Did you know that many of the chemicals in skin care products, when applied to the skin, can be absorbed directly into the blood stream? This can be more dangerous than if the products were actually eaten because chemicals ingested through the skin do not get filtered by your liver or digestive system!Children are at even greater risk of suffering the consequences of exposure to dangerous chemicals, because their skin is 30% thinner than adults (on average) and can absorb greater amounts of chemicals from the skin surface. They breathe in more air (and air contaminants) relative to their weight than adults, and the blood-brain barrier that helps block chemicals from penetrating brain tissue is not fully formed until a baby reaches 6 months of age. In a 2007 study, the Environmental Working Group (EEWG) found that, "Every day children are exposed to an average of 27 personal care product ingredients that have not been found safe for kids. ... and overall, 77% of the ingredients in 1,700 children's products reviewed have not been assessed for safety."
In fact, 54% of children's products marked as safe and non-toxic contain one or more of 20 top ingredients of concern in children's products, including chemicals linked to allergies, nervous system problems, cancer, reproductive risks, and hormone disruption.
In 2007, EWG surveyed more than 3,300 parents to find out what shampoos, lotions, bath soaps and other personal care products their children use. The results were used to help EWG produce a Parent's Buying Guide to help parents navigate around bogus claims and find safer products with fewer ingredients linked to allergies, cancer, and other concerns for children.
We have prepared a handy, pocket HealthySkin™ Shopping Guide to help you choose safe personal care products for your children. The packet guide is available FREE to Insider Subscribers. Subscribers should send a SASE to:
Dolls Like Me
HealthySkin Shopping Guide
6B Caldwell Ave
Summit, NJ 07901
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