The Green Movement is taking over. Organic food, cleaning products and even clothes are produced for green living. Everyone from celebrities to soccer moms is taking notice. But for many women, the main point of interest is the use of beauty products.
Most people don't realize the amount of carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, in common beauty products. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and research has found that up to 60 per cent of the chemicals used in beauty products that are put on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream. Numerous products contain these chemicals causing consumers to bombard their system with harmful substances.
News on Phthalates
Phthalates are just one of the types of harmful ingredients used in common beauty products. Phthalates are industrial chemicals that have been linked to birth defects in the male reproductive system. A comprehensive study done in 2002 called Not Too Pretty: Phthalates, Beauty Products & the FDA showed that many name-brand companies were using up to seven phthalates per product. Phthalates are found in everything from lipstick, hairspray, deoderant, perfume and many others. And surprisingly, according to this study, the group with the highest levels of phthalates found in their system are pregnant women.
The Difference between Natural and Organic
Using organic beauty products can reduce the risk of phthalates and other harmful chemicals from entering your body. But a product listed as natural often uses synthetic preservatives and other unnatural ingredients. Natural simply means that the ingredients used have not been changed from its original state and no other substances have been added to or subtracted from it. Because a product is listed as "natural" doesn't mean that it is as natural as you think it is.
Being a careful consumer is necessary when shopping for organic products, too. Lisa Schmidt, owner of Lilou Organics, an online organic store, says that "a company can put out a face wash full of traditional harmful chemicals, add one organic ingredient, and still label it as 'organic'." Shopping at an online store like Lilou Organics, www.lilou-organics.com, helps insure that you are buying a genuine organic product. Finding products that say they are USDA certified organic are guaranteed as well.
Shopping for Organic Beauty Products
The best place to find certified organic products is still online. Type "organic beauty products" into any search engine and you will find a long list of online shopping or local boutique stores that offer organic products. Shopping online for clothes is standard practice, though some consumers are hesitant when shopping for beauty products. But online stores offer returns and exchanges just like any drugstore. And though you may spend a little more for organic lines, the quality of the ingredients is better.
Organic ingredients are grown without pesticides and they have to adhere to strict regulations. Finding quality organic products is the first step to living a healthy, green lifestyle that you can feel good about, and you can look good while doing it.
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