Are topical creams and lotions polluting our environment???

The debate is on between Dermatologists& Scientists in our communities about topical cream residues getting into our environment and leaving a footprint. OMG!!! There is yet another footprint to look out for. Ok so listen I read an article from Dermatology times that says the following.

A study on pollution from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) has discovered that drug residues are released into the environment. It's been well known that (API's)are found in bodily waste and released into lakes, rivers and oceans trough the sewage systems and treatment plants, or when people flush unused drugs down the toilet.

This new study shows new ways (API's) enter the environment when users of topical medications like lotions, ointments, gels or skin patches-bathe, shower or wash their clothing. The co-author of this study is Dr. Ruhoy and her colleague. They identified the potential a new source of (API's)have by reviewing hundreds of studies on the metabolism and use of medications.

The researchers focused on (API's) in medications applied to the skin then washed off the body or clothes and down the drain OR are excreted through sweat glands onto clothes that are then washed. This means that steroids like cortisone and testosterone, acne medicines, antimicrobial, narcotics and other substances can enter the environment.

Dr. Ruhoy states that some active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) in topical medications could have potentially a greater impact on the environment that API's released in bodily wastes, because topical API's released through bathing and showering are un-metabolized and at full strength. The API's released into the environment in feces and urine are at a lesser strength because they have been metabolized in the liver & kidney before being excreted.

The article in Dermatology times goes on to say lots more. I want to say that I am even more aware of how we impact our world with everything that we do. I want to be more conscious of all the decisions I make, I'm not really sure what we can do to control where the products go when we bathe or wash our clothes, however this is good food for thought.

As always, Love the skin you're in!

Skin Chick '-)