Toxins and Carcinogens
Let’s take a look at the qualities of products that disrupt skin health, especially during cancer treatment.
Bad Products:
Contains irritants & damages skin barrier.
Are toxic to body & health.
Contains cancer causing ingredients.
You might be thinking, why would anyone willingly use products like this? Unfortunately, the above criteria describes many common skincare and personal care products.
Harvard Health states that FDA regulations do not guarantee that ingredients in beauty products are harmless. According to Dr. Kathryn M. Rexrode, chief of the Division of Women's Health, “products are tested to make sure they don't cause short-term problems, such as skin irritation. But they're not tested for long-term safety.
An article from The Guardian says, “in cosmetics alone, the EU has banned or restricted more than 1,300 chemicals while the US has outlawed or curbed just 11.”
Even the FDA states “The law does not require cosmetic labeling to have FDA approval before cosmetic products go on the market, and FDA does not have a list of approved or accepted claims for cosmetics.”
Check out the article on Toxic Beauty from Harvard Health.
Top Toxic Ingredients in Personal Care Products
These are the top toxic ingredients found in personal care products according to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. These ingredients can be found many common brands:
Fragrance, Parabens, Triclosan
Formaldehyde, Ethanolamines, Benzophenone
BHA, BHT, Chemical UV Filters
Carbon Black, PPD, PTFE (Teflon)
“Products are tested to make sure they don’t cause short-term problems, such as skin irritation. But they’re not tested for long-term safety”
Tips on Choosing Safer Products
Finding safe products that are suitable for sensitive skin during cancer treatment can be challenging. I’ve done my best to provide product suggestions in my other blog posts that are non-toxic and appropriate. To reduce your exposure to harmful ingredients and find better products, follow these steps:
Use fewer products. This is the easiest and least expensive way.
Seek simple ingredient lists.
Find safer brands. Use tools like EWG Skin Deep’s report builder or the Clearya App to help. Clearya was developed with cancer in mind.
Use helpful resources. Learn more about these ingredients at Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. www.safecosmetics.org.