Each and every day we use products in our homes, that are slowly poisoning us with toxic chemicals. Most people are under the assumption that if a product is available for sale and found on our grocery store shelves that it must be safe. That our government regulatory authorities protect us from all harmful chemical exposure. Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth. Our system of limiting exposure to toxic chemicals is not working and failing us miserably. Its time for us to take action and start kicking toxic products to the curb. We need to start reading labels and become informed consumers!
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Top 10 Killer Household Chemicals Study the top 10 most dangerous chemicals in our home: air fresheners, cleaning supplies, dishwasher soap and dish soap. Other danger spots listed: beauty supplies and personal care products—hairspray, gel, shampoo, deodorants/antiperspirants. Antiperspirants containing aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in the United States.
DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANTS
Many commercially available deodorants and antiperspirants contain harmful ingredients that are able to permeate your skin and can be found in the bloodstream. Applying harmful chemicals on your skin may actually be more dangerous than swallowing them.
“When you eat something, it’s broken down by your liver and digestive system. But when you put something on your skin, there are times when it can enter your bloodstream without being metabolized.”- Heather Patisaul, Ph.D.; Associate professor of biology at North Carolina State University
5 HAZARDOUS DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANT INGREDIENTS
Below are five common antiperspirant/deodorant ingredients that may pose a health risk.
Aluminum– Known to accumulate in breast tissue and may be linked to an increased cancer risk. It’s added to reduce sweating and to kill some bacteria. Unfortunately researchers found that it only killed off the less odor-causing bacteria, while allowing bacteria that produce more pungent odors to worsen and thrive instead, actually worsening armpit odor.
Parabens– Endocrine disruptors (associated with changes to the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones in your body as they penetrate your skin and act like a weak estrogen), may interfere with male reproduction; used in cosmetics as preservatives. Research published in 2012 found one or more parabens in 99 percent of the 160 tissue samples collected from 40 mastectomies.
Pthalates– Endocrine disrupter, a developmental and reproductive toxin. Exposure can affect thyroid function, and in utero exposure is linked to reproductive problems in baby boys, decreased sperm count, and early puberty in girls and other reproductive harms. Numerous research studies have linked phthalates to endometriosis in women, increases in waist size and body mass index, along with brain and behavior changes in infants and children. Used to make fragrances last longer and found in nail care products, they also show up in PVC plastic, toys and plastic wrap!
Triclosan– Endocrine Disruptor, antibiotic resistance; found in toothpaste, cleansers, facewash, deodorant, antiperspirants, a host of personal care products, and even mattresses, toothbrushes and shoe insoles. The American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home, as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Fragrances– When you see the word “fragrance” on a personal care product’s label, read it as “hidden chemicals”. A major loophole in FDA’s federal law lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion, and body wash include nearly any ingredient in their products under the name “fragrance” without actually listing the chemical. Fragrance can contain up to 400 petrochemical ingredients like a-pinene, a-terpinene, a-terpineol, acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, linalook, and methylene chloride. They often contain phthalates, which are used to make fragrances last longer, and are associated with damage to the male reproductive system. Artificial musks accumulate in our bodies and can be found in breast milk. Some artificial musks have been linked to cancer. Fragrance formulas are considered to be among the top 5 known allergens, and can trigger asthma attacks. The same kinds of chemicals used for fragrances are often used in cleaning products, scented candles, and air fresheners.
LIMITING YOUR EXPOSURE
Tired of using government approved products that should never, ever have been made available for purchase in the first place? Tired of living with harmful chemicals and ready to begin kicking them to the curb? Yes? So I am! I’m saying NO MORE to dangerous chemicals in my house. Whenever and wherever I can, I’m making the conscience decision that my family will no longer be exposed to anything that I can control in the four walls of my home. So can you.
Start by picking one cabinet in your home and begin replacing products that contain toxic chemicals, one product at a time, and slowly begin kicking toxic chemicals to the curb and out of your life. Replace them with products using safe, natural ingredients preferably ones infused with genuine essential oils. That way you’ll not only stop exposing yourself to harmful chemicals but instead be reaping all the amazing benefits that premium-grade essential oils have to offer. Its a win-win proposition and one of the best ways to start making healthy choices.
DEODORANT- SAFER OPTIONS
Young Living has two deodorant options- Meadow Mist or Mountain Mint, both of which contain oils which are lymphatic system detoxifiers. I prefer to use these occasionally at night to help support a healthy lymphatic system. I apply under the arms, on the throat, the collar bone area, all the way around the pectoral muscles or the chest, and around the knees, behind the knees, around the ankles; and the groin area, where the legs attach themselves to the trunk of body, which is another huge lymphatic area.
For daytime use, I’ve found that making my own homemade deodorant, using the recipe below, works even better for me. I’ve tried other natural deodorants over the years but never found any that worked very well. I love this one and works the better than any others I’ve tried in the past. I love how quick and easy it is, and it only costs pennies to make. Another benefit.. it uses ingredients that you may already have in your home.
Ingredients
1/3 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
10-12 drops essential oils
EO Mix #1
4 drops Purification EO blend
4 drops Geranium essential oil
3 drops Lavender* essential oil
EO Mix #2
4 drops Lavender* essential oil
4 drops Lemon* essential oil
4 drops Frankincense* essential oil
*All these oils are found in our Premium Starter Kit
Directions
-Place coconut oil in small sauce pan and heat on lowest heat setting to melt
-Once melted added baking soda and stir until well mixed.
-Add arrowroot powder and stir again, until well mixed, being sure to eliminate any remaining clumps.
-Once mixture has cooled and no longer hot to the touch, add essential oils and mix well.
-Pour into clean, empty container and attach lid.
-Apply a small dab to palms of hands and apply to underarms.
This makes up a small batch. Remember to have fun, be creative and use essential oils that resonate with you. Don’t be afraid to switch up the essential oils until you find a favorite mixture that works for you! Just be sure to keep a record of what essential oils and how many drops of each you used so that you can repeat it again and/or adjust it when you make your next batch.
BECOME A LABEL READER
I would encourage you to start paying attention to labels and you’ll soon discover that many, if not most, of the household products — from your shampoo, lipstick and deodorant to paint to laundry products— contain potentially toxic chemicals. If you own a smartphone, that process can be made easier by simply downloading the Think Dirty phone app to your smartphone. Start using it to learn more about the products you already have in your home, and then begin to start making healthy choices. Use the app when shopping at the grocery store to help you make smarter, healthier choices. Begin to kick the toxic chemicals to the curb and out of your life. And remember, Young Living is about living a healthy lifestyle and carries all kinds of products for your home, health and lifestyle. Come… join us in the journey and embrace the lifestyle!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
