It is important to be careful about the chemicals that are placed on the skin with skin care products and cosmetics. Many skin products and cosmetics have dangerous chemicals as a part of there components. Our skin is not a barrier to these chemicals it acts as a transporter for these chemicals and they can end up in our blood stream and from there to the rest of our body. These chemicals will add to the toxicity of the body and will potentially add to ill health or delay the healing process.

More than 500 ingredients are used to make cosmetics products. We are unsure of the safety for the majority of these chemicals. The most common reactions to the chemicals are eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. However, there is evidence that people who work with these chemicals (such as hairdressers and beauticians) suffer from the cumulative effects of the chemical. The studies concluded that:

There is an increased risk of lung, uterine, ovarian, breast, digestive and respiratory cancer.

Of the 169 permanent hair dyes, 150 are mutagenic (cause changes to our cells genes).

The use of permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes is associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia and Hodgkin’s disease.

The ingredients that you need to avoid include:

Foaming agents including sodium laureth sulphate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulphate and 1,4-dioxane.

Artificial fragrances – many chemicals are able to gain access to our body via our olfactory system or sublingually (under the tongue). In the case of toothpaste a single fragrance can be made up of 200 chemicals which don’t have to be labeled. Many fragrances are based on petroleum products and some reactions to these include dizziness, skin irritation and brown tinges to the skin. Products that are fragranced with essential oils are your safest choices.

Artificial colors. Things have improved since Queen Elizabeth 1 died from lead poisoning caused by her trademark white make up. However, there are still many questionable colorants. Synthetic colors are made up from coal tar containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins into our systems.

Emulsifiers – these are used in just about all personal grooming products. They keep the texture uniform and stop the ingredients from separating. Eggs can be used for this but skin care companies prefer a more synthetic version. Glyceryl monostearate and stearic acid are two commonly used emulsifiers and oral care products that are known to cause side effects – in particular skin irritations. Another commonly used emulsifier is triethanolamine, a substance that is converted in living tissue into nitrosamines – some of the strongest carcinogens known. Triethanolamine causes skin irritation problems. Ethoxylates is another commonly used emulsifier which is a strongly mutagenic. It damages the DNA which increases skin aging and the risk of developing skin cancers.

Preservatives – These are used to slow the rate at which the products decay and therefore increase the products shelf life. Some of these that need to be avoided are:

Imidazolidinyl urea – formaldehyde. This is known to cause dermatitis, skin irritation, nerve damage and cancers.

Parabens – over 90% of cosmetics contain a preservative from the parabens family. Some of the latest research suggests that these may work as endocrine disruptors. These chemical play a role in increasing the rate of breast cancer and decreasing rates of male fertility.

Carrying agents – this is the ingredient that provides all the other ingredients a means to be suspended. Water is the most common carrying agent and some are derived from vegetable glycerine or seaweed. However, it is usually a petroleum derivative.

Porpylene glycol is commonly used and there are general warnings about it when it is in contact with the skin. It can cause brain, liver and kidney problems. Yet this is the agent that is commonly used in stick deodorants, toothpaste and most other personal care items!

Other ingredients to watch out for are PVP/VA copolymer, stearalkonium chloride, petrolatum and paraffin.

Skin and hair care products are used in an attempt to enhance our appearance or preserve our skin – however this is not what many of the product that are commercially available actually do. Many are far from safe and add to the toxic burden of the body. If you have been using unsafe skin and hair care products (and anybody who uses the usual commercially available products will have) then you need to detoxify your body to remove these toxic chemicals and limit the damage that they can cause.

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential vitamin and mineral supplement and many other methods, including herbal remedies.

From my observation, it seems like more and more people are seeking natural products for skin care and hair care. Additionally people are looking for products that are inexpensive, do what they claim, and are eco-friendly.

Well here is my favorite skin care and hair care recipes that are eco-friendly, inexpensive, work, and there is absolutely no animal testing involved!

