Grapeseed Oil and It's Benefits In Natural Skin Care
Cheap Skin Care Products - 4 Dangerous Chemicals to Avoid
Virgin Coconut Oil the safest skin moisturizer
- Virgin coconut oil is useful in fighting free-radicals as it is unrefined and hasn't been stripped of any of its important nutrients.
- Virgin coconut oil helps prevent liver spots or brown spots. Liver spots is one of the classic sign of old age, it is cause by free-radical deterioration of the lipids (fats) in our skin over exposure to sunlight. The oil absorbed into the skin help limit or minimize damaged caused by excessive sun exposure.
- Virgin coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to stressed skin but it may also help in healing and repairing skin.
- Virgin coconut oil reduces our need for vitamin E.
- Virgin coconut oil help in removing the dead skin cells, to reveal a younger and smoother skin.
- Virgin coconut oil is a deep penetrating food for the skin that can help strengthen connective tissues, so that skin doesn't sag and wrinkle.
- Applying the coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner can help remove dandruff better that a medicated shampoo.
- Antiseptic fatty acids in coconut oil help to prevent fungal and bacterial infections in the skin when it is consumed and to some extent, when it is applied directly to the skin.
- Continuous use of Virgin Coconut oil on the skin can help cure some skin problem such as; Psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, acne, etc.
Benefits of Wheatgrass
How The Zumba Fitness Program Delivers Fun And Fitness
What is zumba fitness ?…If you are like a significant element of the population the mere believed of possessing to physical exercise may possibly leave you with dread. While you can opt to stick to the standards there are newcomers to the arena that make the challenge of acquiring into form entertaining.
The Zumba Fitness technique has turned out to be incredibly preferred because it can make fitness fun as opposed to a chore. You may well have heard the name talked about but had been not sure what it was about. Coming at a time in which a multitude of dance fitness systems came out Zumba fitness became preferred in fitness clubs and as a bought residence set.
The birth of Zumba fitness was essentially an accident. The creator who was a zumba fitness instructor forgot to bring his typical music for class and threw in some traditional Latin music. He realized that the class enjoyed it and he liked the way it worked out.
Zumba fitness uses Latin and world beats with dance measures to inspire the customers to physical exercise along with the intended system. Some of the dances utilised to train the muscles are salsa samba merengue and other folks. You may well believe and want to know how to dance to do this but by watching you’ll discover very speedily what is zumba fitness.
By following the measures in the zumba fitness DVDs all of us you can find out how to dance and really feel great although operating your physique from head to toe in the course of action. The excellent issue is you won’t really feel as if you’re genuinely exercising with zumba fitness, but just acquiring entertaining while dancing. A major factor that can make this a winner is the infectious music that dares you to sit still whilst listening to it.
The routines are actually easy to follow there’s absolutely nothing in this program that helps make it too challenging to grasp. With the purchase of the common zumba fitness DVD set you get four disks and a pair of toning sticks (at the time of this writing). Don’t feel like functioning out and dancing alone? You can do a search for classes in your location.
While this is fun and uncomplicated it does a critical task at receiving your complete body in form. With interval education as nicely as mixing up the routines with quickly and slow dance measures you get a chance to feel your entire body react to the movements they teach you with zumba fitness.
With zumba fitness dancing you’re going to really feel as if you’ve joined a large party complete of pleased dancing people today. Soul shaking music that makes you really feel inspired to move and let loose is one particular of the ideal tips that has been introduced in the training planet.
Zumba fitness is a excellent physical exercise concept for any person that will make you want to invite your good friends along to join in the enjoyable zumba fitness. This is one exercise training program zumba fitness that is fun to do and the weight loss for those who may have a few extra pounds that they would like to tighten up is very much a good thing with zumba fitness.
Stay on the safe side!
It's like giving food to your kids. You want the best for them right?
So does your skin.
