Why Should I Look Out For Parabens and Sulfates? (Pt 2 of 2)
December 8, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Many skincare products are unfortunately rushed to market to meet this demand without any real consideration to research and development. Most of the budget may go into the marketing of the product. On the surface everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who may not even use the products themselves. But underneath the jar lid, one can typically find un-pronounceable ingredients chemically formulated to “imitate” their natural predecessor.
WHAT ABOUT SULFATES?
Sulfates is another name for a common skincare ingredient called “Surfactants” which are designed to dissolve oils and hold dirt in suspension so it can be rinsed away with water. Mostly used in skin cleansers and shampoos.
Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lowering of the interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as: detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.
What all this means is sulfates are used to make the product lather or foam. However, that rich “lather” you get from sulfates may not really be good for your hair and skin as they can strip away natural oils. Despite what many been led to believe, the lather or foam does not actually help you get cleaner.
Natural Surfactants.
As is usually the case there are natural alternatives that do the job much better and safer than synthetics. Natural Saponins (foaming agents) gently cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping away the natural oils. These natural surfactants are a core component of any organic skin care regime. Some recommended organic skin care surfactants include, castile soap, yucca extract, soapwort and quillaja bark extract.
According to Skin Deep – the cosmetic ingredient database, www.cosmeticsdatabase.com , Synthetic Surfactants To Avoid Include: Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl/Cocoyl Sacrosinate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine and Quanternium -7,15,31,60 or Disodium Oleamide which can be a potent carcinogen when mixed with Nitrosamines.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate are the most commonly used in shampoos and lathering types of skincare. They rate around 4 on the scale of 1 to 10. Studies and results are conflicting for potential toxicity, so most err on the side of caution.
Time Saving Tip: This class of toxins is quite easy to pinpoint. They are listed on labels as either ending in -eth (Laureth) or contain the phrase PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol) or PPG (Poly Propylene Glycol).
According to some sources, while many of these particles are too large to penetrate the skin, they can result in allergies and health problems. Increasing use of Sodium Laural sulfate (SLS) in skin care can cause major skin irritations and even organ system toxicity. Other studies show that chemicals like this clog the skin pores and don’t have any benefit to the skin.
Unfortunately, cosmetics are the lowest priority for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Their priority, naturally, has to be the foods and drugs we are consuming. They do not have the funds, staff, or authority to monitor what cosmetics companies are putting in their products. In addition, no ingredient has to be approved for use in products, and according to the FDA website.
There are two major classes of surfactants used in synthetic skin care products:
1) Ethoxylated Surfactants: The chemical reaction required to mix Ethylene and Propylene Oxide together has a serious side effect, that is they can be contaminated with Dioxane‒a potent carcinogen.
2) Amides: These are listed on labels containing the term TEA (Tri Ethanol Amine), DEA (Di Ethanol Amine) and MEA (Mono Ethanol Amine).
Why are these chemicals hazardous? Well, all compounds containing TEA, DEA and MEA undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
So again, it is up to you to be the educated consumer. Understanding what you purchase and how it can potentially affect you and your family.
When in doubt, it is best to choose naturally-based products or wholly organic ones than to use skin care products that contain potentially dangerous preservatives and chemicals, especially ones that are applied directly and/or massaged into the skin.
By Rachelle Dupree
Why Should I Look Out For Parabens and Sulfates? (Pt 1 of 2)
November 8, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Many consumers today have spent vast amounts of money to improve their appearance. Cosmetic surgery and the topical skincare industry are multi-billion dollar businesses. It’s a simple law of economics that the higher the demand, the more skincare manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace. When demand for cheap, readily available products is high, quality ingredients tend to take a backseat over inferior, more accessible ones.
Many consumers today have spent vast amounts of money to improve their appearance. Cosmetic surgery and the topical skincare industry are multi-billion dollar businesses. It’s a simple law of economics that the higher the demand, the more skincare manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace. When demand for cheap, readily available products is high, quality ingredients tend to take a backseat over inferior, more accessible ones.
Many skincare products are unfortunately rushed to market to meet this demand without any real consideration to research and development. Most of the budget may go into the marketing of the product. On the surface everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who may not even use the products themselves. But underneath the jar lid, one can typically find un-pronounceable ingredients chemically formulated to “imitate” their natural predecessor.
