Intoxicating beauty

From the tips of our cheery pink toe-nails to the tops of our artistically painted eyelids, many of us, it seems, can’t resist the seduction of make-up. And what is the harm if your passion is a dab of lickable lipstick? The answer might be hard to swallow.

Scientific studies are now showing that many chemicals used in our personal products interfere with the healthy functioning of our body systems, with potentially dangerous long-term consequences. Known as xenoestrogens (pronounced “zeeno-estrogens”), these chemicals act as false estrogens—meaning that they look like and act like the hormone estrogen, and our bodies respond to the chemicals as if they were the real thing.
Xenoestrogens “turn on” estrogenic activity, and unlike natural estrogen which does its duty and then moves on, these estrogen-mimics like to hang around. As a result, studies show that xenoestrogens trigger estrogen-dependent breast cell cancer lines, and have been found in reproductive organs. While many people think of estrogen as a female hormone, men have it too. And it’s easy to imagine what too much of a female hormone will do inside a man’s body.

The list of known xenoestrogens is long, and includes such things as pesticides and fertilizers. (Another good reason to eat organic food!) In our cosmetic products, false estrogens lurk in preservatives, lubricants, foaming agents and fragrance. Phthalates (pronounced “thay-lates”) are estrogen-mimics used in hairspray, deodorant, nail polish and every synthetic fragrance used in the United States. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and are known to damage the liver, lungs and reproductive system. A recent Harvard study also determined that phthalates damage the DNA of sperm in adult males. In 2002, the European Union banned use of two phthalates. No such ban exists in North America.

Parabens are another group of xenoestrogenic chemicals distinguished by their first names, and the most common are butyl, ethyl, methyl and propylparaben. Parabens are easily absorbed into our bodies from the skin and the intestinal tract, and often do not cause an allergic reaction. As a result, parabens are the darling of the personal care industry. Although generally regarded as safe by the cosmetics manufacturers, multiple studies show that parabens exert a weak estrogenic activity in both men and women.

But don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by claims that these chemicals are only used in formulations at safe or “no observable effect” (NOE) levels. Research indicates that combining a variety of xenoestrogens below NOE levels also produces an estrogen-mimic effect. More simply, this means that your daily bathroom and beauty routine—complete with tiny amounts of harmful chemicals in each bottle and jar that you use—adds up to a good dose of xenoestrogens before you leave the house in the morning.

And humans aren’t the only species affected by these estrogen-mimics. Male alligators in Lake Apopka, Florida, for example, have been chemically castrated by xenoestrogens, leading to a serious decline in numbers. Going the logical next step, who knows what impact these chemicals will have on our environment?

Healthy and Beautiful
So, does all of this mean that you have to lock your vanity in a drawer and never again experience the joys of a good hair day? Are you doomed to a life without make-up? Of course not! You just have to spend some time learning about alternatives to the toxic choices in your cupboard. A quick on-line search or a trip to the library will give you tons of resources for health-friendly options.

Look for products that use organic essential oils for toxin-free fragrance. Lavender, rose-mary and jasmine not only smell great, but they are also excellent anti-bacterial agents in natural preparations. Other powerful natural preservatives include natural vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract. Try healing shea butter as a natural moisturizer during the cold winter, or opt for jojoba oil for a lighter touch.

And that lipstick that you love? Look for jojoba, vitamin E and natural waxes for soft, kissable, and healthy lips.