We live in an increasingly polluted world, and the damage these pollutants can cause to our skin is more serious than you might think. Whether it’s the smog of crowded cities or second-hand smoke from cigarettes, exposure to dangerous pollutants can lead to premature aging, inflammation and reduced elasticity of the skin – which no one knows. wish ! That’s why we’ve compiled five simple tips that will help you protect your skin from the harmful effects of the environment. Keep reading!
I wash my clothes after I buy them.
It is necessary to wash the clothes once purchased in order to protect against pollutants and to maintain healthy skin. Washing new clothes removes residual dust, soil, chemicals from the manufacturing process and even living pests – like dust mites or fleas – that may be hiding on our clothes.
Pollutants can come from a variety of sources, including urban air pollution, vehicle and factory exhaust, smoke from burning wood or coal, and household cleaning products. These contaminants can build up on fabrics over time and even cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Washing new clothes helps reduce the amount of these hazardous materials that get on your skin when you wear them. Additionally, washing removes finishes used during the manufacturing process, including formaldehyde treatments, dye fixers and flame retardants, all of which can cause skin irritation if not properly removed. .
Formaldehyde, in particular, has been linked to various forms of cancer as well as headaches and respiratory problems in some cases. It is therefore important to minimize your exposure to this potentially dangerous chemical by washing your new clothes before wearing them.
I choose to stay natural as much as possible.
The creams, lotions and balms that we slather all over our bodies can contain an enormous amount of endocrine disruptors such as parabens, phthalates, glycol ethers, alkyl phenols, chemical UV filters and other preservatives that are often allergens. Not only are these beauty products the primary source of exposure to these chemicals, but their fragrances also contribute.
Although natural and organic cosmetics may be perceived as safer than regular beauty products because they contain fewer endocrine disruptors overall, in reality they are not necessarily free of problematic molecules either.
For example, lavender essential oil has been proven by scientists to have endocrine disrupting abilities. This means that even those who prefer natural or organic cosmetics for their safety should be aware of the potential risks associated with them.
So what are the solutions available to consumers wishing to avoid these chemicals?
For starters, look for ingredients like parabens or phthalates on product labels and avoid them as much as possible.
Some environmental organizations also offer databases where users can search for safer alternatives for cosmetics or other products.
One can also use homemade recipes with safe ingredients to protect against potential health risks from external exposure.
I keep my environment clean through healthier choices.
Using household cleaners and detergents can be a source of potentially dangerous chemicals that can cause allergies and other health problems. One such chemical is methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a preservative found in many popular cleaning products or in dishwasher tablets.
Exposure to this chemical can cause contact allergies, resulting in red patches, itching, eczema, and other skin irritations. Similarly, quaternary ammoniums used in disinfectants have been identified as possible endocrine disruptors due to their ability to interfere with the hormonal system. These compounds can also cause irritation and allergies, especially when combined with the fragrances found in many of these items.
How to protect yourself?
It is important to take steps to reduce exposure and use more natural alternatives when possible.
- One way to do this is to regularly check ingredient lists for any potentially dangerous chemicals and opt for brands that don’t contain them.
- Also, consider using green cleaning products that contain natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, as they are generally safer for your skin and the environment.
- Look for products certified by organizations such as Ecocert or ECARF, which certify cleaning products against strict health and safety standards.
- Finally, wear gloves when handling potentially dangerous chemicals and never mix several solutions together, as this could create dangerous gases or fumes. By keeping these precautions in mind, you can keep your home clean while protecting your family’s health!
I wash my laundry carefully.
Detergents and fabric softeners have long been known to be potential irritants and allergens, due to the presence of ingredients like isothiazolinones and fragrances. Isothiazolinones are a class of preservatives used in many household products, including cleaners, paints, and cosmetics. These compounds have antimicrobial properties, but can also cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions in some people. Fragrances added to detergents can also be a source of irritation or allergy, as they contain many different compounds that are not always mentioned on the labels.
What to replace them with?
The easiest solution is to opt for unscented detergents that do not contain isothiazolinones or fragrances.
Also, allergy sufferers should look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” because they generally use fewer chemicals than other detergents.
If you still want to use fabric softener, try to find natural alternatives, like homemade recipes with organic ingredients or unscented versions from health-conscious brands.
Consider using white vinegar instead of fabric softener in your washing machine; this will not only reduce irritation, but also soften fabrics without the strong odor that often accompanies conventional fabric softeners.
I choose a natural hair dye.
Natural hair dyes are a great choice for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals, such as ammonia and peroxide, found in many traditional hair dyes.
Natural hair dyes are made from natural ingredients such as henna, cassia, indigo, and other plant-based dyes. These natural ingredients do not contain carcinogenic chemicals or synthetic fragrances. They also nourish and strengthen the hair while coloring it. Plus, natural ingredients like henna and cassia can help restore moisture to the scalp and protect it from further damage.
One of the benefits of using a natural dye is that it doesn’t strip as much oil and other essential nutrients from your scalp and hair as chemical dyes. This means less damage and healthier hair over time. Organic base oils, such as coconut oil, can be added to enhance the effects of the dye without stripping away moisture like chemical formulas often do. Natural dyes are generally gentler on the scalp, making them a healthier choice for the body and the environment in general.