Skin Lightening – We have all heard of Cleopatra’s infamous milk baths and her beautiful skin. Here is today’s version: add a pint to one quart of buttermilk to your bath! The buttermilk will soften and lighten dark patches. For an aromatherapy treatment too, add your favorite essential oil, such as lavender for relaxation.

Dry skin – try this exfoliate to scrub away dry patches. 2 cups of Epsom salt with olive oil. Be careful in the shower, olive oil can be slippery!

Cellulite – There is a lot of products that claim they can reduce cellulite – are they working for you? How about coffee grounds? Apply the grounds directly to affected area then wrap with kitchen wrap, much like a body wrap. Leave the wrap on 30 minutes and rinse. Repeat regularly until cellulite is gone. I think it is the caffeine in the grounds that stimulate the fat cells under the skin that makes this recipe work.

Dull hair – To add shine to your hair, apply a nickel size amount of olive oil in your hands and rub together, work your hands through your shampooed hair, then comb to distribute evenly. Allow oil to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water, dry and style as usual. This is as good as any hot oil treatment to add shine to your hair.

Hair Product Buildup and overload – Vinegar is a natural choice to remove hair product buildup. Hairspray, mousse, gel, etc. leave behind residue in hair. Mix equal parts vinegar with water and after shampooing and conditioning, work the vinegar solution through hair and rinse. Vinegar also detangles.

Anti-Aging Mask -to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mix together 2 tsp. plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp. honey, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice and 3 capsules vitamin E (equivalent of 300 units). Combine all ingredients. Open the Vitamin E capsule and fold contents into the mix. Gently apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a toner and moisturizer.

Lavender Sugar Scrub –

1/2 cup of jojoba oil

3/4 cup of white cane sugar

1 teaspoon Vitamin E

1/4 cup almond oil

6 drops of lavender essential oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until combined, and then pour into desired container.What a wonderful scrub, and also a great gift!

Blackhead remover – Much like the strips you can buy in the store but less expensive and eco-friendly. Mix 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin and 1 1/2 tablespoons milk. Warm the mixture in microwave. Warm nose and/or chin with warm cloth to open pores, apply mixtures to nose and chin area. Do not use around eyes or other delicate areas. Allow mixture to dry on nose and chin for 15-20 minutes, or until a stiff film appears. Peel off the film and there you go, all the debris in your pores has surfaced to the top. Follow with a cool toner to close pores and restore pH balance, then follow with a moisturizer. Note: this does not smell the best when taking it out of the microwave, but this recipe actually removes blackheads!

Dry or damaged hair – avocado has wonderful nourishing properties. Cut up an avocado and blend, mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise or a few tablespoons olive oil. Wash and towel dry hair and apply treatment, thoroughly working down the shafts of the hair to the ends. Wrap hair in shower cap and allow nourishing for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.

These are just a few ways you can use common kitchen ingredients and essential oils in your skin care and hair care products. For more skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

At one time, the link between stress and beauty problems like acne was considered mythical. But now, even dermatologists like Flor A. Mayoral, MD who serves as a clinical instructor at the University of Miami, can no longer deny the connection between stress and cosmetic problems.

Just recently, Dr. Mayoral told colleagues at a American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy that dermatologist have, “…[K]nown for years – that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin.”

Those functions include hair and nail growth, along with skin flare-ups like pimples and rashes.

Controlling stress induced acne

Stress can provoke acne in a variety of ways. For example, as an individual experiences stress, the level of the body’s stress hormone (cortisol) increases. This hormonal change causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and similar skin problems.

Dr. Mayoral adds that even patients with skin not normally affected by acne can experience temporary stress-related acne due to increased oil production.

So how can you stop stressed provoked acne? Dr. Mayoral comments, “Being in control of your situation can help relieve stress.” To help patients better manage acne outbreaks under duress, Dr. Mayoral recommends that they “safely” use their acne medication more frequently to counter the effects of stress.

If acne drugs are not an option, acne sufferers can apply a clay mask during stressful times to reduce the effect of excess oil production.

