Personal Care Ingredients
are Important to Health
and Longevity

Personal care ingredients that are non-carcinogenic are a big factor in our overall health and vitality. When I first learned that some of the ingredients being used in personal care products were potentially carcinogenic, I was surprised. These harmful ingredients were in shampoo, soap, shaving gels, toothpaste, and body lotion.

I learned that some of the ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are industrial chemicals that are used as garage floor cleaners, car wash soaps, and engine degreasers! The personal care industry found they are good “lathering” agents, and they’re inexpensive, but they ignored the fact that these ingredients are hazardous to our health.

These chemicals react with other ingredients to cause skin rash, hair loss, or even form cancer-causing reactions. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology reports, “sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, lungs, and brain from skin contact.” The slick advertising of personal care products makes them seem harmless.

Propylene Glycol is widely used as a moisture-carrying ingredient in shampoo, conditioners, and deodorants. It’s also used in industrial antifreeze, brake and hydraulic fluid, and as a solvent. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) warn to avoid skin contact because it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Mineral oil is a crude oil (petroleum) derivative that is found in moisturizers. But it’s also used industrially as a metal cutting fluid. It can cause allergic reactions leading to arthritis, migraines, and diabetes. It may suffocate the skin by forming an oily film. Healthy skin needs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

Poison ivy is natural but “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. It is reported that oftentimes the cap on the bottle costs more than the ingredients in the product. Everyone wants the most for their money, but products with safe ingredients are worth the price for good health. They may even pay off with your tennis game :)

I haven’t even talked about aluminum and talc in deodorants and sunscreen ingredients, which are important for tennis players and coaches. The solution to this ingredient dilemma is so simple. There's a list of products with safe ingredients that you might want to see. If you have any questions about this please contact me. My overall health has reaped the benefits of this information since 1995. It’s never too late to start!





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