The Advantage of Natural Cosmetics

Cosmetic companies are forever trying to lure consumers into buying their products with the promise of fairer skin, younger looking visage, fresher breath or smoother hair.  But these products often contain chemicals that do not only harm the environment but our bodies as well.  Some of these ingredients are the very same ones that are used in battery fluids or in the making of foam for cushions or even coolants for cars.  Let’s face it; these products have the potential to do more harm than good.

This is why
1.    Hypoallergenic – cosmetic products are usually applied directly to the skin or have contact with our skin.  Well known brands even those known as luxury brands contain chemicals which make the skin break out in allergies.  Even though these breakouts are very seldom fatal, the discomfort of going through treatment and cure can sometimes be costly and time consuming.  Switching to organic or natural care products reduces the risk of allergies because the ingredients used are naturally occurring and safer compared to those manufactured artificially.
2.    Care for the environment – natural and organic skin care are manufactured in accordance to environmental laws.  These laws ensure that companies adhere to the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling.  By purchasing these products, consumers are doing their part in protecting the environment.
3.    Over all safety – organic and natural products are safe to use for people of all ages.  This means that there will be very little or no adverse effects on the people that use them.  Side effects will be minimal reducing medical bills and other related costs.  They are generally healthier compared to products that contain artificial ingredients.

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The Truth About Sun Block

The Sun is life giving.  It sustains plants and animals and plays a very big role in our planet.  It is so powerful that ancient civilizations like the Egyptians worshiped the Sun God.  However, the sun can also wreak havoc on our skin.  Studies have shown that people who are more exposed to sunlight have a higher chance of developing skin related cancers.  With this in mind, how do we combat the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun?

Like most other products sun blocks and sunscreens are a dime a dozen.  There are too many products and too many varieties.  Choosing an SPF can be as time consuming as choosing one that is “water-proof”, “hypoallergenic” or even “for kids”.  Even more shocking, according to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, 3 out of 5 sun blocks provide inadequate protection from the sun!  Ironic, considering that people buy sunscreen for sun protection!

The same study conducted last year reports that these products contain chemicals that are potentially toxic.  When these chemicals are absorbed in our bloodstream, they have the potential to give off allergic reactions, release damaging free radicals and some may even contain hormones which can contribute to hormonal imbalance.

In order to make sure that your sunscreen is safe physically and for our environment, check the label.  Earth and people friendly sun screen should contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide that block the sun’s rays.  These products should also contain zero dyes, preservatives and fragrance.  Another helpful natural ingredient is Vitamin E and Aloe which can soothe and moisturize skin.

Lastly look for a seal from a reputable source that can certify the product’s manufacturing process.  Approval from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or Australian Certified Organic mean that at least 95-100% of the ingredients used come from organic and natural sources.

Remember that just because a manufacturer says that their product is “organic” or “natural” automatically means that these products contain organic materials.  Look for the seal.  Second organic sunscreen can still cause allergic reactions so again, it pays to check the label.  Check and recheck the ingredients.  If unsure, do your research on the internet!

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The fight against bad cosmetics

After the disaster with the lead laden beauty products, consumers are now more careful as to what they put on their skin and face.  It’s bad enough to have to breathe polluted air, but to pollute our bodies with the very same products that we use for hygiene seems ironic.

Sadly, while the FDA is in charge with the monitoring of all cosmetic products that have the potential to do more harm than good, the agency lacks the manpower to oversee the thousands of drugs and cosmetics that come to the market every year.  As in most cases, the FDA only bans these products after numerous consumers complain of adverse side effects.

So it is a good thing then that people are beginning to notice and take action not only to the detrimental effects the environment suffers when these harmful chemicals are manufactured but also to the effects these products have on over all health.
Think about it, how many women use lipstick?  So what happens when lipstick is tainted with lead?  Lots of women also use nail polish.  What about those nail polish brands that were found to have DBP, a known carcinogen?  How about those shampoo that have the same chemicals used for battery acid?  Some moms use these shampoos on their baby’s hair, what about them?

As the FDA closes its reigns on cosmetic companies that use harmful chemicals as binders or extenders, the fight is still far from over as these companies rationalize that even though their products contain carcinogens; their composition relative to the cosmetic is minute.

As consumers get smarter, we can only hope that cosmetic companies get smart too and offer safer, earth friendly and beauty friendly products to their loyal customers.  This is a win-win situation for both company and consumer as they both get healthier and provide safe cosmetics at the same time.
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Tea Tree Oil

Who hasn’t heard of tea tree oil?  Lot’s of products even those manufactured artificially contain this essential oil in order to help remedy a number of ailments including pimples, dandruff, lice, boils, eczema, psoriasis and even yeast infections.  It is a common ingredient in creams, shampoos, lotions and soaps.  But how much do you really know about tea tree oil?

Tea Tree oil is distilled through steam from a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to Australia.  It was originally used as a substitute for tea, hence the name.  The medicinal part of the plant is its leaves which contain antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties.

