Beneath the skin: what you should know
The impact of topical exposures on health and hormonal balance
ur skin is more than a protective barrier. It is a living, dynamic organ that interacts continuously with the environment. What we put on our skin matters because substances applied topically can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and the liver’s natural detoxification filters. Simply put: if it isn’t safe enough to eat, it isn’t truly safe for your skin.
Choosing clean, minimally processed skincare is not just a preference. It is an essential part of holistic wellness. Look for products formulated with ingredients that are safe enough to eat, low in PUFAs, and free from synthetic additives. Consistency is key: daily use of safe, stable products reduces toxic burden and supports overall health from the outside in.
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Unlike our digestive system, which filters and processes compounds, the skin allows many substances to enter the body almost immediately. Chemicals in creams, lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, and cosmetics can permeate the skin and accumulate over time. While some absorption is harmless, others, particularly synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and certain preservatives, may disrupt hormones, trigger inflammation, or interfere with metabolic processes.
How Daily Products Affect Your Health
Modern personal care products are often formulated for convenience, scent, or longevity rather than safety. This means your daily skincare routine, though seemingly benign, can expose you to cumulative toxic loads. Even low-level, chronic exposure can influence hormone balance, immunity, and cellular health over time.
A focus on fats matters, too. Many creams and lotions contain seed oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as soybean, sunflower, safflower, and corn oils. While these oils are marketed as “natural,” they are prone to oxidation, which can generate free radicals and inflammation in the skin. Low-PUFA or saturated-fat-based products like tallow, coconut oil, or clarified butter (ghee),are more stable, less inflammatory, and safer for long-term skin health.
Essential oils are not automatically safe. Even those labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain contaminants, adulterants, or highly concentrated compounds that irritate the skin or act as endocrine disruptors. Many essential oils have not been thoroughly tested for safety in long-term, daily topical use. Mindful selection and moderation are key.
DR. Ashley Burnett • DECEMBER 12th, 2025
Beyond the Surface
Intentional Skincare
Small Changes, Large Impact
- Read labels carefully and avoid long lists of unpronounceable chemicals
- Favor low-PUFA or stable fats like tallow, coconut oil, or ghee in moisturizers and oils
- Exercise caution with essential oils — choose high-quality, minimally processed options and use sparingly
- Simplify your skincare routine to the essentials
- Choose products with transparent sourcing and formulations
By respecting the skin’s role as a gateway and prioritizing low-PUFA, non-toxic, and carefully chosen ingredients, you protect its natural integrity while safeguarding the body’s internal systems. Health truly begins beneath the skin.