I want to let you in on a little health secret that isn’t talked about enough.

There’s something you use daily that may be contributing to stubborn hormonal issues, mood swings, digestive issues, and more. Its toxins make their way into your blood stream with each use, disrupting your endocrine system and altering your gut microbiome. It comes in many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: they wreak havoc on your gut.

I’m talking about your skincare (specifically low-quality skin care often found in drug stores). Your lotions, primers, moisturizers, foundation—everything you slather on our face daily without thinking twice about its contents.

I hardly gave my makeup and skin care products much thought either until I received the unfortunate news of a cancer diagnosis in my family. When this family member of mine was officially diagnosed, the first thing her oncologist recommended was that she rethink her skincare products and their ingredients.

Some common toxic ingredients to look out for are:

• Pthalates
• Parabens
• Flame retardants
• Mercury
• Dioxin
• Pesticides
• Sulfates

Although your $7 foundation may be giving you a great bang for your buck by giving you a fresh-faced glow, it’s silently building up your toxic load, use after use, day after day (did you know 61% of lipsticks contain mineral metals such as lead??).

Your beauty products likely also contain endocrine blockers that disrupt our body’s hormones by mimicking them. Studies show endocrine blockers are linked to reproductive issues, cancer, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and even brain disorders in the long-term.

So how does this affect our gut?

Inflammation is our gut’s worst enemy, and the toxic overload from the skin care results in, well, a lot of it. This, in turn, contributes to the overgrowth of bad bacteria and weakened intestinal lining.

If you frequently buy low-quality beauty products, don’t stress! There are so many gut-friendly, nontoxic skin care options available these days and it’s a simple switch. (If you aren’t sure if yours are nontoxic, check the hazard rating via the Environmental Working Group)

I recommend Beauty Counter because I know their products have been individually tested for safety. Their Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer with SPF is my go-to for summer and makes my skin look and feel amazing! You also get to enjoy 20% off your first order.

Happy shopping!

Xx,

Chelsea Haines