I came across this article in the Dec 2004/Jan2005 issue of The Ecologist. It
motivated me to post expressing my concern for all the people in this group
struggling with our sensitive skin. I've read many people's posts as they try
out
numerous products that contain dangerous chemicals yet are promoted as
safe, healing, natural, etc.

The article is relevant not only to people with ocular rosacea who use
Johnson's babywash for their eyes, but anyone who uses bodycare products
with these ingredients.

Not only do these ingredients have the potential to adversely affect you, they
affect wildlife and plants after you wash them down the drain. Of particular
concern are the parabens, methyl, butyl, and propyl, which act as estrogen
disruptors. They are in practically all body products, even health store
varieties.
See: www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4555

The more research I do, the more astounded I am as to what we are being
sold to put on our bodies.

Look after the article excerpts for some positive suggestions, and websites
with more info.

By Pat Thomas

"Consider the list of ingredients in the best-selling liquid soap for babies:
Johnson's Baby Softwash. Apart from the usual skin and eye irritants, this
alarming mixture contains four ingredients that can be contaminated with the
carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide, two hormone disrupters linked
specifically to breast cancer and several 'penetration enhancers'--chemicals
that can increase the rate at which the body absorbs carcinogens and other
harmful chemicals.
While it promotes 'baby-soft skin', there is nothing in it that actually
moisturises the skin, only synthetic polymers that coat the skin with a
film-like
substance giving the impression of smoothness."


INGREDIENTS

SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE-- A detergent
Adverse Effects: skin dryness, eye irritation, pentration enhancer, laureth
compounds can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogen linked to
breast cancer.

COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE--A detergent
Adverse Effects: skin and eye irritation, penetration enhancer, can be
contaminated with diethanolamine, which when combined with formaldehyde
(released by other ingredients while in storage) produces carcinogenic
nitrosamines.

PEG-150 DISTEARATE, PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, PEG-14-M-- Mutlple
purposes, including thickener solvent, emulsifier and surfactant
Adverse Effects: penetration enhancer, skin irritation, PEG 14-M is
considered unsafe to use on damaged skin, can be contaminated with 1,4
dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are linked to breast cancer.

POLYQUATERNIUM-7--Forms a film on the skin that gives the impression of
softness
Adverse Effects: contact dermatitis, formaldehyde releaser, thus a potential
carcinogen, may be contaminated with acrylamide, a central nervous system
toxin.

TETRASODIUM EDTA--A preservative
Adverse Effects: skin irritation, contact dermatitis, contact allergies, eye
irritation, penetration enhancer.

PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM--A lubricant emollient
Adverse Effects: skin dryness, can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons which studies link with an increased risk of breast cancer,
penetration enhancer.

METHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN--Preservatives
Adverse Effects: skin irritation, parabens are estrogen mimics.

POLYPROPYLENE TEREPHTHALATE--Film former, type of polyester
providing a superficial feeling of smoothness
Adverse Effects: Carcinogen, linked to pancreatic cancer, contains
phthalates; estrogen mimics linked to breast cancer.

PARFUM-- Fragrance
Adverse Effects: Can contain articficial musks, shich are hormone-disupting,
liver-toxic and neurotoxic, triggers asthmatic reactions, nervous system
reactions such as headaches, mood swings, depression, forgetfulness and
irritation.

---------------------------------
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

I've discovered that simple, and mostly cheap things work very well,
For example, put adzuki beans in a clean coffee grinder and grind VERY fine.
Japanese women have been using this for ages. Mix with water to make a
paste, and press gently (Don't Scrub!) on face.
To make more moisturizing, add oats you've ground up.
For a more thorough cleansing, use plain castile soap, or a tiny bit of natural
soap bar made by your local hippie.
Every other day, I don't use anything but purified water on a soft towel and do
a very gentle exfoliation/cleansing.
I've heard aloe irritates some people, but I keep a plant in the bathroom and
break off a bit for a before bed healer.
For moisturizing, plain cold-pressed olive oil, which mimics the skin's own
moisture. Pat on gently while face is wet, it goes on really well and soaks in
quickly. You can mix your own specialty oil by adding avocado, hemp,
sesame, jojoba, etc. These have lots of natural vit. E and other good stuff.
I think it's important to get organic, cold-pressed oils, otherwise they can
have
solvent and pesticide residues in them that can irritate the skin.
Also, Herbpharm has a calendula-infused olive oil that is very healing.

As an eyewash, you can make a tea using herbs like eyebright, goldenseal,
and chamomile, let it cool, and use to wash. Do some research to find the best
herbs for you.

My rosacea is mostly the perm. redness/flushing type, but ever since I stopped
using all products and started using the above methods, all the tiny bumps on
my skin disappeared and I almost never get big red zits like I used to. Even
tho I have perm. redness, the general quality of my skin is smooth and healthy
looking.

Some great sources of information:
Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep
--you can look up your products and check out the ingredients
Terressentials Products Website: www.terressentials.com
-check out on the right "Shampoo cause brain damage," and for a real
shocker, scroll down for "The truth about Suncreens."
New Scientist: www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4555
-- check out related articles to the right, "Shampoo related to early puberty"
and "Gender-bender chemicals in sunscreen."

Wishing everyone the best,
Agathajoon