Safety is only skin deep

As I grow older, I am becoming more aware of what I am putting in my body. But, what about what I put on my body? We are told to avoid pesticides and other toxic chemicals by eating fresh, organic foods. But have you thought about the level of toxicity in your lotions, SPFs, makeup, and other personal care items?

I never gave a second thought about my Olay lotion, Cover Girl powder, and daily moisturizer until my sister introduced me to the site, Skin Deep. This site rates products and ingredients on a hazard scale of 1-10. Products with a score of 0-2 have a low hazard, 3-6 are moderately hazardous, and scores of 7-10 are highly hazardous.

The site says that the FDA doesn't require companies to test products safely, therefore they can put virtually any ingredient into personal care items. In turn, these toxins then soak into your skin and into your body.

So, my Cover Girl powder scored a 7, my Olay lotion was another 7, and my moisturizer scored a 6. That isn't very comforting. Now, I'm not about to throw all my makeup and lotions out during my spring cleaning, but I will be more conscious about the products I buy in the future.

This is a great site for parents as well! My sister uses it religiously for my niece, Elle, to research all the baby products she uses. It gives my sister some peace knowing she isn't lathering Elle up in chemicals every time she gets in and out of the bath.