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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Natural remedies for toothache

A toothache can be a very serious, nagging and irritating problem to have.  Not only can you have a hard time eating but if it is persistent and painful, it can put you in a very bad mood.  A toothache is most likely caused by a cavity in the tooth and a dental appointment can be necessary at this point to close the hole in the tooth.  While waiting for the dentist, there are some natural ways of alleviating pain.

Extra virgin olive oil is not only great for cooking, it is also very good in soothing toothache.  Try putting a couple of drops on a cotton ball and applying it directly on the affected tooth.  EVOO can also be used to whiten teeth, so while at it, try rubbing some on your other teeth as well.  Ironic as it may sound, garlic has soothing properties too.  Squish a clove of garlic and apply directly on the tooth.  This too will help with the pain.  But for a fresher alternative, chewing on some spinach or guava leaves may be a better alternative.

Salt mixed with some water can also be used.  Mix half a tea spoon of salt with a tall glass of water and use as a gargle.  Salt has disinfecting properties and can help get rid not only of the bacteria in the mouth but relieve toothache too.  Pepper powder and a pinch of salt can not only prevent dental cavities but can also alleviate pain.  Rinsing your mouth with whiskey works well too because the acid from the liquid acts as a disinfectant which kills bacteria in the mouth helping you get rid of the pain faster.

Diet also plays a huge part in treating and in the prevention of toothache. When a tooth aches, eating hot or cold food merely heightens the pain. And so will eating food that requires a lot of chomping such as beef and other meat. Eat soft foods to diminish the chances of food bits getting stuck in between teeth.

Prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid toothaches, practice good oral health all the time.  Brush your teeth after every meal and lay off the sweets because the sugar can damage the enamel protecting your teeth.  Remember that while enamel is very strong it is also very thin and can never be replaced.

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Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth

Beauty is only skin deep, but that does not mean that we have to neglect our outward appearance does it?  People are getting more conscious when it comes to the products they apply on themselves, probably because synthetic products are getting a bad rep on how they ruin not only the environment but also on how harmful they can be for human consumption.  This is why a “natural” alternative is better than the cures and products we find over the counter.

Teeth whitening products are one of the fastest selling products over the market today.  We often see movie stars and celebrities sporting mega-watt smiles and wonder how they do it.  For people like celebs and actors they most likely see dentists for teeth whitening appointments.  But do you know that you can whiten your teeth at home using the products you have in your kitchen cabinet or medicine closet?

For whiter teeth, try this home based alternative.  In your kitchen cupboard, you can probably find a box of baking soda.  Baking soda is used not only for baking but for disinfecting and cleaning purposes.  Most people have this sitting in the kitchen.  Next, go to your first aid kit, most likely a bottle of hydrogen peroxide is sitting there too.  Mix two tea spoons of baking soda and 5-6 drops of hydrogen peroxide.  The consistency of this mixture should be paste-like, so add a couple of drops more to reach this state.  Add a pea sized amount of toothpaste to the mixture.  The toothpaste is optional.  This is just to disguise the taste of peroxide and baking soda.  Use this mixture as regular toothpaste and remember not to swallow.  After brushing your teeth, you can brush with a regular toothpaste again or rinse with a mouthwash.  For longer lasting white teeth, use once a week.

This home made whitening paste is a lot cheaper than dental trays or whitening strips which contain very strong whitening agents that can cause teeth sensitivity and gum irritation.  Aside from being cheap, this home alternative has been around for a long time and is probably what your grandma used during her time.

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Minimizing Your Cosmetic Health Risks

You and I both are aware on how intricately woven these issues pertaining to cosmetic health risks are. If we take them at face value, it is easier to see warning signs but with the constant evolution of cosmetic products, it becomes harder to distinguish the good from the bad. For me, the best way to prevent cosmetic health risks from touching our lives is to avoid using them all together. Sadly, this is something that is easier said than done. So, we resort to the next best thing, minimizing. Here are some ways to somehow lessen harmful cosmetics’ impact to our health:

·    Always read labels. This is done for you to know what things were used in manufacturing the product. Labels are required by the law so more or less, they are dependable.
·    Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean it won’t harm you. It only lessens the chance of you having a reaction to the product when applied.
·    Always do a patch test when you’re about to use a new brand/ product even if it looks harmless.
·    Cosmetics expire too. Take note of their expiration date since most of the time, they are not indicated accordingly.
·    Avoid using spray cans whenever possible. Healthcare authorities are concerned about the risk of inhaling the chemical particles when they are used by the consumers. When this happens, it may trigger a reaction within the lungs.
·    Cosmetics can be very harmful for your children too. Place it somewhere that’s not within their reach.
·    Not everything that the manufacturer claims is true. Be very weary when you hear a good sales pitch. Instead, do your own research and use your own gut-feel.

