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Sunscreens and Insect Repellants...What You Put on Your Skin You Eat!
By Dr. Laura Thompson
What our skin and our bodies come into contact with in today's squeaky-clean living is overwhelming. In fact, it is toxic bombardment. There is a hygienic or cleansing product for every part of our body and for every surface and item in your home, office and car. Toxic chemicals abound. We breathe them, lather with them, brush with them and soak in them. We touch them constantly. Without a doubt, we absorb them.
Just what is it we're absorbing? Synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, 'age-accelerating' toxic chemicals and preservatives such as propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, toluene, mineral oil, parabens, imidazolidinyl and diazolidinyl urea and triethanolamine (TEA). These chemicals are known to cause a wide variety of symptoms including eye problems, allergies, skin irritations, headaches, liver, kidney and nervous system damage. And the accumulation just adds to our overall toxic load.
Due to public demand, an entire industry has been built on developing natural cleaning products --everything from non-toxic bathroom cleaners to environmentally friendly dish soaps. Seventh Generation, Planet, and Earth Friendly Products are examples of companies that have put a lot of effort and thought into their great products.
SUNSCREENS
We would be remiss if we didn't comment on sunscreens. It is politically incorrect to advise against using sunscreen, but ah, what the heck. Don't use sunscreen. Unless you use a non-toxic version, commercial sunscreens are full of chemicals and they do absorb through the skin. They are worse than damage from the sun in many ways, and they block the UVB rays which are necessary for producing vitamin D3 in the skin. They also contain xenoestrogens, man made estrogen-like substances, as ingredients.
Instead:
- Use light colored clothing that reflects sun's rays.
- Try a natural sunscreen such as Aubrey's Green Tea Sunblock for Children SPF 25 from the health food store.
- Try All Terrain's Kids' Sport SPF 30 - PABA and paraben-free, complete UVA and UVB protection, from your health food store.
INSECT REPELLANTS
Bug repellants that contain DEET are very toxic. They can cause severe allergic reactions and lead to unnecessary toxic build-up in the body. Here are other options that you can buy from outdoor stores or your health food store:
- Kid's Herbal Armour by All Terrain - award-winning, DEET-free repellant
- Aubrey's Gone - safe bug repellant with powerful blend of herbal oils, no pesticides or petrochemicals
- Anti-Bug Balm by Badger with essential oils and DEET-free, for deep woods and swamp areas
- Swy Flotter by Kiss My Face - DEET-free, no artificial colors, fragrances, parabens
Homemade Bug Repellant Recipe
- 4 drops lavender
- 4 drops eucalyptus
- 4 drops tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 4 teaspoons water
Remember, what you put on your skin you eat! Be scrutinizing with your choice of body care and household products, for yourself and your family.
Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.
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