The Simple Green Guide To Beauty
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Since we first applied our
mother’s lipstick in grade school, most of us have spent a small
part of every day applying – and re-applying – an array of beauty
products. What we don’t know is that every time we polish our nails
or secure our hair with hairspray, we might be doing damage not
just to Mother Earth, but to our own health. So, to help maintain
our looks – as well as the beauty of Mother Earth – here is
wowOwow’s simple green guide to beauty.
That strong, potent smell from your nail polish may contain toxic
chemicals that some studies have shown can affect reproductive
health in both humans and animals. The Environmental Working Group,
an organization that aims to protect children from environmental
toxins, suggests switching to water-based products such as
Acquarella Nail Polish,
Suncoat Water-Based Nail
Polish or
Honeybee Gardens Nail Enamel.
While the debate over the
safety of lipstick has been carried on for years, it's wisest
to avoid petroleum-based ingredients, such as mineral oil, as well
as synthetic chemicals, like parabens and BHA, which may pose human
health problems in addition to environmental degradation. Also,
many cosmetics packages aren't eco-friendly, so choose
lipsticks in minimal or recyclable packaging and dispose of it
properly. Some of the EWG-recommended brands include
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer,
Logona
Lipstick and
MAC lip care matte lipstick, which may contain fewer toxins
than some other leading brands.
Some shampoos could contain
hidden toxic chemicals. Beware of the ingredients sodium laureth
sulfate, limonene or parabens, which may lead to hormone imbalances
or the development of certain cancers, and can cause harm to
animals. Another ingredient to watch out for: methylisothiazoline
(or MIT) which has been linked to nerve damage and Alzheimer's
Disease. The Environmental Working Group suggests
Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet
Shampoo,
Nurture My Body Fragrance Free Organic Volumizing Shampoo
and
Solay Shine Lavender Natural Shampoo.
To read the rest of our green beauty tips
click
here!
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[Photo Credits: Shutterstock]
