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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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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Sunscreens, Cancer in a Bottle?

Most people use sunscreens to avoid the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.  Indeed prolonged sun exposure can actually induce the early appearance of freckles and wrinkles.  But a study published in the British Medical Journal reports that sunbathers who use sunscreens with higher SPF have a higher risk of developing skin cancers.  This is because a chemical called Oxybenzone which is a standard ingredient in high SPF sunscreens can cause more harm than good.

Oxybenzone’s job is to filter ultra violet light on the surface of the skin, converting it from light to heat.  Once heat is absorbed in the skin, it has the potential to damage cells.  Once light is converted into heat, it can cause basal damage to growing cells which causes malignancy in growth and cause cancer.  Scientists at the Memorial Sloan Cancer Center in New York say that sunscreens are very effective in preventing sunburns and cancers like Carcinoma but not against Melanoma.

PABA or para-benzoic amino acid which works in the same way as Oxybenzone also has similar effects.  For sunbathers and sun worshipers it would probably be better to use the old and tried tested method of applying tin oxide which reflects the sun’s rays rather than absorbing it.  It is also widely used in wound dressings and is safe.  Calamine lotion which has a Zinc oxide base is colored pink and washes off easily can also be used as a substitute for PABA or Oxybenzone based sunscreens.

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Collagen in Cosmetics, A Scam??

Collagen is one of this century’s cosmetic hits.  Most cosmetics with collagen as an ingredient tout their products for making the skin smoother, healthier and more supple.  But the sad fact is, collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein.  This means that no matter how it is applied, it is too big a molecule for the skin to absorb.  Which further means that the collagen in your lotion, toner, shampoo or conditioner is just for “advertising” purposes and has no effect on the body at all.

Collagen is a natural substance found in humans.  It is the “glue” which holds our muscles, tissues, organs and bones together.  Without collagen, our bodies would literally fall apart.  But another gross fact about collagen in cosmetics is that it is derived from animal skins our ground up chicken feet!!!  Collagen from these sources too cannot be “rebuilt” in order for our skin to absorb.

When applied to the skin, collagen forms a layer which may disrupt oxygen transport which can suffocate the skin.  It can also cause blocked pores which can result to bad acne breakouts and rashes.  When ingested collagen is poisonous and can cause serious health effects.

Collagen and another similar compound called Elastin is also a common ingredient in cosmetics.  It has a similar effect to collagen and is as damaging to the body.  The sad truth is that, cosmetic companies manufacture products with collagen and elastin and advertise these products as healthy, when in fact these ingredients only add on to the price with no positive physical effects on the skin and body whatsoever.

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Shampoo Contains Toxic Chemicals

Researchers from the National Institute of Health have found out that the chemical MIT or methylisothiazoline which are commonly used in shampoos and conditioners can cause nerve damage to animals likewise to humans.

The experiment was conducted on laboratory mice.  The brain of the mice showed nerve damage after contact with MIT.  Scientists and researchers have found MIT in popular shampoo brands like Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Clairol and Suave.  They are cautioning pregnant women since exposure to the chemical can also cause damage to the fetus.

Studies have shown that MIT is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous disorders.  MIT causes the slowing down of the nerve’s response time preventing communication between the neurons.  Since our central nervous system which is comprised of neurons, brain function and networking signals can become suppressed with over exposure to MIT.

However, people are wondering why these products are still seen and patronized in grocery shops across the nation.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which oversees such testing spends majority of its time approving drugs and medicine and not enough time looking into the harmful effects of shampoos and conditioners containing MIT and allowing them to stay on supermarket shelves everywhere.

Before purchasing any brand of shampoo, conditioner or any personal care product, know what is inside the bottle.  The FDA’s website is actually awash with chemicals and guidelines on which chemicals are classified as toxic and safe.  Since the FDA is doing only half its job, then make the right choice and make sure that the product you are using is healthy and safe.

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Isopropyl Alcohol

First of all, isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. While alcohol is used for disinfecting and costs relatively cheap, it is not wise to apply it on skin since it strips off the skin’s natural line of defense making it dry and cracked. In return, the skin is made more susceptible to bacteria and other pollutant.

