We’ve written many posts about importance of what you put in to your body, but have only touched a few times on what you put on your body (shampoo, soap, deodorant, and lotion).   Your skin and scalp is like a wetsuit of sorts;  it is a protective layer, but by no means impervious to harmful chemicals that may be absorbed.  It’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge of what you are putting on your body and what options you have to avoid the chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group is a company that provides information about the “everyday” products you use on your body from shampoo to soap to cosmetics and more.  Their mission is to provide you with the knowledge of what chemicals may be harmful in those products and why.  Having this resource makes you responsible for choosing what to put on your body.  I looked into this site about a year ago and saw some interesting info about the cosmetics I use on occasion, but now their database is incredibly comprehensive and rather daunting.

EWS provides info on whether the company tests on animals as well.   They score products and ingredients on a scale of 0-9; 0 for lowest hazard and 9 for greatest.  For example, I looked up the toothpaste I use, Tom’s of Maine and was relieved to see it score a 0.  However, I then looked up my blush and found it tipping the scales at 8, with some ingredients that would cause some concern.    Granted, I may never apply enough of this blush to feel the full effects of their toxicity but together with my lotion (should’ve kept using coconut oil!), shampoo,  and mascara, I’m not as confident.

The goal of this post isn’t for you to overhaul your medicine cabinets (in addition to your kitchen pantries) but mainly for you to use this resource when shopping for safer alternatives, for you to take responsibility for what you put onto and into your bodies, and to possibly uncover other causes of inflammation or irritation in your bodies.

WOD 03.09.12

Overhead Squat 3-3-3

Games WOD 12.3
AMRAP 18
15 Box Jumps (24/20″)
12 Shoulder to Overhead (115/75#)
9 Toes to Bar

Non-competitors will scale to AMRAP 12

Check out this really great CrossFit Journal video on Perfecting Box Jumps with Kelly Starrett and Carl Paoli: