Part of detoxifying your body simply has to include reducing the toxins that you are consuming. Otherwise, what’s the point? It’s like a bathtub. A detox is like draining water out of a full bathtub. But what happens if you are filling it with water at the same rate you are draining it? Nothing, that’s what. Your tub stays full or barely empties.
Same goes for the body. If you want to help your body get rid of toxins, you best be giving it a break from them. Obviously, changing your food and decreasing the toxic load from what you consume is important, but there’s another area I think is extremely important as well…
The stuff you smear on your face, hair, skin, and pits.
It all seems so innocent. I get it, I want to look good too. I want to have glossy hair, soft skin, a glowing face, and armpits that smell like fields of daisies. No shame there.
I was introduced to a site that changed the game for me and my daisy field pits… the EWG’s Skin Deep Database. Heavens to Betsy.
I encourage (dare) you to go to that site and look up all of your products. Even, and especially, your “natural” ones. The site rates products from 0-10. 0 meaning very benign, and 10 pretty much meaning poison. They also break down all the ingredients in the products and rank each element’s toxicity.
Imagine my surprise to find that my favorite hairspray should really be called “Big Toxic Hair“. Whomp whomp.
For the gentlemen: don’t think you can get away without caring about this stuff either. Men’s products and fragrances may make you smell like David Beckham, but they’re still not good for you, nor will they give you his abs. These nasty things called xenoestrogens – yes as in estrogen, the thing you blame once a month for the demon that possesses your girlfriend – are contained in many conventional products in spades. Do you want a bunch of that floating around your system? Didn’t think so.
David just realized that his ab-defining sunless tanner is an 9 in EWG’s Skin Deep Database
The skin is the largest organ, and it absorbs what you put onto it. What it absorbs can work its way into your system and screw you up, no matter how clean your diet is. Even when using some detoxification protocols like I am right now, heaping toxic products onto your skin will keep your bathtub full. And that, my friends, is a crying shame.
I have been on a mission for the past few months to replace my beauty products with less toxic versions. That involved me grievously giving away a set of expensive shampoo and conditioner. In hindsight, maybe I should have dumped them down the drain, and poisoned the water supply.
So far, I’ve replaced my shampoo and conditioner, body wash, lotion, face cleanser, face lotion, deodorant, foundation, eyeliner, blush, and mascara. I ditched the “Big Toxic Hair” hairspray and am getting volume the truly ancestral way – backcombing.
Fully achievable toxin-free.
I’ll write more about my particular favorites and routine, but here are some amazing resources for anyone who wants to learn more about toxic-free personal care:
The EWG’s Skin Deep Database – the Mothership. Do it.
Cave Girl Eats – Liz Wolfe (one of my blog crushes – wait is that weird?) has done a lot of work in the non-toxic personal care space, and is soon to release an eBook on the subject! Can’t wait. Check her out.
Crunchy Betty – this blog is entirely dedicated to natural personal and home care. And it’s the most adorable website name ever.
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
The skin is the biggest organ and can absorb alot of stuff around you. Women typically shave their arm pits, which creates an opportunity for applied deodorant to better coat the skin. The chemicals get into the skin, then the blood stream and have a direct pathway to the breasts- which are fat. Most toxins are fat soluble. Coincidence that breast cancer is on the rise? I do not think so.
I’ve been “poo-less” (shampoo) for almost two years. My hair is clean and my scalp is happy. Campfire smoke takes a bit more rinsing.
When I do use cologne, I spray it on the outside of my shirt (under the collar) while the shirt is still hanging on a hangar. I’m searching for a flouride free toothpaste. As for lotion, I do not use any. Since I’ve upped my good fat intake and drink more water my skin has not needed it.
Finally the biggie, I have not used any deodorant in over a month. If I’m active and sweating I’ll have a scent (musk) but not a bad stink. Being winter, heat and humidity are not a factor where I live. I’ve read that Art DeVany has been doing this for years. Baby steps for me as I highly regard good hygiene.
I’m sure being a lady these issues are probably more difficult to resolve. I applaud your health pro-activism and found your blog from a MDA post you made.
Agree! We are kindred spirits – I was an econ major, and share your affinity for eggs and bacon. Have you heard of OraWellness? I haven’t tried it but I think it’s an interesting toothpaste alternative I’d like to try. I did the no ‘poo thing last year for a couple of months and am trying it again. Mostly I thought it was inconvenient, but I think I was making it too hard on myself. And YES! I was no ‘poo over the summer and my hair would smell like campfire for DAYS after camping. Must rinse more. I am also trying just coconut oil and baking soda for deodorant, but just started so I’ll let you know how that goes. I find that when I’m eating crap food, I tend to smell proportionately.
I have been taking baby steps too, because I also am a fan of hygiene – it’s primal to care for your appearance to attract mates! Good for you for taking steps at all
I can’t wait to read about your beauty product finds! And by the way I am loving this site and all the info you share.. All things I’m totally into but get overwhelmed from the research (journalism major, gotta read it all!) and having so many options. Xo, Shea
Hey girl! Thanks so much
I know, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed. Hope you’re doing very well.