Grapeseed Oil and It's Benefits In Natural Skin Care

Grapeseed oil is a true gift of nature when it comes to skin care! Of all the ingredients used in natural skin care today, grapeseed oil definitely is one of the best oils that you could have in your daily skin cream. Let me tell you a bit more about this wonderful substance and it's benefits in natural skin care.

Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of wine grapes. Since grapeseeds are usually discarded as part of the wine making process, the extraction and sale of this oil usually is produced by winemakers as a sideline. It's also an efficient use of a byproduct that would otherwise be wasted. In the twentieth century, grapeseed oil began to be processed and sold in much higher volume, primarily in the United States and Europe, as it became more popular in skin care but also in cooking.

For cooking purposes, the oil is usually extracted chemically from the tiny grapeseeds. High-quality grapeseed oil for in skin care should always be cold pressed, though.

Grapeseed oil is light in color and flavor, with a hint of nuttiness in the taste. It is a polyunsaturated oil, and contains beneficial substances like as linoleic acid as well as several other essential oils which are necessary for skin health, and it also contains natural vitamin E. These properties make this oil great for skin care.

Additionally, grapeseed oil can help your skin heal, as it has mildly astringent and antiseptic properties, which also help to tighten and tone the skin, making it a good ingredient for anti-aging skin creams. In fact, it is especially effective for repairing the skin around the eyes and has also been proven to reduce stretch marks on the skin.

It also contains polyphenols, which in fact are antioxidants. Polyphenols can help slow the process of aging. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes any oil containing them great for helping clear up acne! Using skin care containing this oil will help prevent clogging of the pores and breakouts.

It is also known for its ability to lock in the skin's own moisture, leaving your skin feeling supple and smooth. It does not leave a greasy feeling though: that makes it ideal to use on all skin types from very dry to very oily.

An extra benefit of this wonderful oil is its ability to be easily absorbed into the skin, instead of sitting on top of the skin, where the vitamins and antioxidants cannot properly make a difference to your skin condition. Only in the lower skin layers these substances can effectively fight free radicals and stop some of the enzymes that destroy collagen and elastin - which are essential in keeping youthful looks.

By Lumi H. Jais

Cheap Skin Care Products - 4 Dangerous Chemicals to Avoid

Cheap skin products is what many people buy at discount stores. Trust me it is not a smart decision to buy cheap skin care products. Sure you saved a couple of pounds but you could be paying a much greater price down the line. Let me tell you why.

Why Are Some Skin Care Products So Cheap?

There is a reason that cheap skin care products are as low priced as they are. It's because the company that produced them used only the lowest quality ingredients they could find. The biggest concern they probably had was making it smell good. Fragrances can contain harmful ingredients. The bad news is that you didn't even get an effective product. But worse yet you may have gotten much more than you expected.

**Read the next few paragraph very carefully. Your good health will thank you.**

Cheap skin products use only the tiniest amount of a couple of active ingredients. The rest of the creams are filled with chemically engineered fragrance, preservatives, and pH balancers. Many of these chemical ingredients can have a drastic affect on your health, and still other can actually kill you.

Here Are 4 Dangerous Chemicals Often Found in Cheap Skin Care Products:

1. Have you ever heard of a chemical called Dioxane? It's probably in your cheap skin care products right now. Dioxane is a coconut derivative widely used in cosmetics products, and it is "known by the state of California" to cause cancer.

2. Parabens describes a family of four chemical agents that are widely used as preservatives in cheap skin products. Studies have shown that parabens cause damage to the human endocrine system, causes allergic reactions, causes rashes, and is also a carcinogenic.

3. Phenol carbolic acid is found in many cheap skin care products. This acid is responsible for causing circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death. This one especially, you do not want in your creams.

4. There is an anti bacterial agent used in cheap skin products called Triclosan. It is also a common ingredient in herbicides. Triclosan is known for creating strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

There are even more chemicals that have been banned for use in cosmetics in Europe, but are commonly used everywhere else in cheap skin care products. These agents cause a bevy of problems such as allergic reactions, eye problems, and you guessed it, cancer.

The scientists on the research and development teams of the major cosmetics manufacturers know exactly what these chemicals have the potential to do to the cheap skin products users. They continue to keep using them because they are low cost ingredients, and that means that the cosmetics companies enjoy a higher profit margin.

That level of disregard for your health should make you wish for a company that refuses to produce cheap skin care products full of toxic chemicals. It should make you wish that you could find a company that put your health an well being before higher profit margins. Wouldn't you love to find a company that used only harmless, wholesome, all natural ingredients in their.

