Clean your skincare routine, check labels for these

Every day this week we've sent our Squeeze participants a morning email and daily tip. Here was today’s tip (others are top secret).

Today's Tip #6: Clean Your Skin Routine

What you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. You may have heard that there are potentially harmful ingredients in personal care products. And you also may have ignored it (so much to think about). Or, maybe you didn’t know which changes to make or why you should make them. So, we’ll break it down and keep it simple:

Why you should care: these ingredients are endocrine (hormone) disruptors, carcinogens and their toxicity can tip off a whole cascade of bad stuff.

Which products to look at: we’re asking you to look at items that touch a large amount of your skin. Specifically, grab your deodorant,  body lotion, body wash and face cream/moisturizer(s)

What to look for: read ingredients and look for 3 things: Parabens, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), and fragrance (fragrance is a sneaky way of masking nasty stuff like phthalates which are linked to breast cancer)

For a great intro to skincare ingredients, check this out from Cocokind. Cocokind’s founder is Squeezing with us this week.

GOAL: check your deodorant, body wash, lotion, etc. for the terrible trio of ingredients and toss if the ingredients aren’t up to par.

We told our Squeezers we’d post our faves in these categories:

Carolyn covets:

For body

Karmameju dry brush, one love body oils and Dr Bronner wash 

For face:

Cocokind cleansing oil

"I am not great on a natural deodorant yet, that is what I’ll be working on today!"

Lauren loves:

For body:

Native Deo

Babe Scrub body wash (and don’t miss their scrubs)

Jiva Apoha oils-Happy, Freedom and Joints are my faves

For face: 

May Lindstrom everything  (I love this line, do not miss honey mud, youth dew or blue cocoon, I mix this with foundation, use it as lip balm etc).

Neither of us can live with out RMS uncover up and when in doubt buy large jar organic coconut oil and slather it everywhere.

Check out our picks and let us know your favorite, clean skincare products as well in comments below.

Not Everyone Supported Angelina's Message, Important Points From Someone Who Knows

When it comes to medical choices it’s impossible to know how we’ll react until we’re face to face with a diagnosis. I learned this first hand when my father was sick. When an infection found its way into a stent the doctor said (surgeons can be so eloquent) “it’s his life or his leg.” To complicate matters further, we had to make this decision for him. He was unconscious. We choose life (life!) but felt there was a good chance that when my handsome, somewhat vain dad woke up he’d feel differently. When he came to and was informed of his amputation he looked at the surgeon and instantly said “thank you doctor for saving my life.”

Last week, Angelina Jolie shared with the world, via The New York Times, that she had made her own harrowing medical decision. Having lost her mother to ovarian cancer and testing positive for a mutated BRCA1 gene she underwent a preventive double mastectomy. She was heralded a hero by many people; however, I received an email from someone who saw things differently. This someone, my friend Erin, has faced her own bleak medical news. I'm so grateful she was open to this Q/A.

Are you comfortable sharing a bit about you, your story?

Sure, last spring I noticed a lump in my breast. I mentioned it to my doctor at my ob-gyn visit. She brushed it off because of my age and lack of family history saying it was likely a cyst. I was told to let her know if it got bigger. Waiting was my one mistake. In August I called her back to say I had no idea if it was growing but it was still there and I wanted an ultrasound. I should have demanded an ultrasound to begin with to confirm or reject her assumption of a cyst.

I went for an ultrasound and what I thought would be peace of mind.  I waited. I was told I needed a mammogram. I waited. I was told I needed a needle biopsy because the mass was “suspicious”. I was scared but more annoyed that they would do all three tests to confirm it was a cyst.  The doctor told me that he would call with the results in 2 days. On August 14, 2012, at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I couldn’t breathe. My boyfriend, at the time, raced home and my parents and sisters came over. I cried and cried for a day or two and then began to focus on finding the best doctors and putting a plan together.

Were you presented with a choice to have surgery or was it strongly recommended?

I was told to have a unilateral as things had spread to my lymph nodes and it was strongly recommended that I have a bilateral. When I asked my surgeon “If your daughter was sitting in my chair, what would you suggest?” She said bilateral. I felt like I was strong enough to go through this only once (anyone is – you go into survival mode). Even though tests showed that I do not have any genetic mutations I had a bilateral mastectomy in mid September, 8 chemo treatments from October to January, reconstructive surgery in February and 25 radiation treatments starting in March. I  finished April 16!

You reached out with objections to Angelina's Op Ed Piece, can you share your thoughts?  Were there any things you agreed with or related to?

