers and 6% of teenage cancers (ages 15-19). There is currently no database that records cases of skin cancer among children in the US, but a 2013 study published in the journal Pediatrics found the rate of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – rose 2% annually among children aged 0-19 between 1973 and 2009.
It’s true that a skin cancer diagnosis during childhood is rare – but sun exposure early on can certainly increase melanoma risk later in life. Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study that revealed multiple sunburns during adolescence can raise the risk of melanoma by a whopping 80%!
So, how can we reduce the risk of skin cancer for our kids? Here’s a breakdown of the specific precautions that should be taken for kids, by age:
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, infants ages 6 months and younger should be kept out of direct sunlight. Before babies reach 6 months, their melanin levels (the substance that gives pigment to the skin, hair and eyes and protects against the sun) are very low, making them extremely sensitive to UV radiation. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises that parents take their infant for walks in a stroller with a sun-protective cover before 10 am and after 4 pm, when UV radiation is lowest. Before 6 months of age, infants should be dressed in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs, as well as a hat to protect the sensitive skin on their face, neck and ears. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under 6 months old.
Protect your kids from the inside out with Children’s Vitamins!
It makes sense that protecting toddlers from the sun is more difficult than it is with infants – by age 2, your toddler is probably playing outside and ignoring your demands to wear a hat and protective clothing. The good news is that sunscreen can be used on children older than 6 months. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a low SPF of 15 should be used on children after they reach 6 months of age. However, Dr. Perry Robins, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, cautioned that sunscreen is only one factor in an army of defense when it comes to sun protection. “Strategies such as seeking shade and dressing children in sun-protective clothing are just as important and can’t be abandoned in the second year, since sunscreen cannot keep all of the sun’s rays away from the skin,” Dr. Robins states. “Teaching these techniques early to children can leave them with sun safety habits that will help prevent skin cancer later in life.”
School rules can actually be a major roadblock to your child’s sun protection protocol. Experts recommend making sunscreen application a part of your child’s usual morning routine. Unfortunately, as noted by the Skin Cancer Foundation, many schools view sunscreen as a medicine and require either written permission to use it or ban children from applying it themselves. Many schools also prohibit hats and sunglasses during school hours, including recess when your child is most likely to be exposed to the sun. As a parent, talk to your child’s school about their sun protection policy, and if it does not allow major precautions to be taken, let other parents know and take action to change the school’s policy.
This is where things get even more difficult. Teenagers generally feel they need to look a certain way to fit in, and for many (especially girls) this means a “healthy” glowing tan. But what so many people don’t acknowledge – or don’t know – is that a tan is a major indication of skin damage. When the skin becomes tan, melanin production increases in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. So even though your teenager thinks a tan looks great now, things can get ugly later in life. The risks are heightened even further by the use of tanning beds, which produce rays 10-15 times stronger than natural sun. A 2014 study estimated that about 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the US may be related to indoor tanning, while a study reported by Medical News Today last year linked the use of tanning beds in teenagers to greater risk of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer in the US.
If your teen needs a little motivation to skip the tanning bed, show them Tawny Willoughby’s story. Tawny was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma at age 21, a result of excessive indoor tanning as a teenager. She recently posted some grisly photos of her skin after cancer treatment. “If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun, this is what skin cancer treatment can look like,” she quoted with her photos. “Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan. You only get one skin and you should take care of it.” Alternatives to tanning for teens include spray tans, tanning lotion, and fashionable cover-ups like sarongs and beach dresses. But sunscreen must be used along with all of these alternatives.
The bottom line: the best way to get your child to take precautions against sun exposure, no matter what age, is to lead by example – by taking the same precautions yourself. “You are your children’s role model,” notes the Skin Cancer Foundation. “Be sure to let them see you protecting yourself from the sun. If you have great skin, so will they.”
Source: Medical News Today