Virgin Coconut Oil the safest skin moisturizer

Virgin coconut oil or unrefined coconut oil is one of the oldest and trusted skin moisturizer and hair treatments in tropical countries. Virgin coconut oil is better than most expensive commercial moisturizer and hair conditioners in the market, because it does not only soften rough skin, it is also loaded with antioxidants that help repair skin damage and strengthen skin tissues therefore preventing wrinkles.

Benefits of Virgin coconut oil on the skin:

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.

Coconut oil as compared to other oil as hair treatment: According to studies of the 3 oils (mineral oil and safflower oil) used for hair treatment, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.

Both mineral oil and safflower oil do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair. Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.

Recommended Dosage: Internal: 1-3 tbsp. / day 30mins before meal; External: apply after shower and after washing your face at night.

By: jen7288

Benefits of Wheatgrass

WHEATGRASS JUICE...

Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass also stimulates metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body.

Stimulates the thyroid gland, correcting obesity, indigestion, and a host of other complaints.

Restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice's abundance of alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood. It can be used to relieve many internal pains, and has been used successfully to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract.

Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver and blood protector. The enzymes and amino acids found in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine. It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants.

Fights tumors and neutralizes toxins. Recent studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to fight tumors without the usual toxicity of drugs that also inhibit cell-destroying agents. The many active compounds found in grass juice cleanse the blood and neutralize and digest toxins in our cells.

Contains beneficial enzymes. Whether you have a cut finger you want to heal or you desire to lose five pounds...enzymes must do the actual work. The life and abilities of the enzymes found naturally in our bodies can be extended if we help them from the outside by adding exogenous enzymes, like the ones found in wheatgrass juice. Don't cook it. We can only get the benefits of the many enzymes found in grass by eating it uncooked. Cooking destroys 100 percent of the enzymes in food.

Has remarkable similarity to our own blood. The second important nutritional aspect of chlorophyll is its remarkable similarity to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, president of the Hagiwara Institute of Health in Japan, is a leading advocate for the use of grass as food and medicine.

He reasons that since chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles, and fat particles are absorbed directly into the blood via the lymphatic system, that chlorophyll can also be absorbed in this way. In other words, when the "blood" of plants is absorbed in humans it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body.

When used as a rectal implant, reverses damage from inside the lower bowel. An implant is a small amount of juice held in the lower bowel for about 20 minutes. In the case of illness, wheatgrass implants stimulate a rapid cleansing of the lower bowel and draw out accumulations of debris.

Externally applied to the skin can help eliminate itching almost immediately.

Will soothe sunburned skin and act as a disinfectant. Rubbed into the scalp before a shampoo, it will help mend damaged hair and alleviate itchy, scaly, scalp conditions.

Is soothing and healing for cuts, burns, scrapes, rashes, poison ivy, athlete's foot, insect bites, boils, sores, open ulcers, tumors, and so on. Use as a poultice and replace every two to four hours.

Works as a sleep aide. Merely place a tray of living wheatgrass near the head of your bed. It will enhance the oxygen in the air and generate healthful negative ions to help you sleep more soundly.

Enhances your bath. Add some to your bath water and settle in for a nice, long soak.

Sweetens the breath and firms up and tightens gums. Just gargle with the juice.

Neutralizes toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride.

Offers the benefits of a liquid oxygen transfusion since the juice contains liquid oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes: it stimulates digestion (the oxidation of food), promotes clearer thinking (the brain utilizes 25% of the body's oxygen supply), and protects the blood against anaerobic bacteria. Cancer cells cannot exist in the presence of oxygen.

Turns gray hair to its natural color again and greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily.

Is a beauty treatment that slows down the aging process when the juice is consumed. Wheatgrass will cleanse your blood and help rejuvenate aging cells, slowing the aging process way down, making you feel more alive right away. It will help tighten loose and sagging skin.

Lessens the effects of radiation. One enzyme found in wheatgrass, SOD, lessens the effects of radiation and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound that may prevent cellular damage following heart attacks or exposure to irritants.

Restores fertility and promotes youthfulness. Can double your red blood cell count just by soaking in it. Renowned nutritionist Dr. Bernard Jensen found that no other blood builders are superior to green juices and wheatgrass. In his book Health Magic Through Chlorophyll from Living Plant Life he mentions several cases where he was able to double the red blood cell count in a matter of days merely by having patients soak in a chlorophyll-water bath. Blood building results occur even more rapidly when patients drink green juices and wheatgrass regularly.

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!