As the name already suggests, natural skincare should also be produced with natural ingredients. If you choose in a responsible way this is certainly the best care especially when it comes to anti aging. They must be in accordance with the skins natural structure and also contribute to a long lasting youthful appearance.
But nature also provides us with natural preservatives which can be used in the production of cosmetics, and therefore enhance the effectiveness of bionome skincare.
I like to give you some valuable information here about some terms which you can find very often on cosmetic labels.
Chemical preservatives:
Methylparabenes
Propylparabenes
Ethylparabenes
Butylparabenes
Benzoic acid
Sorbic acid
Triclosan
2 Brom-2 Nitropropane...
This is some of the most commonly preservatives and are known for their risks of allergenic effects!
Synthetic Oils:
Mineral oil
Paraffinum-Liquidum
Paraffinum-Subliquidum
Petrolatum
Ozokerit
Microcrystalline Wax
Cera Microcrystallina
These cheap synthetic oils are often used as a basic for cosmetic products. Mineral oil does not contain any vitamins; it can plug pores, cause skin blemishes and is able to unbalance the natural skin barrier.
Fragrance and Perfume
these substances give creams and lotions a pleasant scent, but are unfortunately high allergy triggers!
Article by Sabine
Why Natural Organic Skincare Is Better For Your Skin
Shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, liquid soap, hand creams, facial cleansers and moisturiser, lip balms... we all have them in abundance in our homes and use them on a daily basis - but when's the last time you turned the bottle
around and read the ingredients list?
Even if you did, you probably wouldn't be any the wiser since many of these products consist of a concoction of chemicals, largely by-products of the petrochemical industry, heavily disguised under long complex names.
Sadly, many of these chemicals do not have any beneficial effect on the skin and are included for other reasons - as an emulsifier, to bind ingredients together, to improve the texture or to give the product a longer shelf-life.
Whats more, some of these chemicals have been found to have potentially harmful effects on the human body and have been linked to skin irritations, adverse reactions in certain body organs and even cancer.
The problem by now is that so many commonly used skincare products contain these toxic ingredients - even some of those that claim to be 'natural', 'hypo-allergenic' or 'dermatologically-tested' - that it has become a minefield of misunderstanding for the average consumer.
So what is the answer? Firstly familiarise yourself with some of the nastiest chemical ingredients and make sure you don't buy anything containing these. Here are afew to get you started:
Sodium lauryl sulphate - a moderately toxic detergent which can cause skin irritation - found in most shampoos and toothpastes.
Parabens - including methy,propyl, butyl or ethyl - preservatives which are found in many products and can irritate skin, eyes and respiratory tract and are possibly carcinogenic.
Propylene/ butylene glycol - a petroleum-derived solvent linked with respiratory and throat irritation and central nervous system disorders, amongst others.
DEA- diethanolamine - acidity regulator e.g.DEA cocoamide - severely irritating to body tissues and eyes and possibly carcinogenic.
Bearing in mind that nobody really knows, as yet, what effect a daily bombardment by a concoction of these different chemicals may have on the human body over a prolonged period of time, it seems it would make sense to cut out or at least try to reduce your exposure to these toxic toiletries. Buying truly natural, organic products is the only way to ensure that what you are using is 100% safe and trustworthy and always check the ingredients labels.
If you are reading such natural components as shea or cocoa butter, olive, sunflower or almond oil, beeswax, distilled flower waters and essential oils then you know you are on the right track! Remember that the purest, most natural products which are high in skin-feeding antioxidants and natural vitamins, often do not contain any preservatives and so will not be found on the shelves of your average shop, but there are plenty of on-line shops selling fresh products and at reasonable prices.
FACTS about your skin
Did you know your skin is your body's largest
organ accounting for about 15% of human body
weight? Wow! But that's not all. The average
square inch of skin contains 65 hairs, 650 sweat
glands, 20 blood vessels and 1000 nerve endings.
Essentially, your skin is a two way membrane
with 6 primary functions:
1) Protection - your first line of bodily defense
from the external environment.
