Take a look at the bath products at home. Are there any of these additives? Doctors warn of hormone disruption

Bath products not only make people clean, but some also have charming fragrances. However, dermatologists and public health experts say that you should pay attention to the ingredients when purchasing these products. Some products contain substances that are harmful to hormones. These chemicals are used as foaming agents or fragrances, but long-term exposure may affect reproduction and metabolism.

Parade reported that dermatologist Anna Chacon said that shower gels containing endocrine disrupting substances (EDCs) can change, block or copy hormonal signals, causing instability in the endocrine system and causing various problems. Long-term exposure to these disruptors will seriously affect hormonal balance. A study published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health in July this year stated that exposure to endocrine disrupting substances is believed to be associated with immune system disorders, reproductive problems, developmental delays, and an increased risk of cancer.

Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Burton School of Nursing (Case Shanina C., physician at Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Knighton said endocrine disrupting substances may alter hormonal signaling during critical periods such as fetal development, puberty and pregnancy. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a clinical dermatologist, said that endocrine disrupting substances that are often discussed in shower gels include glycol ethers (Glycol ethers) as solvents, heavy metals, phthalates (Phthalates), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), Benzophenone-3, Homosalate, Parabens.

Knighton said that "phthalates" are often hidden in the "fragrance" on the ingredient list, and "parabens" are any substances starting with methyl, propyl or butyl in the ingredient list. Although scented shower gels give people unique scents, such as warm vanilla or lavender, research shows that these fragrances may interfere with the regulation of the endocrine system, not only affecting the reproductive and metabolic systems, but may also cause neurological symptoms such as headaches.

Family physician Brintha Vasagar said that these substances are often added to various cleaning products as foaming agents or fragrances. Knighton said that interfering substances can be absorbed through the skin, eyeballs or mucous membranes, inhaled or ingested into the human body, but it is still unclear which method poses the greatest threat to health, whether there is a "safe exposure dose", and how long these substances will remain in the body.

Although it is impossible to completely avoid contact with interference in life, you can adopt the following three principles when selecting products to reduce risks. Kazlowskaya said some products are designed for sensitive skin and are certified by the National Eczema Association, and they often don't contain common irritants and chemicals. Vasagar says careful reading of ingredient lists can help you avoid products that contain these substances. Chacon said that it is recommended to buy unscented shower gel. Even if products advertised as "natural fragrance" are usually chemically synthesized, there is still the possibility of exposure to interfering substances. Knighton said the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Choices program provides a list of products considered safer.