I struggled with her references to “Pink Lotus Breast Center” it made it feel like a PR blitz versus a personal message. And the statement “I acknowledge that there are many wonderful holistic doctors working on alternatives to surgery.” I’m all for a paraben-free life but the insinuation that you can always skirt genetics (or breast cancer) with “alternatives” is irresponsible because of her influence.  Maybe Suzanne Sommers wrote the article for her.

What I wished that she included is that cancer can happen to ANYONE even if you don’t have the faulty gene (most women with breast cancer do not). While it’s important to know your history/risk, it’s absolutely critical to know your body. Women usually start mammograms at 40. Cancer can happen before 40, regardless of family history or genetics. I am proof.

There were other things I related to. I loved “On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.” She is the epitome of femininity and so for her to be so confident, after surgery, means a lot to women like me. 

Is the recovery as easy peasy as she mentioned? She also didn't have treatment so many women do/did. It wasn’t easy; you can’t use your arms for 6 weeks (think about getting up in the morning without using your arms to help). But the emotional issues that come along with the surgery were equally difficult. Things moved so quickly – diagnosis to surgery was less than a month.

What good do you think can come out of this conversation? I know it's not the same but I believe we need to talk about our bodies when they are healthy or not. Whether it's heart disease, constipation/colonoscopies/hormones or surgery, do you agree? The conversation is so important because it removes the stigma for women (and men!). Most things, when caught early, are treatable.

I know you've made some lifestyle and nutrition changes. What, from your experience, do women need to know?I became obsessive over what I was putting in and on my body (it was the one piece of control I had).

• I switched over all of my cosmetics, shampoo, body wash, deodorant to paraben-free, SLS-free all thanks to guidance from you and trial and error. 
•  I eat organic in my house and look for restaurants with organic options.
• I don’t eat anything burnt because of the carcinogens.
• I limit my soy intake to edamame once in a blue moon.
• I juice – during my treatments we had juicing parties with friends. We’d get a ton of fruits and veggies and vote on whose combo was best. I will never forget those nights because they were filled with laughter and I was completely distracted. 

I don’t sweat the small stuff. I thought I didn’t before but now I really don’t. When I was first diagnosed, I looked completely normal but was going through the worst days of my life. You really have no idea what people are going through. 

I knew Erin was beautiful, kind and smart before any of this. She was the person who traveled hours to  watch my boys, so that I could attend my sister’s best friend’s funeral (she had colon cancer). I never knew she was so strong; she says anyone would be but that’s not true. I put on my game face when I saw Erin but wept in the middle of Yellowstone Park when her sister first emailed me the news. I am so grateful that both Erin and Angelina's choices and strength will keep them alive and healthy. We must get the medical information but also know our own bodies and in the meantime make all those lifestyle changes before getting diagnosed.

Personally, I found the Brad Pitt inclusion the oddest part of Angelina's article. But that “then boyfriend” Erin mentioned? He’s her “now” fiancé. Let’s see if she beats Angelina to the altar.

What did you think of Angelina's announcement and decision? Had you thought about the BRCA 1 or 2 genes before? Is there any doctor's appointment or lifestyle changes can you make today? Or where can you sweat the small stuff less?

Tongue and Teeth

The good thing about our teeth is that most of us brush them daily. I often cite tooth brushing as a habit we do without too much thought. I wish food journaling, vitamin taking and hand washing were done as regularly. The bad thing about this consistency thing is that if we’re not careful we are swishing with hormone disruptors and carcinogens and then sending all of that down the drain to our water supply and harming our fish.  Treatment plants can only “treat” so much. If you’re thinking “everything is bad for us” there’s some truth to that but the good news is that this will be an easy fix.

One of my favorite bloggers, Katherine Ong of Beauty Palate had this to say when we talked teeth “my basic philosophy is that if I work really hard to avoid known toxins and carcinogens in my food, it's kind of silly to allow them in my beauty or hygiene products.”

Your oral health may affect or contribute to heart disease, fertility and also premature birth, osteoporosis and general immunity as bacteria from your mouth travels elsewhere. Poor oral health in kids is associated with a  greater number absences so let’s take a closer look.

Toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste the ingredients to avoid are:

• Parabens- mimics hormones, potential breast cancer connection
• Triclosan- endocrine disrupter, toxic to fish 
• Sodium lauryl sulfate- carcinogen and mutagen
• Sodium monoflourophosphate-possible developmental concern

Some of these I discussed in an earlier skincare post.