2) Sensation - your nerve endings react to touch,
pressure, heat, cold, vibration and tissue injury.
3) Heat Regulation - your skin regulates body
temperature through sebaceous glands.
4) Storage and Synthesis - acts as a storage
centre for lipids and water as well as a means
of synthesis of vitamin D and B by action of Ultra
Violet light on certain parts of the skin.
5) Excretion - urea is eliminated when you sweat.
6) Absorption - Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon
dioxide enter your skin in small amounts.
Because of this, medicine by ointments and
patches are used by doctors. Cosmetic and
skin care products can also enter the skin
and penetrate the bloodstream this way.
This is the Dirty Little Secret!
Absorption of chemicals through the skin is the
dirty little secret that the government and chemical
corporations don't want you to know.
So just how how much are we exposed to toxins
through skin care products? Well, to find out the
shocking truth make sure you keep your eyes
peeled for tomorrow's issue.
----------------------------------
As we talked about yesterday, absorption of
chemicals through the skin is the dirty little
secret that the government and chemical
corporations don't want anyone to know.
The reason why is because if the general
public knew this, the $29 billion skin care,
cosmetic and chemical empire would fall
apart over night. There is too much at stake
for heartless corporations (and government)
to ever allow this too happen.
However, all is not lost. You, by virtue of being
a member of our underground natural skin care
community can turn the tables on these
corrupt institutions by being an IOC and having
the last laugh!
So, as promised in yesterday's issue I will now
reveal the "Dirty Dozen Health Risks" of toxins
in mainstream corporate skin care products.
This report comes from the combined resources
of the Natural Skincare Authority and the
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
In a recent product use survey we found that the
average adult uses 9 personal care products daily,
with 126 unique ingredients that contact and
penetrate the skin membrane.
Staggering isn't it? But it gets much worse. It turns
out 99% of these ingredients have never been
tested for safety by any publicly accountable
institution, government or otherwise.
Here is a summary of the major findings:
14,108 products were assessed - 990 brands of
lotion, lip balm, deodorant, sunscreen, moisturizer,
toothpaste, shampoo, hair conditioner and many
other popular products.
Also assessed were the 6,899 ingredients that form
these products which shows that only one percent
(1%) of products are made from ingredients that
have all been assessed for safety.
Nearly every product on the market contains one
or more ingredients that have never been publicly
assessed for safety, and some products contain
carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other
chemicals that may pose health risks.
Below are the "Dirty Dozen Health Risks"
of mainstream skin care, hair care and cosmetic
products sold to the general public everyday.
(The number on the right is the percentage
of products that contain that particular health risk).
1) Ingredient(s) not assessed for safety - (99.7%)
2) Insufficient safety data - (94.3%)
3) Cancer hazard - (36.7%)
4) Cancer - evidence of carcinogenicity - (33.8%)
5) Reproductive/developmental toxicity - (45.9%)
6) Reproductive or developmental harm - (45.7%)
7) Immune system toxicants (allergies, sensitization) - (78.9%)
8) Penetration enhancers - (57.0%)
9) Estrogenic chemicals and other endocrine disruptors - (58.8%)
10) Sunburn/skin cancer risk - (9.3%)
11) Potential for harmful impurities - (75.3%)
12) Unsafe for use in cosmetics - (7.3%)
Enough to make your skin crawl isn't it.
Well maybe so, but fear not. In the next few days
I will reveal an "under-the-radar" method on how
you can take control back from the chemical cartel
by becoming an expert ingredient detective, almost
instantly!
By: Natural-Skincare-Authority.com
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
57% of all skin care products contain "penetration enhancer" chemicals like Propylene Glycol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that drive down deep through five layers of skin and illegally hijack your bloodstream. This FACT! Should make you want to stay away from chemical filled products!
