What is going on here? We’re finding toxic chemicals in everything these days! Young children are especially vulnerable because of their growing bodies and delicate systems, but now teenage girls - with their typically heavy use of lotions, potions and cosmetics - are next on the chemically-tainted list.

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found an average of 13 different hormone-altering chemicals in the bodies of teenage girls. Most of these chemicals fall into the following categories: phthalates, parabens, triclosan and musks, all of which have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer.

The fact is teen girls tend to experiment with more beauty products than the average grown woman, thus making them even more vulnerable to chemical contamination. And don’t be fooled by marketing: just because a product claims to be “dermatologist-tested,” “organic,” or “natural” doesn’t mean it is safe. Scour the ingredients instead and make use of the Cosmetic Safety Database and EWG’s Safe Cosmetic Guide.

- via ecochild'splay
Image: annia316