Raise your hand if you’ve ever been victimized by the beauty industry? As black women, this is true for all of us whether you’re aware of it or not. You’ve probably experienced colorism, texturism, odor discrimination and other -isms at the hand of the beauty industry. We’re familiar with the social and emotional impact of these discriminations but there are also environmental + health related impacts. For example: when we use skin-lighteners or brighteners or spot correctors we put ourselves at risk for kidney damage, damage to our nervous system, and mercury poisoning, chemically modifying (relaxing, texturizing) our hair can lead to fibroids and early puberty and using intimate care products to limit odor can result in gynecologic cancers and hormonal disruption. We use personal care and beauty products more than other groups of women, which means we are more likely to experience the related negative effects on our health. Studies show that when we make an active effort to avoid harmful chemicals in our products we decrease our exposure; basically, when we know better, we do better and we are in better health because of it. What can we do to protect ourselves? Download the free DetoxMe App from the Silent Spring Institute which helps you identify sources of toxic chemicals in your home and offers tips on how to reduce your exposure. Look for paraben-, phthalate-, and fragrance-free products. Stay away from vinyl, including vinyl shower curtains, mattress and pillow protectors, baby toys, and flooring. Opt for shade, a hat, and mineral-based sunscreen Eat more fresh food instead of packaged foods Keep dust levels low with a damp cloth or a strong vacuum with a HEPA filter Steer clear of products advertised as stain-resistant or antimicrobial. Make DIY cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, castile soap, and water – safe and inexpensive! Thank you @SilentSpringInstitute @resilientsisterhoodproject ! In this video I used some of my favorite clean(er) beauty and personal care products: @native Body Wash @freshbeauty Soy Face Cleanser @tatcha The Water Cream Sunscreen SPF 30 PA + @biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +