"The FDA recommends a maximum level of 10 parts per million (ppm) for lead as an impurity in Cosmetic Lip Products (such as lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liners) and Externally Applied Cosmetics (bath products, cheek blushes, body powders, compact facial powders, body deodorants, eye shadows, face paints, foundations, hair shampoos/conditioners, body lotions, mascaras, nail polishes, shaving creams, and tanning preparations).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “No safe blood lead level (BLL) has been identified in humans. Lead is a toxic metal that serves no useful purpose in the body and can cause harmful effects even at extremely low exposure levels.”
*NOTE: 10 parts per million (ppm) is generally considered a trace amount, equivalent to 0.001%.
Is the lead in my cosmetics causing my headaches, fatigue, memory issues and irritability?
Cosmetics usually contain dyes, lakes, other pigments, inorganic oxides, salts, and minerals. These ingredients all contain lead.
Surprised? Let me explain…
Dyes are used to impart color. They can be made from plants, insects, minerals and synthetic chemicals.
Lakes and other pigments add vibrant color to cosmetics and mix well with oils and fats. They too can be made from plants, insects, minerals and chemicals. Many lake dyes and lake pigments contain the mineral salt, alum.
Mica adds a shimmering, sparkle effect to the cosmetic. It is a natural mineral that is mined from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock formations.
Polymers are used in cosmetics and when combined with volatile oils such as cyclomethicone, they help lip products last longer on the lips. Polymers can be natural or synthetic, while cyclomethicone is solely synthetic.
Talc is used as a pigment extender and a filler. It is a clay mineral from the earth.
Talc is frequently contaminated with asbestos during mining.
Other clays are used to deep clean, detoxify and balance the skin by absorbing excess oil. Clays are natural earth materials, formed over millions of years; however, they too contain lead.
Minerals are used as a natural colorant and to provide a more natural coverage. Minerals naturally occur in the earth.
Salts are used as exfoliants and to thicken liquid soaps and shampoo solutions.
Salts exist naturally as minerals on the earth, but they can also be manufactured.
Oxides are often used in cosmetics as a natural colorant and to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. They exist naturally on the earth but can be manufactured.
Unfortunately, natural occurring ingredients still have trace amounts of lead. Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to the human body. Natural ingredients may have less lead trace than man-made synthetics, but it depends on the sourcing, processing, and purity of the ingredients.
So, What Are Some Solutions?
-Use natural products from companies who insist on purity of ingredients and have sourced and processed their ingredients with integrity.
-Chelation Therapy can remove lead and other heavy metals from the body. This is a medical procedure using specialized medications (chelators) that bind to metals and enable them to be excreted through urine or stool.
Chelation Therapy can cost between $75 to $300 dollars per session.
It is used for diagnosed toxicity (lead, mercury, arsenic) and must be done under medical supervision to avoid fatal side effects or the loss of essential minerals. Cleveland Clinic
-Dietary and Natural Support may also help…
High Fiber Foods: whole grains, and vegetables are known to reduce the absorption of toxins.
Sulfur Rich Foods: garlics, onions, broccoli and cabbage are known to aid in eliminating heavy metals.
Nutrients: taking in sufficient amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin C can help minimize further accumulation.
-Prevent Further Exposure: Identify the source. Cleveland Clinic
Test your cosmetics, laundry soaps, candles, and air fresheners.
Test one product at a time for a few days. This will help you to quickly recognize if the product is triggering your discomfort.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
Using naturally sourced products is always better than using synthetic derived ingredients.
Yes, natural products may contain trace amounts of elements from the earth’s crust, but I believe, by implementing the Cleveland Clinic’s solutions, we can live healthier lives.
And let’s not forget about the benefits of exercising and sweating.
While the liver and the kidney are the primary detox organs, studies indicate that sweat glands can act as a secondary route to eliminate environmental pollutants, sometimes more effectively than urine.
Thanks for being a part of the R’jenta Revolution, a radical movement toward a healthier you!
-Annette Bell and the R’jenta Team,
“Doing our part to bring transparency to the home and body care industry”
*NOTE: The information found in this newsletter is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure nor prescribe a medical condition. It is for educational purpose only.