2) 74% of all personal care products on the market according to chemical industry databases contain:- Carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals),
- Teratogens (causing birth defects),
- Reproductive toxins (male & female infertility),
- Developmental toxins (hazardous to unborn children)
- Skin/sense organ toxicants (causing skin disease and rashes)
- Allergenic toxicants (causing allergies)
- Mutagens (causing cells to mutate)
The Most Popular Natural Preservatives
Although some may say no preservatives are the best choice, here’s a list of the most popular natural preservatives used today. Some you might have heard of before, others you might have no idea what they could be used for.
Dangerous Chemicals in Skin Care Products
The European Union has identified and banned about 1100 chemicals from their skin care products but the U.S. has only banned about a dozen. About 50 U.S. companies have voluntarily agreed to use the European standards, including the major companies Revlon and L'Oreal. However, many companies have not agreed to follow the higher standards, including the major companies Avon, Proctor and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, Unilever, and Colgate Palmolive.
Let's look at some of the potentially harmful ingredients. Mineral oil is found in many products. It is derived from petroleum and forms an oily film on the skin to lock in moisture. However, it also locks in toxins and it prevents dry skin from receiving moisture. Also, it was listed by a Johns Hopkins study as the #2 cause of aging.
Dioxane and formaldehyde are carcinogens found in many products such as lotions, shampoos, and hand soaps.
These chemicals are not actually added to a product but are a by-product of many commonly used preservatives. They can be found in ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and PEG-100 stearate. They are also regarded as common skin irritants.
Methyl paraben is a highly toxic ingredient that is used to extend a product's shelf life and to inhibit microbial growth. However, it can cause dangerous allergic reactions and rashes. Also, parabens have been found in breast tumors. Look for this ingredient in body washes and cleansers.
DEA and PABA are nitrosamine-forming agents which increase the risk of skin, liver, and kidney cancers. They can cause allergic reactions and irritate eyes. Sunscreens often contain these ingredients.
Antiperspirants and antiseptics often contain aluminum. This ingredient has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Collagen is a fibrous protein that is too large to penetrate the skin.
In skin care products collagen is derived from animal skins and chicken feet. It is dangerous because the layer of film that it forms suffocates the skin.
Lanolin and kaolin are a couple of other ingredients that can smother and weaken the skin. Kaolin is a fine, white clay while lanolin is a fatty substance extracted from wool. Lanolin can also cause skin rashes and allergic reactions.
Glycerin is a syrupy liquid produced by combining water and fat. On the skin it has the effect of drawing moisture from deeper layers of the skin and holding it on the surface. The result is that it dries the skin from the inside out.
Petrolatum and propylene glycol are similar to mineral oil in that they can prevent toxins from escaping from the skin and can prevent the skin from receiving moisture. Both can be strong skin irritants.
Alpha hydroxy acid helps the skin exfoliate damaged skin cells and healthy skin cells. With extended use, this can result in long term skin damage.
Lastly, beware of fragrances that are commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products. They are usually petroleum-based and can cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, and respiratory problems.
Now that you know some of the hazards of common chemical ingredients found in skin care and cosmetic products you can better judge which products to use and which to avoid.
21 REASONS TO USE SHEA BUTTER
01. Dry skin
02. skin rash
03. Skin peeling, after tanning
04. Blemishes and wrinkles
05. Itching skin
06. Sunburn
07. Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave.
08. Small skin wounds
09. Skin cracks
10. Tough or rough skin (on feet.)
11. Cold weather,
12. Frost bites
13. Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
14. Insect bites
15. Healthy skin
16. Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
17. For before and after strenuous exercise
18. Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
19. Eczema
20. Dermatitis
21. Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.)
Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin
Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin
Argan oil is a complex mixture of chemical compounds like fatty acids (80%), polyphenoles, antioxidants, carotenoids and other acids. Each of these components adds in a particular way to the inventory of uses of Argan oil. Some of the benefits of Argan oil for the health and treatment of the skin can be recognized as;- Argan oil protects the skin against wrinkles appeared due to premature aging. It also helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet (wrinkles under the eyes).
- It is a very good remedy for dry skin. It does freshen and soften the skin more readily than any other skin softness creams or oils do.
