What Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in skincare do?

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in skincare

Living and partaking in our modern world is not without its challenges. Obscurity and uncertainty on manufactured compounds makes it difficult to come to an informed opinion; and when this involves our health, it’s not necessarily something we want to risk.

The use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (otherwise known as EDCs) within the cosmetic space has been on the rise for the past 30 years or so. Parabens, phthalates, triclosan are familiar names which frequent ingredient lists in most cosmetic products.

These chemicals work to mimic, block or interfere with the endocrine system which carries out vital metabolic, reproductive and mood-related functions. Studies have shown that chronic low-exposure has the ability to cause transgenerational health defects by way of hormone imbalances, metabolic and skin disorders, and reproductive health issues.
While the complexity of their structure and interaction with the body means that their specific mechanism has not been determined. Growing evidence overall suggests a need to reduce exposure and use of these substances. Moreover, the lack of research on its long-term effects by companies that use them in their products.

Two of the easiest ways to minimise exposure and effects is by:

Focussing on what you’re using cosmetically.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so what we put on it is absorbed and used within the body. Choosing products with naturally-derived ingredients will not only assist your skin in hydrating and renewing itself without harsh side-effects, but it also benefits your internal systems. Just like you wouldn’t eat chemicals, don’t put chemicals on your skin.

Supporting your body’s detox processes

Your liver is the detox centre of the body. It works by filtering blood and breaking down toxins before they are removed by the kidney and colon. There are a number of herbs that can be taken to effectively support and improve its function. One of the main ones - and one which Lise, the founder of The Herbal Gardener mentions any chance she gets - is stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica. When taken daily as a tea or in food (think: stinging nettle soup), it works to allow your body to more effectively uptake all other nutrients and minerals it consumes through food and supplements.

Increasing awareness and education surrounding what you’re consuming takes time and effort, but is paramount for your overall health and wellbeing. Your body knows how to heal and function, it just needs the right tools.

References

Kahn, L. G., Philippat, C., Nakayama, S. F., Slama, R., & Trasande, L. (2020). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: implications for human health. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 8(8), 703-718.

Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Bourguignon, J. P., Giudice, L. C., Hauser, R., Prins, G. S., Soto, A. M., ... & Gore, A. C. (2009). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine reviews, 30(4), 293-342.
Lauretta, R., Sansone, A., Sansone, M., Romanelli, F., & Appetecchia, M. (2019). Endocrine disrupting chemicals: effects on endocrine glands. Frontiers in endocrinology, 10, 178.

Schug, T. T., Janesick, A., Blumberg, B., & Heindel, J. J. (2011). Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 127(3-5), 204-215.

Bhusal, K. K., Magar, S. K., Thapa, R., Lamsal, A., Bhandari, S., Maharjan, R., ... & Shrestha, J. (2022). Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review. Heliyon, 8(6).