In the U.S.,
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer –
40 years ago, it was 1 in 20.
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October may be associated with orange, red and yellow to signify the beginning of fall and the coming of Halloween. To others, it is the month of pink. To indicate breast cancer awareness month.
Not just women, but men are prone to breast cancer as well.
What is most surprising is that 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. ( Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2018)
Health care providers can conduct a breast exam at your annual wellness visit, but it is also your responsibility to be aware of changes in your own body. Usually, finding a lump in you breast or underarm is the first sign. (However, many factors can cause lumps in your breasts. Does not mean all lumps mean it is cancer.)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018) lists irritation of the breast skin, redness/flaky skin in the nipple area, or any discharge from the nipple are among the many symptoms to be aware of. It is important to note that a “normal breast” does not exist, because every breast differs from another. That is why it is so important to be familiar with your own body so you can judge what is normal to you.
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Since 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of breast cancer it is important to be aware of what we put on our bodies. It takes 26 seconds for chemicals in your products to be absorbed into your blood stream. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body. If you are concerned with what type of food you consume, you should be concerned about what products you choose to use on your body as well.
Beautycounter is a mission driven company that puts your health first. With a trade marked list that is made up of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals that will never be used as ingredients in their products. The Never List puts your soul to rest. Beautycounter goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States because it is a company dedicated to health and safety.
Can you say that about your brand products?
So what ingredients should you be protecting yourself from? The best thing you can do for yourself is to become educated and self aware. Read your labels and understand what these scientific words mean and do to your body. I’ve also included products, not just Beautycounter, that you can swap out your products for a cleaner, safer option.
[line] The Toxic 5 [line]
Phthalates: (Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.) A class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system (hormonal processes linking to breast cancer) and may cause birth defects. (Swap out for Ambre Blends which are natural oils or Cote nail polish.)
Triclosan &Triclocarban: (Found in liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.) Antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. (Swap out for Beautycounter’s Body Wash, Beautycounter’s Citrus Mimosa Body Bar, or Earthpaste toothpaste products. And my favorite, Beautycounter’s Charcoal Cleansing Bar.)
Oxybenzone: ( Found in sunscreen, moisturizer.) Sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. (Swap out for Beautycounter’s Sunscreen or my favorite Countermatch Adaptive Lotion)
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others): (Found in shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.) A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. (Swap out for Beautycounter’s Hair Care line or my favorite foundation Tint Hydrating Foundation)
Aluminum: (Found in deodorants.) It functions by forming a precipitate that physically blocks sweat glands. Scientists have suggested that aluminum may have hormonal effects (contributing to the development of breast cancer.) Read more from the National Cancer Institute here (National Institute of Health, 2016.) (Swap out for Native Deodorant or Schmidt‘s Deodorant.)
[line] How Else You Can Reduce Your Risk [line]
Conduct monthly breast exams
Skip the perfume or cologne
Choose glass or stainless steel water bottles
Avoid non-stick pots and pans
Buy fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned
Choose safer beauty products
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Interested in learning more about safer beauty? Read similar blog posts from the past!
Read about The Fragrant Penalty, how skincare and beauty companies hide behind “fragrance” as a trade secret to cover a multitude of ingredients that are detrimental to our health.
Get familiar with the “natural” or “organic” marketing scheme. Is it really natural? Read Organically Speaking, Is It Really Safe?
The best products to use for your new bundle of joy : Welcoming Baby & Family with Safety & Style.
And my top favorite Beautycounter products that are safe for all, not just for pregnant women! 6 Pregnancy Friendly Beauty Products.