Every day we are confronted with advertisement of natural skincare cosmetics. But which are really skin compatible? There are millions of product lines on the market and sometimes it might not be easy for you to make the right choice. The description of ingredients is often incomprehensible to us which leads to miss purchases many times. But for an effective and healthy skincare routine it is very important to know what you apply on your skin every day and night. 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 unfortunately many so called natural skincare lines don't really deliver what they promise. Even though natural substances are used they still contain several preservatives, chemical colorings, perfume, mineral oil or even content of death animals which can lead to allergic reactions. And that ruins the advantages of the added natural ingredients. What a contradiction in itself. 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 Perfumethese 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.

Pur o Natur is Welsh for Pure from Nature, they provide a wealth of Organic Skincare and Natural Skincare products for men as well as women.Their website is full of advice and information offering a vast range of products which are completely safe to use and kind to your skin.

By Peter Lynch Farrell

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 eyespeeled 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 generalpublic knew this, the $29 billion skin care, cosmetic and chemical empire would fall apart over night. There is too much at stakefor heartless corporations (and government)to ever allow this too happen.However, all is not lost. You, by virtue of beinga member of our underground natural skin carecommunity can turn the tables on thesecorrupt institutions by being an IOC and havingthe last laugh!So, as promised in yesterday's issue I will nowreveal the "Dirty Dozen Health Risks" of toxinsin mainstream corporate skin care products. This report comes from the combined resourcesof 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 turnsout 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 daysI 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

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.

Neem Oil – Neem is one of the most powerful oils on the market today. It has been used in India since the time of Sanskrit. Today it is recognized as an all around oil. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial as well as anti-protozoan and a spermicide.

Lemon - it is part of the Rutaceae family also known as a citrus fruit. Lemons are grown in the milder regions and can be from 30 to 45 percent juice depending on type and climate. The acid produced mostly by the citrus and identified as C6H8O7 promotes preservation. The lemon is rich in Vitamin C and much like salt removes moisture to prevent spoilage and rotting.

Honey - is known for being highly stable against microbial growth because of it’s low moisture content and water activity, low pH and anti-microbial constituents.

Bee Propolis - is a mixture of beeswax and resins collected by the honeybee from plants, particularly flowers and leaf buds, it is used to line and seal the comb. The propolis is effective in protecting the hive offering both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The Greeks and Romans used propolis to heal skin abscesses and through the centuries its use in medicine has received varying attention. The ancient Egyptians also knew its’ benefits and it is still used in Africa today, as a medicine, an adhesive for tuning drums, sealing cracked water containers or canoes and dozens of other purposes.

Rosemary Extract - helps against aging processes, such as browning, thickening and wrinkling; and melanoma and other skin cancers are thought to be accelerated by the accumulation of peroxides in the skin tissues. These peroxides are produced by environmental factors such as heat and ultra-violet radiation from sunlight, a primary cause of sunburn and melanoma.

In a study conducted to test photoprotectivity, it was discovered that Carnosic acid (found in Rosemary) did protect the skin from UV damage. [3] This evidence is further corroborated in expired US patents 5,358,752, which show in the examples complete elimination of peroxides as a result of UVB radiation. Rosemary also has a history of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial applications. One study found it to be effective against HIV-1 [4]

Grapefruit Seed Extract : A natural antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative. It is used to promote the healing of almost any atypical skin condition. According to published sources it is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral organisms, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single-cell and multi-celled parasites. This preservative is used by many handcrafters in products that contain water.

Citric acid - t’s an acid, flavoring, chelating agent: ice cream, sherbet, fruit drink, candy, carbonated beverages, instant potatoes. It is versatile, widely used, cheap and safe. iT is an important metabolite in virtually all living organisms and is especially abundant naturally in citrus fruits and berries. It is used an a strong acid, a tart flavoring and an antioxidant.

Dangerous Chemicals in Skin Care Products

If you knew that many makeup and skin care products contain hazardous toxins, dangerous petroleum products, and cancer-causing carcinogens, not to mention irritating fragrances, would you still use them? Studies have shown that more than 4.5 pounds of chemicals are absorbed by the average consumer through 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.

By Garry Gamber

21 REASONS TO USE SHEA BUTTER

Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

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The Magical Benefits Of Shea Butter

We, as health conscious consumers hear about Shea Butter on a regular basis, but few actually know what it is, where it comes from, what grades to look for, or the numerous benefits this tiny nut holds. Believe me when I tell you, it is not just another additive in the mainstream beauty world! So, what exactly is Shea Butter?

Shea Butter in it’s pure form is a yellow-grey natural fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa). Traditionally the fat is extracted by separating the inner fruit of the nut from the shell, by cracking it open. The nuts are then crushed to make a nut butter, before being roasted in large pots over an open wood flame. The butter must be stirred constantly to avoid burning.

