Today’s post is really special to me. Over the past few months, I’ve leanred a TON about how the chemicals we find in our skincare products can cause all sorts of disease, including cancer. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I’ve put together this post to help you make effective, luxurious and above all safe choices when you’re shopping for your beauty care products. We might not all be able to donate money to charities, but we can make a difference by purchasing products that are safe and effective to replace the ones we use daily that are loaded with nasty chemicals.
Prevent Breast Cancer with the 4 Superfoods for Beauty
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s 12.5% or 19,787,500 women in the United States based on 2011 US census data. According to the Breast Cancer Fund, in just one generation, we’ve seen a 40% increase in the cases of Breast Cancer and research linking environmental toxins to the cause is strong and keeps coming.
The good news is, we can take measures to prevent our exposure to toxins and thus lessen the risk of disease (not just breast cancer) showing up in our own cells.
Based on a survey by the Environmental Working Group and a UK study published in Reuters in 2009, it’s estimated we’re exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals every day and 126 unique chemicals just before breakfast based on our usage of regular beauty care products we stock on our bathroom and kitchen shelves. But most of us are unaware that the beauty care industry is unregulated.
In fact, the Cosmetics Ingredients Review Board, the self-policing agency of the beauty care industry, has reviewed just 11% of the known 10,500 chemicals used in our beauty care products today and its even stated on the FDA.gov website “Manufacturers are not responsible to…report cosmetic-related injuries to the FDA.”
So what’s the big deal? Our skin is the body’s largest organ and absorbs up to 80% of what we put on it. If you’re worried about the pesticides on your food, you should be just as worried about the ingredients in your lotions, face creams and shampoo. It all goes to the same place – the blood stream – and can wreak havoc on cellular growth, the immune system, the endocrine system, and the nervous system, not to mention how these chemicals, some known carcinogens, can actually irritate, rather than help, our skin.
The good news is there are more and more organic and natural, toxin-free beauty care companies popping up all over the world, giving us as consumers more choices for affordable, non-toxic, effective skincare solutions.
If you’re looking for effective anti-aging, skin soothing, acne-busting solutions but you’re uncertain about letting go of your favorite toxin-filled products, look for organic, proven alternatives with the following ingredients to achieve the same, if not better (and definitely healthier) results.
Cacao
Very few women need an excuse for consuming more chocolate. When reading ingredient labels, look for the real, raw, organic form of cacao, which contains high levels of antioxidants. Plenty of research is coming out these days linking the high levels of antioxidants to free-radical destruction and prevention. Try Pangea Organics’ Brazilian Brown Sugar and Cocoa Butter Body Polish to scrub off that pesky dry skin on your hands and feet this winter.
Cranberry
Another antioxidant superfood and seasonal favorite, cranberries help fight disease (and bladder infections) with their high vitamin C and dietary fiber content, which can lower the risk of cancer. Try Pangea Organics’ Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry Facial Scrub to exfoliate your skin every few days and get that extra glow.
Green Tea
A number of studies have shown green tea can be very effecting in fighting tumors found in mammary tissues. Plus, entire diets have been formulated featuring green tea as the superstar to promote overall health and longevity. Treat your skin to a new daily routine and kick your toxic habits. Pangea Organics’ Chilean Rosehip with Tamanu & Red Clover Hand Cream is a must this winter to keep your hands moist and soft. Keep a bottle next to your kitchen sink and one in your purse to share with friends while you’re out and about. You’ll be the star of the party everywhere you go!
Acai
Most people are familiar with Acai’s antioxidant benefits, but one of the reasons this Amazon superfruit is so powerful is because of it’s equally beneficial omega fats. This potent ingredient duo has been shown to stunt the development of certain types of cancerous cells. For an incredibly relaxing and natural at-home spa experience, slather on some Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai and Goji Berry Face Mask.
As a consumer, the best thing you can do is be aware. Slowly start to replenish your stock of beauty care products with natural, organic alternatives featuring the superfoods above and other botanical ingredients.
Let’s Party!
To start detoxing your beauty supply with Pangea Organics and to give yourself your own healthy Halloween treat, shop at this link. Today and tomorrow only all orders over $80 will receive a FREE Skincare Discovery Kit. Add one more item to your shopping cart and get free shipping when you spend $100 or more!
If you’re interested in learning more about Pangea Organics, please send me an email at ashley@ashleyjosephine.com. You can host a party (in person or virtual) and receive free product – don’t worry if I don’t live near you, I know people – and/or you can become part of the Pangea Organics movement and build your own business just like me!
To give you an insider’s view on the products and how to use them, I created the video below to show you my own morning skincare ritual with Pangea Organics products!
Here’s to a happy, healthy, toxin-free Halloween!
