Back in August I posted about the hype of using antibacterial products, especially ones containing triclosan. The FDA is finally raising concern over the use of triclosan in many consumer and household products.

It was reported in the Washington Post on April 8, 2010 that the Centers for Disease Control found triclosan in the urine of 75 percent of the population. The FDA and EPA has raised questions about whether triclosan disrupts the body’s endocrine system. And the frequent use of antibacterial products also helps to create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Triclosan began it’s uses as surgical scrub for medical professionals. It is also widely used in pesticides. And now it’s being added to consumer products to kill bacterial and fungus. It can be found in a variety of things such as cutting boards, soaps, lotions, and even shoes. It’s usually labeled as “antibacterial” properties.

The human body’s endocrine systems involves growth and development. So it’s important to keep it from being harmed with such chemicals as triclosan.

Avoid using any antibacterial product. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s very porous. I suggest just washing simply with soap and water.

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A few years ago everyone wanted to use “antibacterial” soaps.  I was one of them too, until I found out that the antibacterial stuff was actually doing more harm to both your body and the environment.

Especially the very popular “triclosan” that is still widely used today in soaps and deodorants.

The main reason you don’t want to over use the antibacterial stuff is that your body will build a resistant to the bacteria.  And that could lead to new super bug, the antibiotic resistant strains such as MRSA.

In 2003, Researchers at the University of Minnesota (Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology) found when triclosan in water was exposed to sunlight, it converted into a dioxin. Dioxins are a group of chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health problems including respiratory to neurological conditions.

Because the dioxins do not degrade over time, they can accumulate in body tissues and cause a larger effect over time. Researchers say even low levels of this highly toxic chemical would become a problem because of its tendency to accumulate through the food chain.

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I always try to avoid going in this shop when I’m in the mall. It’s not because I don’t like it, it’s because the sales lady are so aggressive and that scares me. That’s partially true, it’s really because I don’t want to end up with more new soaps or lotions.

But I did end up shopping here online. It was because of the great price they had on the FitFlops. I also added a purchase of Coconut Lime Verbena shampoo to my order. My favorite scents is the Signature Classics “Country Apple” or “Sun-Ripen Raspberry”. But this time, I thought I try something new and went with their new “Signature Collection“.

I think the label caught my attention.  Pictures of limes and coconut, reminded me of some place tropical and breezy.  And verbena also makes good tea.

In the herbal world, verbena is suppose to have nice lemony scent. And initially the Bath & Body Works scent for this combination was very pleasing. But after I used it to wash my hair, I noticed how strong and powdery it smelled. Not like refreshing citrus, but more floral.  Almost too overpowering and artificial.  So I just used a small amount.

As far as how well it worked, it left my hair very shiny and smooth.   At one time I got some shampoo running into my eyes, and it was painful! I don’t remember washing my hair with anything that stings that much. As my usual shampoo recently has been pure liquid Castile soap with peppermint oil and aloe vera.

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This is an updated post on Summer Sandals:

I went out and got the Fit Flop at Macy’s. The strap choices were so limited - mostly gold and silver. It looked like they were marketed towards older women who hang out at South Beach (with lots of bling!). The one I got was more simple and casual.

I normally wear size 7, but one foot was too lose. I tried on the size 6 and it fit right to the tip of my heel.  The left size fit fine, but the right size was too tight.

So I decided on size 6 and took it home to try out. Walked around the (carpeted) house with it for a day. I liked that it was very light, very comfortable.

But the tightness of one of the foot strap and small foot bed was starting to bother me.  My right foot is bigger than my left foot. I think this is very common for most people.

I returned the size 6 (in good condition).  But I didn’t want to give up on these sandals since I really like them.  So I went online and found Bath & Body Works was having a “web exclusive” sale for Fit Flops. They call them “Spa Shoes” over there. The one I wanted was on sale for $39.75.

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