Is Your Skin Care Making You Unhealthy?

Written by Laura Walker

The Hidden Dangers of Parabens, Phthalates, Plastics, and Pesticides in Skincare

When it comes to skincare, what you don’t see on the label can impact your health. Ingredients like parabens, phthalates, plastics, and pesticides are widely used in beauty products, but they’re also known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals interfere with your hormone system, which can be especially concerning for women experiencing hormonal changes like menopause.

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that extend a product’s shelf life. However, they mimic oestrogen in the body, contributing to hormone imbalances that may lead to issues like weight gain, irregular periods, and even a heightened risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Phthalates, commonly used in fragrances and soft plastics, are linked to reduced fertility, thyroid dysfunction, and increased fat storage. Exposure to these chemicals can make it harder for women to maintain a healthy weight and energy balance.

Plastics like BPA (found in product packaging and microplastics in scrubs) can leach into skincare products. BPA disrupts estrogen and other hormones, potentially leading to mood swings, fatigue, and long-term metabolic disorders.

Pesticides, often residues in non-organic plant-based ingredients, can introduce harmful toxins that accumulate in the body over time, leading to chronic inflammation and further hormonal disruption.

What to Look for Instead

• Opt for paraben-free and phthalate-free labels.
• Choose products with natural preservatives like Vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract.
• Look for eco-friendly packaging to avoid plastics and microplastics.
• Select brands using certified organic ingredients or certified clean ingredients to avoid pesticide residues.

By switching to clean, natural skincare, you can support your body’s natural hormone balance while protecting your skin and overall health. Small changes can make a big difference!

Arbonne, a clean skincare range, is one company who advertise they are paraben, phthalate , plastic and pesticide free. For further advice please contact my good friend Julie Mann Here’s her product website

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