It’s your morning routine, you jump in the shower, wash your face and shave your legs. Or nightly endeavor.  The kids just fell asleep. You hop in the shower, take a few minutes to yourself, and smooth those legs! Whether it’s your morning or nighttime routine, what you’re using to beautify yourself could be…deadly.

The shaving ritual…we’ve all been there. Nothing feels better than smooth, soft skin in our face, pits, legs and the nether regions. Before you reach for your next container of shaving cream, lotion or gel; buyer beware. You just might be reaching for a can of chemicals that can cause cancer, disrupt your hormonal system and invade your brain (neurotoxicity).

Did you know? Commercial skincare is un-regulated and a multitude of chemicals are added to prolong shelf life, emulsify (mix) water and oil, add a scent (fragrance) or stabilize a product. The Environmental Working Group estimates that at least 20% of chemicals used in cosmetics could cause cancer!

Your skin is your largest, and possibly your most vulnerable organ. Think about what you come in contact with, daily- environmental pollutants from the air, water and soil..but wait… that’s just some of your skin’s exposure! The exposure to chemicals rapidly multiplies with every commercial skincare product used (yes, take a look at the products in your cabinets and bathrooms) – soap, shampoo, conditioner, styling agents, sprays, deodorants, sun screen, toothpaste, lotions, your favorite perfume or cologne. Not only is your skin the portal of entry for chemicals, but the innate protective mechanism of your skin can be destroyed by the chemicals in commercial products the very ones that are within reach in your home!

Let’s get scientific. The sebum (natural oil) that moisturizes the skin contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Your skin surface harbors protective bacteria that live synergistically with you. It is estimated that the number of bacteria living in and on the human body outnumbers the body’s internal cells 10 to 1. These lipophilic microbes (natural surface bacteria) consume the glycol portion of the MCT (from the sebum) and leaves behind medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). These MCFA kill pathogenic bacteria, virus, and fungi. Commercial soaps and the chemicals (including alcohol) in most skincare products can strip away these natural defenders and leave your skin very vulnerable to infections.

So what’s the point? SHAVING.

Shaving increases the risk even further- the scraping of the razor not only removes some of the natural defenses, but can also cause micro tears in the surface of the skin itself. These open wounds can permit a chemical invasion directly into your tissues and bloodstream.

The Deadly Toxins in Shaving Cream…

By exposing ourselves to all of these chemicals, we’re not just making our entire beings susceptible to skin irritation and infection; we also run the risk of wiping out vital defense mechanisms that keep our bodies functioning optimally.

Shaving creams today are mass-produced with toxic ingredients that include phthalates, perfume (fragrance) and triethanolamine. These ingredients are also commonly found in household soaps, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes. (Do yourself a favor and memorize these repeat offenders so you can be smart when you read your labels… you do read your labels, right?)

The Risk To Your Health:

Phthalates: Phthalates can disrupt your hormonal system, which can harm important balances throughout the entire body, including those impacting the immune system, reproductive system, metabolism, and brain. Traces of phthalate metabolites found in human urine are associated with obesity and insulin resistance in men because they inhibit testosterone function. About 80% of people are exposed to this type of toxin.

Perfume (fragrance): There was a time I loved the smell of products- and my perfumes. Today, the fake smell nauseates me! Perfume or fragrance is a potpourri of toxicity, with many of the 3,000 chemicals used to make fragrance untested — neither in isolation nor in combination. Some that have been submitted to lab tests, however, have been associated with neurotoxicity and cancer.

Triethanolamine: This is an amine produced by reacting ethylene oxide (considered highly toxic) with ammonia (another known toxin). It is used as a buffering agent, masking and fragrance ingredient, and surfactant, in addition to its primary use as a pH adjuster. (https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/triethanolamine)

It is a known skin and respiratory toxicant. What’s more, animal studies have also shown Triethanolamine can cause bladder and liver cancer, as well as cell mutation in testicles. My husband says “No, thank you!”

Other common offenders that invade shaving creams, numerous skincare products and ultimately your body, include parabens, which increase the risk of breast cancer in women, and sodium lauryl sulfate, which is toxic to organs and can cause cell mutation that leads to cancer.

Some of these toxins do not bio-accumulate. Your body is capable of flushing poisons out of your system under proper conditions that include eating right (real foods – fresh, colorful, organic, natural foods), drinking enough water (hydration status) and avoiding pharmaceuticals and current health status.

Steady exposure, or over-exposure, to toxins, however, can mean your body has trouble keeping up the fight. Despite your body’s natural efforts, you can become increasingly vulnerable as long as you continue applying poisons.

My battle against chemicals began over 10 years ago. Along my journey to ultimate health, creating a shaving cream for my husband and myself was a priority because I know each little nick in the skin increases the risk of absorbing chemicals that alter our being.

I used to shave with just oil, and this does the trick. But I did not like the greasy aftermath left on my shower floor. It was so slick I was afraid either my kids, or myself would slip and fall.

It took me two years to perfect my chemical-free, natural shaving cream- something that would shave smooth, leave me soft and silky, yet rinse away without leaving the greasy residue I despised. Finally, a version for both men and women is available from Primal Life Organics.

Gruff Shaving Cream  for men and One Leg Up for women, contains shea and babassu butters to soften and moisturize both facial and body hair. Coconut soap and coco glucoside provide the slick, fast moving action for a really close shave. Eucalyptus and frankinsence help to restore and heal any micro damage and razor burn that can occur during a close shave. You are left with soft, moisturized skin and a Not-So-Deadly close shave.

Protect, heal, nourish and smooth your skin, wherever your razor may roam with Primal Life Organics natural shaving creams.  Gruff Mens Line also includes Gruff After-Shave, Gruff Beard Oil, Carrot Seed Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer.

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REVIEWS:

 

A message to all my fellow countrymen out there: if you’re so inclined to shave, you should give this stuff by @primallifeorg a shot. I’ve tried a lot of “natural” options, and have tried all the conventional brands too. This is the only stuff I’ve ever used that actually makes me WANT to shave. As a guy with thick and curly hair, sometimes shaving is a legit disaster. This little pair of products has changed my whole attitude. ~Bill (Primal Palate)