iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cdt heYou may think only the things you eat matter, but the skin is another
excellent delivery system for chemicals. In fact, many topical patches
and creams are used to administer pharmaceuticals and hormones di-
rectly into the bloodstream (think the Ortho Evra® birth control patch).
When products are swallowed, the liver usually works to make them less
toxic before they enter the circulation. This is known as first pass-effect,
and only a small percentage of the original product may wind up in the cir-
culation system. By contrast, products applied to the skin bypass the liver
and go directly into the circulation, potentially producing systemic effects
until they arrive at the liver and are eliminated. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the
well-known anti-aging dermatologist, reports that many facial creams, lo-
tions, and serums marketed to women actually contain estrogens.
Men generally use fewer personal care products, so perhaps women’s
routine use of endocrine-disrupting products is partly responsible for
the disproportionate female predominance of thyroid and autoimmune
conditions. The use of lipstick, in particular, has been connected to the
development of lupus, an autoimmune condition.
What to Do?
Go on a makeup, perfume, and body wash holiday! You can also choose
products that are more natural in their origins. One rule to follow: if
you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your body. The EWG website hosts
the Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database featuring thousands of personal care
products, each with its own safety rating based on dozens of toxicity and
regulatory databases.
Once you realize the TV commercials, magazines, and Internet ads are
programming you to consume more without taking your health, happi-
ness, or well-being into account, you will think twice about what you put
in your home, in your body, and on your skin.