Simple Steps for a Smooth Transition to Organic Living

Part 3 

This is the third article in a series of articles on Organic Living. 

To read the first one click here.

To read the second one click here.

We are now moving on to your personal care items.  Some might ask, why should I care about what I put on my body and face?  One huge reason is your skin is your largest organ and therefore absorbs everything you put on it.  This includes the toxic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and synthetic fertilizers that are in that magic wrinkle eraser and that luscious, must have body crème.  The latest, and most disturbing discovery is that even many “natural” brands that have organic ingredients listed on the label might not even be safe.  Unlike European standards, the US does not require complete disclosure on these products. 

Visit the Organic Consumers Association’s Coming Clean Campaign website www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/  for more information that will open your eyes about what is lurking in some of those so-called natural products.  It shows that 1.4-Dioxane, a known chemical cancer causer, to be in many brands considered safe. 

So what happens after these chemical invaders are applied to the skin?  It is said that they get into your bloodstream within 20 minutes.  Once they are in your system, they make their way to your fatty tissue, which stores these chemicals.  This can lead to a host of health issues such as allergies, asthma, irritations of the eye and skin, rashes, and dandruff.  Worse yet, they can also cause headaches, unusual coughs, vomiting, breast cancer and reproductive issues.  Now that’s a lot to deal with just to keep those laugh lines at bay.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my health.  That said I’m also not willing to give into father time just yet either.

Here are 3 tips that will help you and your skin make the organic transition easily and beautifully.

1. Take a few minutes to check out http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ and look up your current personal care items and cosmetics. You might be surprised to see that your favorite lipstick has lead and that your kid’s favorite bubble bath is leaving your little ones swimming in carcinogens.  Seeing this in black and white will allow you to make an informed decision about which products you continue to use and which are first on your list to replace. 

2. Remember the “replace as you run out” rule I shared during the kitchen clean up tips.  When you are done looking up your existing products, take a minute to find alternatives that are healthier for you and your family.  Make a list of everything that you use and if necessary put down a healthier option next to it.  You have just created a valuable tool that will allow you to clean out your medicine cabinet and shower, at a pace that is comfortable for you.  Armed with this list, you now the power to vote for products that are safe, with the only real ballot available- your dollar!

3. Finally the best, and I might add the cheapest option, is to scale down the amount of products that you use.   I can’t tell you how many creams and potions I had lurking in my bathroom.  It was causing unneccasarry clutter, as well as draining my finances.  Now I have a handful of products that I trust, and just as important work for my needs.  The fact is that the fewer toxins you put in (and on) your body, the less your skin needs to be hidden.  Yes that’s right ladies, you will need less makeup and your skin will maintain it’s own PH and retain moisture better on it’s own.  It is truly amazing what the body is capable of when you stop polluting it! 

Stay tuned as we look at what’s hiding in your cleaning products next and give you safer and environmentally responsible tips!

Written By: Jennifer Wisnew

Jennifer Wisnew, CHHC, AADP

Jennifer is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor, dedicated to her clients with a unique approach to build a life that truly brings them joy! She is the owner of Life Renovated Health Counseling, located in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York. Jennifer is an animal lover who loves cooking, reading, gardening, dancing and researching.