My favorite products – personal care

 As I was getting ready today it dawned on me that there are probably a fair number of people out there that want to improve their toxic load but have no idea how to do so. I decided to tell you about some of the things I’ve done to lessen our toxic burden, which in turn does so many other things, such as lessens the amount of toxins washed down the drain, lessens the production of toxins, lessens their distribution, etc.

I first started to be concerned about toxins after attending a DAN! Conference where toxic burden was discussed. Then I read the book Slow Death by Rubber Duck which really drove home the amount of toxins I was putting on my skin. I recommend it as a great resource.

So what did I change? What did I eliminate? And what did I improve?

I stopped wearing nail polish almost completely. If I do wear polish I opt for Piggy Paint. You need to purchase their remover as “normal” chemical remover does not work.

I stopped using antiperspirant which contain aluminum and began choosing a natural deodorant. We use Herbal Clear. It seems to do the best job in my opinion, but this is probably the one area where I feel natural alternatives really lack in performance. Of course I’d rather. Carry around a stick of deodorant and reapply than load myself up with chemicals. It is all about choices.

We opt for more natural shampoos and conditioners. Some of my favorite brands include Curls, Giovanni, Burt’s Bees, Earth Momma Angel Baby. We do make sure that any product the boys use is gluten free. Read your labels.

We use fluoride free toothpastes and powders. I prefer Eco-Dent tooth powder while the boys use Branam Toothpaste and Toothgel. Larry like Tom’s of Maine. Again, it comes down to preference and what level of purity you are going for.

For skin care we use NYR Organic. In full disclosure, I am a representative but I really do like their products – or I wouldn’t sell them. My personal favorites are any of the hydrating mists. I use them after showering to give my drier skin a moisture boost before applying a moisturizer. For moisturizers I like the Wild Rose Beauty Concentrate and the frankincense hydrating moisturizer. I also use the Wild Rose Beauty Balm. Larry has had wonderful luck with the men’s line, especially the face wash and body wash.  We both use the facial scrubs.

NYR Organic offers some makeup, and I personally like the eye shawdows and lipgloss. I have not found an exceptional natural foundation yet, so if you know of one please leave me a comment.

I eliminated hairspray and most styling products, but because I have curly/wavy hair I have been trying curl enhancing products that allow me to air dry my hair. I particularly like Curls and Kinky Curly Curling Custard. Curls can be bought in organic stores and Target, which I have found KCCC at Target.

Feminine care products can really contribute to our overall world toxic load. I opt for reusable products whenever possible such as reusable cloth pads, sea sponge tampons or menstrual cups. I like New Moon pads, and have successfully used the sea sponge tampons. Seventh Generation also makes a great disposable tampon.

Lastly, I tried to give up coloring my hair, but I just looked too drawn out and down right old, so I opted to use Naturatint and Herbatint. Both products still contain some questionable ingredients, but they seem to be significantly better than their drugstore counterparts, in my opinion. The other day I tried a drugstore brand and practically died from the fumes. I quickly went back to my health store brands.

So there you have it, some of my favorite personal care products. Next time I’ll discuss some ways to lower your household toxic burden.