In today's world, we are exposed to millions of bacteria, viruses and carcinogens. The modern industrialized society has processed the foods we eat, contaminated our precious water supply and polluted the air we breathe.

Many are unaware that modern personal care products also expose us to serious dangers. 99% of all skin care products on today's market contain harmful ingredients, even products that claim to be "organic". Daily exposure to ingredients such as preservatives, pesticides, fragrance and dye can cause inflammation that burdens the immune system, allowing it less time to repair and heal. Insufficient healing may lead to disease and even contribute to cancer.

Read your ingredients label and avoid products that contain the following:

Parabens: Preservatives such as parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparaben) mimic estrogen and are linked to breast cancer, lowered sperm count, lowered testosterone levels, testicular atrophy, infertility, increased testicular cancer and undescended testes.

Phthalates: Linked to cancer.

Formaldehyde: Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Quaternium 15 decomposes into formaldehyde and are considered carcinogens.

Dye: FD&C and D&C dyes are considered toxic.

Fragrance: 5,000 chemicals used in fragrance can react with other ingredients present in skin care products to become indirect carcinogens.

Lanolin: Derived from sheep and can be an endocrine disruptor because carcinogens such as Dioxane and DDT may be present in the grass that the sheep ingest.

Alcohol: Alcohol dries and irritates the skin.

Triclosan and Resorcinol: Used as an anti-bacterial agent and preservative, these ingredients are known to be hormonal disruptors.

Lead and Mercury: Heavy metals affect the nervous system and can be found in clay masks.

Laureth Sulfate and Polysorbate: Cleansing agents such as Ethylene Oxide, Dioxane, Sodium and Ammonium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate and Polysorbate are toxic.

Diethanolamine (DEA): Used as a cleansing agent and is considered carcinogenic.

Propylene Glycol: A commonly used solvent and humectant, is a known allergen and may be contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and Dioxane.

Learn more about this author, Diane Johnson.
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