Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll find in this chapter.

What Do You Know About Skin?

You wash it, you slap on moisturizer, and you do your best to protect it from the sun. But how much do you know about your skin? For example, does it really “breathe” like they say it does? And does it keep bacteria and toxins out of your body, or allow them in? When Cancer Hits answers these questions and more.

Your Current Routine—How Dangerous?

So you have a few department-store brands of moisturizer and cleanser in your cabinet. No big deal, right? Wrong. On page 33, I take you through all your products so you can see exactly how many chemicals you’re exposing yourself to on a daily basis. Trust me—you’ll be surprised.

Chemo Skin is Fragile Skin

I recommend you always choose your skin-care products carefully, but if you’re going through cancer treatments, your skin is especially fragile and really needs your gentle care. My father’s skin was extremely dry during his treatments, and it took forever to heal. Plus it could no longer tolerate alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives in conventional skin care products. In this chapter, I explain exactly what treatments do to the skin, and what you can do to counteract these negative effects. Plus, I tell you where to find safer products.

Look Now—the FDA is Not Watching

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of regulating the safety of our products, but unfortunately, when it comes to cosmetics, the FDA doesn’t have much to do with it. In general, companies can use any ingredient they choose in their formulations, so it’s up to us to read the ingredient lists and do our best to avoid those things that are too harsh for fragile skin.

The good news is that there are several companies out there right now that are responding to the demand for safer, more nutritious products. I help you find these companies and become familiar with the brands of skin care that are better for you.

What You’ll Get from This Chapter

Chapter 2 gives you what you need to take better care of your skin during cancer and beyond. Just imagine how much better you’ll feel with softer, more resilient skin on your face, hands, and body. Besides feeling more confident about your appearance, you’ll be helping yourself to avoid infections, wounds, rashes, and reactions that could make your experience more difficult.

You owe it to yourself to feel as good as you can during cancer and in the years after treatments are over. Choose today to lovingly protect yourself and your body.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Are you experiencing difficult skin conditions because of cancer or cancer treatments? Have you tried some of the tips in my book? Let me know what you think!

Produce: If you see the USDA Organic seal on produce, it means it was produced without most conventional pesticides or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge. Organic farmers also emphasize renewable resources and conservation of soil and water. On the whole, organic fruits and vegetables have less pesticide residue and lower nitrate levels than conventional fruits and vegetables.

Meat & Dairy: Organic means the livestock were not given antibiotics or growth hormones. A new regulation requires that the animals graze on open pastures for at least 120 days, and 30% of their dietary needs must come from pasture. Organic milk has more vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids then regular milk. Organic meat also has higher levels of omega-3s and lower fat overall than that from animals fed a high-corn diet.

Cosmetics: Chemicals in personal-care products have been linked with cancer, asthma, hormone-disruption, skin irritation, and more. However, organic cosmetics are not as closely regulated as organic foods, so you have to be careful and read ingredient lists. Even those that have certified-organic seals—such as the USDA seal—do not provide a guarantee of safety for sensitive skin. Organic standards are not safety standards, but are more about promoting greenness and sustainability, while pushing organic agriculture. Learn what ingredients to avoid, and rely on the back of the label, not the front.

Processed: Believe it or not, processed foods are now coming in organic versions. We’re talking things like cookies, crackers, and pasta. These are regulated by the USDA, and if the product carries the seal, it must have at least 95% organic ingredients. Read the ingredient label—organic crackers and cookies often stay away from high fructose corn syrup, which we can all do without. The label on your baby food items may also give you peace of mind in that the product is low on pesticides. However, just because it says “organic” doesn’t mean it’s healthy—organic cookies may still have a lot of calories and sugar, for example, so consume sparingly!

Cotton and Coffee: Since these two crops are usually heavily covered in pesticides, organic brands have come to light. Most of the pesticides are removed during processing, but they can affect the land where the crops are grown. Buying organic can help preserve environmental health.

Do you buy more organic than you used to? Please share your thoughts.

Photo courtesy volatile1966 via Flickr.com.

As with pinkwashing, we must be on the alert for what’s truly eco-friendly and what’s just dressed up in green packaging. Green cosmetic products, in particular, are appearing in droves on department store shelves. Products that never did care about natural ingredients are splashing the word “natural” or “organic” on their labels. According to a marketing research report released by Mintel, the number of beauty products on the market labeled “natural” or “organic” has risen 23 percent just since 2007. More choices would be a good thing, if these new products were truly lacking potentially harmful toxins. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

How can you tell? No matter what you see on the front of the product, it’s what’s listed on the ingredient deck on the back that will reveal the truth. Watch out for these common green traps on labels, and take our Ingredients to Avoid Card with you whenever you go shopping!

