Is Your Self-Care Routine Messing with Your Hormones?
My self-care routine would always start with lighting my caramel-scented Glass House candle, a shower filled with all my favourite scented products and a seven-step skincare routine loaded with hundreds of synthetic ingredients. What I didn't realise was that these rituals, meant to care for my body, were secretly working against it.
Sadly, I didn’t know then what I know now. All of those sweet scents? They were filled with hidden chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These are compounds that interfere with your body’s delicate hormonal balance, and they are hiding in so many of the products marketed to women as ‘self-care.’
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with your hormone system. They can mimic, block, or alter your body’s natural hormones, leading to a range of health issues, from irregular menstrual cycles and mood swings to more serious concerns like fertility problems and thyroid imbalances.
The Silent Culprits in Your Routine
If you’re anything like I was, your bathroom shelf was stocked with beautifully packaged products: body washes, lotions, serums, perfumes. But beneath those pretty labels, a cocktail of harmful chemicals may be hiding:
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Phthalates: Commonly found in fragrances (including those sweet-smelling candles).
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Parabens: Preservatives in lotions, creams, and even makeup.
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Triclosan: An antibacterial agent in some cleansers.
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Synthetic Fragrances: A single term that can mask hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Understanding the Risk of Using Toxic Products
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body's natural hormonal balance, potentially leading to a range of health concerns, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and thyroid problems. Women, in particular, may be more susceptible due to the frequency and variety of personal care products we use.
Did you know that the average woman applies around 12 personal care products daily, exposing herself to roughly 168 unique chemicals? This means that our daily routine can become a major source of hidden toxin exposure.
How to Identify Hormone-Safe Products
If you’re ready to take back control of your health without sacrificing your self-care routine, here are a few steps to start:
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Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Choose products labeled ‘fragrance-free’ or those scented with pure essential oils.
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Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: Look out for common endocrine disruptors like parabens, phthalates and triclosan. More on what ingredients to look out for here.
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Embrace Minimalism: Fewer, high-quality products are often better than a crowded shelf of chemical-filled products.
Switching to non-toxic products isn’t a trend, it’s about protecting yourself. Choosing products without endocrine disruptors means making a conscious decision to prioritize your well-being and your long term health.