Don’t let your hair fall out

Dr. Mayoral suspects that stress may be the primary reason for unexplained hair loss. During stressful times, the hair can go into the telogen (fall-out) phase. In fact an event called “telogen effluvium” is a hair loss problem that can happen up to three months after a stressful situation. However, after this spontaneous loss, the hair typically grows back in six to nine months.

That phenomenon gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Stressed today, bald tomorrow.”

Besides stress, Dr. Mayoral explains that life-changing events such as childbirth or surgery also can cause hair loss. At moments like these, the body takes a “time-out” from growing hair to concentrate on recovery and healing. Meanwhile, hair does not grow as much and some could shed and not grow back right away.

Bumps in the nails

Biting one’s nails is an ostentatious sign of nervousness. Dr. Mayoral discusses a more subtle way of ruining the nails. When you rub your fingers over the thumb nail, this can create a ridge across the nail. The rubbing action distorts the nail plate, and when the nail grows, a raised ridge forms in the middle of the nail.

Besides rubbing and biting nails, physical or emotional stress; certain diseases; and chemotherapy can cause white horizontal lines to appear across the nails. Brittle, peeling nails can also accompany stress.

Dr. Mayoral offers these tips to curb the effects of stress both internally and externally:

Stress suffers can also seek help from self-care books, support groups, friends and counselors. But the key to preventing stress from ruining your image is to recognize the root cause of your stress. From there, finding a solution to your aesthetic ills becomes easier.

Source:

American Academy of Dermatology. (2007, November 8). Feeling Stressed? Dermatologists Can Help Manage the Effects of Stress on the Skin, Hair and Nails. Newswise.

Naweko San-Joyz helps people look better. You can get started by using her acne control guide [http://www.noixia.com/blog/?page_id=550] located at [http://www.noixia.com/blog]

Looking for last minute gift ideas?  Skin care gift baskets make excellent gifts for last-minute shoppers.  Easy, inexpensive and fast, gift baskets with soothing and refreshing spa, bath and body products are sure to please everyone.

So, why skin care products?  Well, for one they are thoughtful and appreciated.  I haven’t met anyone (yet) who doesn’t enjoy an invigorating and therapeutic body scrub or refreshing body spray or spritzer. Admittedly, they are more common for women – moms, grandmothers and mother-in-laws, they also make excellent gifts for men and for a special best friend.

Two, they last and are easily remembered.  Too often we run out of good ideas for people who mean so much to us.  The options for moderate gifts are often limited and can be, well, rather mundane.  A book that may or may not be read, a kitchen utensil that gets stored in a drawer and used twice a year, or the sweater that just never gets worn.  Skin care on the other hand represents something personal and shows you spent time to make gift-giving personal and thoughtful.  My wife and I were having dinner last week with some friends and the wife went on about how much she “loves” the body scrubs we gave her last Christmas.  She’s still using them and I believe she may have been hinting it would make an equally fine gift this holiday season.  Good to know!

Though we all run the risk of giving the dreaded “return” gift, skin care baskets have grown in popularity for their ability to be neutral and not send the wrong message.  It is self-evident that gift stores and retailers that specialize in spa and body products have their greatest sales towards the holidays and special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and for graduations and anniversaries.  In fact, skin care gifts have spawned an entire segment of spa & body retailers whose products target gift-giving.

With that said, what options do we generally have?  First, one of the best selling products is body scrubs.  They come in a variety of formulations – Dead Sea Salt, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Seed, and Coffee & Cream to name a few.  What makes them so attractive is they provide refreshing rejuvenation leaving skin feeling renewed while offering aromas and essential oils that give you an alert disposition.

Sprays and body washes are also favorites.  Many are available in a wide selection of fragrances for almost any mood.  Soothing and relaxing to stimulating and invigorating, both offer benefits to the skin as well as to the mind.

If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas for the holidays or a special occasion, keep in mind that skin care gift baskets are appreciated and show your thoughtfulness.

Visit SkinEnergizer for last minute gift ideas and skin care gifts. SkinEnergizer is one of the top online stores for skin care. A complete line of anti-aging, spa & body, lotions and creams for healthy, beautiful, young-looking skin.