If it says “natural,” or “naturally derived” or “nature-inspired” or any such verbiage, it means—literally—nothing. Currently, no organization regulates the use of these terms on a cosmetic product, so don’t be fooled. The front of the label may also brag about botanical extracts or vitamin goodness. Take it all with a grain of salt and turn the product around and read the label. The presence of toxic preservatives or harsh synthetic detergents dirties up the natural image in a hurry.

If it says it contains “fair-trade” ingredients, that’s nice, but it’s not everything. Sure, it’s a step in the right direction to be using organic or fair-trade ingredients in the product, but that doesn’t mean they’re not using petro chemicals or phthalates as well. Dig a little deeper to be sure.

If it says “paraben-free,” again, that’s a step in the right direction, no doubt. However, realize that parabens have gotten a lot of negative attention lately, spurring manufacturers to get rid of it in their formulations just to give the appearance of toxin awareness. Harsh sodium lauryl sulfate and chemically loaded synthetic fragrances may still be lurking inside.

If it has an organic seal, you may be looking at a truly eco-friendly product, but then again, you may not.  If it has a seal from the USDA or BDIH, it’s truly organic, but other products that claim to be organic without having a certified seal are questionable. They may have some organic ingredients, but they may also have chemical ingredients that could be harmful. There are so many seals out there (some used mainly for marketing purposes) that sometimes it can be difficult to judge the safety of the product. Since there are no overarching standards, most anyone could put a product through a testing process and “certify” it organic. Give the product a second look, but don’t assume it’s completely safe.

If it says it’s for babies, you may want to assume it has to be safe, but again, this isn’t necessarily the case. We reported in a prior post about the phthalates present in several products made for young children.

In the end, the only way to really be sure your product is a safe one is 1) to read the label and avoid potentially harmful ingredients, and 2) to check your product against the Skin Deep Database. It takes a little time, but after a short time you’ll become a pro at it, and wonder why you ever allowed those other “icky” ingredients into your life!

Have you come up against greenwashing in your cosmetic shopping? How did you determine what was truly good for you?

Photo courtesy oh hello, alex via Flickr.com.

If you’re like me and love beauty treatments, skin care, and makeup, such a drastic step just isn’t realistic! Fortunately, we can take 12 simple steps to reduce our exposure and still enjoy safe products that not only make us look good, but feel like we’re doing something beneficial for our well being—and for the well being of the planet.  And as a rule of thumb, no matter what the claims are, always read labels!

Choose carefully anything that can end up inside you.
1. Lip balm & lipstick: Whatever you put on your lips gets into your mouth, so this is one of the first places to start looking for safer, cleaner products. Tests by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of name-brand lipsticks contain detectable levels of lead. Find the brands sans lead here. Make sure you always protect with a sunscreen underneath. Zinc oxide is best. Avoid balms with chemical sunscreens.
2. Toothpaste: In a 2005 lawsuit, Proctor & Gamble conceded that its Crest brand of toothpaste contained high levels of lead. The company agreed to reduce the levels, but the lawsuit illustrates the potential dangerous ingredients in toothpastes. Many contain triclosan, an anti-bacterial found to be a hormone-disruptor in tests, and harsh sodium laureth sulfate, which can actually increase your risk of mouth sores. Choose safer brands like Tom’s of Maine.

Choose carefully anything you might inhale.
3. Hairsprays: Many hairsprays contain phthalates, which have been found in animal tests to damage the kidneys, lungs, and reproductive systems. Hairsprays are easy to breathe in, so read labels and avoid ingredients like DBP, DEP, and DEHP.
4. Air fresheners & candles: Some studies have linked smoke from scented candles to asthma and eczema, and the American Lung Association has warned that candles are becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality. Some paraffin-based candles give off potentially toxic chemicals like astoluene and benzene. Keep wicks trimmed, avoid drafts, light candles only in well ventilated rooms, and choose organic varieties made with natural waxes like vegetable, soybean or beeswax. Air fresheners, as well, often contain phthalates and other potentially harmful chemicals, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against their use. Avoid air fresheners and freshen your home in other ways, like essential oil diffusers.
5. Micronized mineral makeup: Tiny particles called nanoparticles and micronized particles make makeup look smooth and flawless, but they can also be a health risk, especially for those with allergies and asthma. Reduce the chances of particles floating about in the air by working the powder into the brush, or wetting it down to reduce airborn particles.

Choose carefully anything that stays on your body a long time.
6. Moisturizers: Many brands contain parabens, petroleum products, and other potentially harmful chemicals. These ingredients absorb into the skin and can get into the bloodstream. Choose more natural and organic options.
7. Antiperspirant: Though we don’t have proof yet, some studies have linked deodorant use to an increased risk of cancer or to a buildup of aluminum in the outer regions of the breast. Why take chances with your health? Try more natural options like crystal deodorant stones, or organic deodorant varieties.

Watch out for particularly toxic products.
8. Fragrances: Since manufacturers aren’t required to list the ingredients used in fragrances, choose items that are either fragrance-free or contain fragrance from natural sources like essential oils.
9. Nail products: Avoid nail products with toluene and formaldehyde and choose better made options like the Dr. Remedy brand.
10. Dark hair dyes: Dark hair dyes contain several toxic ingredients that have been linked with cancer—look for brands like Naturtint and Herbatint and try to use them less frequently.
11. Skin lighteners with hydroquinone: Avoid lightening products with hydroquinone, which has shown in lab studies to be potentially cancer causing. There are many alternative, safe options to lighten and brighten, like kojic acid.
12. Liquid hands soaps with triclosan: Triclosan can create carcinogenic by-products, and is accumulating in our soils. The FDA has asserted that was no evidence that antibacterial products protected people any better than regular soap. Choose options that are triclosan-free.

Have you started to reduce your exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals? Do you have other tips for our readers?

Photo courtesy BunnyCrochet via Flickr.com.

Phthalates: Chemicals produced from oil to make plastic, phthalates are also used as solvents in cosmetic products like nail polishes, perfumes, and hair sprays. They’ve been found in animal tests to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled phthalates as probable human carcinogens. Human studies have found developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating with high phthalate levels in their mother’s bodies. Look for abbreviations like “DBP,” “DEP,” “DEHP,” “BzBP,” and “DMP.”

Parabens: Preservatives used in a variety of personal-care products, parabens have been found in breast tumors by scientists, and are known to disrupt normal hormone function in the body. Avoid words like “methyl,” “propyl,” “butyl,” and “ethyl” parabens.

Talc: Found in baby powders, talcum powders, and genital deodorant sprays, talc has been linked with ovarian cancer. A meta analysis in 2003 found a 33% higher risk of ovarian cancer among talc users.  Plain talc has shown in some rodent studies to be carcinogenic, with tiny particles that can get into the lungs. Avoid talc-containing products and use ointments instead of powders for diaper rash.

Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can contain as many as 200 unknown chemicals. Since companies aren’t required to list those chemicals, you have no way of knowing what you’re putting on your skin. According to a 1986 report, 99% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes and other known toxic ingredients capable of causing cancer. If you see “fragrance” on the ingredient list, avoid the product. Choose instead alternatives that list essential oils and other natural fragrance alternatives.

Formaldehyde: A colorless gas, formaldehyde is listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer.” It can cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and headaches, and is listed in the European Union as toxic and carcinogenic. You may find it in nail hardeners and nail polishes, and it can also be a by-product in the manufacturing of bath products. To avoid this chemical, ask about formaldehyde content before purchasing pressed-wood products like cabinetry and furniture, and purchase organic personal-care products.

Petrolatum: Listed as mineral oil, liquid paraffin, toluene, or petroleum, petro products have been banned or restricted for use in cosmetics in other countries. Researchers conducting animal studies have theorized that petroleum-derived ingredients in moisturizers may promote skin-cancer tumor growth. EWG also found that many petroleum-based cosmetic ingredients can be contaminated with a dangerous by-product called 1,4-dioxane. Avoid these ingredients and choose natural moisturizers like shea butter and jojoba oils instead.

1,4 dioxane: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 97% of hair relaxers, 82% of hair dyes, 57% of baby soaps, 43% of body-firming lotions, 36% of facial moisturizers, and 34% of body lotions contain 1,4-dioxane—a chemical by-product produced in cosmetics manufacturing and a known carcinogen. To avoid it, watch for words like “PEG,” “xynol,” “ceterareth,” and “oleth.”

Are you avoiding these seven ingredients? Let us know how you’re shopping toxin-free.

Photo courtesy Nele en Jan via Flickr.com.

Cosmetic manufacturers have such a handbook as well. It’s provided by the FDA, the organization that regulates the making of cosmetics, and it’s called the FDA Cosmetics Handbook. If you happen to browse through it (you’re probably holding your breath in anticipation of getting your hands on one), you’ll read a few things you might not have expected to read. Like this quote, for instance:

“With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may, on his own responsibility, use essentially any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without approval.”

Huh? Any raw material?

