Reducing Toxins: Pt. 1

SLS

Around 5 years ago, I developed a particularly nasty rash on my face called perioral dermititis. I'll spare you the nitty gritty, but it's itchy, uncomfortable and just plain awful looking. I did what I always do when faced with any sort of ailment and learned everything I could about it and it's triggers. 
SLS, or sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, began showing up over and over as a huge trigger for it. I began looking through every product ingredient list determined to remove it entirely from our house. I was so disheartened to find that it was in everything from hand soap, to shampoo, to laundry detergent, household cleaners and toothpaste. Even products that claimed to be "all natural" or to be "SLS free" contained SLS, in one of its over 150 different name variations. 
SLS is often used as a foaming agent in products. While SLS is not a carcinogen itself, it is a penetration enhancer, meaning that its molecules are so small they’re able to cross the membranes of your body’s cells. Once cells are compromised, they become more vulnerable to other toxic chemicals that may be with the SLS. A study from the University of Georgia Medicine showed that SLS had the power to permeate the eyes, brain, heart, and liver. Not to mention, it's an eye irritant shown to cause cataracts in adults.