The average store-bought soap and shampoo contains an alarming amount of toxic chemicals. The main culprits are parabens, sulfates, triclosan, and phthalates. The levels of toxicity and their effects vary, but what they all have in common is that they are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) - and they are all detrimental to baseline levels of health and vitality.
An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters the function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects. These foreign chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body, binding to the estrogen receptors of cells. Xenoestrogens in soaps and shampoos can be particularly dangerous as skin absorption is highest on the forehead and scalp out of anywhere on the body.
When exogenous estrogen-like molecules enter the body through skin absorption, it can have a multitude of long-lasting skin and health effects over time.
Some of these health effects can include:
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Acne.
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Skin disorders, including Eczema, Psoriasis, KT, and more.
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Excess fat.
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Lower testosterone: estrogen ratio.
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Mood disorders.
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Reduced reproductive health.
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Immune dysfunction.
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Dull, lifeless skin.
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Cancer.
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Inheritable DNA damage.