When we think about living a healthy lifestyle we often tend to think only of diet and exercise.
Although those are definitely pillars of healthy living, they aren’t the only things to consider.
Toxins are a popular topic of discussion in today’s Functional Medicine and Integrative Health world and for good reason. According to the latest research, there are over 77,000 manmade toxic chemicals in our American environment- the majority of which are known to be carcinogenic, or cancer causing. Other effects from long-term toxin exposure are hormone disruption, birth defects, infertility, allergic reactions, asthma, and disruption in gut function.
All of these effects are precursors to many chronic diseases that plague our nation.
Is there any way to reduce exposure to this massive number of environmental toxins? The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, Europe has done an incredible job in passing legislation to ban many of the toxins that are still being pumped into our environment (whether we like it or not). Latest research has identified close to 8,000 man-made toxins within the European environment. What a HUGE discrepancy when compared to the U.S. statistics of over 77,000! That is nearly 10 TIMES the amount of toxins present in the United States! When it comes to skin care and personal care products, the European Union has banned approximately 1,400 toxic product ingredients whereas the U.S. bans only 30 of those ingredients. How is Europe able to make such strides in reducing the amount of toxins their communities are exposed to? Education that leads to changes in legislation. Which brings me to why I chose to partner with Beautycounter.
Although Beautycounter is not the only safer skin care and personal product line on the American market (please see end of article for other products I recommend!), it is one of the only companies I have found to take steps towards passing safer personal care product legislation. Beautycounter is actively working to pass safer laws that have not been addressed in 80 years. Yes, you read that right. The U.S. has not passed a federal law governing cosmetics since 1938. (Fun fact, in nursing school, we couldn’t use a research paper to support our work that was greater than five years old). In addition, the FDA does not have the authority to ban harmful ingredients that are in the products we use every day. It is up to the company to ensure you are purchasing and using safe, non-toxic products. Beautycounter specifically has banned over 1,500 toxic ingredients from products that are commonly used in some of our most familiar soaps, lotions, make-ups, skin care products etc.
Research is changing SO rapidly. We know so much more now about the exposures contributing to chronic disease and health issues. When you know better, you do better. We cannot keep saying yes to the things we now know to be harmful to our health. Beautycounter is leading change by initiating tighter legislation around the production of the products we use EVERY DAY.
In 2013, the UC Berkley's School of Public Health published a study that detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and five other heavy metals in popular brands of lipsticks and glosses commonly found at our local drug stores. Children are so much more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity- think of how many little girls love to play in their momma's make-up!
Toxins and harmful ingredients in the personal care products we use on a daily basis are real and are contributing to toxic build-up in our bodies (further exacerbating chronic disease). You may not feel that build-up 5, 10, or even 15 years down the road- but at Ikaria Integrative Health we have longevity in mind. We think more along the lines of 20, 40, 50 years down the road. We are here to help you live as long as possible with as much quality of life as possible. One of the easiest ways to begin decreasing your toxic load and optimizing your quality of life for longer is by replacing your (and your family’s) home and personal care products one at a time.
As an Integrative Health Practitioner, my goal is to be your educator and your advocate. I aim to remove the obstacles that have stood in your way for too long preventing you from optimizing your health. Providing you with safer personal care and home products is one of the ways I remove an obstacle for you and make healthy living that much easier for you.
If you’re ready to start shopping safer skin care and personal products here are a few of my top personal recommendations:
My go-to resource for researching safer products for my household use is the Environmental Working Guide website. There you can find information on water safety, product safety, safer skin care, and so much more!
I have been using Beautycounter products for well over a year and have round up a few of my favorite products that I use every day!
The Countermatch Collection is a collection of my all-time favorite skincare items. The Milk Cleanser simulatneously calms, cleanses and hydrates skin, giving me the cleanest, most nourished feeling of any cleanser I have tried (trust, me I've been trying to find the "perfect" product since 1999).
My safer shampoo choice that doesn't strip or dry out my hair. BONUS: the light citrus scent is perfect for perking up my early morning shower. You don't need to use as much as you think- a little cleans a long way- it lasts!
These make-up remover wipes use a micellar formula to trap make-up, dirt, and impurities without stripping and drying skin. (Aloe vera used to deliver amazing hydration) TIP: cut them into quarters so they last FOUR TIMES as long! You don't need a full wipe even if you're trying to remove waterproof mascara!
This resurfacing peel uses AHA/BHA to refresh dull skin, boost clarity, and improve overall skin texture and brightness. It's a great bring-along while travelling! I use it about 2-3 times per week.
The cleansing bar and charcoal face mask pull out dirt, impurities, and excess oil without drying out skin. Organic witch hazel, organic green tea, and organic coconut oil help to detoxify skin while also keeping it hydrated.
There are so many other amazing, safe Beautycounter products including kids and men personal care products, and even suscreen. I could not be more excited to help put safer products in the homes of you and your loved ones. Please don't hesitate to reach out via email (sara.king@ikariaintegrativehealth.com) if you have any questions or concerns about products, would like guidance on which would be best for you, or how you too can join the movement!
Remember, beauty should be good for you!
Best in health,
Sara