Beauty junkies, check your cosmetics: Using beauty products that contain phthalates might be putting you at risk for early-onset menopause, according to a new study from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis.
Researchers examined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and determined that women with the highest level of phthalates in their systems reported experiencing menopause 2.3 years earlier.
“Phthalates can disrupt your hormonal makeup,” says Laura Corio, MD, an OBGYN at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Once in your system, phthalates can mimic and chemically change hormones in your body. For example, when phthalates mimic estrogen (which helps regularize your period), it confuses your body and results in a lack of real estrogen. This can cause irregular periods—one of the first signs of menopause, Corio says.
And regardless of how phthalates enter your bloodstream—whether ingested or absorbed by your skin, from your beauty products—once they’re in your body, they start wreaking havoc on your system.
Other things that might derail your biological clock? Smoking, genetics (when your mom experienced menopause) and any kind of reproductive surgery are all culprits, Corio says. And though you have no control over your genetics, quitting the cancer sticks and trying to get rid of toxins in your products are two ways to lower your risk, she says.
To green your beauty routine, invest in these eco-friendly must-haves recommended by green beauty expert and celebrity makeup artist Lina Hanson, author of Eco-Beautiful—The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness.
Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush
Winter’s the perfect time for flushed, dewy cheeks, and this little stick is the non-toxic way to get them. “This cream blush blends into the skin and creates that fresh-faced sort of look,” says Hanson. ($ 28, VapourBeauty.com)
Lina Hanson Global Face Serum
This all-in-one anti-ager and moisturizer is the non-toxic way to smooth and nourish your skin. Hanson’s own 100% natural creation, this skin elixir blends natural oils from all over the world, including argan oil from Morocco, Brazil nut oil from Brazil, pumpkin seed from Austria, and more. “It smoothes out the skin and gives it an instant glow,” says Hanson. ($ 85, LinaHanson.com)
Kjaer Weis Eyeshadows
Just as pretty to look at as they are to wear, each eyeshadow is packaged in a sleek compact that slides open and shut. Not only that, but the super-flattering colors are easy to blend, which is a must, according to Hanson. ($ 44, KjaerWeis.com)
John Masters Bearberry Oily Skin Balancing Face Wash
A makeup remover and skin soother in one: “This is a very mild, soothing cleanser that removes makeup and keeps the skin soft and supple,” says Hanson. ($ 22, JohnMasters.com)
Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara
Hanson recommends this mascara for voluminous and smudge-proof lashes. ($ 30, DrHauschka.com)
100% Pure Lip Glosses
The coolest thing about these glosses? They’re made from fruit and vegetable pigments (which are responsible for the different colors) instead of synthetic dyes or minerals. “I love the shades these lip glosses come in, and they are very moisturizing,” says Hanson. ($ 13, 100PercentPure.com)
Acure Organics Hair Care Shampoo & Conditioner
No matter your hair type, these organic and natural products will help you detox your shower routine. Hanson is a big fan of these products, which she says keep her hair soft and smell incredible. ($ 10-$ 13, AcureOrganics.com)
Alima Pure Bronzer
To warm up your face, this bronzer does the trick, according to Hanson. “[It] creates a really soft and subtle glow, and goes on smoothly,” she says. ($ 20, AlimaPure.com)
Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate
Hanson loves this super-affordable, 100% natural beauty staple because it’s moisturizing and adds just a hint of color to the lips. ($ 3, BurtsBees.com)
Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers
Glistening t-zones, banished. “The blotting papers won’t move any makeup but will absorb all the excess shine,” says Hanson. ($ 12, Tatcha.com)
More from WH:
18 Self-Checks Every Woman Should Do
5 Natural Beauty Products for Longer Lashes
Is Your Vibrator Safe?
What’s the 15-Minute Fat Loss Secret? Find out here!