THEThe skin is an organ, not a static shell, the meeting surface between the external and internal environments. It is therefore subject to the action of endocrine disruptors. These, according to the definition ofWHOare «a substance or mixture of exogenous substances that alter the function or functions of the endocrine system and, therefore, may cause harmful effects on the health of an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations». It will be discussed in Rome on 8 November during the meeting “Endocrine disruptors. Health, environment and dermatological prevention strategies”conceived and coordinated by Professor Pucci Romanodermatologist, teacher of dermatological techniques applied to cosmetology at theCatholic University of the Sacred Heart and president Skineco.
Endocrine Disruptors: the skin acts as an intermediary
For the first time dermatologists, endocrinologists, paediatricians, cosmetologists, chemists and environmental experts they discuss Endocrine Disruptors and the importance of eco-compatibility and skin compatibility. In 2021 the Report ANSES – French National Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety – he identified 906 substances to pay attention to, present in many categories of daily use: not only pesticides and herbicides, but also plastic and cosmetics. «What is bad for the skin is bad for the environment and vice versa. This is why it is really important to talk about eco-dermocompatibility, today focused on an important topic such as endocrine disruptors”, he explains Pucci Romano.
Skin: the precautionary principle
Everyday the skin comes into contact with at least 500 substances present in cosmetics: there are in fact around 31 components in a conditioner, 45 in a day cream, 28 in a shower gel, as many as 40 in a hairspray. “Unfortunately safe by law does not exist, we must rely on the precautionary principle. In the case of Endocrine Disruptors, the skin acts as an intermediary, it allows itself to be deceived by these substances and gives the green light. In this way they penetrate inside with a hormonal-like mechanism. And the consequences are many. Among these, increased endometriosis, male infertility, early or late puberty, neurodevelopmental disorders“, continues Pucci Romano.
Obesity and precocious puberty: some of the consequences
«Environmental pollutants act as real endocrine disruptors, capable of profoundly altering the body’s hormonal balance. The increase in obesity observed in recent decades is partly related to the spread of these substanceswhich interfere with metabolic regulation mechanisms. All pollutants share the ability to behave like hormones or to bind to their own receptors, modulating or inhibiting their physiological effects. Many of these substances mimic the action of estrogen and testosteroneanticipating puberty or altering normal reproductive function. Fluorinated derivatives show toxic effects on spermatozoa and tend to deposit in the tissuesas well as other compounds that accumulate in endocrine organs, where slower metabolism slows their elimination. Exposure to heavy metals such as iron, lead and manganese can especially lead to endocrine hypofunction affecting the thyroid, whose autoimmune inflammation, as in Hashimoto’s thyroiditisis today constantly increasing”, underlines the Professor Annamaria ColaoVice President, Superior Council of HealthFull Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Federico II University of Naples.
Towards a transparent label
«The problem of endocrine disruptors exists and must be communicated to the end customer on the basis of the precautionary principle cited in Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This principle requires that, in the presence of a well-founded doubt regarding the safety of a substance or product, the most precautionary approach is always adopted. Endocrine disruptors they can act on humans, on living organisms in nature and on the environmentwhere they tend to accumulate. As regards the effects on human beings, the substances are divided into category 1, recognized with certainty as endocrine disruptors, and category 2, for which there is a well-founded but not yet confirmed suspicion. Luckily, off we go from 1 March 2026, it will be mandatory to indicate the presence of endocrine disruptors on the label. This will guarantee greater transparency and protection of public health”, underlines the Doctor Fabrizio ZagoIndustrial Chemist, expert in Biodegradability and Bioeco-compatibility and Skineco member.
How to defend yourself
«Individual prevention remains fundamental. It is advisable avoid ultra-processed foodspreferring fresh, high-quality food, cooked at home at low temperatures. An anti-inflammatory dietpossibly associated with periods of controlled fasting, can promote the body’s natural purification processes. However, in an increasingly globalized and contaminated world, it seems clear that endocrine disruptors, silently governing many aspects of our physiologyalso contribute to the increase in metabolic and hormonal disorders, including obesity,” he continues Colao.
An “educated” consumer
«What is bad for the skin is bad for the environment and vice versa. Therefore the choice should be oriented towards eco-dermocompatible cosmetics. In particular a cosmetic must meet two needs: affinity with the skin, the so-called dermo-compatibilityi.e. the compatibility of the product with the skin ecosystem, and respect for the environment, that is, ecology, which concerns the entire production chain, from composition to packaging to correct disposal. This is because everything we spread on ourselves, through the water, ends up in the rivers and from there into the sea, risking polluting entire ecosystems. Furthermore, we must educate the consumer to read the INCIi.e. the list of ingredients contained in a cosmetic, listed in order of quantity from the highest percentage”, he concludes Pucci Romano.