I know that it might sound crazy that the body lotion you are using may be
contributing to your PMS, but did you know that what we put on our skin can
affect our hormones? Parabens are a group of chemicals found in some
cosmetics, body creams, hair products and sunscreens. They can be absorbed
through the skin and some parabens have hormone-disrupting properties, which
have been linked to an increase in the hormone oestrogen.
High oestrogen level scan contribute to premenstrual syndrome, sore breasts, heavy periods, fibroids and there is also a link with oestrogen dominant cancers too. Supporting oestrogen dominance is one of my main goals when working with clients with any hormonal issues in my Nutrition and Herbal medicine clinic.
I ensure to look at what they are putting into their body through diet but what they are putting onto their body is also key too - this why our skin care is so important!
The aim is to limit your exposure to chemicals and toxins by choosing products
labelled ‘paraben-free’ (other words you will see are ‘phthalate free or silicone
free’). The Sásta Microbiome Skin Serum is paraben free and also contains Ectoin, a postbiotic, that helps to slow down the growth of harmful bacteria. So it will support skin health, while also keeping your hormones happy too!
Another area that is impacted by exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals is our
gut health. Our skin also massively impacts the health of our gut microbiome.
Our skin is the largest organ in the body and like our gut, it also has its own skin
microbiome too i.e. healthy bacteria that supports everything from our immune
system, to our mood, to detoxification.
If we are constantly exposing our skin to toxins and chemicals i.e. from our skin care, this will have a knock on effect on the health of our gut! While most people think of digestion when we talk about gut health, one area that is completely overlooked is the production of our happy hormones as 95% of the body's happy hormone, serotonin, is produced in the intestine.
The gut microbiome also produces dopamine (pleasure hormone), oxytocin (love hormone) and endorphins (feel good hormones), so in other words a happy gut means a happy mind!
