During a breast cancer symposium in San Antonio, investigators reported that women are dosing themselves in extra estrogen without even knowing it. Why is this of concern you ask? Well, when estrogen is absorbed through the skin, it is recognized as a higher more efficient concentration than that of oral digestion. Excess estrogen levels can lead to breast cancer and worsen existing cases.
The team at Breastlink conducted a study where they tested 16 common body lotions for estrogen-like compounds. Though none of the lotions/moisturizers listed estrogen in their ingredients, 6 samples revealed that they contained estrogen-like compounds. Unfortunately, none of those brands were released yet.
If you read my The Green Doula post on the pro’s and cons of essential oils for pregnancy and childcare, you may be thinking like I am. I pointed out how certain lavender strains’ effect infant pre-adolescence boys’ hormonal levels and growth. Maybe those brands tested in this study contained a lavender fragrant scent. Lavender has an adequate level of estrogen. ( Using too much lavender on a constant basis, especially if it is not harvested in a sustainable matter, can through off hormonal balances in pre-adolescence. Has there been enough investigation as to its effects on adult women? I am sure we will be hearing more from this investigation soon.
In the meantime, you can use simple body moisturizers such as Sunflower, Almond or Olive oil. Yes, these food items are nutrients for your skin. If you are used to buying your moisturizers from places other than a food store, check out these products:
Premium $57:
(Can purchase on-line or pick it up at Whole Foods)
Checkout this Morrocan Rose Otto Oil from Ren. Rose Otto Rose Otto is known to be purifying and regulating to the female reproductive system. It regulates hormones and strengthens the uterus. It is great for all types of skin.
Mid-tier $18:
(Can purchase on-line, at the Carol’s Daughter’s Store or Sephora)
Almond Cookie Butter from Carol’s daughter is a yummy delicious body butter made free of Paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial color. It contains shea and cocoa butter, jojoba and sweet almond oil and is ideal for dry skin.
Economical $9.99:
(Can purchase on line, a convenience store or Target)
Check out Giovanni’s Grapefruit Sky Lotion. For those of you who prefer lotions to oils and butters, this organic lotion has a gentle blend of hydrating cold-pressed essential oils.
did they happen to list what the estrogen-like compounds were?
01/08/09 » 9:49 am »
There are hundreds if not thousands of estrogen like compounds in most commercial cosmetics, body care products, plastics, pesticides, fertility drugs and contraceptive drugs. Since breast cancer happens on the outside of the cell… interaction between cell surface membrane and fluids around the cells.. it is easy to understand why there can be a direct connection between lotions, deodorants etc that can seep into the skin and drip on to breast cells.
The Know Breast Cancer Project http://www.knowbreastcancer.net talks about national and state groups, including the wonderful campaign for safe cosmetics, that are true authorities on the subject of breast cancer prevention.
01/08/09 » 6:37 pm »
This study on lavender sounds totally bizarre to me – lots of holes. I have never heard this about lavender before and would definitely like to hear more. I wonder who funded the study. Lavender has been used therapeutically for centuries. Was it synthetic lavender these children were exposed to? What diets were the kids on? What other environmental factors could the children have been experiencing?
I am all for educating when it comes to natural products. I think people tend to think if its “natural” or “herbal” it is safe, which is absolutely not true. Still, the study is flawed and strangely vague. Danelle, have you researched this at all or read anything elsewhere?
01/09/09 » 10:56 am »
Reb, unfortunately the report did not disclose the compounds. Most likely b/c it is an independant study.
Kim, I had only recently heard and learned about the effects of lavender on pre-adolescent boys. I was speaking with a woman at a workshop whose pediatrician had told her to refrain from using body products with lavender on her son for that was the cause of the enlargement of his breast. It had honestly had stumped me at 1st , but after speaking with the manager at Jurilque about the benefits of biodynamic farming and blends and what separated their products from the others and further began to read various articles that supported the mother’s experience with lavender and her son, I do believe that this is an area that needs further research, but also raises some alarm. Here is another article that I had found on Lavender and its effects. http://www.abc.net.au/news/new.....838208.htm
01/14/09 » 1:58 pm »