Toxic chemicals your body are absorbing!

A topic i was recently talking to the girls at work about because i was explaining why i might look like i'm "tired" or like i "haven't made any effort" lately. And it wasn't because i was tired or didn't make any effort. I actually felt great! :)

It all started with the release of Jessica Alba's book, The Honest Life, back in March.. I've been a HUGE fan of hers since Dark Angel and even long before that! She is such an inspiration to me! She's not only a natural beauty, amazing mother, wife but she's also one of the founders of The Honest company. Her book really helped me with my journey to optimal health.

After putting her book down, i decided to make some lifestyle changes, by reducing my exposure to chemicals in my everyday life.. Moisturisers, shampoos, etc, you name it! Except.. Makeup... I work 2 jobs and i work 5-6 days a week. I need to be presentable and look like i'm full of life. So that meant, putting my "awake" face on every morning. I'm refering to make up by the way! That's 6 days of make up on my skin, out of 7 days and that's if i wasn't going anywhere on my day off. Ask pretty much any female to go without make up and they'll look at you like you've just asked them to give up breathing! haha I can't speak for all women, but for me, wearing make up made me feel more attractive and abled me to enhanced what i had. Thicker eye lashes, flawless skin, a "glow" etc. Simply put, it just made me feel better. Raise your hand if you agree?

About over a month ago, i decided to make a big decision to eventually stop wearing make up (scary thought isn't it?). I didn't want to go cold turkey because i knew how much of a shock it might be to the public. lol! And working in an industry where your physical appearance is somewhat important, i felt like i had to explain to the women, that i work with, what i was exactly doing. And maybe even inspire them to allow their natural beauty to shine through and reduce their exposure to chemicals also. :)

My first week, i stopped wearing primer and foundation and just used minimal amount of tinted moisturiser. The second week i gave up eye liner(i don't ever wear mascara). The third, bronzer & concealer. When i feel ready i'm going to just wear moisturiser and blush and then, eventually nothing. EEK! haha 
 
Here's some info on the toxic ingredients you should try to avoid

Here are some tips on how to avoid toxic chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products:

• Reduce your exposure - Consider using fewer products and using them less often - This will reduce your overall exposure. Less exposure = less risk.
• Check ingredients - Don't be decieved by the words natural, hypoallergenic, etc. READ the ingredients list! Natural does not guarentee it's free from harmful chemicals. 
• Go frangrance free - Frangrances are known to cause allergic reactions. Some products that claim to be 'fragrance free' may actually contain masking fragrances that mask the chemical smells and give off a neutral odour. Make sure you read the label.
• Look for Certified Organic - Personal care products should be as close to as pure as the food we eat. Look for ingredients that are certified organic as they are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers and GMO free.

My reasons for sharing this isn't because i believe everyone has to stop wearing make up! I just want people to be more aware of what they're putting on their skin and how toxic anything that gets in contact with your skin can be. There are skin care products that use all natural ingredients and are free of harmful toxic ingredients. 

Today's positive thought: "LOVE the skin your in!"

Spreading the love of health & happiness, 
Love Liz xx