It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time. Some of the more controversial preservatives used in recent years are called PARABENS.
WHY ARE PARABENS BAD?
According to Wikipedia, “Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives.
Their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with their low cost, the long history of their use, and the inefficacy of natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract (GSE),[1] probably explains why parabens are so commonplace. They are becoming increasingly controversial, however, because they have been found in extremely low concentrations in breast cancer tumors (an average of 20 nanograms/g of tissue). [2] Parabens have also displayed the ability to weakly mimic estrogen (a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer).[2] No causal link between parabens and cancer has been established, however.[3]”
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?” reported that the chemical preservatives called parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)—displayed estrogenic activity in several tests.
This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. These disruptors interfere with your body´s endocrine system: your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid—virtually every system in your body. The EPA also stated that “continual introduction of these benzoates (parabens) into sewage treatment systems and directly to recreational waters from the skin leads to the question of risk to aquatic organisms.” Scientists in Europe found other endocrine-disrupting body care chemicals in the bodies of fish that humans are eating, and in human breast milk.
Many organic and natural skincare practitioners claim organic herbal medicinal tinctures made from high quality organic herbs and organic grain alcohol are shelf-stable for around two to three years. These include foods considered by the FDA to be “self-preserving” and containing no preservatives, such as: honey, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and wine.
According to one organic website, a self-preserved 100% organic moisturizing body oil made from organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic peppermint oil and organic spearmint oil can have a shelf-life of up to 18 months. While this is HALF of its chemically-based brothers and sisters, some are finding those states to be more than palatable.
The Natural Skincare Authority lists, tea tree oil thyme essential oil, grapefruit seed extract, bitter orange extract among some of the alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Contrary to popular myth the decaying process is natural and happens with or without preservatives. In reality, preservatives serve only to delay the inevitable. Skin care products (just like food) do not and should not last forever. If left for long enough they will deteriorate and go rancid.
Simple actions like storing your natural/organic products and recipes in the refrigerator will help extend their shelf life (naturally). Taking the time to understand what you are buying and spreading on and through your skin can result in a healthier, happier, longer-lasting you.
1. a b von Woedtke T, Schluter B, Pflegel P, Lindequist U, Julich WD (1999 June). “Aspects of the antimicrobial efficacy of grapefruit seed extract and its relation to preservative substances contained”. Pharmazie (Greifswald, Germany: Institute of Pharmacy, Ernst Moritz Arndt University,) 54 (6): 452–6. PMID 10399191.
2. a b c d Harvey PW, Everett DJ (2004). “Significance of the detection of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in human breast tumours”. Journal of Applied Toxicology 24 (1): 1–4. doi:10.1002/jat.957. PMID 14745840.
3. Golden R, Gandy J, Vollmer G (2005). “A review of the endocrine activity of parabens and implications for potential risks to human health”. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 35 (5): 435–58. doi:10.1080/10408440490920104. PMID 16097138.
Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Skincare Ingredients
October 7, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
If you suffer from acne, rosacea, redness or uneven skin tonea you might want to pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare products. Inflammation, redness and even allergic reactions can be caused by an overabundance of chemicals in your facial products. Whenever possible, choose facial products that contain a majority of natural or organic ingredients. Many of these herbs are used today in anti-aging and anti-acne products like facial masks and all forms of cleansers, toners and moisturizers. There is a plethora of herbs to choose from, the following are some of the most predominant and effective.
Chamomile — This very gentle herb is ideal to replenish and enrich dry or sensitive skin. It’s bactericidal, anti-itching, and antiseptic properties help to refresh the skin and reduce swelling.
Chamomile contains phenolic derivatives, which have an antiseptic and healing quality, which is most helpful in relieving skin congestion. These soften the skin, making it an effective ingredient in any anti-aging cosmetic product.
Chamomile is an ideal ingredient to be used in general skin care, and especially where inflammation may be present, such as in various skin problems, including acne, irritation and other forms of rashes and skin complaints, plus the fact that it promotes granulation and cell regeneration.