- Protein rich Argan oil is very good for the elasticity of skin. It strengthens the protein bonding structures in the skin which works to tighten the skin and make it look fresh.
- Argan oil is good for reducing skin irritation. It quickly heals the marks caused by scratching on skin.
- One of the most amazing facts about Argan oil is that along with dry skin it is equally good for oily skin. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands which keeps the skin wet and protects against dryness, but its excess secretion is bad for the skin. Argan oil regulates the secretion of sebum and keeps it to a manageable level.
- Argan oil helps to prevent stretch marks on skin made by pregnancy.
- It gives strength to the weak and easily breakable nails. It also strengthens the delicate skin at the root of nails and makes it smooth.
- Argan oil is useful in the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases like Acne, Chickenpox and Psoriasis. Red dots or patches appear on the skin in these diseases.
- In Arthritic and Rheumatic conditions in which joints and tissues of the body are damaged, Argan oil greatly soothes and reduces the pain.
Get Your Argan Oil Click Here
The Magical Benefits Of Shea Butter
Articel by: revitalise your health
Shea Butter Uses
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Say No To Chemical Preservatives
Chemical preservatives are one of the main culprits for causing skin problems. Avoid this altogether by opting for products that contain natural preservatives. Be street wise and read product labels, as many companies will use chemical preservatives even when advertising as being natural or organic. Be wary about any skin care product that has a shelf life longer than 6 months after opening. Shorter shelf life inevitably means less chemical preservatives. The image below shows what you need to look out for. 12 M= 12 months shelf life after opening.
Chemical preservatives that may damage your skin:
- Alcohol
- Benzoic Acid
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Formaldehyde
- Parabens (Ethyl, Propyl, Isopropyl, Methyl, Benzyl)
- Parfum
- Phenoxyethanol
- Sodium Benzoate
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
NATURAL SKIN CARE V CHEMICAL SKIN CARE. YOU DECIDE!
Natural Ingredients
- The majority of people find natural ingredients less irritating, when used in the right concentrations
- Some ingredients have lovely natural floral smell
- No parabens, SLS and other known harmful ingredients
- Same benefits and in some cases more as chemical products, but without the chemicals
- It’s like eating, the less junk you put on your skin the better you will feel
- No harsh chemical preservatives
- It makes sense to go natural with your skin care
- Your skin will thank you
- Harsh preservatives are used to give the products a longer shelf life
- If having a really long shelf life is important to you (12 months or more) then chemical compounds might be for you
- In some cases they can have negative internal effects, as skin care products are absorbed by the skin
- Can be beneficial for some people who can tolerate the chemicals
- Harmful effects are left behind by synthetic ingredients
- Some long term damages can be irreversible
Harmful Ingredients In Cosmetics
The best advice would be to carefully read those labels. You'll never know how your organism reacts to these chemicals. In fact manufacturers use these carcinogens since these are cheaper than organic ingredients.
Paraben Preservatives
Used mainly in the production of deodorants, skin care products and other cosmetics as preservatives. Often causing allergies and breakouts, these toxins are extremely dangerous.
As one of the most important cancer-causing ingredients these have a harmful effect on our health. You're highly recommended to avoid products that contain parabens.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Cosmetic industry use it to thicken the texture of skin care products.
It was demonstrated that getting in contact with our skin it can jam up the natural oils of the skin; it has also premature aging effect and makes our complexion prone to infections and allergies.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Dental care products, shampoos, body cleansers and foaming facials often contain this ingredient. It can easily cause long-term damages in our organism.
Due to the fact that it is absorbed by our skin extremely quickly it has a harmful influence on our lungs, brain as well as heart. Keep away from cosmetics rich in SLS to stay healthy.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Several skin and body care products contain isoprophyl alcohol, used mainly as a solvent solution. Even though these products are highly promoted, this tiny ingredient still can gradually strip our skin from the the natural acid layer.
