Are We Making Ourselves Sick?

[Ileane Frank]

Many consumers unknowingly purchase skin care products that may indeed be quite harmful to their well being in the long run. There have been many illnesses linked to ingredients we use daily in certain products. For example, did you know that mineral oil is banned to use in products in most other countries? Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum, which is a by product of gasoline. Its this same ingredient used in common diaper rash protection for our babies. Mineral oil is considered a carcinogen, also known as a cancer causing agent. Is it no wonder that the US has the highest rate of cancers in the world.

Have you ever heard of Tallow? It is a filler used in very popular cosmetic products. It comes from the remains of animals, very often what we know as "road kill". They are taken to rendering plants and boiled down. The matter that floats to the top is the animal fat. Skimmed off and sanitized (I assume), it is added as a filler to a ton of popular cosmetics.

How about Lead? It is a heavy metal that for many years was put into not only house paint, but also into cosmetics. It gives cosmetics "staying power". Used in small amounts it still exists in most lipsticks. It is a highly toxic substance and is associated with many diseases. Those of us that use lipstick often apply it more then once a day since as it tends to fade away when we eat and drink it.

Studies began to emerge about 20 years ago suggesting that aluminum might have a possible connection with developing Alzheimer's disease when researchers found what they considered to be significant amounts of aluminum in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. According to the World Health Organization, there is a positive relationship between aluminum and Alzheimers Disease. Aluminum is not only found in pots, pans, foil wrap, antacids, buffered aspirin, astringents, nasal sprays, and antiperspirants, it is also found in many skin care products, including cosmetics. "Most researchers agree that it is an important factor in the dementia component and most certainly deserves continuing research efforts. Therefore, at this time, reducing exposure to aluminum is a personal decision". Target organs for aluminum are the central nervous system, kidney, and digestive system.

Next time you purchase something, read the label, know what it is you are putting into your body and giving your family.