How and Why to keep Chemicals OFF of your Skin....

Our skin is not where we end and the world begins, in fact it is the first layer of us. It is where we reach out to the world from and how the world interacts with us. In this age of plastic, the skin is often viewed as a cellophane wrapper that keeps our guts from spilling into the carpet. We have, as a culture, forgotten that the skin is not only the largest organ but also (gasp!) interacts with the environment outside of us.

Two examples of medical products absorbed through the skin:

1. Progesterone cream that they sell in the store for menopausal women requires only a small amount ( the size of a dime) rubbed into the skin and it is immediately absorbed into the system. 
2. There is a birth control 'vehicle' called The Patch which is basically a band aid with hormones that are absorbed transdermally.

These don't seem so shocking, but experiencing the effect of a small amount of something rubbed on your skin is a very visceral experience. Now imagine that you are slathering your body with some vanilla scented chemical lotion from Rite Aid. What is being absorbed into your system? How much? How quickly?

 With the unprecedented rise of an outrageous number of medical problems, can we justify this carelessness?To complicate the matter, keeping up with the current news on what is acceptable and what is potentially harmful is a full time job (or more.)

Those of us with extreme health issues, besides looking at diet, might want to consider other exposures that can affect the strength of their immune system. The amount of lotions, creams, conditioners, soaps, powders, etc in the typical bathroom is mind boggling. Not only are they a major money drain, but they are loaded with preservatives- so they don't have to be refrigerated. Due to those same preservatives they are often kept and considered usable- for YEARS.

Quick and Dirty Solution:
Part 1: "Exfoliate"

• Anything older than 3 months- Throw out! Would you eat 3 month old vegetables? Ewww!

Part 2: "Renew"

• Castile Soap
• Shampoo once a week (Daily shampooing was a marketing gimmick from Vidal Sassoon!)
• Baking Soda for teeth and facial washing (serious)
• Essential oil and natural non-talc (or baking soda) for deodorant
• Vinegar rinse for the hair

Chemicals are a huge part of our environment, like it or not. Why buy organic foods and then pollute your body with 'personal care products'? If you can do it simply, you'll have more energy for your priorities.

Enjoy!

Ref: 

"no-poo shampoo alternatives" 

Natural Deodorant