Consequently our pores become prone to irritation and bacteria. After repeated use of these products you might even experience the visible signs of skin aging.
Mineral Oil
Different lotions, makeup removers as well as lipsticks contain this chemical. Since it's a petroleum-based solution our skin struggles with the absorption process.
Often associated with skin problems, it can clog pores and cause infections and inflammations. It covers the skin to a degree that it doesn't allow the skin to breathe.
Skin Care Cream - The Toxins, Cancer-Causing Chemicals and Rubbish That Gets Into Beauty Creams
Skin Care Cream - The Toxins, Cancer-Causing Chemicals and Rubbish That Gets Into Beauty Creams
And if you think that's bad, there is worse to come .. these things can be found in the skin care moisturizer cream of some of the biggest beauty product brands.
I know this flies against what we are told in the fashion magazine advertisements. There, glamorous models give the distinct impression that skin care cream will make you look young, feel better, and be healthier.
What they don't tell you is what's in the jar. And some of that is plain dangerous. Those things can give you ailments ranging from irritation of the skin to cancer.
Here's a list of 15 things to avoid at any cost as you go shopping for skin care cream. Sadly they are some of the most common ingredients in skin care products. Acrylamide: Watch for it in hand and face creams, as some research indicates links with breast cancer.
Alcohols: like ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. They dry out the skin which can cause irritation and will wash away your natural protective skin oils exposing you to the risk of bacteria, mould and viruses.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine): You'll find them used to adjust pH in skin care cream. They can give you eye problems, dry skin, and long term can be toxic. They're banned in Europe.
Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This one's everywhere. A major component is 1,4-dioxane which is officially certified to cause cancer.
Fragrance: Just added to give skin care cream a beautiful smell, but many ingredients are toxic or carcinogenic, affecting the central nervous system, and so causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
Mineral oil: liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, petrolatum are often used to seal moisture in the skin. In practice they clog pores, keeping toxins in and encouraging acne, removing natural skin oils and so encouraging dry skin and giving you an aged look. But manufacturers use it because it's cheap.
Nitrosamines: They are carcinogenic. Padimate-O: Also known as octyl dimethyl, it is found in sunscreens. Researchers are wondering if the energy absorbed by the sunscreen is turned into free radicals. If so, this increases your risk of skin cancer.
Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben - These are preservatives, so you see them everywhere. Studies suggest they may cause cancer and interfere with the body's endocrine system. May also be responsible for some allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Phenol carbolic acid: Many lotions and skin care cream have this. It's dangerous. Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death from respiratory failure.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG): This one is an emulsifier and humectant. Some researchers say it is carcinogenic.
Rancid natural emollients: Use skin care cream where the oils have been cold pressed, because natural oils extracted by refining, which is very common, removes nutrients and leaves behind poisonous trans fatty acids. Also watch their age, as skin care cream using them can go rancid if stored past their use by date.
Toluene: This you'll find in almost all artificial fragrances. Get too much and you're in danger of anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage. Research suggests overuse will endanger a developing fetus. Watch for it in Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), benzoic and benzyl.
Triclosan: This is an anti-bacterial agent. Used in weed killer and a lot of skin care cream. Some studies suggest it may help create strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This is a long, detailed list. So, do yourself a favor. Email the company you buy your skin care cream from and ask them if they include any of these ingredients in their products. If they do not, you're fine.
If they do, however, you need to find another company with a deliberate policy to not use any of these nasties.
By William Leonard
The Chemical Cocktail of Skin Care
The Chemical Cocktail of Skin Care
We tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body,and every day we apply a chemical cocktail of substances in ignorant bliss, unaware that up to 60% of anything applied topically can be absorbed into our bodies. As the average woman uses up to 14 different skincare and cosmetic products each day, this calculates to a massive two kilograms of different chemicals each year seeping into our systems.
