Our world is a labeling hazard, with “this will banish your wrinkles” “rid you of cellulite” “make you look ten years younger“.  There is a furor of excitement in the hunt for youth, creating a billion dollar industry that offers only one truth:  even though  hundreds of lotions and creams are launched every year, they don’t work! (or how could there possibly be room in the market for any more?!)  Seeking youth through toxic elixirs will always be a hunt for the holy grail.

Best case scenario you’re buying pretty packaging and some feel good factor.   Worst case scenario, you’re spending a fortune on some of the most lethal chemical elixirs that (if you knew) you wouldn’t include in the facial of your worst enemy!

Imagine your skin, the largest organ in your body, ridiculously spongy (absorbs EVERYTHING) and the fastest route to your bloodstream…everything you put on your skin should ideally be toxin free as toxic ingredients cannot be eliminated – they stay in your bloodstream for some time.  We apply lotions and potions daily for YEARS upon decades, so the cumulative effect of this is…well…SCARY!

For those who have started reading the labels more closely here are 3 few tips on translating skincare industry “greenwashing”:

Natural or “derived from” – you can be sure that any certified organic company will define natural as existing in, or formed by nature.  The beauty/ skincare industry may define it as any chemical derived from a natural substance.  Gin is derived from Juniper Berries, Vodka is derived from potatoes, morphine is derived from poppies.  Enough said.  Valium is derived from Valerian but after being mixed with synthetic chemicals in the lab, the list of side effects becomes endless (one of which is..wait for it…DEPRESSION). Top-selling brands in the natural products sector have been found to contain 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic chemical carcinogen*, so be aware.

“Organic preservatives” -  is an often misleading claim.  “Methyl paraben” is an organic preservative, but it is derived from petroleum, which is a carbon compound.  Hmmmmm.  An example of authentic organic preservatives are: Wheatgerm Oil triticum vulgare (antioxidant, strengthens the immune system and restores overall health) or Vitamin E (also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals).  To keep skincare organic and fresh:  avoid the addition of water which makes things go “off” faster, store your natural products in the fridge to keep them fresh and use a spatula so no nasty bacteria gets in there to spoil it (this last one goes for your toxic potions, too!)

“Vitamins C and E added” – this can be a very effective decoy from the other ingredients in your miracle elixir.  Vit C and E are added to block the toxic effects of nitrosamines like lauryl sarcosine, MEA, Cocyl Sarcosin, Diethanolamine (DEA) and laureth sulphate.  They don’t sound great, do they?!  In the real stuff, Vit C and E and a plethora of other amazing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are naturally present in most carrier oils.  It’s not considered a USP (unique selling proposition).

Claims about the primary ingredient – the primary ingredient may be stripped of it’s powers after being mixed with other ingredients in the bottle.  Widely accepted by consumer for decades, Witch Hazel hamamelis virginiana, is the strongest antioxidant hydrosol (plant water).  It treats ALL skin conditions from severe to mild, heals cracked/ blistered skin, is effective for wounds and as an antiseptic. Can be used for bites, stings, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, as a diuretic, reduces rheumatic and arthritic pain.  It is also one of the MOST IMPORTANT ANTI AGING SUBSTANCES!  However, the stuff you buy in the store is mixed with alcohol (1%-30% by volume) which renders it useless for all the uses above.  bugger!

The campaign for safe cosmetics site has a collective goal to protect the health of consumers and workers by requiring the personal care products industry to phase out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health concerns, and replace them with safer alternatives.  You can find out info or even get involved.

Some easy ways to ensure you’re using the most righteous products:

Saffron Rouge is an amazing online organic market place they research the righteous”ness” of the products so you don’t have to.

A couple of other brands you can trust, who formulate & certify their products to food grade standards, so pure you could eat them:

Intelligent Nutrients,

Dr Alkaitis,

Miessence

*Source: The campaign for safe cosmetics

Chcck out the below for a wild perspective change – the concept to bio-magnification will blow your mind!