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!

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FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

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)

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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.

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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

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21 REASONS TO USE SHEA BUTTER

21 REASONS TO USE SHEA BUTTER:

 

Shea Butter will provide improvement in all the conditions listed below. As you use this multi-purpose cream you are likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results with various conditions may vary with each condition. Wrinkles, for example, require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Itching is relieved immediately.

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.)

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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;

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Argan oil is good for reducing skin irritation. It quickly heals the marks caused by scratching on skin.
5. 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.
6. Argan oil helps to prevent stretch marks on skin made by pregnancy.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

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