Working from home has had its advantages for many over the past few years, but as I talk to many women, they confess that on those days when it is noon and they still have their pj’s on, they just don’t feel their best. Looking and feeling your best is important to many people. And sometimes a shower, maybe styling your hair and applying a bit of makeup is all it takes to change your outlook on the day.
But what if the very ingredients you are using to achieve that “finished” look are actually making you sick?
More than ever before, American women have the ability to choose clean products, but it is still “let the buyer beware” in an industry that has relied on adding chemicals to their products for decades. And the list of chemicals being used just keeps expanding.
Many people are aware that certain chemicals can be harmful to our bodies, but did you know they can contribute to mental problems as well?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible and durable. They are also used as solvents and fixatives in some personal care and beauty products to help the product adhere to the skin or hair. Here are some beauty ingredients that may contain phthalates:
- Fragrances: Phthalates are often used as solvents and fixatives in fragrances to help the scent last longer. This means that any product that contains fragrance could potentially contain phthalates, including perfumes, colognes, body lotions, and shampoos.
- Nail Polish: Phthalates are often used in nail polish to help it adhere to the nail and prevent chipping. Nail polishes that contain phthalates may be labeled as “3-free” or “5-free” to indicate that they do not contain certain harmful chemicals, including phthalates.
- Hair Sprays: Phthalates may be used as fixatives in hair sprays to help the product adhere to the hair and maintain its hold. Hair sprays that contain phthalates may also contain other harmful ingredients, such as formaldehyde and parabens.
- Body Washes and Soaps: Phthalates may be used as solvents in body washes and soaps to help the product spread more easily and create a lather. They may be listed on the label as “fragrance” or “perfume.”
- Skin Creams and Lotions: Phthalates may be used in skin creams and lotions to help the product spread more easily and create a smooth texture. They may be listed on the label as “fragrance” or “perfume.”
It’s important to note that not all beauty products contain phthalates, and many companies are now using alternative ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. If you’re concerned about phthalates in your beauty products, look for products that are labeled as phthalate-free or fragrance-free, or choose products that use natural fragrances and ingredients.
Do a bit of digging…the FDA does not have a specific definition for the term “natural” when it comes to cosmetics and personal care products.
According to the FDA, the term “natural” generally means that a product does not contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients. However, the FDA does not have a formal definition of the term, and there is no requirement for companies to meet specific criteria in order to use the term on their product labels.
As a result, some companies may use the term “natural” in ways that are misleading or deceptive. For example, a product may be labeled as “natural” even if it contains synthetic fragrances or preservatives, or if it has undergone significant processing or chemical alteration.
Luckily, there are many new brands that will work wonderfully without the detrimental effects to your health. So go ahead and treat yourself to some new beauty products!
If you find that simply changing your beauty products isn’t enough of a help and but still need some additional help, then Rx 4 Mental Health is here to help. We offer the most affordable, accessible and confidential virtual mental health therapy in the country. At just $39.95 per month, which includes your whole family 13+, your family members each have access to:
- 24 / 7 Acute help therapist
- 24 / 7 Doctor for medical needs
- On-Demand therapy with a Ph.D. Psychologist or Psychiatrist or Therapist
No contract and cancel anytime!
Always here for you!
