Hormones are our body’s way of regulating our endocrine system. The endocrine system controls the body’s metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, sleep cycles, as well as connects directly with the circulatory system to facilitate other vital functions. While all the body’s systems are important, if something is amiss in your endocrine system, you’re likely to notice very quickly. Toxic ingredients in skincare products can negatively affect your endocrine system and leave you with bad skin. In this article, we explore how skincare ingredients can affect your body’s hormones and what you should steer clear of.
Knowing how to read a cosmetic label is your best defence against skincare that disrupts your hormones. From order to ingredient names to trustworthy ingredients, there are quite a lot of things to look out for. However, if you find yourself with particularly troubled skin after using conventional cosmetics, here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:
More than likely, you’re already aware that the ingredients in this list aren’t good for you or your skin. Still, it never hurts to refresh the memory! When looking for healthy skincare products that won’t affect your hormones avoid the following items.
Parabens are a very controversial ingredient because they are commonly used to extend a product’s shelf life. Granted that while allowing products to safely stay on a shelf for a long time make this ingredient valuable to cosmetic manufacturers, the cons certainly outweigh the pros. For women, parabens can wreak havoc on the endocrine system because they mimic oestrogen. Not only can this throw your cycle off, but it can cause cell division in the body which in turn may lead to the development of tumours. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, parabens have been linked to breast cancer in the past.
While it possesses antibacterial properties, triclosan is technically a pesticide. During flu season, it can be helpful to have antibacterial soaps and creams to keep germs away, however, not all bacteria is bad. In fact, your body has plenty of healthy bacteria that it uses to keep itself healthy. Furthermore, triclosan works against your body’s hormones and can even disrupt healthy thyroid function. A natural alternative to antibacterial products with triclosan is good old-fashion water and soap plus regular washing!
Also known as phthalates, synthetic fragrances can be found in most conventional cosmetic products. Nonetheless, synthetic fragrances have been causing a stir in the health world leading to various studies about their possible toxicity levels. In men, several studies found that synthetic fragrances can have adverse effects on hormones and the reproductive system. A similar study concluded that synthetic fragrances cause thyroid irregularities and insulin resistance, as well as developmental issues in children. With findings such as these, we highly recommend that you avoid these completely.
We all remember the BPA scare some years ago that caused people to toss out tonnes of Tupperware, bottles, and other plastic food products. Consider that just because your skincare products aren’t going into your mouth, doesn’t mean they don’t enter your body. The skin is the body’s largest organ and anything placed on it eventually enters the bloodstream. For this reason, staying away from plastic packaging can help keep your body free from possible toxins. Glass, ceramic, and paper or cardboard containers are best, with tins also being a good option depending on the product.
At WapoBeauty, we believe that the body is a temple. Good hormone health goes hand in hand with healthy, safe skincare and knowledge about the products you use. Remember to take a closer look at the skincare product you’re using to ensure they aren’t clashing with your hormones and causing skin troubles.
Anyone searching for guidance on how to share their skincare talent with the world should learn about WapoBeauty’s eBook on How to Sell Your Skincare Products Legally in Ireland and the EU. For more hands-on instruction on how to formulate and make safe and professional skincare products, sign up for WapoBeauty’s Natural Skincare Workshop next month. Join the ranks of past students who found this class valuable and rewarding!
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni
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