Been a bit busy this week - my cancer/google habit has therefore fizzled away to almost nothing. So just wanted to check with everyone what you’re doing about your cosmetics, skincare and bodycare products. Still need to mug up on parabens and cancer but has everyone else changed all of their products for ‘natural’ ones? It’s a bit of a minefield though as a lot of so called natural brands are loaded with sodium laureth sulphate and other nasties - which I phased out years ago anyway. And do I really have to trade my mascara in for a tofu equivalent? A lifetime’s research into the perfect mascara gone to waste… ?
Sorry if this thread is too trivial for some people’s tastes but I think we’re allowed a bit of light relief on a Bank Holiday weekend!! ???
Yay!!! Cherry, & why not.
My take would be, if you’ve found the perfect mascara, then great, just enjoy using it!
You are much more diligent than me on this, I’ve just carried on as normal really ?
ann x
I must admit I am the same as you, although i do not really use a lot of make up, perhaps a couple of times a month if that, and I use Clarins products on my face.
I’ve started using Green People cleansers and moisturisers and some of their make up too. There are a couple of products I’ve just not found a decent alternative for, most notably foundation and mascara. I reckon if I’ve considerably reduced the amount of potential nasty chemicals then that’s better than nothing.
Green People products are lovely and it’s free delivery. They often chuck in little free samples with your order too.
I’ve also changed some of my toiletries and avoid anything with parabens. I’ve started using Green People products (deodorant and moisturiser so far) but it’s early days with those to really see whether to switch permanently. I’ve been using mineral make up for quite a while as it suits my skin. I also use Bodyshops paraben free shampoo and conditioner and Sanex “Zero” bodywash.
I know that there is no firm evidence that parabens are dangerous, but before I was diagnosed I used a regular brand shampoo and conditioner. My hair has always been long and when I put conditioner on I used to leave my hair draped over the front of my shoulder (so resting on the top of my breast) for a few minutes for it to soak in. This is exactly where my tumour grew. Probably coincidence I know, but what if it wasn’t …
Thanks lovelies!! I’ll have a look at the Green People range. I used to use a lot of Dr Hauschka products so may look at those again too. Although the body wash is quite pungent (in a good, rosy way) but from my research may be a bit much when I’m having chemo. So much to take into account - can anyone recommend a good book of everything we need to know/consider/avoid whilst having treatment?? At the moment I feel I’m just pickIng up random snippets here and there (e.g parabens) and am scared I may be unaware of something really important.
Mumoftwo - I’m sure your shampoo and conditioner had nothing to do with your cancer but I totally empathise re. looking at pretty innocuous products and wondering whether they had anything to do with my diagnosis. So far I’m glaring warily at: milk, cheese, chorizo, salami, booze, hair colour, clouds (vitamin D deficiency), room sprays, scented candles, diesel cars… ? Need to keep busy this weekend or l’ll be swaddling myself in bubble wrap by the end of it… xx
I’ve not thought about changing any of the cosmetics, skin care or body products. The only change I have made is using unscented soap and e45 cream on my now reduced boobs. I still use my perfumed products elswhere. I read some information on Cancer Research UK website and found it very reassuring.
Cosmetics - long answer short. Go on the Look Good Feel Better course and use what they give you.
Products include Liz Earle, Clinique, Bare Minerals and lots of Boots stuff. Trivial is not how you’ll feel when you’re trying to draw your eyebrows on! ? You’ll need every bit of cosmetic help you can get. ? Besides,miss great fun meeting others in the same position.
All hospitals seem to have different ideas re toiletries. During chemo I was given Aveeno moisturising lotion and that range of goodies was recommended as they didn’t interact with the chemicals used. During rads I was told to use nothing but Simple products as that didn’t react with the lasers. Same hospital! Have to admit, now I’ve found Aveeno I’ll stick with that once I’m over the finishing line. X
I have thought about changing some products. There is an app called “think dirty” and they have products listed on there and scored for their “cleaness” against nasty ingredients. Tropic products score well on there.
Tropic are also doing make up, as well as body products, and the make up artist at my sisters wedding used them and they lasted all day! She is the Lady that told me about the app.