Researchers examined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and determined that women with the highest level of phthalates in their systems reported experiencing menopause 2.3 years earlier. “Phthalates can disrupt your hormonal makeup,” says Laura Corio, MD, an OBGYN at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Once in your system, phthalates can mimic and chemically change hormones in your body. For example, when phthalates mimic estrogen (which helps regularize your period), it confuses your body and results in a lack of real estrogen. This can cause irregular periods—one of the first signs of menopause, Corio says. More from Prevention: What You Need To Know About Menopause And regardless of how phthalates enter your bloodstream—whether ingested or absorbed by your skin, from your beauty products—once they’re in your body, they start wreaking havoc on your system. Other things that might derail your biological clock? Smoking, genetics (when your mom experienced menopause) and any kind of reproductive surgery are all culprits, Corio says. And though you have no control over your genetics, quitting the cancer sticks and trying to get rid of toxins in your products are two ways to lower your risk, she says. To green your beauty routine, invest in these eco-friendly must-haves recommended by green beauty expert and celebrity makeup artist Lina Hanson, author of Eco-Beautiful—The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness. Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use BlushWinter’s the perfect time for flushed, dewy cheeks, and this little stick is the non-toxic way to get them. “This cream blush blends into the skin and creates that fresh-faced sort of look,” says Hanson. ($28, VapourBeauty.com) Lina Hanson Global Face SerumThis all-in-one anti-ager and moisturizer is the non-toxic way to smooth and nourish your skin. Hanson’s own 100% natural creation, this skin elixir blends natural oils from all over the world, including argan oil from Morocco, Brazil nut oil from Brazil, pumpkin seed from Austria, and more. “It smoothes out the skin and gives it an instant glow,” says Hanson. ($85, LinaHanson.com) Kjaer Weis EyeshadowsJust as pretty to look at as they are to wear, each eyeshadow is packaged in a sleek compact that slides open and shut. Not only that, but the super-flattering colors are easy to blend, which is a must, according to Hanson. ($44, KjaerWeis.com) John Masters Bearberry Oily Skin Balancing Face WashA makeup remover and skin soother in one: “This is a very mild, soothing cleanser that removes makeup and keeps the skin soft and supple,” says Hanson. ($22, JohnMasters.com) Dr. Hauschka Volume MascaraHanson recommends this mascara for voluminous and smudge-proof lashes. ($30, DrHauschka.com) 100% Pure Lip GlossesThe coolest thing about these glosses? They’re made from fruit and vegetable pigments (which are responsible for the different colors) instead of synthetic dyes or minerals. “I love the shades these lip glosses come in, and they are very moisturizing,” says Hanson. ($13, 100PercentPure.com) Acure Organics Hair Care Shampoo & ConditionerNo matter your hair type, these organic and natural products will help you detox your shower routine. Hanson is a big fan of these products, which she says keep her hair soft and smell incredible. ($10-$13, AcureOrganics.com) Alima Pure BronzerTo warm up your face, this bronzer does the trick, according to Hanson. “[It] creates a really soft and subtle glow, and goes on smoothly,” she says. ($20, AlimaPure.com) Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with PomegranateHanson loves this super-affordable, 100% natural beauty staple because it’s moisturizing and adds just a hint of color to the lips. ($3, BurtsBees.com) Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting PapersGlistening t-zones, banished. “The blotting papers won’t move any makeup but will absorb all the excess shine,” says Hanson. ($12, Tatcha.com) More from Prevention: 5 Ways To Tell If Your Makeup’s Vegetarian
