Mother Nature reveals how vital it is for cleansing and releasing in order to rebuild. Throughout the month of January, we’re focusing on cleansing our bodies, minds, and environments of the toxins that inhibit or disrupt our natural rhythms. From everyday cleaning products to the paint on your walls, there are often ingredients at arm’s reach that have the potential to do harm. Today we are focused on easy and approachable ways to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
1. Increase your awareness of toxins
Here is a list of ingredients we always try avoid in any products we use at our spa or when formulating our own body care products:
Parabens
What is it? A type of preservative used to avoid growth of bacteria and mold.
Why eliminate? They are endocrine (hormone) disruptors – aka chemicals that can interfere with your body’s development, as well as cause disturbances in the immune and nervous system function.
Found in: Shampoo, cleansers, body wash, body lotion, foundation, skincare products, and more.
Sulfates
What is it? An added detergent that creates a lather to cleanse away dirt and oil.
Why eliminate? Sulfates can strip your hair of their natural oils, leaving your locks feeling rough, dry, and brittle.
Found in: Shampoos, conditioners, body washes, toothpastes, detanglers, and more.
Phthalates
What is it? A type of plasticizing chemicals that make products pliable and help fragrances to stick to skin.
Why eliminate? Phthalates are also endocrine disruptors and may cause reproductive effects such as birth defects.
Found in: Synthetic fragrances, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Aluminum
What is it? Aluminum is added to antiperspirants to plug pores and prevent sweat.
Why eliminate? Sweating is an important part of your body’s detoxification process.
Found in: Mainly deodorants
Artificial Dyes + Fragrances
What is it? An unnatural, engineered color or scent
Why eliminate? These dyes and scents may contain stock chemical ingredients, including endocrine disruptors and allergens.
Found in: All cosmetic categories
– Nature has provided many botanical alternatives that do not sacrifice efficacy. –
2. Audit your beauty and personal care products
Detoxify your beauty and personal care routine by utilizing Environmental Working Group’s website. They have a list of consumer products and brands they’ve verified using their testing framework. The EWG audits each ingredient and product based on its green rating. It’s an eye-opening resource for identifying actionable changes you can make for you and your family.
3. Edit your cleaning routine
First of all, ensure you are always minimizing exposure to any cleaning products with the use of gloves. Next, check your products against the EWP and consider swapping them out for homemade and natural alternatives. We recommend the book THE NATURALLY CLEAN HOME by Karyn Siegel-Maier as a great resource for natural recipes.
4. Trade ordinary paint for low-VOC or VOC-free paint
Ordinary paints contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other ingredients that release toxins directly into the air you breathe each and every day. While it typically costs a bit more, investing in low-VOC or VOC-free paint is an investment your health.
5. Be discerning with home fragrance
Think twice before plugging that diffuser into your wall. Instead, seek out candles and home fragrances that use essential oils and all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Burn plants, not toxins.
What are your favorite tips to detoxify daily life? Join in the conversation on our Instagram.
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