----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural, chemical-free personal care products are now very much on the savvy consumer's radar. This is a growing market that will only get bigger as more and more consumers adopt healthier, greener lifestyles. Natural, phthalate free skin care products are leading the way as women in particular become ever more wary about exactly what they are putting onto their skin.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The concern about them stems from their action as endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. EDCs affect the body's endocrine system, which consists of a network of glands that release hormones into the body. These hormones control essential bodily processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. EDCs are thought to produce adverse effects in these areas, including infant development, brain function and immunity.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
Beginning in the 1950's, phthalates have been used to soften hard plastics and make them more flexible. Manufacturers also add them to lotions of various kinds to enhance their spreadability and absorption. They are also utilized as stabilizing compounds in fragrances to enhance their longevity.
The concern about them stems from their action as endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. EDCs affect the body's endocrine system, which consists of a network of glands that release hormones into the body. These hormones control essential bodily processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. EDCs are thought to produce adverse effects in these areas, including infant development, brain function and immunity.
Specifically, phthalates are what are known as xenoestrogens, a type of compound that when absorbed or ingested mimics the sex hormone estrogen. Scientists have expressed concern over these compounds for many years as research has linked them with a variety of serious health issues. Conditions that are possibly connected with xenoestrogens include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, allergies, asthma, infertility and obesity.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
In the meantime, consumers looking to avoid harmful additives have to apply some rigor to their buying decisions. Although there are vastly more chemical-free products to choose from these days, being sure that they truly are chemical-free is not necessarily straightforward. Some less scrupulous manufacturers are jumping on the 'free-from' bandwagon and marketing products that are less natural than they appear.
The packaging of these products may use the buzz words and terminology of natural personal care, but careful reading of the labeling will reveal their true colors. However, in the case of phthalates, determining their presence can be tricky since there is no mandatory labeling requirement. They can also be present in the product's fragrance even when they're not listed as ingredients. To be 100% sure, you may need to check the manufacturers website or contact them directly.
Even if you're pretty sure a product is phthalate-free, they may still be present in the container. The container's chemicals can then leach into and contaminate the product. The most conscientious brands will be aware of this and will make sure that their products are completely non-toxic. Again, to be completely sure you may need to get in touch with the company directly.
About the Author:
You can visit www.hollywoodbeautysecrets.com for more helpful information about An Introduction To Phthalate Free Skin Care Products.
0 comments:
Post a Comment