Many cosmetic products focus on what happens on the outside of your skin. But what are the effects on your body from the inside out? With a bathroom shelf full of skin care products that contain a cocktail of (often) synthetic substances, it's important to know which ones can be harmful to your health and how to avoid them.
Just what are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that unbalance your body's natural hormone cycle. This can adversely affect your health. They can be found in many everyday products, such as food, cosmetics and cleaning products. These substances mimic, as it were, the effects of natural hormones in your body; they can reduce, enhance or completely modify the effects of real hormones. This happens because communication between cells is disrupted, preventing hormones from continuing their natural communication. The result can be an imbalance in your body, which can affect your health. From research by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), even small amounts have an effect on our health. This is something we at Mothr Earth Proof want to prevent!
What are our hormones for?
To understand how endocrine disruptors affect your body, it is first important to understand the function of your hormones and why a disruption can be bad. The AOV states that our hormones function as signaling devices. They help the body send signals and are involved in processes such as digestion, food, emotions, behavior metabolism and various organ functions.
Hormones affect our, among other things
:- Emotions
- Fertility and sexuality
- Sleep
- Metabolism
- Growth and development
- Blood pressure
What symptoms can occur from endocrine disrupting substances?
A study on PubMed looked at the effects of these substances. Although contact with endocrine disrupting substances is not always harmful, long-term exposure can lead to health problems.
Health problems that may occur are
:- Metabolic diseases: Utrecht University(UU) has found a link between endocrine disrupting substances and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
- Diabetes: According to the RIVM , certain endocrine disruptors are linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
- Hormonal cancers: Medical Contact has found evidence of an increased risk of certain types of cancer from exposure to endocrine disrupting substances.
Which substances are best to avoid?
Although governments such as the EU, the U.S. FDA and the WHO have established guidelines to reduce the reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors, many still remain in our products.
It can be difficult to decipher all the ingredients in product leaflets. That's why I like to give you the most important endocrine disruptors to watch out for.
The most common endocrine disruptors according to the Consumers' Association are
:- Parabens: Parabens are used as preservatives to make cosmetics last longer. >> pros and cons of parabens
- Phthalates: Phthalates serve as a binding agent between fragrances and cosmetics, these substances can disrupt your hormone balance.
- Triclosan: Is an antibacterial substance often used in cosmetics. The substance has potential consequences such as hormone disruptions.
- Benzophenones: Benzophenones are chemicals that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, which can unbalance your natural hormones.
Did you know: everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream in less than 30 seconds?
In addition, there are
:- Propylparaben: This is used to preserve cosmetics longer.
- Triclocarban: Also works as an antibacterial component in cosmetics.
- Koijc Acid: Often used for skin relief, this can cause skin sensitivity.
- Benzyl Salicylate: Is an aroma ingredient that can cause irritations and allergies.
- Resorcinol: Is often used in acne products and can cause skin irritation.
- BPA (Bisphenol A): Is found in plastic packaging.
Now I understand that you don't immediately throw everything out of your bathroom cabinet, but it is important to think about what you put on your face and its interactions not only on your skin but also on the inside of your body. There is an old saying that goes like this: 'everything you put on your skin you should also be able to eat', something we at Mothr Earth Proof take very seriously and also implement; therefore, we make sure that these ingredients are not found in our products.
How do you avoid putting endocrine disruptors on your skin?
- Check product labels and pay attention to the ingredients listed above.
- Choose products that are "paraben-free" and "fragrance-free.
- Tend toward natural and organic products whenever possible.
- Try to avoid cosmetics in plastic, as endocrine disruptors can also be found in plastic packaging.
Did you know: That Mothr Earth Proof skincare is free of all these nasty substances?
Endocrine disruptors - Our philosophy
Fortunately, it is also possible to avoid these substances! At Mothr Earth Proof, we believe that endocrine disruptors should not be something you should have to sacrifice for a good skincare routine. We believe that skin-care products should be possible without these substances. That what you put on your skin should also be good for your body. Start small; look at what you already have and make conscious choices when buying new products. This way, you can gradually create a new skincare routine without hormone disruptors - something that will benefit you in the long run. Something your body and skin will thank you for, which encourages balance.
"I believe that your skin is a dynamic reflection of what you eat, how you feel, breathe, move, the thoughts you have, and how balanced you are. Andrea van Reeken-Slee, founder and skincare expert"
Endocrine disruptors can be in several things, food, cosmetics and plastics. Try to avoid ingredients such as parabens, phthalates and triclosan and choose natural and organic products that are not wrapped in plastic. This will help you maintain your healthy hormone balance.
Do you have questions about your skin?
For questions about your skin health or skin irritation, please email me.
DISCLAIMER: This article on endocrine disruptors is neither a diagnosis nor advice to cure or remedy the above symptoms. If you suffer from serious health problems, always contact your doctor.