I will admit, my children used Tom’s of Maine’s Silly Strawberry for years before I discovered there was SLS in it.  Silly indeed. And me? I was informed my Marvis was safe “paraben free” at the store I first purchased it. When I read the fine print,  my pretty licorice toothpaste hit the recycling bin. What was that spelling trick…don’t “assume” or you make an ass- (out of)- u- and me? Guess that makes me a toothpaste "ass" but no more.

The kids now use Natural Dentist Toothpaste and we use Desert Essence tea tree oil toothpaste (and coincidentally so does Katherine).  Other “safe” brands include Weleda and Jason. I should note that Tom’s Clean and Gentle and Botanically Bright toothpastes do not contain SLS but after shelling our money for  Silly Strawberry, Tom lost me. And for you canker sore people, researchers from the University of Oslo conducted studies that revealed a 60% to 70% reduction in the number of canker sores in patients who used SLS free toothpaste.

Toothbrushes

When it comes to toothbrushes, you’ll want to keep in mind the material they are made from and how often you replace them. I love these from Izola. They’re made from sustainable bamboo and the months inscribed let you know when you need to move on to a new brush. They also make a “guest” set great for houseguests, sleepovers etc.  The bristles are biodegradable nylon just FYI vegetarians/vegans some bristles are made from longhaired pigs (even as an omnivore that's just repulsive). Carolyn has her own toothbrush fixation. She likes these with charcoal-infused bristles. This Binchotan charcoal can inhibit bacteria growth between bristles.

The Mack Daddy of Dental Care

Do you know what it is?  I know they look a little forcep-like but wrong end. It’s a tongue scrapper. I can’t always brush but with this in my makeup case I am always ready. Rather than using mint or gum I’d rather get to the halitosis source. It’s like spraying air freshener versus taking the garbage out. No more bad breath with the scrapper. 

Floss

Somebody is listening to his or her dentist, and flossing, as the amount of dental floss sold in the US each year could span the distance from the earth to the moon and back four times. Or at least people are  purchasing floss. The same company who boasted that statistic has floss that’s coated with PTFE, an ingredient that also provides the coating in non-stick cookware.  Seek out unwaxed or naturally coated. I like Dessert Essence but I’ve heard good things about Radius’ cranberry floss, the cranberry helps break down plaque.

I’m also booking an appointment with a Holistic Dentist. Suddenly what "4 out of 5 dentists recommend" is nothing I want to be paying money for. Sorry this has been a mouthful but bad oral health is connected to bad overall health. After a little substituting your health, your families' health and the environment will be better off.
What toothpaste do you use? Have you considered the incredients? Any paste, brushes or floss that need to hit the recycling bin? Any dental health obsessions? Anyone else a tongue scraper?

The Deodorant Diaries

It’s beautiful in NYC this time of year. Central Park is lush and green after some recent rain, it’s finally warming up and with that many of us are coming to the realization that our deodorant may not be cutting it. I recently ran into my friend Julie who had just purchased a new natural deodorant and a conversation ensued about the effectiveness of these products. Julie is really funny and one of those people everyone falls in love with. I asked her to test drive a few products and report back. I wanted to know if it is possible to be natural and odor free. Here is Julie’s Deodorant Diary.

Julie and I (with elderflower martinis) at my jewelry party, she smelled great.

Over the past few years, I have been a faithful Foodtrainers blog reader. I can’t tell you how many times I have connected with the advice offered here. I am digging my E3 LIVE shot and, as of Mother’s Day, I am now the proud owner of my first juicer. Lauren is a dear friend who has helped me tackle major food issues. I now exercise regularly and really try to put good things in and on my body, so I am excited to share my quest for a natural deodorant here.

This subject is along the same lines as poop, sorry if you are squirming. About a year ago, I noticed that my current deodorant clearly wasn’t cutting it. Whether in a business meeting, social situation or an intimate setting, whenever I would get a good whiff of my underarm BAM it would hit me that something didn’t smell good, sadly that something was me. I am extremely picky about hygiene so for this to be happening to me was a challenge I was not going to back down from. 

First, I started with every toxic brand you can think of.  For the money I spent on this venture, I could be walking around with a fabulous handbag.  I tried Degree, Kiehls, Dove, Secret “Clinical Formula”, Mitchum and the list goes on. Aside from being ineffective, I realized how horrible these were for me ingredient-wise.  To add insult to odor, deodorant residue was on my clothes and I itched constantly; I didn’t even realize I was scratching myself at inappropriate times. My trips to Duane Reade were almost daily and the garbage filled with nasty brands and then my husband switched from a toxic deodorant to an au naturel one. He would say “why are you putting a death trap under your arms?” I don’t always listen to him but, out of desperation, this time I did.