When one finds organic unrefined shea butter, the smokey nutty smell can still be detected in the butter itself! When you know the history of that smell, it makes the unrefined product so much more appealing! Once the roasting is complete, the butter is ground even smoother and water is added to the mixture. The oils are separated from the paste by kneading as more water is added.

The oil will float to the top, and is scooped off in a solidified state. Any remaining water is squeezed out, and the oil is then slow boiled again over an open fire to remove any traces of water. The whole process is actually a social activity taken up by women in Africa to help sustain their communities! In fact, for an in depth look at how Ghanaians traditionally make Shea Butter, take a look at this slideshow from the BBC.

Organic unrefined Shea Butter should be a creamy golden yellow, and waxy. It will melt in the palm of your hand back into an oil. There are five grades of Shea Butter. A-Grade being raw and unrefined all the way to E grade which is heavily refined using harmful solvents such as Hexane, and containing contaminates. C grade is the lowest one would expect to find in a consumer product.

However why risk it when you can apply A grade directly on your skin? It is fairly easy to find A grade Shea Butter in any local health food store (or even on Amazon), and the benefits this little nut holds are plentiful! It is a natural waterproofing agent and can safely be applied to leather, it can be used as a cooking oil, a leave in hair conditioning treatment, natural anti-frizz treatment/pomade.

It has natural sun protective qualities up to approximately SPF 6 (in fact that is what African women use to protect their skin from the harsh sun and wind), it contains anti-inflammatory, emollient, and humectant properties, and perhaps the most attractive benefit of shea butter is the benefits it has for the skin.

When it is applied directly to one’s face in the evening, it reduces the appearance of fine lines, age spots, scars, blemishes, dry skin, and rashes. It may be an oil but the reverse psychology of applying oil to your face holds, is that when you feed your skin with a healthy oil… it produces less oil on its own which in turn means fewer break outs.

It’s true! Ask a dermatologist. Your skin will drink it right up in as short as ten minutes, and it won’t leave your face looking greasy! For around $10 to $15 per jar, which can last up to six months and all of these health benefits, how can you not try it? Plus, you get the piece of mind knowing you are putting something with only one ingredient and no harsh chemicals onto your skin, by buying organic unrefined Shea Butter you’re supporting Fair Trade in Africa, and you’re doing your wallet a favor by ditching the high priced, highly toxic face creams that make outlandish claims and probably only contain a couple drops of C grade Shea Butter.

Articel by: revitalise your health

Shea Butter Uses

Shea Butter presents real benefits for the skin: it hydrates, softens, protects, and beautifies it thanks to its exceptionally high content of Vitamins and Essential Fatty Acids. It does not clog pores and can be applied to the skin, hair or scalp as often as desired.

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Benefits

Deep Moisturizing
Healing and Soothing
Anti Aging for younger looking skin
Protection against aggressions: wind - sun - cold
Multipurpose and economical - A little goes a long way!

....................................................................................................Uses:For the Body- Moisturizer for dry skin- Treatment for eczema, dermatitis, itchy skin, blemishes- Soothe and promote healing for minor burns, sunburn- Soften rough skin (hands, elbows, knees, feet)- Prevent and minimize stretch marks- Minimize scarring

For the Face

- Hydrating, for healthy, smooth skin- Prevent and minimize wrinkles- Natural shaving agent- Heal razor bumps

For Hair

- Condition and protect hair- Reduce hair breakage and dandruff- Soothe dry, itchy scalp- Grooming butter for locks

Other Uses

- Sun protection (SPF6)- Massage butter- Soothe mucles aches, relieve swelling and muscle tension- Protect exposed parts of the body during cold winter months- Ingredient in homemade soaps and body butters

....................................................................................................Everyone Benefits From Using Shea ButterBabies Shea butter is used to nourish and protect the delicate skin of babies and young children. It is particularly recommended in case of irritations like diaper rashes and eczema. It is the best way to protect your baby against frequent skin irritations. Women Shea butter makes skin soft, smooth, and supple. It improves skin tone, greatly decreases the formation of wrinkles, and helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.Men Shea butter helps skin heal and keep it smooth after shaving. It improves the overall appearance of the skin, and decreases signs of aging. Elderly Shea butter helps with stiff joints and muscles, and aids the overall appearance of skin.

Say No To Chemical Preservatives

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

Chemical Compounds

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

At Bare Naked Skin we believe in going natural. But most importantly you should do what is right for you and what you feel comfortable with.

Be sure to read your skin care labels as some products may be marketed as natural but in fact have many synthetic harsh chemicals in them.

info from purely natural skin.

