Our skin is a two way membrane. During perspiration toxins are eliminated from our body through it. Recently scientists have found that some chemicals when applied to the skin can penetrate the body and be absorbed by the body in significant amounts. Many personal care products contain chemicals which are considered hazardous by EPA. National Institute of Occupational safety and health found 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxins. The numbers of products used by adults and children that contain potent carcinogens are very high. It was reported recently that 500 dangerous chemicals have been found on a single fat cell in a healthy looking British woman. Another report was of 350 man made chemicals and residues used in personal care products found in breast milk.

Ammonia derivative DEA-Diethanolamine,TEA- Triethanolamine and MEA-Monoethanolamine when combined with products containing preservative nitrates form notrosamines which are carcinogenic. FDA urged the companies to remove them from shelves but even now almost 37% if products tested contained nitrosamines.

If Alcohol content in mouthwash rises to more than 25% it is known to cause mouth, tongue and throat ulcer.

FD&C or D&C color pigments are from coal tar and are carcinogenic.

Mineral oil made from petroleum ingredient found in baby oil and skin care can hinder skin respiration and can age skin prematurely. Baby oil is almost 100% mineral oil.

Phthalates exposure through hair mousse and hair spray can cause genital abnormality. It can be absorbed into the body through skin and also through inhalation.

Propylene glycol used in hair conditioners deodorants cosmetics baby products body lotions skin care and tooth pastes and even added to human and pet food can cause eye irritation, skin irritation, headaches and nausea.

Scientist recently found paraben in breast cancer tissue. It is used as a preservative and is considered to increase oestrogen levels in women and can drive the growth of breast tumors.

Methylisothiazolinone –M.I.T found in anti microbial soap, shampoo and other personal care products can cause nerve damage. It is chemically identical to Agent Orange used in Vietnam War.

SLS- Sodium laureth sulphate found in shampoos, toothpaste, gels, and cleaners used as a foaming agent can cause permanent impairment of eyes and corrodes hair follicles and impairs the ability to grow hair.

These are some of the harmful chemicals added to our personal care products. There are much more chemicals added to these products and scientists are discovering more chemicals to be harmful. Even many of the so called natural and organic products have these harmful chemicals added to them. Try to use chemical free and organic products.

By: Anita Cherrys

When I immigrated to Canada a couple of years ago, I was happy to leave the busy world of The Netherlands behind. In that country, everything is arranged for and everything is taxed. Shortly after my arrival in Canada, my wife became pregnant. We were very excited about adding a new member to our family. And with pregnancy comes the joy of buying all kinds of baby furniture, toys, clothing and baby care products.

One of the biggest differences I have seen so far is the way babies get delivered. In Canada, most women give birth in a hospital, whereas in Holland special trained nurses visit your house. After you have given birth, the nurse visits you twice a day and teaches you how to take care of your newborn. In Canada, most women are on their own.

One day my wife came home with a big box of essential baby care products. As always, the first thing we did when a new products enters our home is to look at the list of ingredients. The first products (Penatal Creme, a very common baby skin care cream) had as its first listed ingredient Petroleum. Petroleum based creams are another example of how a commonly used baby product may actually create problems in some case. Petroleum can block pores and that can lead to a build of sebum and oils in a babies skin. This can lead to irritation, inflammation and the possible build up of the bacteria responsible for acne. Normally I am quite willing to negotiate about almost everything, but this time I said: NO, we are not using gasoline related products on our newborn.

A new study suggests that baby lotion, baby powder, and baby shampoo may be exposing babies to potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and stabilize fragrances, and are found in a plethora of consumer products including toys, personal care products and medical equipment.

“At this time, we do not know what the potential long-term health effects might be, but there is a large body of animal studies to suggest developmental and reproductive toxicity (from phthalates) and a few human studies with changes in health outcomes as well,” Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana told Reuters Health (February 2008)”.

Why are so many care givers concerned about only using natural baby skin care? There is evidence that suggests some commonly used infant products may actually do more harm than good for baby skin leading or aggravating skin conditions like cradle cap, rashes and infant acne. The differences between adult skin and baby skin can help to illustrate why some baby products can be so damaging. When a new born comes into the world their skin develops a protective barrier. This barrier keeps out many harsh environmental elements like allergens and bacteria. Harsh detergents may strip a babies skin of much of that protection and may increase the likelihood that damage can occur. Very young infants and premature babies may be at a higher risk.

By: Chris De Feijter

Seeing baby eczema on your innocent child’s face and body can be difficult to endure. What are some of the causes and triggers for dermatitis in babies and young children? How is it best treated? What can you do to help your child resist scratching?

The eczema rash in your child may be dry patches, red angry bumps  and scales. There may also be red lines due to the scratching which is a natural response to severe itching. Your baby may also be having trouble sleeping and cry more due to increased irritation.

Be sure that the ingredients in the laundry, baby’s baths and moisturizers used are allergy-free and dye-free. Your baby may be having an allergic reaction and it is best to minimize or eliminate this problem. Atopic eczema runs in families so check to see if there is a history of asthma, dermatitis and skin eruptions in the family. Moisturizing is very important, but you want to use products that your child can tolerate to nourish the skin back to health. Find products on the market that don’t have perfumes as well. We all love the scents used in personal care products but they may not be agreeable to our systems.

Replace any blankets, bedding and clothing that isn’t cotton with cotton fiber products. Putting something that is breathable on your child is important for proper circulation. When you wash your child’s clothing and bedding use hot water as this will also kill germs and dust mites if they are in the home.

Look for possible environmental triggers for the baby eczema. These can include cleaning products, pet fur, pesticides used near the home and home renovation materials in the garage. Do a survey of the foods your child eats and keep a diary as allergies to milk, eggs and wheat can result in a rash or asthma.

Because scratching can lead to an infection, consult with your doctor about the use of antihistamines to reduce the itching sensation. Moisturizing will help with this problem. Little cotton gloves can be placed on your child’s fingers before bed to assist in preventing scratching.

Read your child stories, sing, continue to play games and engage in your child in activities that are good distractions while the baby eczema triggers get figured out and resolved.

By: Dee Cohen