LAVANILA Laboratories 

 I was so excited to find this brand. I read about it and learned it was good for me.  It has no Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, or Phthalates. It's also aluminum free (Lauren informed me aluminum in antiperspirants  has potential links to both breast cancer and Alzheimer's). I dragged my 10-year-old daughter to Sephora and ended up with The Pure Vanilla/Lavender Scent. I’ve always been the person who wears something new out of the store but decided to wait to get home. Sure enough, we ran into Lauren and her boys across the street at Whole Foods. I shared my recent find and even whipped it out of my bag and said, “ smell it”.  Good friends can do these things.

The next day, I woke up and applied Lavanila before my Fly Wheel spin class.

It has a creamy texture, goes on easily and smells fresh. I came out of the class drenched. As I walked to Fairway, when no one was looking, I did the QWAPIT (Quick Whiff Armpit Inhale Test). Directions: head to the left, raise left arm ever so slightly so no one notices and inhale.  All things considered, I smelled quite delicious. I was in love with Lavanila. Our affair lasted for about a week and was great, no itching or scratching, and my clothes were thrilled not to have deo-hickies on them. But it was time to move on and see if there were other non-smelly fish in the deodorant sea.

Crystal Deodorant by Swanson. 

This selection awoke my inner hippy.  The description reads, “Crystal Body Deodorant is made of 100% natural mineral salts which eliminate odor. It is fragrance free, non-staining, leaves no white residue and can be used by both men and women.” The directions say wet it before use. I wet the crystal and tried to apply it but the crystal dried out as I rolled it on. It felt as though I was rubbing a stone on my armpit. I wet it again and attempted the other side. There’s no girly, fresh smell. Undeterred, I went to work and didn’t notice any overpowering odor or itching.  That night, I had my annual mammogram. The nice technician put me in position and then it hit me.  I said to myself that can’t be me who smells like this; I did the QWAPIT and was mortified. My inner hippy had become an outer hippy and clearly this one is not for me. Dumped.

Origins Totally Pure Deodorant

This is Certified Organic and there is a list of ingredients that are all recognizable. I decided to try it on a date night.  I rushed to get dressed, took the cap off and sprayed away.  I did the QWAPIT and was overwhelmed by the smell; I emailed Lauren that I smelled like a Christmas tree. The smell is Origin-y, this is not a “50 Shades” sexy scent.  I put on a silk blouse; silk is a fabric sure to test any deodorant. I will tell you that this works for body odor because the smell of the product is so overpowering that it would mask anything.  It was good but we just weren’t right for each other. This one is going to my husband.

For my last test, I bought Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant.  

I found it at Ricky’s lined up next to all my other flings. This is a pump spray that was hard to get used to and position correctly. I felt like I was spraying perfume under my arms. On my first QWAPIT, I was transported to the rose garden my Granny had in her back yard in St Simons Island, GA so I already had a sentimental connection to this spray (funny how scent can do that). The rose scent dissipated and I didn’t have BO or any overly rosey odor. This scent felt feminine and was one that I will definitely continue to use. I just packed it in my suitcase for a business trip.

If I had to rank my test results, it would pan out this way…

1. Lavanila Laboritories –first overall for texture, scent and staying power.
2. Weleda Rose Spray – a very close second.
3. Origins Totally Pure Deodorant – scent is personal and this worked just not for me.
4. Crystal Deodorant by Swanson --- YUCK!

For now, I am satisfied with my case study and I have two options that will keep me happy on all fronts. Until we meet again to tackle another fun challenge, keep up the QWAPIT! You can be natural and odor free. -Julie
Ever failed a QWAPIT? Do you use natural deodorant? Which brand?

Your Food is Organic but Moisturizer Carcinogenic

If you were to ask me about a foreign-sounding food ingredient there’s a good shot I would be able to tell you what it is. I can also explain which produce is more pesticide-laden and why you shouldn’t be drinking from a plastic water bottle (if you’re using one right now, you’re busted). Until a couple of years ago there was a large discrepancy between my knowledge of what goes in our bodies and that which goes on our bodies. In many ways “green” changes when it comes to food are easier ones. An organic apple simply tastes better. When it comes to body products, some of the more natural choices do not work as well. I test-drove many lotions and potions and thought I’d share my favorite finds. And because I do not consider myself an authority on these products I interviewed two women who are.