The Australian Aborigines used Tea Tree oil to cure burns, skin cuts and infection by grinding the leaves and applying the crushed leaves directly onto the infected area.

Today tea tree oil is used in a wide array of personal care cosmetics.  One of the most well known applications is to help minimize and remedy acne or pimples.   Researchers in Australia noted during a study that people who experience mild to moderate acne found a significant improvement after application.

People who suffered from dandruff also benefit from tea tree oil.  The same study also extended the research to dandruff sufferers and found that dandruff was controlled after 4 weeks of continuous use.

Tea tree oil has been around for centuries and researchers are finding more ways to utilize this product.  This oil is used in diluted form as allergic reactions can be experienced when used in its full strength.

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Healing Acne With Natural Remedies In Your Pantry or Fridge

Acne is considered as a disaster that strikes at the most important times of your life. We’ve heard teenagers ranting about them on their prom nights and even brides on their wedding day. While acne won’t certainly kill you, it’s very unsightly to sport them hence the need to keep them at bay, at all times, at all costs!

Due to our unrelenting desire to finally win the battle against acne, we indulge in expensive creams and whatnot that promises to instantly solve your acne problems. What we, consumers, don’t know is that half of the price we paid for these acne creams goes straight to the brand’s adverts which convinced us to buy the product in the first place. Moreover, what these brands won’t say is that most of the ingredients they use can also be found in your pantry or fridge—minus the harmful chemicals they add to prolong the product’s shelf life.

Acne is caused by your own hormones as well as your personal hygiene. With that said, if you are the type of person who’s prone to having acne then there’s not much you can do about it but keep your face clean at all times and pinpoint what triggers your acne attacks. Natural acne healers like garlic and orange peel can help clear away acne in no time.  Here are some more natural acne healers you can find inside your own home:

·    Crushed peppermint leaves or mint juice. Both, of course, have menthol, the plant’s most active ingredient. When crushed, you can rub them directly on the affected area, leave for 5 minutes and rinse. The juice on the other hand can be used for washing the face at night.
·    Garlic. Peel and halve a seed of garlic then rub on affected area during the day. Do this until the acne clears up.
·    Cooked oatmeal with honey. Let it cool then apply to face. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse. Oatmeal absorbs oil from the skin.
·    Lemon juice with rose water. When combined, it makes a powerful antibacterial acne healer. Use as toner for your skin.

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Nanotechnology Being Used In Products Despite Toxicity To Humans And Environment

When the nano technology was first introduced in the early 1980s, most of the people were amazed by this spectacular idea. Share holders invested a lot of money in nano based industries because they knew the next growing business is nano technology.
‘Nano’ means extremely small or mathematically it means one billionth (10-9) of a meter, so Nanotechnology is that knowledge and ability that can construct potent devices by engineering a single atoms until they are molecularly sized.
After only three decades the industries working on this technology is so much enhanced that we are fascinated at how technology is advancing and how efficient we can use the resources around us to make life easier. Nanotechnology is being used every day to develop new electronics and cosmetic products. However, are we really being environmentally friendly by producing and using these products?
The more the particles become small, the more it is a threat to human defense system. Today many leading multi-national cosmetic companies are manufacturing these nano-particle contained products that can be toxic to humans and their environment. Some bizarre facts about the harmful effects of nano particles are listed below:-
1.    In 1997, an Oxford scientist discovered that nano-particles found in sunscreen created free radicals that had damaged DNA.

2.    In 2004, British scientist Vyvyan Howard published initial findings that had indicated gold nanoparticles might travel through a mother’s placenta to the fetus.

3.    In early 2002, the University of California in San Diego revealed that cadmium selenide nanoparticles, also known as quantum dots, may cause cadmium poisoning in humans.

4.    In 2002, CBEN (Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology) indicated that nanoparticles accumulated in the bodies of lab animals and fullerene could easily travel through soil and be absorbed by earthworms. This is a potential link up in the food chain to humans.

Nanotechnology may appeal as the wave of the future and advancement in skincare with the allure of warding off signs of aging but consumers must understand the damage these nano particles can do to the human body.

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Placenta: Is It Really Good for Your Skin?

Placenta usage for your skincare needs is still a debatable issue and an ongoing one. Manufacturers claim that they are as natural as it can get while critics stand firm in their belief that the product is not only unethical but poses a real health risk as well. Unfortunately, placenta creams are virtually flying off the rack these days as more and more users come out to attest to the product’s effectivity. Apparently, it also made a rift in green communities worldwide.

The main ingredient in placenta creams is of course, placenta, particularly the ones coming from cows and humans. It undergoes purification process and then extracted to be formed in creams, lotions and soaps. They are so effective they earned high praises from its loyal users. Placenta, by the way, is the lining of the womb that comes out along with your child when giving birth. In a nutshell, the placenta acts as the nutrient supplier to your developing child inside the womb. Naturally, a placenta is expected to be rich in nutrients by the time it comes out but do take note that it also acts as toxin reliever for the fetus inside since he or she is still unable to do this on his own.

