We are exposed to a large number of environmental chemicals in our daily lives. However most of us focus on those environmental pollutants that we can easily identify like cigarette smoke, smog from vehicles, and pesticides and agricultural chemicals in our food and water supply. But we happen to ignore one very important, and obvious mode of exposure – our skin. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it is permeable, which means things easily travel both inside and out. Therefore it is essential that we not neglect the importance of knowing what we put on our skin, hair and nails. Our children are especially vulnerable, as their immature body systems can be adversely affected by exposures to intensely corrosive chemical agents that have not been proven safe, or have been shown to be detrimental from prolonged use and exposure.
There are numerous baby care products on the market, from the old tried and true, to the very new, that promise to keep baby fresh, clean and soft. But really, how safe are these products for your precious baby’s skin and overall long-term health?
There are a few things to consider when selecting personal care products for your baby:
- How many ingredients are listed? If there are too many chemical agents, and you find that you cannot easily pronounce them, then you may want to reconsider that product choice.
- Is the product organic or natural? It may say it’s natural, but reading the ingredient label is still a good idea. You may discover chemical agents in a product that claims to be “All Natural.” I happened to find mineral oil in a popular baby body wash that was labeled as all natural with oatmeal.
- Is it free from petrochemicals like petroleum jelly and mineral oil? Exposure to these petroleum derivatives can increase cancer risk. Think about it. Would you want to slather your baby’s skin with a chemical agent that is converted into gasoline and motor oil? Well that’s what petroleum is, and it is in a ton of personal care products for babies and adults.
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- Is it free from dyes, sulfates, phtlates and parabens? These chemicals have also been shown to be harmful and have adverse effects on the human body over prolonged use. They can put you at risk for cancer, diabetes, and disorders of the endocrine system; which regulates hormone production.
- Can you eat it? What I mean by this is, if you can safely eat it, then you can know that it is safe to put on your skin. Essentially when you put anything on your skin, you are ingesting it. So opt for plant-derived products like coconut, almond and castor oils.
So what else can you do to make a difference, and protect your children and family from these toxic agents? First do your own research. Credible resources on the internet, and evidence-based research articles can provide unbiased information on the dangers of these chemical agents. Fortunately, many news outlets have begun producing articles and news stories that showcase the most recent research, and new evidence that highlights the dangers of the consumption of these chemicals for both us, and the fragile environment. Read and do your due diligence to learn more.
Second, vote with your wallet. Purchase products that you know are better. Shop with small business owners and artisans who specialize in natural personal care products. Plant-derived products with ingredients like olive oil, Shea butter, nut, seed and coconut oils are good examples. You can even make your own custom blends of moisturizing body creams by mixing them together at home and adding natural fragrances with organic essential oils like lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus.
It is true that it can be challenging to monitor the many toxic chemical agents in our environment that can prove to be harmful to us and our families. The good news is that many corporations have changed their product formulations for the common good, and have begun to remove harmful chemicals from their product lines because consumers have demanded it. So remaining vocal and sending a email to your favorite personal care company can prove positive in instituting change in the industry. The squeaky wheel does get the oil – no pun intended.
Let’s continue to safeguard our children from unnecessary chemical exposures both inside and outside of their bodies. They have enough to combat on their own once they become adults in this chemical-laden world we live in. As parents we can reduce their risk of exposure to known environmental toxins, and give them a fighting chance for optimal health in the future.
Stay Healthy and Wise!
Ericka L. Abrams, Public Health Practitioner
This information is purely education and is not a substitute for the care and advice of a licensed healthcare provider.