Researchers in England have recently discovered paraben in breast tumors. Research has shown that parabens act like estrogen in the female body. Since breast cancer responds to estrogen, the research makes sense.

There are several types of paraben: Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Benzylparaben,

Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben. They are often used as preservatives in hair care and cosmetic products. When you start reading the labels, you will be amazed at how many products contain one or more parabens.

If you want paraben free hair care products, you will have to get good at reading the labels on all the products you purchase. Once you have identified which products are paraben free, you can begin to experiment to find your favorites.

There has been a huge increase in people interested in organic and natural beauty products. Several major companies are releasing paraben free hair, skin and cosmetic products. Many reputable studies have demonstrated the negative effect of paraben and other chemicals in our bodies. The CDC has found evidence of over 100 toxic chemicals in the blood and urine of people from all cultures and ethnic groups. As people become better educated about the potential dangers, they go looking for safer alternatives.

In addition to hair care products, it is advisable to eliminate parabens from other sources as well. They are contained in most personal care products. You will need to start reading labels on cosmetic and skin care products as well.

Parabens are also used in other products we put on our skin. They are found in deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, body sprays and creams. Some research suggests that these products applied directly to the skin, may have a correlation with certain breast cancers. The effect of parabens is cumulative. The more products containing paraben that you use, the greater the effect on the body. For this reason, removing paraben from all beauty products is the best option. However, as we wait for companies to change their ingredients it’s best that we are informed and reduce or try to eliminate using products containing parabens.

Janice Johnson is the founder of http://www.CurlyHairGuide.com – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Long, Healthy Hair.

Are you getting irritated and tired of shaving and waxing your skin on a regular basis simply to find your hair regrow in couple of days? How would you feel if you can try out a simple method which can painlessly take away your hair once and for all?

What can you do to permanently remove your unwanted hair?

There are two ways to remove unwanted hair: temporary and permanently.

Temporary hair removal methods include: “depilation” (like shaving, trimming, and using shaving creams or powders) or “epilation” (using tweezers, waxing, sugaring, and hair growth inhibitor drugs, creams and lotions). “Depilation” is removal of hair to the level of the skin, and lasts several hours to several days. “Epilation” is removal of the entire hair from the root, and lasts several days to several weeks.

Permanent hair removal methods include electrology (or electrolysis) and Photoepilation (laser, intense pulsed light, or diode epilation). Electrology (or electrolysis) has been the only 100% permanent hair removal method. It is done by inserting a fine probe in the hair follicle and the application of a current adjusted to each hair type and treatment area. It destroys germ cells responsible for hair growth. While this method is very effective, it is time-consuming, costly ( to 0 an hour), you suffer discomfort every time and you also have skin which is a little red and sore afterward. Photoepilation permanently reduces hair growth by destroying the hair follicle (hair) using controlled flashes of light. Hair absorbs the light projected by the device and the intense heat destroys it. In order to obtain the best results, we need all the light energy sent by the machine to be absorbed by the hair and not by the nearby tissues.

We should use a device which produces light of the same colour (wavelength) of the hair. The hair disappears within 7 days. Destroyed hair and follicle are eliminated through a natural physiological process, with the result of a long-term depilation. You might have sensations of stinging, burning or a slight pain during the procedure. The skin may become reddened which will resolve within the next few hours, and in rare cases a temporal pigmentation disorder may appear, and sometimes the procedure can cause first-degree and second-degree burns. The number of treatments depends on the type of hair and skin treated, and on the body location. Usually, an average of six treatments is needed for a definitive result, and the typical cost of laser hair removal is 0 to 0, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. However, there are some contraindications, when hair removal using photoepilation is not recommended, so consultation is needed before using photoepilation.

The true low-cost painless hair removal

The only painless hair removal method is by using creams, lotions and drugs that chemically attack and dissolve hair, or inhibit the development of new hair cells. This type of products, also known as “hair growth inhibitor”, have to be used continuously, or hair growth will return to normal. There are many products on the market. Eflornithine proved to be highly effective in reducing hair growth, so in July 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved eflornithine for sale and marketing under the name Vaniqa. It contains eflornithine hydrochloride inhibiting the enzymeornithine decarboxylase, preventing new hair cells from producing putrescine for stabilizing their DNA. It is the only cream approved by FDA, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects (acne, burning, stinging or tingling sensations, dry skin, itching, redness or rash, and other skin problems).

