Your Makeup is Making You Pretty -- and Encouraging Early Menopause
There was a time when several of my favorite cosmetics came under fire for containing some random chemicals that "studies" revealed were killing me. Still, I clung dearly to my Urban Decay nude palette and slathered on my Stila lip gloss. My thinking? We're all going to die anyway, might as well look good in the meantime. Maybe not the most mature tack to take but lo and behold, I'm still kicking, shiny lips and all.
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But now, there's a new study that may just convince me to loosen my grip on my makeup bag once and for all. I mean, chemical poisoning is one thing, but early menopause? Count me out. Here's the scoop: New research from Washington University's School of Medicine found that phthalates -- chemicals that are common in cosmetics, plastics, and household cleaners -- could be affecting ovarian function and human reproduction.
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The study examined phthalate levels in the blood and urine of 5,700 women. Those with the highest levels went through menopause an average of 2.3 years earlier -- at age 49.
One of the study's authors, Dr. Grindler, said some women can hit menopause 15 years early, in their mid-30s, as a result of exposure to the chemicals. These are women who are not just exposed to phthalates in their beauty products, but who also consume pre-packaged foods.
With phthalates already known to increase the risks of cancer, obesity, and diabetes, this added threat of early menopause might be the final push I need to clean up my cosmetic act.
But, I'll really, really miss my Stila.
What do you think? Does news like this tempt you to detox your beauty products?
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