Comfrey— Comfrey is a sweet, cooling herb with expectorant, astringent, soothing and healing effects. It reduces inflammation and controls bleeding. It contains allantoin (a chemical compound commonly used in lotions and creams) as well as high amounts of mucilage. It is a superb wound healing herb, but the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) can be carcinogenic and also cause liver damage if ingested in large doses or too frequently.
Used externally for psoriasis, eczema, sores, varicose veins and skin ulcers, arthritis, sprains, bunions, hemorrhoids, sore breasts during lactation, and injuries, including fractures. It is particularly effective in slow healing wounds and to help repair tissue damage. Comfrey is used to stimulate growth of new skin cells.
Lavender—Is a great multi-purpose herb. It’s a skin healer; it stimulates cell growth, reduces inflammation, prevents scarring and balances the production of natural sebum or oil. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.
Green tea —Very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. 
Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. Green tea gets is power from polyphenols – which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and help slow down signs of premature of aging.
Rosemary —Helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. It contains caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid – both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. The antioxidants contained in rosemary also help to protect your body’s cells from damage by free radicals.
Marshmallow —Is a flowering plant and it’s extracts have traditionally been used on the skin to treat inflammation. It’s an excellent therapy for skin rashes or eruptions. The rich, demulcent nature of marshmallow gives it soothing, moistening and calming properties on the skin.
Aloe vera —Stimulates cell renewal, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The 20 amino acids it contains are the building blocks of cell tissue. It is beneficial for skin eruptions and for the treatment of bruises and burns. It is also a cellular regenerator.
Beta Carotene —Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions. Topical application of beta-carotene in retailed skin care products can enhance the appearance of the skin by restoring suppleness and adding a “glowing” pigment that seemingly evens out the skin tone. Beta-carotene’s antioxidant attributes, such as sun damage protection, are used to prevent the signs of aging in the skin.
Mint— Mint has significant rejuvenating properties. It is an anti-pruitic and antiseptic, natural cleanser, alleviates, itching, infection, and sooths rashes or inflammation. It is a great addition for anti-acne and natural anti-aging skin care.
It is always best to use the herbs in their most natural form; fresh, dried, pulverized or diluted in common carrier oil, like almond, jojoba or hazelnut oil. You can also find many herbal options in essential oils, but use these with caution. The first rule of essential oil skin care is don’t apply undiluted oils directly to skin. They are super-concentrated, and can cause allergies or chemical burns if used undiluted.
Anti Wrinkle Cream
September 25, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
There are many people out there who would do anything to get hold of an anti wrinkle serum or a fountain of youth to wipe away their wrinkles. What else can an aging population do besides experimenting with everything that sounds promising? There are many creams out there that claim to turn back the aging clock but identifying such a miraculous anti wrinkle cream is in itself a very hard task!
A new anti wrinkle cream is springing up in the market nearly every day. With such a profusion of anti wrinkle creams in the market, you are bound to be in a fix as to which one to choose and which one to drop!
The best way is to consult an experienced dermatologist before going about selecting the best anti wrinkle cream for yourself. There are limitless anti wrinkle products available in the market that self proclaim to act as magic potion against the appearance of wrinkles. If you are not considering the idea of hooking up with a skincare expert, how else do you plan to pick the actual ‘Magic Potion’ all alone?
There is no standard rule that anti wrinkle creams work or not. If the cream is a genuine concoction of effective anti wrinkle herbs, there is no reason as to why it won’t work. Likewise if the cream is an ugly mix of worthless ingredients, it won’t work at all. As simple as that! This is why it is always stressed that you must check the list of ingredients before buying any cosmetic product. A product that contains even the minutest element of alcohol, parabens, strong fragrance, mineral oil and animal collagens should not be considered even as an option.
In case you experience an allergic reaction as a result of topical usage, you must immediately stop the usage and consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Anti-Wrinkle Creams That Actually Work!
September 18, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Have you been trying every new anti- wrinkle cream available in the market? Have you done every trick in the book there is to possible to get rid of wrinkles? Wrinkles are sadly not superficial and will not be gone unless you do something that is necessary for the skin. Aging is a process that goes on with time and is continuous and cannot be avoided.
