If you didn't already know, well let me be the one to break it to you:
main stream personal care products are chock full of chemicals and toxins that are directly linked to hormone disruption, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Shocking. I know.
Either these companies truly didn't understand the long-term impacts of their ingredients, or they just value their bottom line over the health of their hundreds of millions of customers.
It really doesn't matter, because at the end of the day, we are the ones responsible for our health and our choices, and it's up to us to know exactly what we're buying, the ethics of the brand we're buying from, and precisely what it is that we're buying!
So. My best advice to you?
LEARN TO READ LABELS.
If I go to the grocery store and I see a product in a bag and it says, 'vegan, gluten free, no high fructose corn syrup!' I can not just skip off into the sunset on my merry way. I HAVE to read the ingredients, and when I see soybean oil, citric acid, and 'natural flavors' on the list, I know to put it back!
The same goes for beauty and care products.
The bottle can say 'Free from x-y-z!' but that means nothing.
You have to read what actually is in it!
To help you learn how to to differentiate what's considered harmful and what's not:
Use apps like Think Dirty and Environmental Working Group. You can scan products right there in the Target aisle and it will give the product a rating on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most harmful) AND it tells you the scoop on each ingredient and why it has the rating it does. It teaches you what each ingredient is, and over time you will to start to recognize all of them and no longer even need the app! (For example, any time you see 'fragrance' you will know that means 'chemical shit storm, run!') You can always decide if you are still willing to buy it, but at least you are making the informed decision to do so ; )
To make the switch to green and clean products:
Use sites like Follain, Safe and Chic, Integrity Botanicals, Credo Beauty, and The Detox Market. You will start to become familiar with the clean brands just like you were with your old toxic ones. There's a learning curve, but, hey-- this is your health we're talking about, after all!
I would also suggest finding green beauty bloggers you like to get more familiar with products, see what people are loving, and see some things in action. For the time being at least, a lot of green beauty is online, so we don't really get to try it in stores. I find it helps to follow others who try the products on camera and give their reviews, show different shades, etc. etc. Eventually you will have to just go through the trial and error of finding what you like and what works for your skin/hair type, but this is a great way to see what products are best sellers and start with those, or just get a little extra guidance when you're first starting out.
I love Amanda's recommendations from Organic Bunny but there are so many out there! Search 'green beauty blogger' on YouTube, or similar hashtags on Instagram.
Let's not forget that your skin is an organ-- your largest organ-- and everything that goes on it heads straight into your bloodstream. You deserve to have great hair and skin and fabulous makeup AND also be safe from harm. This should not be a one-or-the-other situation. As long as there are great brands out there making beautiful products that work and are safe, might as well make the switch, right?!
Final tip:
Start slow. The next time you run out of lotion, start with a new bottle of something cleaner. Or finish out the season with your current makeup, but when it's time to change it up, try a new concealer and blush from a green brand. Slowly but surely you'll find your way, and eventually your routine will be completely toxin-free!! : )
Happy healing and happy shopping!
xx Rachel
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