Teen Girls' Body Burden of Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals

Adolescent exposures to cosmetic chemicals of concern

Published September 24, 2008 by Environmental Working Group

Laboratory tests reveal adolescent girls across America are contaminated with chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and body care products. Environmental Working Group (EWG) detected 16 chemicals from 4 chemical families - phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks - in blood and urine samples from 20 teen girls aged 14-19. Studies link these chemicals to potential health effects including cancer and hormone disruption. These tests feature first-ever exposure data for parabens in teens, and indicate that young women are widely exposed to this common class of cosmetic preservatives, with 2 parabens, methylparaben and propylparaben, detected in every single girl tested.

Study teens use more personal care products daily than an average adult woman

During this window of vulnerability to toxic assault, adolescent girls typically experiment with an increasing number and variety of body care products. Teen study participants used an average of nearly 17 personal care products each day, while the average adult woman uses just 12 products daily. Thus, teens may unknowingly expose themselves to higher levels of cosmetic ingredients linked to potential health effects at a time when their bodies are more susceptible to chemical damage.

See Full Report

Alternatives to Products with Toxic Chemicals:

We have found the following websites with personal care products containing natural, safe ingredients:

Beautorium

Natural and Organic Beauty Emporium has products that meet the highest standards of non-toxic, organic personal care. Teens will love this site since they have everything here.

Shop for Free Gifts now at beautorium!

Vitacost

In addition to tons of nutritional products, Vitacost has many brands of non-toxic, natural personal care products at huge discounts.

Save up to 80% Everyday at Vitacost.com! Click Here!

ZenMed Acne System

The ZenMed acne system is designed to treat both adult and teen acne at its source, using the finest herbal ingredients. It is formulated with natural ingredients that have been proven over centuries to heal skin problems such as acne, and promote a healthy, clear complexion from the inside. This skin care system prevents and treats acne both internally and topically and provides lasting results.

I know the ZenMed system works to heal acne. I suffered from severe acne as a teen and used many medications and harsh treatments, including long-term antibiotics, Accutane, and many toxic topical products. I didn't know any better as a teen and thought these medications and products would work. They did not and the long-term antibiotics devastated my immune system. The acne continued into my adult years, and Iwas very happy to find the ZENMED Derma Cleanse System. It cleared the acne that I had been struggling with for 35 years after using it for only 3 weeks! It really does work, andI am thrilled to recommend it to parents for helping their teens clear their skin. Acne can be devastating to a teen's self-image and must be treated holistically with safe, natural ingredients.- Jane Sheppard, Healthy Child