by Heather Mikayla
When I first started Light Bodies I used Almond Oil as my massage oil. However some people are allergic to nuts and can have a nasty reaction to it, so I decided to use some of the professional massage therapy oil formulas. I found one formula that was advertised as an "organic, natural massage cream." After using it for a while I began to break out in a rash. I then took a good look at the ingredients and did some research.
Your skin is your largest organ (protection and elimination) and most important part of your body.
It not only excretes toxins, it also absorbs whatever is put on it. So it is very important to read the labels of anything that you put on your skin. Here are 10 synthetic ingredients that, in my opinion that should be avoided:
- Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben are widely used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of products even though they are known to accumulate in the body and over time mimic hormones leading to lower sperm count in men and their discovery in breast tumors. They also have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes.
- Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea are the second most widely used preservatives after the parabens and are have been identified as the causing contact dermatitis by the American Academy of Dermatology. Imidazolidinyl urea is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in many cosmetics, toiletries, lotions and pharmaceutical preparations and strangely enough is often found in preparations labeled as "hypoallergenic".
- Propylene Glycol can be a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol but usually it is a synthetic petrochemical that is used to prevent desiccation. It is known to cause allergic reactions and is suspected to be detrimental to the immune system, the nervous system and the respiratory system.
- Petrolatum is a mineral oil jelly and is under suspicion as a carcinogen in breast cancer. Petrolatum products are banned in the European Union since long term damage to health hsa become evident.
- PVP/VA Copolymer is a petroleum derived chemical often used in hairsprays, perms and cosmetics. It is considered toxic since it may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate started its career as an industrial degreasant and garage floor cleaner. When applied to human skin it has the effect of stripping off the oil layer and then irritating and eroding the skin, leaving it rough and pitted.
Studies on SLS have shown that:" (Judi Vance, Beauty To Die For, Promotion Publishing, 1998)
"Shampoos with SLS could retard healing and keep children's eyes from developing properly. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. (Summary of Report of Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. conference)."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate can cause cataracts in adults and delays the healing of wounds in the surface of the cornea."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has a low molecular weight and so is easily absorbed by the body. It builds up in the heart, liver and brain and can cause major problems in these areas."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate causes skin to flake and to separate and causes roughness on the skin."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate causes dysfunction of the biological systems of the skin."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is such a caustic cleanser that it actually corrodes the hair follicle and impairs the ability to grow hair."
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is routinely used in clinical studies deliberately to irritate the skin so that the effects of other substances can be tested." (Study cited by the Wall St Journal, 1st November 1998)
- Stearalkonium Chloride is a toxic chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. It causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride originally was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, but is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do actually help hair health.
- Synthetic Colors are used to make products more attractive, not more functional. They are usually listed on the label as FD&C or D&C, along with a color and number. (e.g. FD&C Yellow No. 5). They are typically derived from petroleum or coal, and are found in a wide variety of food products and pet foods, as well as in drugs, cosmetics, and personal care products. Most do not fade during processing and storing, giving them an advantage over natural coloring agents. It has been proven that high doses of most synthetic dyes approved by the FDA are capable of causing various adverse reactions, including cancer.
- Synthetic Fragrances which are commonly added to perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and dozens of other personal health care products are harmful to the marine environment and to humans as well, according to marine scientists. Also known as synthetic musks, the chemical compounds compromise a cellular defense mechanism that normally prevents toxins from entering cells.
- Triethanolamine is often used to maintain the alkalinity or acidity of a product. It is considered to be a carcinogen and being toxic to the immune system it can cause allergies and eye problems.
After learning about the toxicity of these chemicals I was really shocked that a lot of them were ingredients in professional massage oil blends. Take some time to check all the products you use on a daily basis for your personal care: lotions, shampoos, deodorants, tooth pastes, etc. If we all stop using products that have these dangerous chemicals in them, believe me, change will happen. Let's make a difference in the world by taking the first step of being conscious consumers that only buy and use products that support our health and well being.
As a holistic kinesiologist I do not diagnose or treat anything. I simply raise the vital energy of the body, by drawing on a portfolio of several hundred gentle corrective methods that locate, remove and release energy congestion or blockages and trigger the natural healing response of the body.
Call me today to set up an appointment - I'll help you take the next step to achieving your radiant vitality!
Assisting mankind in taking responsibility for their health and well-being.
~Heather