We should be aware that isopropyl alcohol is a solvent that can alter other substance’s form. When inhaled, this potentially toxic substance can cause respiratory problem and central nervous depression. Its instant effects are headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can even induce coma and narcosis to user. These are the reasons why pediatricians strongly advise not to use isopropyl alcohol to newborn babies.

When accidentally ingested, the isopropyl alcohol will irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines which will result to vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. It will also alter your blood composition due to its denaturing effect.

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Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene glycol is an organic compound that is faintly sweet, colorless and in liquid or vapor form. Generally, due to its low oral toxicity, it is recognized as safe to use as an additive to food but we should also know that some of its uses include antifreeze, photo developing solutions, brake fluids, and coolants. That’s how “industrial” this toxic chemical is and yet it can be found in our daily personal care products such as hair products, liquid foundation, suntan lotions, deodorants, and toothpastes.

Propylene glycol acts as a humectant. It absorbs water and maintains moisture to medicines, personal care products and food while boosting artificial color and flavor of the product you are going to buy. Exposure to propylene glycol will cause systemic retention and can cause skin irritation and inflammation, kidney damage and liver problems.

Since propylene glycol serves its purpose well, allowed by the regulating government and most of all they are cheap, it is not hard to imagine why an antifreeze agent could end up in our shampoo bottles.

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FD&C Color Pigments

Colorful things are surely attractive especially for kids. For women, we choose colorful makeup and other cosmetic products to enhance our general appearance while kids prefer to use bubble baths and soaps with bright colors. With men, they find it necessary to cover up gray strands of hair thus the need to use hair dyes.

FD&C color pigments are usually made from tar and they can also cause irritation to the skin. They are most commonly found in eye makeup, lipsticks, hair dyes, nail polish and even with your colored medicinal tablets. These color pigments are for enhancing natural color to create a visual effect tempting enough for consumers to buy them.

Hair dyes contain coal tar and phenylenediamine, both are known carcinogenic that also causes inflammation of the scalp and in some instances, blindness. With regular use of hair dye products, the risk of developing bladder cancer is much higher than those who don’t use them. Bright nail polishes contain toluene, together with color pigments, they are more than toxic causing headaches, confusion and memory loss. Daily exposure to toluene may induce hearing loss.

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DEA, TEA & MEA

These toxic chemicals are used for regulating pH in cosmetics and personal care products. DEA provides luxurious consistency to lotions and creams and rich lather in shampoos since it is an emulsifier and foaming agent. While DEA was not found to be harmful to our health, its by-product NDEA or nitrosodiethanolamine is. NDEA is a proven to be a cancer-causing agent and can be easily absorbed by the skin. It has strong links to stomach, esophageal, liver and bladder cancers to humans.

Just a note, DEA is a generalized term for all diethanolamine and TEA and MEA are related substances. When applied topically, it may result to skin irritation or burning of skin. It can also cause impairment of vision with eye contact. If inhaled accidentally, it irritates the nose and throat. This chemical also disrupts hormone cycle thus affecting all hormonal balances of the body including testicular degeneration and low sperm count.

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Triclosan

Triclosan is a toxic agent made popular these days due to its extensive antibiotic property which promises to eliminate all forms of bacteria both known and unknown to humans even at low concentrations. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA registered triclosan as pesticide which inhibits growth of tadpoles while it extinguishes all forms of life around contaminated area. Because of these factors, it poses great health risks to humans, animals and the environment as well.

Triclosan is now included in detergents, dish washing fluids, soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes and that is just naming a few. When mixed with regular tap water, it produces chloroform, a cancer-causing agent. But how else can you use these products without even coming in contact with tap water? Also, they are not soluble in water meaning they will not breakdown.

When triclosan enters your body, it settles within your body tissues and accumulates overtime since, again, they don’t break down. Therefore, it can easily access your cell membranes damaging the liver, kidneys and lungs. Bacteria and fungi are sustained by enzymes while triclosan works by poisoning this specific enzyme to successfully eliminate them.

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