Detox For Your Cosmetics

By Lauren Caggiano

It’s estimated that the average adult uses 9 personal care products each day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues are on the rise due in part to our exposure to harmful chemicals in many products found in our homes. Just as we detox our diet and our homes, we all stand to benefit from cleaner skincare and beauty products. Luckily you don’t have to go it alone. Experts show us how to approach the seemingly lofty task of cleaning up your beauty routine.

Christine Dimmick is the founder of natural home cleaning line The Good Home Co. and author of “Detox Your Home.” She suggests easing into it, starting with your makeup. Her rule: “If you have not worn it in a year, it is time to throw it out. If it is mascara, throw it out after 6 months.”

As far as skincare, Dimmick suggests taking stock of current inventory as well and making adjustments as needed. Her rule of thumb: products with preservatives can last up to a year.

“A preservative used in most skincare is methylilozine or anything ending in paraben and sodium benzoate or alcohol,” she said. “If they do not contain preservatives, use them in six months or less. If they contain water - and no preservatives - they need to be refrigerated!”

Dimmick suggests women take a step back and evaluate their beauty routine as a whole. Sometimes meaningful change can mean less is more. Dimmick has found that to be the case in her own life.

“As I have gotten older I wear less makeup,” she said. “A meat-free diet and regular self-care is what I attribute to this. Don’t succumb to the idea you need more makeup as you get older.”

But what if you’re a makeup junkie? Hannah Freeman, a consultant with Beauty Counter, suggests women take a more intentional approach to their purchases.

“Cosmetics are definitely not all created equal. It varies on each individual product and brand, but I would use more caution when it comes to products that can easily absorb,” she said. That means products such as creams, liquids and anything on your lips, which you are likely ingesting throughout your day.

And be on the lookout for frenemies, such as products advertised as “natural,” “chemical free,” “vegan” or “organic.” According to Freeman, they still have many harmful ingredients that most consumers don’t take the time to read or research.

Practically speaking, you want to simplify your routine wherever possible to reduce the amount of toxins you might encounter in the first place. A minimalist mindset can help in this regard.

“I’m a big fan of a simple routine—something that doesn’t overwhelm me when getting ready for bed as I’m already tired and the last thing I want to do is a lengthy 10-step process,” she said. “Find a skin care regimen that works for your skin type. Mine is “Countercontrol”. With only a couple steps in that regimen, you can keep it simple and easily stick to it. Your skin will continually thank you.”

Beauty doesn’t have to come with a price. Do your homework and you can make more informed decisions, one product at a time. a

Did you know?

The United States has not passed a major federal law to regulate the safety of ingredients used in personal care products since 1938.

Over the past two decades, the European Union has banned close to 1,400 chemicals in the product formulas of personal care products and restricted the levels of over 250 more in such products. The United States has only partially banned 30 to date.