By Hannah Schenker
We are living in a chemical soup. Many of us are waking up to the fact that we can make more conscious decisions when it comes to the products we use, especially when it comes to our precious bodies. More than just about the packaging that products come in, we need to be thinking about what exactly is on the ingredients list. Personal care items – those things that come into immediate contact with the skin we live and breathe in – are as important to consider as the food we eat. Here are four areas of the body where we should be opting for chemical-free products, and some options to consider that harness the power of nature’s ingredients.
Armpits
Whether or not the aluminium and other chemicals in regular antiperspirants actually do get absorbed into the underarm tissue (which some claim to be dangerous due to its proximity to the lymph nodes, but which until now hasn’t been conclusively proven in research), why take the risk? There are so many incredible alternatives that utilise the power of natural ingredients to reduce odour and wetness, while still allowing your body to do its thing: sweat. We’ve all read about the benefits of probiotic bacteria for our guts, but have you considered using them on your skin? Nature Body have a probiotic deo that works by using two topical strains of probiotics that used to live on our skin before the age of anti-bacterial soaps and washes. One strain in particular oxidises sweat on your body and helps keeps skin healthy, while stopping odour. It even reduces the need for deodorant!
Teeth
Life (and many cups of tea) can cause our teeth to discolour as we age, and teeth whitening is a mega-huge industry with extremely white teeth being the ultimate goal. Before you opt for the chemical toothpastes or strips to whiten your teeth (which many people actually over-use causing damage to their teeth), there are alternatives out there. Charcoal and turmeric are two superstar ingredients when it comes to whitening your teeth – and you can get both in a toothpaste. Both are notorious for staining just about everything – except for your teeth – so you’ll have to suspend your disbelief as you brush it on, fearing your teeth will forever be stained black or yellow! Turmeric is an ancient spice and tooth whitener, and comes with a host of other benefits for your oral health (studies have shown it to reduce dental pain and reduce gingival inflammation). Charcoal is a super absorbent substance that has the ability to remove toxins when they stick to the surface of the charcoal. Pop a little of this toothpaste on your brush and away you go.
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