episode 40
“F*ck Cancer!”
with Jess Armstrong
Jess Armstrong (Founder of FUCA Skin Care Range)
@fuca.organic
Our skin is the largest organ of the human body and what we apply to it is absorbed by that organ (our skin) and in-turn absorbed into our blood stream and internal organs.
Somewhere along the line, marketing genius became the majority focus of our attention, and we have gotten distracted by what is the ‘in’ product, what looks cool, what’s chic and what smells nice, over what is actually good for our skin and in-turn us.
Jess Armstrong came to this realisation through her own confronting and deeply personal journey. Jess was in the throes of early motherhood with two young children when she found out she had breast cancer. Through this incredibly distressing time, Jess had to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy. But cancer didn’t keep her down, Jess was driven to understand what was happening to her and her body and learn about that products that she had used for most of her teen and adult life. Through investing her focus in learning about this, Jess discovered that a lot of the beauty and skin care industry has gotten carried away with what looks and smells good over focusing on what is actually safe for good skin health and our overarching health, in turn the confronting realisation that majority product ranges were made up of ingredients that are actually toxic for us, especially those that are immuno compromised and in treatment. Now knowing all she has learned, Jess took this as a challenge to not only provide the market with a safe product range, but also a product range that still gives women the feminine feels of nurturing ourselves with something special and founded FUCA Skincare range.
“Calling your mum, calling your friends saying it’s not great news, it’s cancer.. hearing those words roll out of your mouth is the most fucked up thing you could ever imagine.
TOP RESOURCES
WEBSITE
SUPPORT ORGANISATION & PARTNER OF FUCA ORGANIC SKINCARE
Breast Cancer Network Australia
CHARITY FOUNDATION
The Otis Foundation – Gifting Time and Space to those with Breast Cancer
TOP Tips
How to Repair and Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Gentle Cleansing: Opt for mild, hydrating cleansers that preserve natural oils.
Moisturise Regularly: Use a moisturiser containing ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to restore hydration and reinforce the barrier.
Sun Protection: Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against UV damage.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Steer clear of alcohol, fragrance, and sulfates in skincare products.
Avoid Washing Face in Hot Water: Opt for luke warm water instead.
Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E and drink plenty of water.
Why Should You Avoid Fragrances in Skincare?
Known endocrine disruptors: Studies show fragrances can cause endocrine disruption, by mimicking or blocking or natural hormones which can lead to a range of health problems.
Preserving the Skin Barrier: Fragrances, even in small amounts, can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. This may lead to increased moisture loss, dryness, and compromised resilience against environmental stressors.
Minimising Sensitivity and Irritation: Fragrances can trigger reactions such as redness, itching, and even inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
Gentle on skin: Fragrance-free products are generally formulated with fewer potential irritants, making them suitable for a wider range of skin types, including those prone to sensitivity or those with rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
Reducing Risk of Allergic Reactions: Fragrances contain numerous chemicals, some of which may not be disclosed on labels due to trade secrets. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to pinpoint specific allergens that could potentially cause adverse reactions.
Tips for Choosing Fragrance-Free Skincare
Read Labels Thoroughly: Look for products labelled "fragrance-free" rather than "unscented," as “unscented” still may still contain masking fragrances to make the product smell less offensive.
Avoid Essential Oils: Essential oils are extremely concentrated can be a potent source of potential allergens. Some essentials oils are not safe to use during pregnancy.
Spray fragrance on your clothes not skin.
What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
EDCs are a class of chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, the network of glands that produce and regulate all hormones in the body. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily functions, including our fertility and reproductive system, immune response, sleep patterns, metabolism, growth, development and mood. These disruptors can mimic, block, or alter the body's natural hormones, leading to a wide array of health concerns. They enter the body through skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation.
Easy Switches to Reduce Consumption of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Kitchen
Replace non-stick pans with stainless steels or cast iron
Get a water filter
Remove as much plastic from the kitchen as possible and never reheat food in plastic
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare
Synthetic Fragrances contain a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals which act as endocrine disruptors.
Parabens are used as preservatives in skincare products, parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption and breast cancer due to their estrogen-mimicking properties.
Phthalates are found in fragrances or fragranced products. Phthalates can disrupt hormonal balance and have been associated with reproductive issues.
BPA (Bisphenol A) while more commonly associated with plastics, BPA can also be present in skincare packaging, posing a risk of endocrine disruption.
Essential Oils, lavender and tea tree oil have been linked to endocrine disruption.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds that can contain ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen.