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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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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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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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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Nutrition in Skincare Products

With all the buzz around keeping our bodies clean and free of harmful chemicals that have become a standard way of life for many, nutritious skincare products were born.

All natural foods have nutritional value. Nutritional values found in these foods benefit the body tremendously; in fact, they are skin’s number one nourishment when eaten or even applied directly to the skin. Fruits are rich in antioxidants that effectively fight free radicals from damaging our skin. Aside from that, it is rich in vitamins and minerals needed by the skin to maintain its youthfulness and glow while encouraging cell renewal. When taken orally, fiber which is fruit’s main component acts as the digestive system’s cleaning lady—moves out all dirt and toxins trapped in nooks and crannies of the track. Fortunately, the power of nutritious foods is now harnessed by natural skincare advocates.

Organic beauty products flood the market today. Some of the popular nutritious foods for the skin are: grapefruit, acai berries, blueberry, pomegranate, and apple. Organic beauty products are those made without the use of chemicals, and other forms of growth interference. Popular skincare line includes body creams, exfoliating body scrubs, lip balm, lip scrub, and face and eye creams.

Producers swear that organic beauty products are selling well these days. Not only that, like stated earlier, major ingredients found in every jar of these natural products are rich in antioxidants which are absorbed well by the body. Take note that nutritious foods are natural to the body which means, upon application, your body will recognize it at once and process it faster that its very confusing, chemical-laden contemporaries. That alone will help you decide if nutritious skincare products are good for your skin.

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Olive Oil for Removing Eye Makeup And Shaving Your Legs!

Need a 100% organic, environment friendly and natural eye makeup remover?  Then your quest is over because we have one right here.  This recipe is easy to do and very quick to assemble.  Bear in mind that you will not need a chemistry degree to create our all natural, eco friendly and organic eye make up remover.  All you need is 5 minutes to gather the ingredients which can be found in any grocery store or at your cupboard!

You will need a tablespoon each of castor oil and light olive oil and two teaspoons of canola oil.  Simply mix all three ingredients together and store in a tightly closed jar, and voila! Your very own eye make up remover.  This mixture yields ¾ of an ounce which you can use for 6 month.   Use a tissue or cotton ball to apply and get rid of your eye make up including that hard to erase mascara.

Should you ever find yourself out of shaving cream then you can always look inside your cupboard and grab that bottle of olive oil.  Olive oil is actually a good substitute for shaving cream for when you want to shave your legs.  It has moisturizing benefits which will leave your legs smoother and healthier.  You can use most cooking oils too like canola, vegetable or peanut will do.  Your olive oil does not have to be the extra virgin kind since they both contain the same basic ingredients.  Keep in mind that oil is a very good moisturizer for very dry skin.  If you don’t want to smell like your kitchen though, you can try using some of your hair conditioner as your shaving cream.  Hair conditioners also contain moisturizers as opposed to shampoos which can sometimes lead to dry hair.

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Pomegranate for A Healthy You

Although pomegranate had not been too popular until these recent years when researchers are exploring all possibilities and properties that can cure the ever-baffling cancer, pomegranate has actually been around for quite some time now, maybe even older than you and I—even the researchers themselves! Pomegranate was mentioned in mythology books such as that of Persephone’s story along with others; it was even suspected that Eve was tempted with a pomegranate and not an apple. The fruit was also used as symbols by different cultures and religions back then.

This golden fruit is considered as a miracle fruit by some people who experienced improved health after incorporating pomegranates in their regular diet. The most popular form you can find is the pomegranate juice but you can find fresh ones in supermarkets. Healthy benefits of the fruits come from drinking its juice or eating the seeds from the fresh fruit. This fruit is packed with health benefits particularly antioxidants that can boost your immune system, delay aging and help your brain function at its peak. It is also rich in vitamin C—in fact, it contains 40% of an adult’s daily requirement for the said vitamin.

Pomegranate has many uses aside from its usual juice form. The beauty industry is now welcoming pomegranate with open arms as they launch quality, natural beauty products by its name. Culinary-wise, the seeds of this fruit are often used for Indian and Iranian cuisine. Your favorite Grenadine syrup used for cocktails is made from the fruit’s seeds as well.

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The Joy of Using Natural Soap

Surely you are aware of all those buzz about going natural and organic these days. These are not just fads—they are a way of life now especially after knowing how great the health risks are if we continue on exposing ourselves to chemicals. Every bar of soap you can find in a supermarket isle is chemical-laden and rich in the ever famous triclosan—the antibacterial agent primarily used as pesticide.

These commercial soaps are drying and very unforgiving to your skin. They strip the skin’s natural moisture and alter its pH levels making your skin look lifeless and dull. Sometimes it even causes skin reactions such as rashes, redness and acne. All of which you can avoid if you are natural and organic soaps.

Homemade soap making is actually fun, if you try making them yourself but of course, you will need to experiment with it for a little while before you can finally perfect the art of natural soap making. The benefits of which are tremendous, not to mention there is a big market out there for organic and natural soaps. If you make your own natural soap, you will know what goes inside a bar you are using rather than guessing it out. You can also customize your soap according to what your skin demands. Natural soaps are best for those with sensitive skins.

In making your own natural soap, you will only need a melt and pour base such as organic palm or coconut oil, molds and essential oils. You can find more ingredients to use in an organic store. You can also check out organic soap making books for fun and exciting ideas.

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