How to Detox Your Cosmetic Bag

Many of us read food labels, buy organic and watch our salt intake in an attempt to be as healthy as we can.  We want to know what we’re putting in our bodies.

But have you given much thought to the cosmetics and personal care products you’re using? Out of habit or brand loyalty, you might still be purchasing the same moisturizer you started using in college and the lip gloss a friend recommended years ago.

Because the skin is like a sponge absorbing as much as 60-70 percent of what we put on it, you may want to rethink some of your choices. Most department and drug store cosmetics and are loaded with harsh, toxic synthetic ingredients. Some of these chemicals may cause health risks, allergies and sensitivities, as well as contribute to skin issues such as acne, rosacea and eczema.

Begin by reading labels. Avoid skincare and makeup with long lists of unpronounceable chemical names. Look for ingredients that you understand and recognize like aloe vera, green tea, vitamin C, and coconut oil.  Don’t assume that products labeled “natural” or “organic” are completely safe. Because the cosmetic industry is highly unregulated and the laws have not been changed since the 1930s, you’ve got to be your own watch dog.

No need to get overwhelmed and start tossing everything out! Think about doing it one product at a time. As you finish up a cleanser, replace it with a greener/cleaner version. Focus on swapping out those things that get the most use: shampoo, face cream, body lotion, sunscreen. However, if you wear lipstick, let that be your first purchase. Most commercial lipsticks contain lead, a proven neurotoxin. And because a regular lipstick wearer will end up ingesting 4-6 pounds of the stuff in a lifetime . . . well, you get the picture.

Switching to natural, non-toxic cosmetics and personal care products is an area of our lives where we have a choice.  Choose wisely and upscale your health as a result.

For more information and a list of ingredients to avoid, click here.

About The Author

Sheila Hansen is has 25 years experience as a makeup artist and green beauty expert. She is founder and owner of Chicago-based If a Goddess Wore Makeup, a company that offers natural, eco-friendly products. She also is a certified herbal therapist. You can find her online or at theAndersonville Galleria.