Celiac Disease and Cosmetics
May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Celiac disease is an auto- immune digestive disease that can cause serious health problems if even the smallest amount of gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment. Many Americans have the disease, but go undiagnosed.
I knew almost nothing about this subject until I started getting calls and emails from women with the disease seeking out gluten-free skincare and makeup. I’ve learned alot from them and have done some of my own research.
All doctors agree that anything used on or around the mouth that may be accidently swallowed like lipstick, lipgloss, lip pencil, lip balm, and of course toothpaste and mouthwash should be avoided if it contains gluten. Other experts in the field, as well as some of my clients, say that topically applied lotions, creams, shampoos, makeup, etc. containing gluten cannot be tolerated and cause symptoms. This seems to be a case of “everyone is different”. Some can tolerate mild exposure on the skin and be OK while others cannot and for optimal health choose to avoid all gluten.
Some of the main cosmetic ingredients to avoid if you have Celiac disease are: oat fiber, wheat germ oil, hydrolized wheat flour, hydrolized wheat protein and yeast extract.
There are many safe makeup and skincare options available. At IF A GODDESS WORE MAKEUP, I carry Gabriel Cosmetics, Perfect Organics and Vapour Organic Beauty - all gluten-free makeup lines; and 100% PURE, OHA and Shea Terra Organics skincare that are also gluten-free.
If this is your issue, allow me to help with your beauty needs.
To your health and beauty!
-Sheila
