When I was a teenager, my parents took me to the dermatologist to be treated for the typical bad complexion that most teenagers experience. My skin wasn't horrible...it was typical for a teenager. Over the years, my dermatologist regularly changed my treatment regimen. New creams, ointments and various pills were the regular routine.
By the time I went to college, my skin was fairly clear and under control and my regular visits to the dermatologist were halted. However, shortly after college, I started having "reactions" to common items like sunscreen, shaving cream, aftershave, etc. These reactions ranged from mild redness and flakiness, to severe swelling and blisters. In time, I could tell within about 60 seconds of putting something on my face if I was going to have a reaction to it. More times than not, I did have some type of allergic reaction.
So, after endlessly searching for products that I could use, I finally decided that a visit to a NEW dermatologist was in order. By this time, I was living in Indianapolis, so I found a new dermatologist and scheduled an appointment. I explained my history and she suggested that I do a "patch test" to find out exactly what caused these allergic reactions. Her reaction to the patch test is forever etched in my memory..."Oh my! I have NEVER seen anyone with as many allergic reactions as you!" I have a 2-page list of all the items I'm allergic to...preservatives, fragrances, alcohols, etc. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to suggest any products I could use that did not have these ingredients (there were very few options at that time).
And, so it began...my search for skin care products that I could use without having any allergic reactions. Now, you might be thinking, "well, just don't use anything...avoid lotions, shaving creams, sunscreens, etc." That would be a great idea, except for the fact that the years of using the prescription ointments and salves left my skin extremely dry and flaky. Even to this day, if I don't use some type of moisturizer on my face, it becomes itchy, blotchy and flaky very quickly. So, I started researching products and ingredients in products.
Through all of my research, I started to piece my skin problems together. The years of exposing my skin to the harsh skin care regimens recommended by my first dermatologist left me with an extreme skin sensitivity. This realization was the very beginning for me of really thinking about the chemicals that we are all exposed to every day...most of which, we don't even give a second thought. So, for me, living green really stems from a personal experience...my personal experiences have taught me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the thousands of chemicals we are exposed to every day are not good for us, nor for the environment. And, when you really start to think about all of the ways we are exposed to toxic chemicals (soaps, shampoos, household cleaners, laundry detergents, pollution, plastics, additives in food, pesticides, herbacides, etc.), it becomes clear why living green is so important for our health, the well-being of our families, and the sustainability of our planet.
My journey to figuring out how to deal with my skin problems opened my eyes to the fact that this "problem" is really much bigger than skin. It's really much more pervasive than that. In reality, this problem touches on every aspect of life...what we eat, how we travel, how we care for our home...how we live our life! It all comes down to choices...but, you have to know what the options are before you can make a choice that is right for you. I believe that most people want to make healthier choices that are good for them and for the environment. There is a great need to help people understand the options that are available to them...and this is why I created We Go Eco.
Do you have a personal experience that has helped you understand the importance of living a greener life? Or, would you like to leave a coment that might inspire and encourage others? If so, please leave a comment on this post. I'd really love to hear about your experiences!
Recent Comments