May 26, 2010
Hopefully you have read or watched Dr. Mercola’s interview with Dr. Samuel Epstein. Dr. Epstein is a professor emeritus of occupational and environment medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and is an expert on toxins. He is also the chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. The article and video for this interview can be found at:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/24/epstein-interview.aspx
Most of my patients are not sure where to go with this depressing information. One of them told my receptionist that “I’d rather die instead of not using any cosmetics since I am so pale!” 🙂 My response is that you can still use cosmetics as long as their ingredients are safe; this way you can stay alive much longer! 🙂
Recently, one of our naturopathic medical students, who has had many years of experience in the cosmetic industry, shared the following information with me which is very useful. Please take advantage of the following websites to check out the cosmetics/make ups you use for safety, etc.
I have cut and pasted her email here:
Dear Dr. Sharif,
As far as natural cosmetic info, I have lots of information. A few good websites to get started are:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ Patient’s can check out their products entering brand names and ingredients.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/section.php?id=51 This list is of companies who sign a compact vowing to use natural ingredients (perhaps not 100% but a start).
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/ Great website highlighting the environmental causes of cancer.
Make up companies:
Lavera http://www.lavera.com/ Value line, that has a local office in Kirkland. Wide range of products, great product education
http://www.janeiredale.com/bases.html Great products!
http://www.drhauschka.com/ Found at most natural foods stores
http://www.ecocolors.net/ Non toxic hair dye
http://radicalmedicine.com/best_bets_list.html I don’t agree with everything, but is a great start
http://www.shopearthessentials.com/pd_liken_natural_deodorant_scented_25.cfm I’ve heard good things about this deodorant
Christine