Hidden Hormone Disruptors In Beauty Products Might Be Behind Your Bad Skin (And Health)

When it comes to trying to be healthy, we’re pretty clued up on what we’re putting into our bodies. We know that junk and processed food is bad for us, and anything that’s been sprayed with pesticides could probably do with a good rinse before we eat it. But do you know the real effects of what you’re putting on your body? Turns out, our favourite everyday beauty products might be secretly packed with ingredients that are actually wreaking havoc with our hormones.

Your endocrine system i.e. the system in which all of your hormones are secreted into the blood, is affected by everyday toxins and pollutants. These pollutants trick our hormones into acting in different ways than they’re naturally supposed to behave— and so they’re called ‘endocrine disruptors’. These changes to your hormones can cause anything from irregular periods, hormonal breakouts and (in very extreme cases) birth defects, illnesses and cancer. Yikes.

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'We’re exposed to over 80,000 toxins, circulating in our environment every day,' says nutritionist and hormonal health expert Angelique Panagos. 'There is growing evidence that pesticides, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and other chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s carefully regulated hormonal system and they artificially increase the levels of hormones in the body, or impede their proper and essential breakdown.'

We’re exposed to over 80,000 toxins, circulating in our environment every day.

Of course, exposure to these everyday hormone disruptors aren’t going to cause our bodies any major harm in the short term. 'Certain chemicals such as dioxins, parabens and BPAs which have been clinically shown to interfere with the hormonal system are banned in the beauty industry and/or widely avoided by responsible companies,' explains Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List.

But, many endocrine disruptors can still be found in our every day products, and might want to be avoided— or cut down on— especially if you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding.

'Almost anything can be a hormone disruptor,' says wellness and skin health expert Marie Reynolds. 'The water you drink, toothpaste, food with pesticides or preservatives, shampoo, skincare, make-up, hair dye, tooth fillings, pollution, plastics and medication are all, to some extent, endocrine disruptors.'

But, short of living in a glass box, it can be hard to avoid them completely. And of course, some are worse than others. 'If we’re looking at hardcore hormone disruptors then recreational drugs and smoking are definitely the worst offenders,' says Marie. 'If you think how many chemicals one cigarette alone contains, it’s not surprising that they’re so bad for us.'

Shampoo, skincare, make-up, hair dye, tooth fillings... are all, to an extent, endocrine disruptors.

[See: 3 products that transform your acne blemish skin 360 degree]

But there are ways in which you can cut down on the every day ingredients that might affect our hormones, with just some small tweaks.

How To Shop For Happy Hormones

  1.Avoid parabens in beauty products

Parabens are a controversial ingredient and can be found in many every day beauty products. They’re used as a type of preservative, to prolong shelf life, but are widely believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen.

Too much oestrogen can trigger cell division and the growth of tumours, which is why paraben use has been previously linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.

Of course, the actual percentage of parabens in our beauty products is tiny— but something that many people choose to avoid.

  2. Ditch plastic packaging

It’s hard, but try to ditch plastic packaging where possible. This means food packaging, water bottles and beauty products. Look out for glass, cardboard or plastic-free alternatives. You’ll be doing your body, and the environment, a favour.

3. Avoid synthetic fragrances

Studies have shown phthalates and synthetic fragrances to have adverse effects on the male reproductive system and thyroid irregularities. Instead, look for natural perfumes made from essential oils and botanical ingredients.

Where To Shop Toxic-Free Beauty

If you’re unsure which beauty products are free from hormone disruptors, then a good place to start is by shopping at a ‘clean’ beauty retailer.

If you are unsure where to buy a toxic-free beauty products, you can always rely on The Organic Pharmacy for an edited selection of organic beauty.

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