Story of Cosmetics: Toxic Chemicals in Your Daily Routine

I remember reading several years ago that deodorant may be tied to cancer, and that it’s best if you ditch the bras with underwire, in favor of elastic ones. Or better yet, to go completely braless to minimize risks of breast cancer. As a girl who has a bit more going on up here than a bra-less life would allow for, and one who doesn’t particularly embrace body odor, I shunned the suggestions and kept on with my toxic deodorants and underwire (supportive) bras.

Fast forward a few years and I’m now using a non toxic deodorant, and while I do still embrace the support of underwire bras, I’m willing to wear sports bras much more often than I used to, though I would be sporting the bra-free look in public anytime soon. And while I’ve tried several natural deodorants, the one that’s working best for me in this crazy Texas heat is Tom’s Natural Aluminum Free Deodorant.

And since I’m trying to switch to as many non-toxic products as possible, I’m testing homemade recipes for skin care, toothpaste, hair care and more. In my latest search online for recipe inspiration, I stumbled upon The Story of Cosmetics; a brief video released in 2010 which talks about how the process of making and using common cosmetics and skin care products can be harming us, and the environment.

In their words: this short video examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced with Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the seven-minute film by The Story of Stuff Project reveals the implications for consumer’s  health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives.

Check out the video to see how we can drop the 1950’s mindset of “better living through chemistry” that still exists today, and embrace a life free of harmful toxins and chemicals and get back to the basics.

So what can you do?

We’ve switched from plastic containers to metal and glass. I use homemade skin care and hair care products. I buy only cosmetics and personal care items that are ‘green’, plant-based and free of harmful toxins.

As Annie states in the video,” toxics in – toxics out”.  It’s along the same lines as what I often say to our son when talking about healthy food choices – GIGO. garbage in = garbage out. You eat crappy, unhealthy, nutrient dense foods and you’ll have poor energy, feel like crap and look terrible. The same holds true for our skin care choices. The reality is, about 85% of what we put on our body is absorbed into our bloodstream, so if you haven’t started thinking about how your personal hygiene choices are affecting your health, now’s a good time to start.

Here are a few quick tips you can try:

• Shop smart – shop green.  Buy only products that are free of toxic chemicals.
• Make your own products – you can grab the DIY Natural Skincare book here and learn how to make safe, non-toxic products as home.
• Make your own Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas 
• Follow sites like DIY Natural to learn homemade recipes, tips and more for organic, non toxic cleaning and living solutions

I can vouch for the fact that this is not a quick sprint, but a long journey to better health, and I promise to share what I learn along the way.  Some of you may be ahead of me on the journey, so please comment below to share your favorite homemade tinctures, salves, lotions and more. We’re building a healthier life for ourselves and future generations, and it takes a unified effort.

That, and safe bras because this girl can’t go without one!