Removing ALL The Toxins

I have had a lot of thoughts lately, and have tried to find the right words to put them into posts. If you saw the list of posts I have for this blog, there are QUITE a few drafts. Eventually I will get through all of them... so let's start here! 

At the end of 2018, I decided to start making the switch to non toxic, environmentally friendly products in my every day life. I wanted products that were never tested on animals, that were backed by solid, honest companies (hard to find in America, I know), and that actually worked.

I started with swapping my shampoo and conditioner, as well as my styling products. I have never been more pleased with a product in my life! My hair is healthier, the products are incredible, and the community - unlike ANYTHING I have ever been a part of. It's been a very smooth, fulfilling transition. I also somehow managed to make a side business out of it, and it's been SUCH a blessing overall.

I took a leap shortly after changing my haircare and switched out my toothpaste. The brand I ultimately went with 1. tastes good 2. doesn't test on animals and 3. cleans my mouth - like for real! They are free of dyes, parabens, artificial sweeteners and flavors, gluten, and don't test on animals (as I mentioned above). I vacillate between a few of their toothpastes, but am currently enjoying the flouride free, antiplaque and whitening toothpaste. It's got a TON of benefits, and doesn't leave my mouth feeling weird like it used to after "normal" toothpastes.

Next, I decided to try switching my deodorant to an aluminum free deodorant. That was a VERY long process. I have very sensitive skin, and a lot of the non toxic, aluminum free deodorants were causing serious irritation and rashes in my underarm area. Not a pleasant experience, let me just say. I eventually found one that doesn't irritate me as much and keeps me odor free for the majority of my day. I'm still looking for the perfect aluminum free deodorant, but I'll stick with what I have for now. 

I switched out candles in my room for an essential oil diffuser shortly after I tried swapping out my deodorant. While I LOVE candles, there are so many toxins and chemicals in them - and where my room is so small, I didn't want them there. We still use them in the living room - but it's a bigger space. Eventually, I would like to put a diffuser in the living room. We'll see if that happens this year. I chose to go with a company that has a "seed to seal" promise. These oils are as pure as they can be, with no chemicals and little to no waste. They own the farms they use for the oils, and are very sustainable. I diffuse every night when I go to bed, as well as whenever I can remember during the day if I am home. 

I finally swapped my skincare at the end of last year. What a difference! I was using an over the counter cleanser that was recommended to me by my doctor. Which I thought was fine... until I wasn't seeing any changes in my skin for the better. I have rosacea, and it's a real pain in the butt - makes me look flushed all the time and can get painful. Switching to this very simple skincare routine is not only helping my skin immensely, but also giving me a healthy habit. Wash in the morning AND at night, don't miss, and feel confident in my skin. Talk about healthy! 

My next challenge this year is finding an eco friendly, non toxic body wash and perfume. Pray for me - I am VERY picky about scents. I also need to be more cautious about what I am putting IN my body, when it comes to food. Switching back to fruits, veggies, and meat will certainly be a start. 

I am also taking removing toxins in my life a step further and removing those from my circle that have toxic tendencies or traits. It'll be a difficult process, as I have a hard time letting go, but I know I will feel better overall. 

What brought all of this on, you ask? I was noticing that I had bad build up, or didn't always feel clean, or that I didn't feel well. Once I started to remove the toxins from those products, I started to see some great changes. I really started to see this when I switched my shampoo - no joke. I started to read that our body absorbs 60% of what you put on your skin/scalp within 26 seconds of application.That is INSANE. I had to do something for me that would essentially help me live a better life and not feel like I was killing myself with chemicals. 

I challenge you to make one or two changes to products that are cruelty free/leaping bunny certified (means they don't test on animals), that don't contain parabens, sulfites, or any words you can't pronounce. It's a long process, but once you find things that work for you - never lose them. Stock up! That way, you're never without them. Your body will thank you, trust me. I was finding that once I switched some products, I wasn't as miserable/depressed as I had been. It could be anything, but I am chalking up my product swapping to helping me live a better life.