"Mamma? Can I eat your sugar scrub?" says my 5-year-old daughter. Bewildered, I ask, "What? Why???"
Her response? "Because it's yummy."
...I wonder how she knows it's "yummy." Hm, suspicious.
I pride myself in making products so clean you could eat them, but that doesn't mean that's what was intended. Although, that would explain the four people (yes, four people) who, to my shock and horror, ate my soap at the farmers' market. I supposed it does look like cheese. But, I digress.
An experiment was done to see the effects of pesticide build-up in the body. For the next two weeks, this family decided to eat only organic and measure the effect. Before they begin, the family takes urine samples and discover they have a number of insecticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators inside their bodies.
I'm not merely talking about the amount of exposure one may succumb to by eating my soap... or sugar scrub. I'm referring to the old adage, "what goes into the pot, must come out." Or, maybe it's, "what goes up, must come down"?
The point is, if I put oils and herbs that contain pesticide residue into the soap pot, you can be sure that the pesticide residue is going into the soap in some way, shape, or form.
What do I mean by "in some way, shape, or form"? Good question. I'm glad you asked.
In short, some pesticides react with lye, while others do not.
A pesticide that does not react with lye will simply remain in the soap unaffected. You will get the - uh, pleasure? - of dousing bathing in these pesticides. Granted, soap is a wash-off product so it's not going to remain on the skin very long to soak in like a lip balm, tallow balm, or deodorant would, right? Right. Well, except for the trace amount in the oils that are left behind on the skin because of superfat which I explain in the post I Want A Moisturizing Soap With Lots Of Bubbles.
A pesticide that does react with lye will do two things to the soap. First, it takes the precious lye away from oils resulting in higher superfat -- this is minuscule (I hope). Second, the chemical reaction can create a by-product that's even more toxic than the initial pesticide that was added (source).
In both cases, whether the pesticides are reacting with the lye or not, it's going to end up on your skin.
A study on the toxic effects of pesticides on skin done collectively by Cornell University, Michigan State University, Oregon State University, and University of California at Davis states,
"Many pesticides can be absorbed through the skin into the blood, and can cause toxic effects [in the body]... In addition, pesticides can also injure the skin directly, a process known as cutaneous toxicity. Skin irritation and skin rashes produced by irritating chemical substances are a very noticeable type of chemical toxicity."
The more common symptoms of skin toxicity are primary irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Primary irritant dermatitis is caused by the chemical substance directly irritating the skin. Symptoms can range from minor itching, pain, and redness to more severe symptoms such as blisters, with peeling and open wounds (ulcerations). This is why field workers cover up from head to toe when using pesticides. Not to mention that a splash of the pesticide on one's skin is enough result in death (source 1, source 2, source 3).
Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that develops over time. Some may become allergic immediately after initial exposure while others develop an allergic reaction years later. I wonder how many people develop a rash without changing their routine and are left baffled at what could be causing such ailment. Also, how unfortunate it would be, in an attempt to soothe the irritation, to apply a pesticide-laced skin cream on the rash caused by pesticide residue in the first place.
Granted, the residue is in trace amounts. However, it's the same "trace" amounts that is on our food which accumulates in our body, and in our cosmetics which is absorbed through our body. While these may be the immediate effects of pesticides on the skin, the long term effects are still unknown. We can see how pesticides can build up in the body overtime and constant exposure (both inside and out) make it difficult, if not impossible, to detoxify. By choosing organic skincare, in addition to an organic, real food diet, we can reduce toxic intake and pamper the skin that keeps us looking healthy and youthful!
Thanks for reading!
Related Posts
Activated Charcoal: Everything You Need To Know
Why I Don't Use Synthetic Fragrances
When my father passed away, he left me with a substantial inheritance that I used to build my multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency empire. Initially, my investments thrived, and everything seemed to be progressing smoothly. However, my success took a devastating turn when I became the victim of a phishing attack. Hackers managed to gain access to my social media accounts and used them to impersonate me, tricking my family and friends into investing in fraudulent schemes. Tragically, this scam led to a loss of $120,000 from those who trusted the fraudulent impersonation.Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, I knew I had to act swiftly to recover the lost funds and prevent further damage. In my quest to resolve the issue, I came across a recommendation for ADRIAN LAMO HACKER on Twitter. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to reach out to them. From the moment I made contact to them via WhatsApp: +1 (909) 739‑0269, I was struck by their professionalism and efficiency., providing clear instructions on how to proceed with the recovery process. I promptly filled out the necessary forms, detailing the extent of the phishing attack and the fraudulent transactions involved. Despite the urgency of my situation, I received a prompt and reassuring response from ADRIAN LAMO HACKER. They began by guiding me through the recovery process with meticulous care. The team requested relevant information to verify my identity and gather details about the fraudulent transactions. Their thoroughness and attention to detail were evident, and it was clear they were committed to addressing every aspect of the issue. This level of diligence was crucial in regaining control of my accounts and assets. What truly impressed me was the team’s dedication to customer satisfaction. They took the time to address all my concerns and provided regular updates on the progress of the recovery efforts. Their transparency and clear communication were particularly comforting during this stressful period. Knowing that experts were handling the situation gave me a sense of relief and allowed me to focus on other pressing matters.Thanks to ADRIAN LAMO HACKER swift and effective intervention, I was able to regain control of my accounts and prevent further losses. The recovery process, while challenging, was significantly eased by their expertise and support. The experience served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online security, but the assistance I received from ADRIAN LAMO HACKER made a significant difference in overcoming this setback.Their professionalism, efficiency, and unwavering commitment to resolving my case set them apart as a trusted ally in the fight against cybercrime. I am deeply grateful for their assistance and would wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone facing similar issues. Their ability to handle complex situations with such competence and care is a testament to their skill and dedication.The phishing attack I experienced was a harsh lesson in the importance of online security. However, the expertise and support provided by ADRIAN LAMO HACKER were instrumental in mitigating the damage and safeguarding my investments. Their proactive approach, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction highlight their role as essential partners in combating cyber threats. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, do not hesitate to contact ADRIAN LAMO HACKER. Their proven track record and professional service make them a reliable resource for recovering lost assets and securing digital safety. Consult ADRIAN LAMO HACKER via WhatsApp: +1 (909) 739‑0269
Email: Adrianlamo@consultant.com
Telegram: @ADRIANLAMOHACKERTECH