Odacite' Perfect Nutrients Body Lotion

I read about Odacite' in a magazine and was taken my Valerie’s story.  Valerie was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently made many sweeping life changes. She learned that some of the greatest exposure to toxins occurs with our personal care products. Even her expensive French moisturizer was chock full of chemicals. Odacite’s products use only the best, organic ingredients and they are made fresh for each customer. This lotion kept my skin hydrated for the entire ski season last year. 

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence

I first tried these products in Sag Harbor at one of my favorite stores Wellnest. This spray is fantastic after you wash your face in the morning and I also use it after hot yoga. Tata Harper’s skincare was founded on the idea “that women no longer need to sacrifice their health to look and feel beautiful.” All of her products are produced on her farm in Vermont.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ll admit I feel like a bit of a hypocrite talking about natural hair care. I’m pretty sure what’s making this head blonde is far from organic. I’m not proud of that. Despite the highlights, I was on a mission to ameliorate my chemical exposure.  My friend and fellow dietitian Ashley Koff tweeted about Rahua and it caught my attention. I’ll tell you that Rahua isn’t just my favorite organic hair care; it’s the best hair care line I’ve ever used. If only Rahua could make me blonde without bleach, I’d be thrilled.

SpaRitual Nail Polish

I don’t wear polish on my nails anymore because it grossed me out when I was cooking. I didn’t want “ballet slippers” in my smoothies or families’ meals. Because my runner’s feet need all the help they can get, I was excited to experiment with Spa Ritual. Spa Ritual’s polishes are free of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP.

Valerie and Tata were kind enough to answer some of my questions. Their answers may help you choose better products.

What are your top 3 evil ingredients when it comes to topical products?

Valerie:

1. Parabens- are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products. These synthetic chemicals are hormone disruptors. Medical concern is raised as many studies show that parabens are linked to breast cancer. Studies also show parabens react with the sun and accelerate aging. So if you don’t do it for your health, toss them to avoid wrinkles.
2. Fragrance- considered a trade secret manufacturers are not required to list ingredients in formulating their fragrance. Most are synthetic chemicals that can trigger allergies and disrupt hormone levels.
3. SLS and SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate)- are cheap detergents in many “foaming” cosmetics. They can cause damage to the heart, liver and lungs.

Tata’s top 3: Hydroquinone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Parabens.

Note: hydroquinone is a skin-bleaching chemical that has caused tumor development in animal studies. The National Toxicology program is conducting reproductive toxicity studies of this chemical.

Parabens, according to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer products, may cause reproductive and developmental disorders. The following ingredients indicate paraben presence:
methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, parahydroxybenzoic acid, parahydroxybenzoate. You cannot assume that a product labeled organic or natural is free of parabens some seemingly wholesome brands like Kiehls are paraben parties, sad.

If someone is just starting to consider what goes “on their body” is there one place or product you would suggest they start?

Valerie: Great question, 60% of what you apply on your skin enters your bloodstream. The EWG showed that women are exposed to 200 chemicals every day from personal care products. I would say whatever you use the most of. Body lotion covers most of your skin. Lipstick would be second as women ingest 32 lbs. of lipstick in a lifetime and most are contaminated with lead. Shampoo and toothpaste are important too.

Tata: I would definitely start with body lotion because as women we generally apply it 2x a day and sometimes more frequently.

And finally, what do you say to people who say organic, chemical free products are too expensive?

Valerie: I say choosing organic is the best long-term investment you can make for yourself, your family and the planet. You can choose to support your local farmer who grows his product with care and integrity, you can choose to purchase from companies that make organic products and say no to chemical business or you can chose to support your MD. In the long term it is a lot less expensive to buy organic because your health is priceless.

Tata: High quality natural and organic ingredients are going to cost more than their synthetic alternatives; but when you think about this carefully natural ingredients are more compatible with our systems and don’t pose the potential health risk of the chemical ingredients so there’s really no comparison.

If you’re new to organic personal care products, start to read ingredients and avoid Valerie and Tata’s “evil 3’s”. And maybe start with one product, as they suggested, the one you use most.  We also like Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, The Detox Market and Spirit Beauty Lounge.

Where do you stand with personal care products? Any natural companies you’d suggest? Are you willing to read product labels or make one organic/natural switch?
*Valerie from Odacite graciously offered to give away 3 of their discovery kits (includes 7 Odacite' products) to our readers. Be sure to leave a comment below in order to be eligible.
And Tata Harper is giving one reader her floral essence (too bad I am ineligible).