Sensitivity Training

No no, I don't mean emotional sensitivity.  I mean physical sensitivity -- by way of skin, eyes, diet, and hair.

Many people who have fair skin find themselves extra sensitive to chemicals and perfumes found in nearly every beauty product on the market. Often these allergies develop suddenly after years of trouble-free use.  Maybe their skin breaks out easily or they become ill from perfumes or dry cleaning chemicals.  Either way, its not a fun situation to find yourself.  For those of us with non-traditional coloring our choice is often lodged between something that flatters or that which doesn't cause irritation; we feel lucky when products are both.

In recent years much has been done in the realm of children's products to minimize exposure to hundreds of chemicals typically found in conventional and adult items.  Babies and children are exposed more continuously to these items and products than adults, and because of their much-reduced body mass, they can reach toxic levels far more quickly than their parents. Parents are understandably interested in these purchases, and companies respond amazingly well to the ringing bell of a cash register. The research and development in these products has wonderful implications for adults who never grew out of their sensitivities.


In the next weeks, I will endeavor to elaborate on many of the "big offender" additives and offer my experience with products which do not sacrifice effectiveness for reduced chemicals.  As a side benefit, many of these products resolve additional problems caused by long-term use of the conventional ingredients they avoid.

• Sulfate-Free Shampoos
• Silicone-Free Conditioners
• Paraben-Free Products
• Perfume-Free Skin Moisturizers
• Preservative-Free Makeup
• Chemical-Free Soap
• Chemical-Free Hair Color
• Pesticide-Free Cotton/Bamboo Clothing
• Formaldehyde-Free Dry Cleaning
• Antibiotic-Free Meats + Dairy
• Nitrate-Free Foods
• Cruelty-Free Pet Food
• BPA-Free Plastics
• Teflon-Free Non-Stick Cookware