Placenta is indeed natural since it is not man made but what shakes critics the most is that manufacturers claim their products to be natural when in fact, it is already processed and mixed with chemicals to stabilize the product and make it more attractive to use. Also, studies have found that placenta-based skin care products can be heavily laden with hormones triggering hormonal surge to humans making it very unsuitable for children’s use.

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Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer!

Summers are synonymous to the sun and, of course, the beach. What’s a summer without a trip to the beach anyway? For many, you mark a great summer by going to the beach as many times as you possibly can and get that awesome tan before the season is over. Unfortunately, it is not wise to expose your skin to the harsh sun especially with the ozone’s current state.

Your fun summer need not suffer with the threat the sun may hold since there are things you can do to make your summer as fun as it can be but at the same time, stay safe against too much sun exposure:
·    Avoid sun during those times when it’s intense usually at around 10AM-4PM. Basically, you can go out when the sun is not too “prickly” for your skin and avoid it when it stings.
·    If going out around these times is unavoidable, try wearing protective gears to ward off the sun. Sporting an umbrella never killed anyone before, so use them when necessary or if it’s too strenuous for you then try a wide brimmed hat. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
·    Most swimsuit manufacturers came up with designs that are sun-protective. While they may cost higher than your regular bathing suit. It lessens the sun’s impact tremendously.
·    Be a shade-hugger. Staying out of the harsh sun will do you good, always remember that. If there’s none then bring your own beach umbrella to the beach.
·    Apply sunscreen before you step out of the house and reapply as per brand’s instruction. Lather up especially if you intend to lounge in the beach for a while. There are natural sunscreens that are free of all harmful chemicals. Do check them out.

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Home Recipes for Organic Bubble Bath

Bubble baths are fun and very relaxing.  Soaking the warm water after a long day in the office is an ideal way to wind down and reflect.  Concocting a home made bubble bath is not only fun it can also help save money and even the environment especially if one uses environment friendly products.  Here are a few simple and earth friendly recipes for some home made bubble bath.

For a basic bubble bath, get 2 cups of almond oil, 2 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of grated soap or soap flakes, and 2 tablespoons of Witch Hazel.  Boil the distilled water and melt the soap in it. In another container, mix the witch hazel and almond oil together and shake well. If you have a blender, then use it for this step.   Then slowly add the soap mixture to the witch hazel and oil blend and again, shake or blend well. These amounts will make a large quantity of basic bubble bath mixture to which you can add the essential oils of your choice.  For example if you want a calming bubble bath, then add lavender as the essential oil or if you want to be reinvigorated then peppermint would be very good or if you want to feel refreshed then orange or strawberry are very good examples.

Another recipe also very good for relaxing is a mint bubble bath.  Mix together 1 cup fresh mint or ¼ cup dried mint leaves, 1 cup of finely chopped fresh bay leaves, a teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.  Once ingredients are combined, put it in a mesh bag or cheese cloth.  Tie the cloth or bag to hot running water and enjoy.  For best results, chop your fresh mint finely to maximize on the effect.

These organic bubble baths are not only cheaper than the commercial kind, they are also safer on the environment because they are made of natural ingredients as opposed to chemical and synthetic ones.

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Anti Wrinkle Home Remedy Recipe

Anti-wrinkle creams are some of the more popular cosmetics available in the markets today.  The good brands usually sell anywhere from $50-$200 a jar.  And during these tough economic times, that amount seems too much to spend on vanity.  However, there are home made recipes available that may just help in preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming.  Here are some of them.

Vitamin C is a very good source of anti-oxidants plus it is also a very good exfoliant.  Oranges and other fruits rich in Vitamin C can help reduce wrinkles by helping renew skin by speeding up the peeling process of the dead upper layer of the skin.  Simply dip a cotton ball on some pure orange or pineapple juice and apply liberally onto the skin.  Let the juice stay for about 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

To get rid of puffiness around the eyes, place a metal spoon inside the freezer overnight.  Press the back of the spoon directly on the eye to help reduce puffiness.  This also helps minimize lines around the eye area as well as dark circles.

For an anti-wrinkle toner, mix 2 table spoons of vodka, 1 table spoon fennel seeds and 2 tea spoons honey.  Let the concoction sit for three days before initial application.   For best results, use twice a day.

For an anti-wrinkle facial mask, mix ½ oz yeast with warm milk (for normal skin) or olive oil (dry skin) or 3 % hydrogen peroxide (oily skin).  Whip in one egg white and the juice of half a lemon.  Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and apply on the skin in layers.  Leave on the skin for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.  A full course is 20 masks.  This yeast mask is full of Vitamin B which boosts blood circulation in the skin.  It also clears pores and is recommended for dry or wrinkled skin.

All these concoctions can be made from the comfort of your own home with materials readily available straight from the kitchen.  These recipes are inexpensive,  natural and safe.  But to err on the side of caution, apply these mixtures in a small area first before applying to a big area like the face to make sure that there are no allergic reactions.

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