There has been a trend in recent years for very young children to use skin care and anti-aging products.This is likely because they are seeing these products on social media. Many parents consider these products to be safe and perhaps a better option than allowing their children to wear makeup; however, many of these products contain Phthalates, harmful chemicals known to be endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disruptors mimic, block, or interfere with the function of the endocrine system. Anything in the human body controlled by hormones may be negatively affected by these disruptors. Endocrine disruptors have been associated with fertility issues, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, immune function, neurodevelopment/cognitive disorders, and early puberty.
Phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals have been found in cosmetics and personal care products, including lotions and hair conditioners, household cleaning products, food packaging, pesticides, and fragrances.
Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, and children’s skin is more permeable than that of adults, they are more susceptible to the dangers of these chemicals. Because children are still growing and developing, there is concern that these chemicals may cause disruptions at key developmental periods.
Here are some suggestions for reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals:
- Choose “fragrance-free” products (unscented is not the same thing); steer clear of items containing fragrance, parfum, phthalate, DEP, DPP, or DiBP.
- Choose natural cleaning products such as water and vinegar in place of more toxic cleaners.
- Choose fresh, organic food whenever possible.
- Limit canned and packaged food.
- Store hot food in glass containers.
- Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
- Vacuum regularly, especially if you have young children who spend time on your floors, as Phthalates accumulate in homes.
An excellent source to find alternative personal care products is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin-Deep database which can be found here
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.