Hair and skin treatment centres have seen a steep rise in the number of clients they handle each year. The increasing number of people coming in for these specific treatments prompted researchers world over to undertake numerous studies to try and find common factors that may be causing hair and skin problems. A number of studies revealed that almost all patients of hair and skin ailments have heightened levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) - a common element found in plastic, in their blood. Studies have also indicated that more than half percentage of cases visiting hair clinics for hair loss treatment were PFOA (Per flurooctanoic Acid) positive.

BPA & its Effects
So what exactly is BPA in plastic and how can it cause hair and skin ailments? BPA is a carbon based synthetic compound that is used in the making of plastic. It has certain hormone-like properties that have raised concerns in terms of its effects when used in consumer products and food containers. In fact, in 2010, the FDA identified it as a potential danger to infants and children. Research has shown that it is also linked to certain clinical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome and metabolic syndrome.

Observational studies conducted in Western nations show that the presence of BPA may be one of the markers that lead to several other ailments such as:

• Neurological defects
• Thyroid malfunction
• Heightened risk for cancer and tumors
• Asthma and Heart diseases
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hair and skin ailments

And now, research by Hairline International shows that it has an indirect association with Hair loss. This would essentially mean that there are certain steps to be taken to reduce your consumption of BPA and thereby detox your hair and skin. This can be done in the following ways:

Go Green for Your Hair & Skin
A start can be made with your kitchen and your consumption patterns, be it food or lifestyle. In humans, BPA has an average elimination half–life of about 3 years. Because of this long half-life, BPA has the potential to bio-accumulate. Staying away from it is by far the best thing that you can do. Here are some measures you can take that will ensure that your hair and skin are not affected by BPA.

Your Appliances and Storage
• Replace plastic containers with glass ones and cloth bags
• Use stainless steel and cast iron instead of Teflon
• Opt for solar ovens and chest freezers
• Use electric grinders metal without plastic elements
• Use a glass coffee-making machine
• Use a cutting board made of wood
• Use glass or metal bottles to store water
• Utilize big stainless steel water filters for storing water

Your Cleaning Methods
• Buy dish washer detergent that comes in a cardboard box
• Avoid liquid soap in a plastic bottle
• Use a ceramic base to keep the soap
• Use plant based detergents
• Use copper scrubbers for cleaning pots and pans
• Use plastic-free bottle washing brushes

Simple Lifestyle Changes
• Use carbon water filters to lower BPA levels
• Treat water sources with high pressure membrane systems(reverse osmosis)
• Ventilate your kitchen
• Avoid chipped or damaged cookware
• Look for and use BPA-free clothing

PFOA & its Effects
PFOA is a toxic substance that enters our homes through various means: traces of it can be found in candy wrappers, microwaveable popcorn bags, carpet cleaning liquids, stain- resistant clothes & carpets and Teflon coated pans. What is also startling is that it can also be found in our drinking water: it enters through our pipes. In humans, PFOA has an average elimination half life of about 3 years.

BPA is a carbon based synthetic compound that is used in the making of plastic.

When it enters our body, it is metabolized by our kidney and liver. In the long run, there can be a significant damage to these organs. Reports based on animal testing revealed the connection between PFO and the occurrence of prostate, colon and bladder cancer. Other organs can also get affected and may result in conditions like Hypo - Thyroidism and Polycystic - Ovarian disease. Hypothyroidism has been linked to hair loss.

Tips to protect yourself
• Try to minimize your use of nonstick cookware. Even if you are using it, try not to overheat it when it is empty. You should also replace the pan once the Teflon coating on the surface begins to wear off.
• Use stainless, cast iron cookware and conventional cooking vessels such as earthenware
• Filter using RO water filter for effective removal of PFOA traces
• Avoid using stain-resistant carpet and clothing, as they constantly expel PFOA laced debris into the air which we inhale and this can be harmful.

These measures can bring a dramatic improvement in your Hair & Skin as well your overall health.