WHY SAFER SKINCARE?

As many of you know, I am a trainer, a foodie, an adventurer, a wife, and a mama to Evie Wilder. Like many of you, I didn’t know that when I applied sunscreen, lotion, shampoo and the dozens of other products that I used to use daily, that I was applying toxic chemicals directly to my skin. In addition, I didn’t realize that so many of these chemicals can get absorbed into our bloodstream. Like many of us did or do, I assumed that we live in a highly regulated country, so the products I am using must be safe (sounds like Big Food too huh?). I honestly, never questioned safety at all until recent years. I was so surprised when I finally learned that when it comes to the personal care industry, there are very minimal regulations.

Companies are allowed to use known toxins—ingredients that have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption—without even disclosing these ingredients to us! Seems crazy, right?

Luckily, there are some safer options and companies working hard to create safe skincare products and to change the industry. I’ve been spending tons of time researching them. Once I did find all of this out, I turned to coconut oil for mostly everything at first, and then to some of the other safer skincare companies out there. And frankly, none of it worked the way I wanted. So, there I was in my late twenties with more breakouts than ever (what the hell?) and dry skin too! I am one of the first people to say that looks ARE NOT everything, but I did (and do) want to feel good in my own skin and beautiful from the inside out.

I am excited to share now, though, that I’ve finally found something that’s safer than almost everything out there, that won’t break the bank, and that WORKS!

But first, a little background information on why all of this even matters. I am going to start with some of the scary stuff, but stay with me. It gets a whoooollllle lot better….

1939: the last year the federal government passed a law regulating cosmetics

Yes, you read that right! 1938!
Are you as shocked as I am by this?

1300: the number of harmful chemicals banned or restricted from cosmetics in the European Union

And wait for it….

11: the number of harmful chemicals banned or restricted from cosmetics in the United States

And only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals commonly found in personal care products have safety data.

Over 95%: the percentage of popular lipstick which contained lead according to a recent lab test

Researchers at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health published a study in 2013 that detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals in many popular brands of lipsticks and lip glosses commonly found in drugstores and department stores.

The study also noted that children are especially susceptible to heavy metal accumulation and should not play with make up. Think of all the young girls that apply make-up daily or even multiple times a day?

My goal is to be a part of a change that will mean Evie doesn’t have to read labels to know her skincare is safe. Beautycounter is my outlet to fight that fight.

Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues (including, but not limited to asthma, learning disabilities, cancer and infertility) are on the rise, and due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals—whether it’s in the shower, on our commute, while we eat lunch at a local restaurant, or when we clean our kitchens at home. What’s worse is the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics) allows companies to use chemicals known to be extremely harmful (lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates) in the products we put on our bodies and on our kids every single day, day after day.

This is why I’ve partnered up with Beautycounter….