Clean Products, Healthy Body
In the past, the FDA has been quite relaxed with US regulations on skin care ingredients, but that’s all about to change. Right now, companies can outright lie about beauty claims and use ingredients that not only harm your skin, but can also cause organ damage and even cause cancer. For instance, Proactiv, an acne focused skincare line, is currently being sued for using ingredients that turn into harmful chemicals that can cause cancer when the product gets heated (think: gym bag left in your hot car).
While using one or two products with these harmful chemicals may not cause major issues immediately, most of us use many products daily (for our entire lives) with harmful ingredients in them (Shampoo, shaving cream, lotions, serums, cleanser, toner, SPF, toothpaste, makeup, etc). Our bodies are constantly bombarded with chemicals, which in the long run can cause disease and in the short run can cause dryness, acne, irritation, eczema/rosacea flares, rashes and many other skin issues.
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl) are chemicals in MANY cosmetics that can enter the blood stream that cause increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased liver enzymes, cause low birth weight and even cause cancer. These chemicals are in many large brands because they increase shelf life and make them waterproof. The chemicals are not naturally flushed out, but instead accumulate in the body. The CDC has linked these chemicals to serious kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues; plus, PFAS can affect your antibody response to vaccines.
These harmful chemicals have been found in more than 300 products recently tested by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) among more than 50 brands. Here are just a few companies being sued for using unsafe ingredients:
· L’Oreal
· Target Up & Up
· Walmart Equate
· Burt’s Bees
· Murad
· Almay
· Neutrogena
· Clinique
· Avon
· Rodan and Fields
· Mary Kay
· Aveeno
· CeraVe
· And more
The latest list of harmful chemicals in cosmetics includes the following list:
EWG Full Article
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.
Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.
Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.
Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.
Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.
The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.
M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer.
The best practice for avoiding these chemicals, no matter the brand, is to purchase small batch organic/natural skincare and haircare products and makeup. Also, avoid ALL makeup that claims that it is waterproof. Never, and I mean NEVER!, buy products from TJ Maxx, Ross or other discount stores. These stores purchase outdated and expired items and sell them LONG after the product has had the chance to grow bacteria and for the ingredients to morph into damaging chemicals. You can count on these products being unsafe for your skin, body and probably the environment.
Shelly Todd, Esthetician
I, myself, am VERY sensitive to harmful chemicals and perfumes, which is why I was compelled to create a skincare line that I could safely use. I love sharing my clean products with my clients to hear that their skin LOVES them! That their skin is less red, their acne is better and that they are able to go makeup-less if they want. You’ll also find that my products are not tested on animals, use very little packaging and all ingredients and materials are biodegradable.
J Renee Products contain natural and safe preservatives, so we can guarantee the long life, efficacy and quality of all our products. Natural salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and a plethora of antioxidants are mixed to provide healthy alternatives to chemical laden products. We only use scientifically proven ingredients that don’t just talk-the-talk but they walk-the-walk so you can arrive at beautiful, youthful skin.
