photo source: Pierrot photography
No matter where you are on your journey, adopting a low-tox approach is incredibly empowering. Never before have human beings and our environment been so overwhelmed by toxins and chemicals. Many women & men today are facing catastrophically high infertility rates. As consumers many are unaware that their daily expensive creams and makeup can accumulate over 100 chemicals on and in their bodies each day. Let alone our clothing, household cleaners, food, water, packaging choices etc…
Being aware of what we put on our skins is a wonderful starting point to understanding the various levels and chemicals around us. The reality is that we cannot exist in this world and avoid all plastics and chemicals. So how do we create and find a balance? My love for botanical skincare began when I first visited Stockholm, where my husband introduced me to the holy grail of botanical dermatology. I was fortunate to have a partner who was already very conscious of what he put in and on his body, becoming a wonderful mentor and guide on my various health journeys.
Over the past five years, I’ve learned to distinguish between cosmetic skincare and healing skincare. Nature holds the answers we seek and offers many marvelous solutions, yet the knowledge of botanical dermatology still hasn’t reached its pinnacle. Clever and highly influential marketing has obscured this wisdom, drawing us to shiny, glittering products without revealing the full truth about the ingredients in the makeup and skincare brands we trust.
During my years of trying to conceive, I dove headfirst into understanding how much we poison ourselves, both by our environments and conventional consumer goods and brands that we inevitably trusted and assumed were made with integrity and transparency. There is a significant lack of transparency in what we eat, what is put in our foods, what is given to us by trusted professionals, and what insidious chemicals reside in our homes and daily consumer products.
The proverbial Pandora’s box was opened, and once you become intrigued by understanding how to better your health starting with the basics, it will permeate all aspects of your life. They say ignorance is bliss, but with the rising global health crisis, declining fertility rates, autoimmune diseases, increasing cancer statistics and the staggering increase in consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent products, it has never been more crucial as a consumer to take charge and fully educate ourselves on the long-term effects of toxic exposure.
My low-tox revolution began during pre-conception and intensified when I became pregnant. It became clearer than ever that whatever I put in and on my body would most certainly affect my child’s life. Thus began the journey of deciphering the plethora of products targeting young mothers and children. The most vulnerable should be the most protected, or so we wrongly believe.
According to EWG ( environmental Working group) over 200+ toxic chemicals are found in the cord blood of newborns, owing to the skincare products and dietary ingredients mothers use. These chemicals can lead to congenital defects, cognitive and neuronal divergences.
As mothers we have a duty examine our choices and educate ourselves on the best natural alternatives. not just for our maternal health and to lower risks, but for the future generations that we are creating and raising. Their development, health and environments are very much going to be affected by the choices we make today.
Understanding the Importance of a Low-Tox Pregnancy
Before we dive into the tips, let’s explore why a low-tox pregnancy is so crucial:
Protection for Your Baby: Minimizing toxin exposure helps prevent potential developmental and health issues in your child.
Enhanced Maternal Health: A toxin-free environment reduces the risk of complications, ensuring a smoother pregnancy journey.
Long-Term Benefits: Embracing a low-tox lifestyle now can lead to lasting health benefits for both you and your child.
I researched high and low, using wonderful apps such as ON SKIN to help me navigate the most popular skincare products for mothers and babies. This app allows you to scan products live and it will give you a rating as to how safe it is and exactly what chemicals were use dto create it. Giving us full transparency that marketing and greenwashing tactics try hide.
Here are some major chemicals used in most skincare products that should be avoided:
Phthalates: Often found in fragrances and can disrupt the endocrine system.
Parabens: Used as preservatives but can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormones.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing agents: Includes Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and Imidazolidinyl urea.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Another common acne treatment ingredient.
Chemical Sunscreens: Ingredients like Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate. Opt for mineral sunscreens instead (e.g., Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide).
In upcoming articles I’ll be diving more into household cleaning products, food choices, filtering water, wardrobe choices and low tox daily environments. A low-tox pregnancy isn’t just a trend; it’s a mindful approach to ensuring the best for you and your baby.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Love, Vie xxx