So why does this matter? With many of the synthetic ingredients used in everyday skin care being potentially toxic to humans, you may like to reconsider some of the following:
Petrochemical derived ingredients (such as mineral oil) are extensively used in skin care as they help prevent water loss. While this may seem beneficial, they actually prevent the skin from breathing by forming an occlusive barrier, disrupting the skins normal functioning. Parabens (a common preservative) have demonstrated oestrogen mimicking activity which disrupts the body's normal hormonal balance.
In addition, parabens have also been shown to cause abnormalities in cell reproduction, an issue also associated with cancerous cells. Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) (a foaming agent) used in toothpaste, shampoo and foaming cleansers. Numerous trials showed that SLS can increase transdermal water loss causing the skin to become dehydrated and cause skin irritation.
Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in the production of various substances such as plastics, beauty products and artificial fragrances. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both men and women leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Specifically it targets the testes in men and breast tissue in women.
Parfum and synthetic fragrances are the most common cause of adverse skin reactions.
Propylene glycol is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
Finding safe and natural products can often be confusing - the term "natural" is somewhat misleading with regard to use in cosmetics. In Australia manufacturers can add 5% of a natural ingredient to a synthetic product and call it natural.
Ultimately, what you use on your skin is an individual choice, and issues such as skincare goals, sensitivities or allergies, and personal values need to be taken into consideration. If you do choose to avoid ingredients such as those above the best way to do so is by reading product labels and making an informed decision. But if reading packages is not your style, it's usually safe to say that organic ingredients are best - think Bond girl, but in the buff rather than bronzed.
Glowing skin, fewer wrinkles, no blemishes, fuller lips, and of course the benefits that come automatically from all this such as a hot guy at your side and the envying glances of every woman in the room. And amazingly, all easily achievable with the latest miracle cream! It's easy to believe what the skincare giants promise, but do you know what you are actually slathering onto your skin?
Remember the scene in Goldfinger when the Bond girl is covered in gold paint and dies because her skin suffocates? While it is doubtful whether anyone would regularly practise anything so obviously wacky (not to mention expensive!) the outcome itself is not as crazy as it sounds.
We tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body,and every day we apply a chemical cocktail of substances in ignorant bliss, unaware that up to 60% of anything applied topically can be absorbed into our bodies. As the average woman uses up to 14 different skincare and cosmetic products each day, this calculates to a massive two kilograms of different chemicals each year seeping into our systems.
So why does this matter? With many of the synthetic ingredients used in everyday skin care being potentially toxic to humans, you may like to reconsider some of the following:
Petrochemical derived ingredients (such as mineral oil) are extensively used in skin care as they help prevent water loss. While this may seem beneficial, they actually prevent the skin from breathing by forming an occlusive barrier, disrupting the skins normal functioning.
Parabens (a common preservative) have demonstrated oestrogen mimicking activity which disrupts the body's normal hormonal balance. In addition, parabens have also been shown to cause abnormalities in cell reproduction, an issue also associated with cancerous cells.
Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) (a foaming agent) used in toothpaste, shampoo and foaming cleansers. Numerous trials showed that SLS can increase transdermal water loss causing the skin to become dehydrated and cause skin irritation.
Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in the production of various substances such as plastics, beauty products and artificial fragrances. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both men and women leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Specifically it targets the testes in men and breast tissue in women.
Parfum and synthetic fragrances are the most common cause of adverse skin reactions.
Propylene glycol is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
Finding safe and natural products can often be confusing - the term "natural" is somewhat misleading with regard to use in cosmetics. In Australia manufacturers can add 5% of a natural ingredient to a synthetic product and call it natural.
Ultimately, what you use on your skin is an individual choice, and issues such as skincare goals, sensitivities or allergies, and personal values need to be taken into consideration. If you do choose to avoid ingredients such as those above the best way to do so is by reading product labels and making an informed decision. But if reading packages is not your style, it's usually safe to say that organic ingredients are best - think Bond girl, but in the buff rather than bronzed.
By Ananda Mahony
chamomile oil benefits on hair and skin
It will give you the much needed moments of serenity and peace in your fast-paced and stressful life.