Let’s put this in terms most of us can understand. We’ll imagine that we all work in a restaurant. It’s called “Taking Chances.” If this restaurant had an employee handbook similar to the FDA Cosmetic Handbook, it might read something like this: “With the exception of ammonia and a few other prohibited things, a cook may, on his own responsibility, use essentially anything he wants to make the meals and serve them, without manager approval.”

Laughable, right? How many times would you eat at an establishment like that?

Granted, most skin-care manufacturers try to be “responsible,” and certainly they strive to make quality products so we’ll keep buying them. But there are some concerning ingredients that show up in formulas at low amounts that are known to be potential carcinogens. Some are cheaper to use, so the manufacturers stick with them. Others are by-products of manufacturing, and would cost money to take out. Many times they’re present in trace amounts, so who’s really going to notice?

Consider this: Would you want that cook at Taking Chances to drop even a trace amount of super glue into your mashed potatoes?

One of those toxic ingredients is dioxane, permissible by the FDA and irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. It’s a by-product of manufacturing and has even shown up in baby shampoos. When lab animals were tested with it, they developed cancer. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens, yet with the FDA’s blessing, they show up in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners. Even mercury—an extremely toxic, poisonous compound—is permitted at certain levels by the FDA for use as a preservative when other options aren’t available.

We probably aren’t going to contract disease by using one of these products once or twice. The problem is, we all use personal-care products like shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, soap, moisturizer, lotion, shave creams, and hair-styling products several times a day most days of the year for our entire lives, which can be up to 80 years or more, if we’re lucky. No one’s studied the effect of these chemicals on the human body for that long. Meanwhile, cancer diagnoses continue to rise. Shouldn’t the FDA take a bigger responsibility in protecting us?

If you were a customer at Taking Chances, wouldn’t you demand a new handbook, or refuse to frequent the place anymore?

What do you think of the current lack of FDA oversight into cosmetics? Please share your opinions.

Photo courtesy of Lazy Aussie via Flickr.com.

“My husband has a Non-Hodgkins Lympoma,” says caregiver mickigirl, “and he has had 3 chemos so far. He is still getting the night sweats though, and we thought they’d be gone by now.”

“I am just curious if anyone knows what exactly is it about cancer that causes night sweats?” says fighter Terri. “I have had them on & off for many years & kinda thought it was due to pre menopause or something. Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I feel it might be because of cancer, not exactly sure.”

If you’re suffering from night sweats as a side effect of cancer or cancer treatment, you’re not crazy. Medically termed “nocturnal hyperhydrosis,” night sweats can be caused by Hodgkin’s disease or other forms of cancer. “Night sweats are an early symptom of some cancers,” says webmd.com. “The most common type…is lymphoma.” Breast-cancer drugs like tamoxifen, as well as certain types of chemotherapy (if they drain the body of estrogen) can bring on menopausal symptoms like night sweats as well.

Scientists aren’t sure what causes night sweats, but speculate that cancer cells release certain hormones during sleep that trigger the reaction. Medications can also interfere with the body’s natural temperature regulation.

“My sister is going through chemo,” says caregiver livinlouder, “and although the nausea was not as profound this time thanks to the meds, her night sweats are terrible. She has to change several times during the night, and the mattress and bed clothes are soaked.”

If you’re suffering this side effect, what to do? First of all, if you haven’t been diagnosed with cancer, check with your doctor about your symptoms. Night sweats can indicate cancer, but can also be a sign of many other health problems, including menopause, hypoglycemia, HIV, hormone disorders, infections, neurological conditions, and more. If it’s possible you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms as a side effect of cancer treatment, your doctor may have medications to help.

Change your sleepwear to something made of a moisture-wicking material, like Cooljamaz sleep wear or Wickers underwear. You may want to consider sage tea before bedtime (find the recipe on this link). A 2005 study found that sage and alfalfa reduced hot flushes by 60% compared to a placebo. Acupuncturist John Richard Roberts suggests you avoid caffeine or alcohol for about 3 hours before bed, cut down on spicy foods, keep your bedroom cool (consider a fan near the bed), drink water if and when you do wake up, and incorporate a relaxing routine at night that includes meditation and deep breathing or yoga (not vigorous exercise). Speaking of acupuncture, former Prevention alternative-medicine editor Sara Altshul recommends it for relief, based on research showing its ability to reduce hot flashes.

Finally, an interesting product you may want to try—the Bedfan. It’s a little gadget that sits at the foot of your bed and provides a breeze between your sheets and along your body.

Do you have any ideas on relieving night sweats? Please share them with us.

Photo courtesy of fruitbat20 via Flickr.com.