Going Clean with Skin and Personal Care!
By Georgia Tetlow, MD and Jill Maddock, PIM Office Manager
At PIM, our vision is to integrate the best of conventional and alternative medicine to inspire and give you the tools for your self-care. We support our patients in their natural ability to detoxify--including through their skin. Removing, or at least significantly reducing or avoiding toxins is a part of a Philadelphia Integrative Medicine plan. Whether it’s choosing organic foods, responsibly raised meats, or wild caught fish--we and our patients strive to eat clean. So why not do the same for our skin? I’m sure we are all piling on the SPF these days, so let’s dive in!
The skin is the largest human organ, with an impressive surface area--here’s how to protect yourself….
What is the concern?
The personal care industry is, for the most part, unregulated. Companies are essentially free to do whatever they want without much government oversight. Many daily products are packed with toxic ingredients- known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. According to the website “Goop”, the last regulation on products was passed in 1938 and was a single page long!
What do you need to know?
Parabens, PCBs, phthalates, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, BHA, BHT and other chemicals are found in many commercial products. Ingredients like this can mimic hormones like estrogen, increasing gene expression that may ultimately lead to cell stimulation that is associated with cancer. For the full scoop on hormone balance, read our recent blog: Look Great, Feel Great! Hormone Balance for Men and Women.
The good news is today we have many cleaner options to choose. Consider switching to cleaner brands. You can discuss what’s right for you at your next Philadelphia Integrative Medicine appointment or simply browse the list of recommended products below. “Vote with your dollars” so that someday, we hopefully won’t need to worry about this issue at all! Toss those old products out today!
Checkout this helpful handout on options for clean skin and personal care from one of our suppliers, Emerson Ecologics.
For beauty and makeup, checkout Goop.
PIM wants to hear from you! Do you have an experience with natural products (skin care or other) in your home? What is your favorite brand? Do you find this article helpful?Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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If you or your loved one needs help, perhaps you are suffering from the effects of ongoing stress, mood or hormone imbalance, including thyroid imbalance, or you or they are already working with a doctor to address a condition but want a more comprehensive, empowering approach schedule your a 20 minute free consultation or an appointment with Annmarie McManus, MMSc, PA-C, PT, IFMCP or Lauren Houser, MS, MSN, CRNP today!
Resources:
https://goop.com/beauty/personal-care/clean-beauty-and-why-its-important/
https://themodcabin.com/what-are-parabens-and-phthalates-and-why-you-should-avoid-them/