Its effects somehow can be delayed and you can try to turn the clock round and nullify the effects of aging. Wrinkles have to be combated with care and precision. There are a number of anti-wrinkle creams that are available in the market and what’s even better, they actually work! Creams that contain an essential amount of vitamins and minerals are effective in preventing the effects of age. You should look for ingredients like AHA’s, UVA, UVB, and vitamin A, E and C, Coenzyme 10. They can work miracles for the wrinkly, pouchy and saggy skin. One must keep away from harmful products like alcohol, Triethanolamine, propylene. Etc., as they can severely deteriorate the skin and even the functioning of kidneys and other internal body organs. It is important to use an effective sun block as wrinkles are caused due to damage from the sun, and one should look for a sun block that has SPF15 or more and an adequate TP balance. It is strongly advisable to use homemade beauty products as they are natural and free from chemicals.
There is an extremely effective range of herbal beauty products which are made of natural herbs and constituents that make them ideal for usage. There a number of herbal anti wrinkle creams and lotions and packs that helps in decreasing the fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin and make it look fresh and young.
Use Anti-Wrinkle Products In Consultation With Skin Experts
September 9, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
The fine lines that appear as man grows older are the most dreaded announcement of aging. The wrinkles are prominent on the face, mostly around the eyes and corners of the mouth. As the body ages the capacity to produce collagen and elastin is reduced resulting in the dropping of the skin. It loses its tautness and it also becomes thin as well. Using the proper anti-wrinkles cream is necessary to arrest the speed.
People are mostly attracted to any thing natural and as a result many herbal anti-wrinkle products are filled on the counters of the cosmetics section. One has to buy a product which is most suitable and use it regularly. To state the fact there is no product which can reverse the lines that have already appeared and can only be hidden. The anti -wrinkle product seeps into the skin and hides it. Any product has the capacity to keep appearance of the hold but not stop it all together. Wrinkles are natural process and nothing can be done to stop it. Products containing the ingredients like retinol, peptides, AHAs, antioxidants and hyaluronic acids are the ones which can be used as ant-wrinkles products.
The wrinkles can be very frustrating and people consider taking a shot of Botox to get rid of them. The advancements in the field of cosmetology have come up with miraculous products which help fighting the wrinkles. The anti-wrinkle products usually just puff the affect to give an impression of having erased the line. Only a product which can stimulate the production of the collagen and elastin can eradicate the lines completely. It is seen that these products do not seep well into the skin so it is advised to apply them after steaming for a short while. It is always better to take the advice of a dermatologist before trying the suggestions of friends who are not experts of the field.
Why Should You Consider An Anti Wrinkle Cream?
September 4, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Which oldie does not want a visible reduction in his/her wrinkles? Only if they could catch hold of a genie who could give them a magic concoction that could wipe away wrinkles in one go! Alas! The genie is busy in his own life and the oldies are left to worry about their wrinkles all by themselves! It is then that somebody comes up with the concept of these anti wrinkle creams. These creams are filled with such miraculous elements that topical application of these wondrous creams kills age lines almost instantaneously! Voila!
Anti wrinkle products are hogging all the limelight these days. These creams capture a big market share and it is because of the sheer effectiveness of these creams that people make use of them.
It feels nice to know that elderly people are getting more and more concerned about their outward appearance these days. It is in a way good that aged people are concerned about their facial skin to such an extent that they resort to all that it takes to wipe away age spots and wrinkles! These oldies are running from one parlor to another to wash away their facial lines. It is very important that you follow a proper anti wrinkle treatment since it is seen that a wrongly chosen treatment sometimes shoots back.
A dermatologist can guide you well on what to do and what not to do. You must also keep yourself away from experimenting new products. You never know which one can ditch your skin! Otherwise also, the skin finds it difficult to adjust to varied skincare products. This is the reason as to why dermatologists suggest that you must always stick to one particular beauty product.
So, select an authentic source for you to be able to buy a genuine anti wrinkle cream for yourself! Go, grab your jar NOW!
