Frequently Asked Questions
Melanin In Balance
1What is Melanin in Balance?
Melanin in Balance is a wellness education hub centering the health and experiences of Black women. We offer resources to help you make safe, informed choices about beauty, hormones, and reproductive wellness—information that’s useful for all women.
2Who is this platform for?
This space is created for Black women, but anyone seeking trusted, accessible wellness education—especially around clean beauty and hormone health—is welcome here.
3 Is your content medically approved?
Our content is based on research and developed with expert input, but it’s not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal health decisions.
4What kind of resources do you offer?
We offer:
- Educational guides & e-books
- Ingredient label decoders
- DIY clean beauty recipes
- Printable checklists & worksheets
- (Coming Soon) Short videos, quizzes, and interactive tools .
5How do I join the private Facebook community?
You can request to join our private Facebook group [here] (insert link). It’s a safe space for real conversations, education, and community support.
6Do I have to pay for your resources?
Most of our tools are free. We also offer a few premium resources (like our DIY Clean Beauty Recipe Book) to help fund our mission and expand access to education.
7How can I suggest a topic or ask a question?
We’re always listening. Use the *[Submit a Topic]* form on our site or email us directly with your ideas or questions
8How can I support Melanin in Balance?
We’re building something powerful—and your support makes it possible. Here’s how you can help:
- Share our platform and invite others to join
- Purchase our digital resources
- Donate to our *[GoFundMe]* to help bring clean beauty & hormone health education into schools for Black teen girls
- Want to sponsor or collaborate? Email us at info@melanininbalnce.org
Understanding EDCs
1What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
EDCs are chemicals that mess with your hormones, which are like the body’s messengers. These chemicals can imitate or block natural hormones, leading to issues like irregular periods, fertility struggles, and health conditions such as fibroids.
2Where are EDCs commonly found?
You can find EDCs in:
Beauty products like hair relaxers, skin-lightening creams, and fragrances.
Plastics used in food packaging or water bottles.
Household cleaners and even non-organic fruits and veggies.
3Why is this blog focusing on Black women and EDCs?
Black women often use more beauty and hair products that have higher levels of harmful EDCs. This increases the risk of hormone-related health issues, such as fibroids and infertility. Additionally, many Black communities lack access to resources about safer alternatives.
Health Impact of EDCs
1How do EDCs harm our bodies?
Disrupt your hormones, leading to problems like PCOS, fibroids, or infertility.
Mimic hormones like estrogen, creating imbalances.
Stay in your body over time, especially if you’re exposed frequently.
2Can switching to EDC-free products help with fibroids or fertility issues?
While switching to clean products may not completely reverse these conditions, reducing your exposure to EDCs can improve your hormonal balance and overall health. Many women have reported feeling better and seeing improved symptoms over time.
A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women who reduced their use of products containing EDCs experienced improvements in hormonal symptoms and overall well-being.
Disclaimer: While reducing exposure to EDCs can be beneficial, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. Individual health conditions vary, and a healthcare provider can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs.
3Are all organic products safe?
Not necessarily! Some products labeled “organic” or “natural” may still contain harmful chemicals. We’ve created a cheatsheet in our Resources Section to help you identify unsafe ingredients.
Identifying EDCs in Products
1How do I know if a product has EDCs?
Check the label for harmful chemicals like:
Parabens
Phthalates
BPA
Triclosan
For a quick reference, download the Cheatsheet from our Resources Section, which lists the main types of EDCs and where they are found.
2What are some safe alternatives to everyday products?
Try replacing:
Fragrance-heavy lotions with shea butter or coconut oil.
Plastic water bottles with reusable glass or stainless steel options.
Chemical-based soaps with African black soap or Castile soap
Reducing EDC Exposure
1How can I detox my beauty routine?
Start by replacing products one at a time, focusing on those you use most often. For detailed steps, check out our Guide to Reducing EDC Exposure in the Resources Section.
Lifestyle & Advocacy FAQs
1How can I educate others about EDCs?
Share what you’ve learned! Send them our blog link, introduce them to our guides, or even host a small group session. You can also download our printable resources for easy sharing.
2What are you doing to close the research gap for Black women and EDCs?
One of our goals is to advocate for more research into how EDCs specifically affect Black women’s health. By raising awareness and connecting with researchers, we’re working to bridge this gap.
3How can I contact you or share my story?
We’d love to hear from you! Visit our Contact Page to share your story, ask questions, or give feedback.
Additional Resources & Getting Involved
1Where can I find more information?
Our Resources Section is full of guides, infographics, and articles to help you transition to an EDC-free lifestyle. You can also find product recommendations and tips for staying safe.
2Can I get involved in your mission?
Yes! Whether you’d like to share your story, volunteer for an event, or contribute to the blog, reach out to us via the Contact Page. Together, we can make a difference.