Toxic Beauty: How Cosmetics and Personal-Care Products Endanger Your Health... and What You Can Do About It
Samuel S. Epstein, Randall Fitzgerald (Contributor)
- Genres Health Nonfiction
296 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
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Samuel S. Epstein
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Some of the info was surprising, and not things that usually come up discussing dangerous chemicals (even in things you think are safe!) this is definitely worth reading. Although the author tries to recommend some healthy products at the end of each chapter some are really lacking in options, these sections feel like a last minute add on. If you want good technical info: read this book. When you want more product options go read the green beauty guide which is full of author recommendations, and DIY recipes.
Two interesting points: (1) no sunscreen blocks out the type of UV light (UVA) that causes skin cancer, but rather the type of UV light (UVB or short wavelength) that causes sunburn. Therefore, by encouraging people to stay out in the sun longer because they don't burn, it actually increases the risk of skin cancer by increasing exposure. Only sunblocks block both types of UV. (2) Substances absorbed through the skin are more harmful than those eaten, because they go directly into the bloodstream whereas ingested matter goes from the the intestines through the veins to the liver where it can be at least partially detoxified. Thus, products applied to the skin should be particularly harmless (but in fact many of them contain carcinogens, hormone disrupters, and allergens, all helped along by penetration enhancers).
I finally decided to read this book and although it was depressing, I am so glad that I did. I now fully understand just how toxic my products are and I have switched almost everything over. I also now feel educated enough to explain the issues associated with everything from deodorant to sunscreen if a stranger were to ask me about it on the street. I love books from which I learn something concrete and this is certainly one of those books.
Please read and realize that alternatives do exist and also that no one is watching out for you or your health. It's going to take time before these products build up in your body enough to affect your health and fertility. And by the time it happens, no one is going to be able to trace it back to all your toxic products so companies don't care. Educate yourself and take responsibility for your own health!
I'm only reading the intro on this book, so I'm not going to rate it.
The book comes with a tear sheet you can take with you to the store when you shop and pages of helpful tables and resources. This is a valuable book that everyone needs to read. It is a book that can save not only your life, but your children’s.