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Fight Acne by Eating Right

In truth, there is no known connection between the food you eat and acne. There’s no proven diet that can clear up your face as well as those that can aggravate its already worst condition. Young adults are always reminded not to eat oily and sugary foods but experts say it bears no difference at all whether or not you choose to eat them.

On the other hand, nutritionists the world over strongly support eating right to fight acne. Eating healthy will keep acne at bay. The key to keeping your skin healthy is giving your skin everything it needs to maintain optimum health and radiant glow. Aside from that, one should be aware that toxins inside your body are also a suspected cause of acne so as much as possible, rid the body of these acne-inducing substances. Here are some foods that can give you all the essential nutrients your skin will need:

·    Water. Keep yourself hydrated all the time. When your body lacks the hydration it needs, the first to giveaway is your skin. The recommended daily intake is about 8 glasses, more if it’s a hot day and you perspire a lot.
·    Fiber enriched foods. They act as brooms inside the digestive tract. When you maintain a healthy, daily dose of fiber-enriched foods, rest assured that toxins won’t live long in there to accumulate and cause acne. Munching on fruits and vegetables in your snack time instead of junk foods and empty calories would be your best move.
·    Since acne is closely associated with hormones, it is but natural to seek low-glycemic diet to help stabilize your insulin levels.
·    Lastly, anti-inflammatory substances such as vitamins and herbal products may help in naturally calming down skin breakouts.

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Natural Supplements for Skin Cancer Prevention

Poor eating habits contribute to many lifestyle diseases and cancer is no exception to the rule; in fact, skin cancer is found to be a result of poor nutritional habits developed overtime. Due to this factor, it is but normal for us to seek preventive health care measures the safest way we know of and that is through natural supplements. The body needs natural supplements; these are foods we eat everyday—nutritious, natural foods not those you grab in fast food chains. Natural supplements boost up your body’s natural defenses for skin cancer. Here are some of the most important natural supplements to keep skin cancer at bay:

·    Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from diseases and anomalies—one of the most convenient too since it can be found in your regular tomato sauce and ketchup.
·    Citrus peel can be used for teas and baked goods. This aromatic substance prevents free radicals from forming. Candied citrus peel is very popular amongst people who look after their cholesterol levels.
·    Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and most of all, has anti-inflammatory properties. All the things you need to ensure great, healthy skin.
·    Fish oils are not only good for your heart but also for your skin since it strengthens the immune system therefore fights free radicals from harming the body.

Natural supplements are your best bet in fighting your risk of getting skin cancer. When engaging yourself in a healthy living composed of natural, nutritious eating habits, you’ll be adequately protected from all damaging factors that affect the body.

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Do Without Cosmetic Testing on Animals

In an effort to bring cosmetic products that are safe for humans, animals suffered tremendously worldwide. These animals were killed, mutilated and tortured just to make sure that your cosmetic needs are met accordingly. But, seriously, can we afford such cruelty?

Every year, animals are bought in batches by cosmetic companies and taken into testing sites. From then on they will be the main objects for measuring levels of toxicity, skin irritation and eye tissue damage in which the key ingredients may incur. These are very painful procedure and some of these animals actually die during the process itself—if they do, lucky for them, their bodies will just be thrown out back to the wild but those who unfortunately, survived these experimentations are left to live with the damages for the rest of their lives. These tests are simply inhumane, not to mention, they could never be accurate since these laboratories are not testing a human reaction, only that of an animal. In short, animal experimentations are not essential to cosmetic products since they can still cause adverse reaction when applied to human skin.

Organizations for animal rights never said that the war against cosmetic testing would be easy; especially when cosmetic companies find it easier to butcher these animals than seek other testing alternatives that won’t use live ones. Aside from the cosmetic products we apply directly to our skins, these animals are used for testing household cleaning agents as well. Just imagine what these animals would have to go through just to ensure that these products are safe for us to use. On the other hand, animal rights activists strongly recommend banning those companies who still practice these procedures and go for organic and natural products instead since these products don’t need to be tested anymore.

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