The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is not a complete barrier to entry. What gets onto the skin goes in!

 

Fabrics

Among the many public poisons are the synthetic fabrics many people often wear next to their skin.

Polyester is the worst fabric. It is made from synthetic polymers made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid.

Acrylic fibers are polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer according to the EPA.

Rayon is recycled wood pulp that must be treated with chemicals like caustic soda, ammonia, acetone and sulfuric acid to survive regular washing and wearing.

Acetate and Triacetate are made from wood fibers called cellulose and undergo extensive chemical processing.

Nylon is made from petroleum, and is often given a permanent chemical finish that can be harmful.

Cotton and wool are natural fibers, but they are commonly bleached, dyed or otherwise chemically treated. It is wise to wash new clothes a few times to reduce these agents. Anything static resistant, stain resistant, stain proof, permanent press, wrinkle-free or moth repellant are likely treated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) like Teflon.

 

Chlorine

Chlorine in city water used for showering and bathing is drying to the skin as well as a toxin that gets absorbed through the skin. A water filter for shower and bath is an important home need.

 

The Sun and the Skin

Sun exposure prompts development of vitamin D, but the sun rays are more damaging than in the past. If the skin receives too much sun damage can occur, including various forms of skin cancer.

The skin is our largest organ, and important to protect. However, most commercial sunscreen products are not healthy to put on the skin. It would be better to wear light cover all clothing like they do in hot desert climates.

Application of a soothing oil such as coconut oil, will moisten the skin and reduce drying and chafing. Including sources of high quality oils in the diet, such as organic flax seed, along with drinking an abundance of well purified water, and organic minerals, including silica, are also important for healthy skin and eyes.

 

Products for the Skin

In the early days of the FDA, ingredients of skin care products were “grandfathered in” as permissible components that are unhealthy, which are still widely used, such as sodium laurel sulfate and propylene glycol. Sunscreens and many medicinal ointments and salves have toxic ingredients also.

We need to learn about these public poisons and take steps to detoxify ourselves, while seeking natural skin care items.