If there’s one thing that conscious women know to be true, it’s that being healthy is key to living your best life.
You’ve got a busy career, a social life that keeps you on your toes, and goals that you’re working towards on the daily. You know that carving out quality time for yourself, while important, can be hard to do.
It’s not all about squeezing in sunrise yoga sessions and 3-day juice cleanses, though. From the moment you wake up and hop in the shower to the second that your head hits the pillow after a night out with friends, you have an opportunity to practice self-care by being mindful about what you put in - and on - your body.
While choosing healthier options for what you put in your body may seem a bit more intuitive (donut - not healthy, organic salad, healthy), being smart about what you’re putting on it can be trickier. One of the best ways to practice healthy, aware self-care is by being familiar with the ingredients in products you use and understanding how they affect your body and your health.
What’s in the bottle?
Understanding what a package means when it says “paraben free” or when the ingredients list contains sulfate can help you make smart buying decisions and avoid chemicals that are damaging to your health. Educating yourself about the various components that make up your favorite beauty and personal care products can make your choices a lot simpler.
Parabens
Methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isobutyl parabens are preservatives that are commonly found in make up, shampoo and conditioner, and lotions. This harmful chemical is a potential endocrine disruptor. It also mimics the hormone estrogen and can cause the growth of breast tumors. This is one ingredient you’re going to want to stay far, far away from.
Sulfate
There are three different kinds of sulfate - sodium lauryl, sodium laureth, and ammonium lauryl. All three are linked to the irritation of skin and eyes and even organ and reproductive toxicity. Be especially mindful when selecting body washes and feminine cleansers because this is one of the most common ingredients. If there’s anywhere you don’t want to expose to harmful, irritating chemicals it’s your sensitive lady parts. Ouch!
Triclosan
If you’re like most people with periods, your flow can trigger some pretty emotional days. Triclosan is a chemical that causes altered hormone regulation and is linked to heart disease and failure. While it’s sweet to be weepy over that rom-com, it’s not nearly as heartwarming to be emotional due to chemicals that disrupt your body.
Propylene Glycol
This chemical is no bueno when it comes to your health. Not only is it a known irritant, it’s also been found to inhibit cell growth and cause kidney and liver problems. How’s that for a trifecta of side effects that are worse than the drama hangover you get after binge-watching the Kardashians?
DEA
This cancer-causing agent is used in soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and personal washes as a thickening agent. While you may love the texture of that lush body wash you get at the mall, no amount of gooey shower goodness is worth putting your health at risk. Plus, there are plenty of beauty products that are DEA-free and still totally luxurious.
Whether you’re a natural products guru or you’re just starting out on your journey towards a more healthy life, it’s more important than ever to be aware about what you’re putting into and on your body.
Take a moment before you toss that body wash into your shopping cart and read the ingredients. Parabens? Sulfates? DEA? Ditch it in favor of an all-natural product that will be gentle on your body. After all, you only get one of them.
At freshie Natural Feminine Care we make products with your health in the forefront of our minds, which is why when it comes to feminine care, freshie is the preferred natural feminine wash brand. Our products keep you 3X fresher without ANY harsh or synthetic ingredients. Discover freshie feminine wash today and experience the difference.