​Be Free of Synthetic Chemicals: Synthetic Chemicals vs. Natural Chemicals

– by Mississippi Miracle Clay

Be Free of Synthetic Chemicals:

Synthetic Chemicals vs. Natural Chemicals

Although science would debate that the compounds we expose our skin to are, whether they are natural or synthetic, all considered to be chemicals, there can be no doubt that we are now daily exposing our skin to a strange cocktail of synthetic chemicals. Science usually proves such compounds to be within safe guidelines regarding toxicity, but there can be little doubt that not only do we not understand what the long-term effects may be, but we also do not understand how one synthetic chemical interacts with another.

So what is the problem here? Nature doesn’t make synthetic chemicals, so when we were created, our bodies didn’t receive any coding on how to handle synthetic chemicals. This doesn’t mean the skin won’t absorb them. It does absorb synthetics which is one reason why there is a limit placed on how much of a synthetic chemical can be used in a product. However, after absorption, the body doesn’t know what to do with a synthetic chemical. It’s confused. Does it expel the chemical or store it in the fat? Our bodies can’t handle synthetic chemicals as it was not made to handle them. The body was given no instructions for this type of chemical.

What can we find in our beauty and cosmetic products which our bodies have to deal with that they wouldn’t, in a pre-industrialized world, be exposed to? Some of the synthetic chemicals used in skin care and cosmetics are commonly found throughout all products. These usually include preservatives such as parabens and fragrance chemicals like tolulene (1). Parabens are now understood to mimic the hormone estrogen and are suspected of negatively influencing the endocrine system which involves, among other things, thyroid function. Yet chemicals in the paraben family are used in the majority of products and can be in everything from shampoo to hand lotion and moisturizers. Just imagine the effect of slathering and lathering the body with these synthetic chemicals day after day, year after year. The daily amounts must add up to pounds and pounds of chemicals over the years being absorbed into the body. And remember, the body doesn’t really know what do to with these type of chemicals.

What’s in all those suds?

A chemical commonly found in cleansers such as soap and body washes are the sulfates which provide us with bubbles and lather. These are derived from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). One thing that even scientists cannot defend is that these sulfates actually break down the protective layer of the skin allowing for increased permeability which, among other things, leaves us more prone to infectious bacteria and toxins.

Does that smell good?

There can be no doubt that it’s great to smell good, but all the fragrances we use, either as direct perfumes or those which are included in hair and body products are most often chemically synthesized. This means that we are often covering ourselves in phthalates. These are the same chemicals which are used in plastics and as binding agents in industry. At the end of 2014 a report was published (2) which finally confirmed that our wide exposure to this particular group of chemicals was indeed a major health concern and links phthalate to diseases such as type II diabetes, autism spectrum disorders and many other common illnesses.

Foundation..off to a bad start.

One aspect of the morning beauty and hygiene regimen which belongs almost exclusively in the domain of the ladies is that of cosmetics. The most commonly used cosmetics, although applied almost without thinking include liquid foundation creams. These products include a variety of compounds to make them liquid, flexible, give coverage and staying power which means a broad range of ingredients are needed. Sulfosuccinate which is a common ingredient in foundation creams are known to irritate not only the skin but also the eyes and most foundations also contain the old favorite, parabens and when it comes to this particular ingredient it seems there is no area of the skin that we do not expose to this endocrine damaging chemical to.

Go Natural!

It is often pointed out to us that in the modern world it is truly impossible to avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals. However, in many situations, such as that of personal care, we do have the choice to limit that exposure. There is the opportunity to change our habits and introduce healthier options not only for our skin but ultimately the entire body.

The Mississippi Miracle Clay® products’ formulating criteria is based on the old southern and simple philosophy that if it can’t be eaten or licked we don’t use it in our products. So you can be sure that you’re getting pure and natural ingredients when using our products. Our Mineralized Body Oil is a great way to switch over to a purely natural way to moisturize the skin and the Mineral Castile Soap is excellent for cleansing the skin without chemicals. There are so many wonderful options available that avoid exposing the skin to synthetics. The noticeable benefit is over time, using Mississippi Miracle Clay® natural products, the skin becomes healthier and healthier – nourished. When using synthetic products, the skin become becomes confused and depleted. Those synthetic products will only appear to benefit the skin for a brief while. To start making the change to natural today, check out our products at www.MississippiMiracleClay.com.

References

1-http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=253907

2-http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/169902/CHAP-REPORT-With-Appendices.pdf 

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