Did you know our skin is the largest organ in the body? It is also an important organ involved in detoxification and elimination. As so, what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies. Beauty products not only affect the outside skin but roughly about 60% of all the products we put on our skin are directly absorbed. This can be a great way to deliver lifesaving medicine but it can also be a way we can damage our bodies over time.

Recently, a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) indicated that the average woman puts on 515 synthetic chemicals on their skin, with most women having no idea. These harsh chemicals can accumulate in the pores of our skin, damaging the skin’s vital integrity leading to aging, dull looking skin. Below is a list of just a few of my top go to beauty brands that are all natural Paraben free brands you too can use to help keep your skin healthy and young. Reducing the amount of chemicals we are exposed to can help keep your skin vital and healthy.

  • Herbivore Botanicals
  • 100% Pure
  • Jane Iredale
  • Vapour Organic Beauty
  • Devita Skin Care
  • Zen Skin Care

When it comes to beauty and the harsh chemicals inside many of our favorite products it can be hard to avoid all of them. So here is a list of the top chemicals to eliminate completely when possible!

Shampoo– Average number of chemicals (15). Most concerning chemicals: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Tetrasodium and Propylene Glycol. Possible Side Effects include: eye irritation

Hairspray- Average number of chemicals (11). Most concerning chemicals: Octinoxate, isophyhalates. Possible Side Effects: hormone disruption, linked to changes in cell structure.

Blush– Average number of chemicals (16). Most concerning chemicals: Ethylparabens, Methylparaben, Propylparabens. Possible Side Effects: hormone disruption.

Foundation: Average number of chemicals (24). Most concerning chemicals: Polymethyl methacrylate. Possible Side Effects: disrupts immune system, links to cancer.

Deodorant: Average number of chemicals (15). Most concerning chemicals: Isopropyl Myristate, aluminum. Possible Side Effects: headaches, dizziness, links to cancer and respiratory problems.

Nail Polish: Average number of chemicals (31). Most concerning chemicals: Phthalates. Possible Side Effects: linked to fertility issues and problems in developing babies.