Other creams and lotions use active enzymes and other ingredients to actually interrupt the body’s normal process of producing new hair cells. By applying “hair growth inhibitor”, the hair follicle changes the structure, and the hair gradually becomes finer and softer until it finally disappears. The whole process takes several months.

It is known in Japan that some of the enzymes found in a very simple drink and a favorite Asian fruit very effectively reduce hair growth. Combining this all-natural healthy drink with a fruit that is available in any grocery store, you can create a very effective lotion to stop the growth of hair easily. This lotion is completely natural and effective hair removal method that you can make yourself at home.

The lotion recipe is available at the following website. http://www.HairGrowthInhibitorLotion.info/

Skin care for teens and pre-teens can seem to be an uphill battle.  Changes in hormones, sun exposure, lack of hydration and keeping skin clean are several of the main issues that can lead to blemishes, acne, rash, sunburn and dry skin. Hormonal activity, in particular, can bring significant changes to a teen’s skin. A few tips and precautions can help maintain your teen’s natural glow and beauty for a long time to come and provide adequate sunburn relief from overexposure.

Keep well Hydrated and eat a Balanced Diet

 

Water is your best guard and helps to flush-out many toxins from a poor diet, soft drinks, or oil and grease build-up.  Additionally, fluids are help replenish and improve health of dermal cell membranes.  Sports, heat, sweating and outdoor activities – especially during the summer – can leave teens dehydrated…a poor conclusion for both their overall health and their skin.

 

Intake of a balanced diet will directly reflect on overall skin care health. Junk food and soda drinks can lead to acne flare-ups and increase salt content – leading to increased dehydration and poor skin health

 

Cleansing, Moisturizing and Sun Protection

 

Opt for a facial cleanser that will keep pores clear and aid in the reduction of sebum (skin oil) production. An herbal cleanser will often avoid rash, dry skin or allergies, and many are effective at reducing blemishes, while effectively cleansing.

 

If needed, a moisturizer, lotion or toner. Even oily skins need some kind of hydration. So opt for a hydrator or an oil free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic moisturize. Most moisturizers also come with built in SPF which offers both hydration and protection from sun damage.  Sun damage is known to increase skin problems, so protection is important.

 

Always adhere to the rule of sun protection for one of the best tips for skin care. Wear sun screen religiously, especially of your teens are active in outdoor sports.  My daughter is outside probably 50% of the day – even with a hat and protective clothing it is common for her to become over-exposed – with the whole family helping to provide sunburn relief. An SPF of 15 to 30 is ideal and generally safe. Furthermore, wearing protective clothing can enhance sun protection, but its not a panacea.

 

Dealing with sun protection during the teen-phase will not only protect skin but also delay the signs of aging as children reach early adulthood.  If skin becomes burned, look for adequate sunburn relief.  Many products are formulated with Vitamin E, Aloe, and Emu Oil to rehydrate the skin while providing temporary relief from burns.

 

Abstain from Smoking

 

I guess its fair to say everyone understands the harmful effects of smoking – especially teenage smoking.

 

Smoking is one of the worse things for skin care –  it scavenges on the youthful glow of your skin. It can be the prime cause of pre-mature skin aging as it can break down the skin collagen, the essential skin protein. Studies reveal that smokers have reduced collagen and elastin production and therefore their skin often looks dull and wrinkled.

 

Skin tends to wrinkle much faster in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Skin loses its ability to renew itself and develops a yellowish tone and many bio-chemical reactions begin to occur in the skin which makes it look wrinkled, lined and dull over a couple of years.

Skin Energizer is one of the leading skin care stores on the web! Skin Care, skin care products, targeted solutions – anti wrinkle, anti aging, acne, antioxidants, rashes, cellulite, spider veins, and sunburn relief.