The Magical Benefits Of Shea Butter
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
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Say No To Chemical Preservatives
Say No To Chemical PreservativesChemical 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
- 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
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
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
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