Harmful Ingredients In Cosmetics

Organic skin care and mineral makeup are getting more and more popular all over the world, still some of us might not want to ditch out all the chemical-based products. That's why it is essential to know what are the harmful ingredients in cosmetics. This brief list will help you in avoiding any contact with these factors.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 PreservativesUsed 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 AlcoholSeveral 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 OilDifferent 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

I'm shocked. Skin care cream can be made from toxic chemicals and reject parts from dead animals treated with acid.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

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.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

Well, today, in the twenty first century, the herb is just as relevant as it was back hundreds of years ago. In fact, its uses have even increased to not just treating illnesses but also in the production of cosmetic products that help maintain the skin tone and the elasticity of skin.

Before I get into the skin care benefits of Chamomile, I have to clarify a few points. There are two plants that go by the name of Chamomile; namely the German Chamomile and the Roman Chamomile. Of the two, the German Chamomile is considered to be the stronger and more effective. This plant has a much stronger action because of its higher Chamazulene content.

So, what are some of the uses of Chamomile in skin care products? There are several of them. In order to list them all we would actually be required to write a book about Chamomile. However, this post will touch on a few common uses of this herb that concern skin care.

Chamomile is an ingredient that is included in general skin care products that are required in the treatment of inflammation and irritation among other forms of rashes and skin conditions. This is because the Chamomile herb ingredients promote granulation and cell regeneration.

Chamomile Oil for Skin: Soaps made from harmful chemicals damage our skin. Chamomile is a natural skin enhancer. Chamomile is widely used in sun screen lotions and make-up removers. Chamomile oil benefits in removing wrinkles and treating skin diseases.

By balancing the oil production of the skin, it helps reduce acne, also providing a natural glow to the skin. Chamomile oil repairs skin tissues and helps in cell regeneration which combats skin redness and skin allergies. It acts as a cooling agent on burns, boils, rashes, wounds, and ulcers. Chamomile oil tightens our skin by strengthening the tissues.

Chamomile Oil for Hair: Chamomile is one of the most important ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. Chamomile helps protect hair from the harsh external environment. Chamomile oil cures oily scalp which causes dandruff.

Though it takes time to produce the desired effect, chamomile is better than the chemical bleach used for lightening hair. Chamomile revitalizes the hair, while also strengthening its roots. Replace toxic, chemical products with chamomile oil; it will be beneficial in the longer run. Applying chamomile oil to hair, makes insomniacs sleep peacefully.

Chamomile Oil Benefits for Health: Chamomile oil has sedating properties. Its sweet aroma makes you peaceful, calm and rejuvenates your mood. Chamomile oil is used to treat excessive stress and nervousness. It has the properties of a pain killer, hence is used to cure headache and toothache. Ancient Egyptians used chamomile oil, to treat fever and common cold.

Chamomile is effective for stomach problems like diarrhea, gastrointestinal troubles, gallstones and constipation. Chamomile oil benefits digestion and helps in relieving gas from the alimentary tract. Chamomile oil restricts the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, which is why it is used as an antiseptic. Chamomile oil can be used as a mouth wash to cure throat infections and dental problems.

Chamomile Oil for Babies: Use chamomile oil, instead of harmful chemicals and toxin induced products, for babies. Sleeplessness, a major problem affecting babies can be cured by chamomile oil. Add drops of chamomile oil with rose or jasmine oil to water, while bathing babies. It helps calm their senses and helps the baby sleep well.

Chamomile oil restricts allergies and bacterial growth in babies. Regular massage of chamomile on the scalp reduces impatience and hyper anxiety in babies. Chamomile oil is effective against skin infections and rashes caused due to diapers, burns and boils. It also helps relieve teething problems in babies. It can also help moisturize the baby's sensitive skin. Moreover babies love the sweet, fruity smell of chamomile.

In this era of chemicals and toxins, it is surprising to see what wonders natural chamomile oil can do to your health. Alter your lifestyle and go natural; use chamomile oil and fill your senses with its charismatic aroma. It will give you the much needed moments of serenity and peace in your fast-paced and stressful life.

By Gaurav Shimpi

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Pages

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

Benefits of Wheatgrass

How The Zumba Fitness Program Delivers Fun And Fitness

Stay on the safe side!

Why Natural Organic Skincare Is Better For Your Skin

FACTS about your skin

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!

The Most Popular Natural Preservatives

Dangerous Chemicals in Skin Care Products

21 REASONS TO USE SHEA BUTTER

Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

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The Magical Benefits Of Shea Butter

Shea Butter Uses

Say No To Chemical Preservatives

Harmful Ingredients In Cosmetics