To Your Health
April, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 04) |
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Learn to Read Labels
Now is a good time to start reading cosmetic labels, if you don't already. The list of ingredients must appear on the label in descending order of predominance. The lower an ingredient is on the list, the less there is of it in that product. I have seen "fragrance" listed as high as ingredient number 22 out of 45, and I have seen it as the last ingredient. You don't have be a chemist to figure out that either the raw product smells really bad and the manufacturer had to use a lot of fragrance to cover it up, or the fragrance may be hiding other chemicals. While it might not be an exact science, it's still your best defense on the cosmetic aisle.
The same will work for parabens. I have seen the parabens listed about halfway through the ingredients list and I have seen them listed last. Now, you tell me, which has more parabens? It's probably the product whose label lists them about halfway down the ingredient list. That may not always be the case, but this information may help you make an educated choice.
Watch for "Greenwashing"
Some companies are trying to jump onto the green wagon train when it comes to naturals and organics. You'll see them supporting cancer research and yet continuing to offer some of the most toxic cosmetics on the market. Again, www.ewg.org has listings of products and companies. Also, watch out for the color green and natural scenes in ads. It's an attempt, and an effective one, to get you to see them as part of the natural movement. Their ad may say one thing, but their ingredients could say another.
Check Out Other Sources
Be open-minded and look at all sides of the story. The Environmental Protection Agency and the CDC have Web sites with consumer-friendly information. You'll also find links on their sites that will lead you to lists of known and probable carcinogens.
Get and Stay Healthy
Make healthier choices about the foods you eat. Get plenty of exercise. Reduce your use of perfumed laundry soaps. Use dryer balls instead of dyer sheets. Wear less makeup. Become aware of the chemicals in your home and work to reduce their impact on you, your family and the environment. We may not be able to control what goes in products - but we can control what products we use.
Rita Woods is the owner of a natural skin-care company and a trainer and workshop facilitator on issues of spiritual growth and wellness.
