Parabens and Phthalates

Parabens and phthalates are toxins commonly added to beauty products that I have not yet discussed, but they are certainly something I try to avoid when purchasing lotions, polish, etc. If you have sensitive skin as well, you may also want to avoid them.

Parabens are a group of chemicals used as a preservative in body lotions and creams to prevent bacteria growth. While this seems good, many people have allergic reactions or sensitivities to the parabens. When checking the ingredients list, if you see: methylparaben, propylparaben, ilsoparaben, or butylparaben, then you will want to avoid this product. Suntan lotions often have parabens.

Phthalates, or dibutyl phthalates, (aka DBP or DEP) is a chemical used to make lotions spread and absorb easier, stabilize fragrances, and prevent brittleness in nail polish. It can also be harmful and irritating to sensitive skin sufferers. Fragrances are still able to get away with not listing ingredients; therefore, making researching it very difficult. I have stopped wearing perfumes and now only use a light amount of rosewater. For nail polish, there are many brands that now advertise as being '3 free' or '5 free'. This means they are suppose to be free of phthalates, toulene, and formaldehyde. 5 free is also free of camphor and formaldehyde resins.

 It takes a little more time, reading, and research, but there are still good products out there, and there are a growing number of small companies in the natural beauty industry. There is also a growing customer demand for products that are free of 'junk'. I hope the growing competition will help keep the prices down.

Clean the Air

Living in small spaces and having asthma can make breathing difficult at times; like in the dry cold winter, or in the spring when the snow melts and the dust and molds come out and the trees begin to pollinate. Of course, opening the windows and starting up a few fans to air out the rooms is a good idea, but having house plants can help clean the air naturally. The family of Palm plants are good for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. Also good for helping to remove these toxins are the family of Anthuriums, Schefflera, and Orchids (Peace Lily and Spathiphyllum are good indoor orchids).

I am not sure if any of these plants are poisonous to pets, so please research first, and it is probably best to keep the plants in areas where the pets can't get at them.

Himalayan Salt Lamps are also great for cleaning the air. They are much less expensive then an air cleaner and they don't give off that awful smell either. Himalayan Salt Lamps ionize the air by sending out negative ions to neutralize the positive ions in the air. These lamps are quite widely available and can be purchased in various types, shapes, and sizes. They are also very pretty to look at. I keep a small one near my computer that gives off a pleasant, reddish glow.

Burning essential oils is a great way to make your home smell great, but be careful to not over do it. Too much and it can actually make it hard to breath. I find many of the droppers of the essential oils are unpredictable, so be careful when you are pouring the drops. It is almost impossible to count the drops, so I just careful watch and 'guesstimate'. I like to mix lemon, peppermint, and lavender. Surprisingly, the combination gives off a great smell, and it also helps to open up my sinuses.

I will continue to hunt and research other natural ways to breath easy and clean the air in the home without using harsh chemicals.