Anti-Wrinkle Creams – The Hidden Truth
August 28, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Wrinkles are a very common and prominent sign of aging. They are an indicator towards the decline of the fullness of your perfect beauty. Women are more concerned about the appearance of these fine lines on the skin and pray to get rid of them. There are a variety of creams, gels and lotions available in the market that claim to help you out of your wrinkled skin. Those annoying folds and pouches on the skin can be really irritating and every lady deserves to get a helping hand for them
There are various types of anti wrinkle treatments available in the market. You must choose wisely according to your skin type and severity of wrinkles. If you are having wrinkles and pouches because of your age, you need to use different type of products from those who are having these wrinkles due to other reasons such as bad eating and lifestyle habits. Most anti wrinkle products tend to only hide the appearance of lines on the skin rather than completely curing them. The small molecules and particles of the cream penetrate the skin and temporarily give an effect of a more taut and re plumped surface. They tend to hide the cracks and lines of the skin and help it look younger.
To choose the right sort of skin rejuvenation products; One must look for anti-wrinkles that have ingredients like AHA’s, peptides, antioxidants, retinol and vitamin C and E. Besides these primary measures, a good skin doctor can help you battle wrinkles. There is nothing better than a personalized and custom made skin care treatment, because every case is different and should be treated differently. So if the wrinkle problem does not seem to be age related, and if the creams and gels and lotions are not doing any good to you, then you know what you need to do.
Win Struggle against Wrinkle by Natural Ways
August 21, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
You must have searched everything to find effective remedies and solutions for curing wrinkles and have found nothing. Is this true? If yes, then stop your search now as the best solution to all such problems is here. These are natural wrinkle treatments that have been considered most suitable for treating this problem.
Wrinkles occur on face and every body part with growing age. Although, it is difficult to combat them but surely they can be controlled with natural wrinkle resources. Some of you might not know about these natural products. So for your convenience, natural resources are products prepared with herbs and products from nature. Such things are made up of best herbs and products that are suitable for all skin types. Since, these products are totally natural they work effectively on skin in a gentle way. They are free from harmful toxic substances that can cause severe skin related issues.
The best natural ways to remove wrinkles from body are natural anti wrinkle creams. Such creams are very mild on skin. They are formulated with excellent herbs. They help in securing skin elasticity which might be lost due to increased age. These creams are used not only to reduce wrinkles but also to fight with other aging problems so that you can have a younger looking skin. You can either buy these items from market or can make them at home in order to have a glowing complexion. They will make your skin really soft and will soothe down wrinkles.
Best natural anti wrinkle products are made up of milk or milk products such as buttermilk and milk cream. Other natural herbs used for curing wrinkles are Aloe Vera, Fenugreek, curd, fuller’s Earth, Chamomile and Jojoba. So, if you want to get rid of these ugly lines then don’t just run behind expensive creams. Make use of natural products and feel the difference!
Anti-Wrinkle Creams – Choose According to Your Skin Type!
August 15, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Anti-wrinkle creams can significantly reduce the premature signs of aging provided quality creams are selected that are rich in essential constituents. There is no evidentiary support that can back up these products as different skin types respond differently to such products.
Ingredients of any anti-wrinkle product must be checked out prior to buying. Skin aging problems need to be tackled with utmost care in order to achieve the desired results. Anti wrinkle products cannot treat your skin altogether but can significantly help you to battle out these signs of aging. Your anti-wrinkle cream must comprise of AHAs, hydraulic acid, retinol and essential antioxidants which ensure wholesome skin care.
First things first, know your skin type. If you have a soft, tender and really sensitive skin, go for mild and gentle creams that do not cause any skin irritation unlike some other creams that are available today. Don’t go for cheap anti-wrinkle creams which often contain harmful ingredients that can cause irreparable damage to your skin. Try to do a thorough research prior to buying any cream. Expert advice from a dermatologist would be a welcome move.
Oily skin needs to be treated with water-based products which can dampen their skin with necessary moisturizers thereby preventing excessive oil secretion. You must make sure that your anti-wrinkle creams do contain adequate levels of glycolic acid which exfoliates the skin in an effective manner. The presence of Aloe Vera, tea tree oil and other healing herbal constituents can surely enable you to fight wrinkles. Other than creams, various herbal wrinkle treatments can also be considered that can produce desired skin results.
Mature skin conditions cannot be ignored as with growing age, your skin needs extra care and pampering. Adopt a daily skin care routine that can significantly take care of such growing age problems.
