Growing up, you don’t think much about the chemical additives in the things you use every day for your beauty routine. Lotions, cleansers, shampoos and that sort of thing. Initially, you looked at the cost. Then you examined the claims. Over the years you try to find the ones that work the best for you without breaking your budget.
Fast forward to now. I’m in the second half of my seventies. My skin is dry. My hair is thinning and become very fine. And, worst of all, my daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was advised to change shampoos to avoid all the chemical additives that are in most products now. I didn’t think too much of it until I read an article about how these same additives are causing hair loss as well as possibly contributing to cancer.
So I did a little more research and while nothing is conclusive, I’ve made the personal decision to try to remove some of these from my use. I know there are many vegan products out there with all types of claims, but I’m happy settling for using Aveeno products. They use no sulfates, parabens, or dyes and list if any fragrance is used. I’m also going to switch from my Dial shower gel to a body wash from Aveeno. There is a newer Dial product without all the additives, but I’m hoping the Aveeno will be better for my aging, dry skin.
I had already switched from an anti-perspirant to a deodorant that is 100% aluminum free. I don’t sweat a lot under my arms as much at this age, but stress sweat still smells. As to household products, most of our cleaning is done with white vinegar and water. A dash of ammonia and Dawn for window cleaning. Try it, it works.
This all may be too little, too late, and possibly just all “feel good” stuff, but it’s a start for me.
Thanks for this. I’m also trying to become more aware. A particular challenge here in NM is finding products that don’t dry us out. I’ve literally had my hands crack from dryness and I can’t stay in the bathroom all day applying and reapplying moisturizer. The only body wash I’ve found that has enough moisturizer, so far, is Oil of Olay. But I’m going to try Aveeno and see if it works here. Thanks for the recommendation!
For a heavier body cream, I use Cerave. It’s also a great product and recommended by dermatologists. I still use Olay face creams, I haven’t spent any time researching alternatives because they work so well for me. This is the one I use (https://amzn.to/41daK2p) and then I get the refill and use a spatula to refill (https://amzn.to/3NnrLkJ).
I’m with you 100%