Negative Side To Conventional Cosmetics

by Anastasia Ellison

Women and men spend millions of dollars every year attempting to improve the quality and health of their skin. They spend time and money on products and services to refinish the surface of their skin only to return to habits and routines that continue to damage both their skin and bodies. Most cosmetic and beauty products contain additives, preservatives, and chemicals designed to improve appearances at the cost of health. Not only do conventional cosmetics clog pores and weigh down skin, they also contain harmful toxins that absorb into the blood stream and into the body.

Companies create conventional cosmetics and beauty products using oils and fillers that weigh down skin and clog the pores. Although some of these products create the appearance of smooth, even skin, bacteria and dirt become trapped in the skin by the oils in conventional cosmetics and create pimples and blemishes. Most men and women then resort to even more cosmetic use to cover up these skin problems, resulting in an even greater incidence of clogged pores. Skin absorbs the oils and fillers in conventional cosmetics resulting in makeup that literally weighs down the face. Not only does foundation and powder look heavy, it also feels heavy. This heavy feeling results from not just the skin’s absorption of the product, but also the inability of the skin to breath.

The heavy binders and fillers of conventional cosmetics also contain chemical additives that are harmful to the body. Conventional beauty products such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and bronzer contain a myriad of binders, toxins and dyes that absorb into the blood stream. A build up of such chemicals can produce allergic reactions and increased sensitivity in some men and women. Some of these allergies and sensitivities can result in chronic conditions and sustained sensitivity to conventional dyes, cosmetics and perfumes. Hypoallergenic products have risen as a result of consumers’ needs to use products less harmful on the body. Although most of these products still contain fillers that clog skin, the rise of products for sensitive skin proves that consumers have reacted poorly to conventional cosmetics.

Naked Minerals contains no additives, dyes, colors, fillers, binders, waxes, or any other ingredient beyond natural minerals. The Naked Minerals makeup is all-natural and uses only the finest minerals to create a cosmetic that improves skin appearance and quality without clogging pores. There are no oils in Naked Minerals that traditionally clog pores, and the weightless feel and function of Naked Minerals allows skin to breathe. Naked Minerals is completely hypoallergenic with none of the toxins or chemicals traditionally found in conventional cosmetics. All of the colors are naturally derived from their mineral origin and none contain the heavy oils found in conventional cosmetics.

Anastasia Ellison is a writer and editor of internet health and beauty related articles. She has over 20 years experience in holistic health care. You can find out more about Naked Minerals at: http://www.inakedminerals.com .

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Paraben Preservatives And Cosmetics - Controversy and Alternatives

by Kristin Adams

Increasing concern for the safety of ingredients in cosmetics has brought some widely used cosmetic preservatives by the family name 'paraben' to center stage. Paraben preservatives are listed under multiple names and are used to preserve the majority of cosmetics on the market today, not only to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi but also to promote the abnormally long shelf-life of products. As with chemically preserved foods, paraben preserved cosmetics ensure that the cosmetic manufacturer can produce the product en masse and take comfort in a multi-year shelf life. Paraben preservatives have recently come into question with new studies that link the daily exposure of paraben preservatives to breast cancer and endocrine-disruption issues.

What Exactly are Paraben Preservatives?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been in use since the 1920s as 'broad-band' preservatives (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) which means that they work within a formula to prevent the growth of multiple possible contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, mold and fungi. They can be found in approximately 75-90 percent of cosmetics such as make-up, lotion, deodorants and shampoos. According to A Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, water is the only cosmetic ingredient used more frequently than paraben preservatives. (Winter, 2005) Paraben is the family name for the following permutations of the ingredient found on a common product ingredient label:

- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate)

The Paraben Controversy

Linked to Breast Cancer: Though paraben preservatives only account for a very small percentage of a product's actual formula they are quite potent. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004 expressed concern regarding the use of paraben preservatives. In the UK, researchers found traces of it in 19 out of 20 women with breast tumors. (Winter, 2005) Though the studies did not determine if the ingredient was the cause of the breast tumors, it did establish that pervasive use of this synthetic ingredient is biocumulative.

Possible Endocrine Disruptors: Paraben preservatives have also been identified as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating the body's hormones. Paraben preservatives are believed to mimic the female hormone estrogen when introduced into the body. According to recent research, more than 60 percent of topically applied chemicals via cosmetics, lotions, etc. are absorbed by the skin and dispersed throughout the body by the bloodstream. Once absorbed into the body, paraben preservatives mimic the hormone estrogen and can disrupt the body's normal hormonal balance. In the Archives of Toxicology (2002) , Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben 'adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.'

This artificial provocation and inflation of estrogen in the endocrine system has been linked to breast cancer in some women as well as the abnormal hormonal development of children including the hormonal 'feminization of boys' which may influence the suspected link in decreasing testosterone levels and sperm count in the male reproductive system. It has also been hypothesized to contribute to the early maturation of girls at increasingly younger ages.

Do All Cosmetic Companies Use Paraben Preservatives?

Not all cosmetic companies use paraben preservatives and many are phasing out their use now that enough questions have been raised about their overall long term safety. New cosmetic companies, more focused on offering natural and organic products, have made their 'no paraben' policy a platform issue. This means there are a wide variety of paraben-free products which are mostly now available for purchase in health food stores and on the internet.

With the increasing popularity of the natural and organic body care market more companies are jumping on the proverbial 'natural' band wagon. With this additional commercial interest and the lack of FDA regulation around the word 'natural' one must never rely solely on a company's marketing and advertising claims and always read the ingredient label to confirm that an ingredient is truly not being used in the formula.

Alternative Preservative Systems

There are good reasons why paraben preservatives are the defacto cosmetic preservative. They are cheap and effective. However, safer and more natural alternatives are available. With formulas that contain certain organic (living) ingredients and/or water as an ingredient, a more aggressive non-paraben preservative must be used to ensure the stability of the formula. In general, the next best option is a synthetic preservative called Phenoxyethanol which has a synthetic chemical composition inspired by a natural anti-bacterial/anti-microbial chemical found in the sage plant. It's easier to use a natural preservative in formulas that are basically inert (like most powder mineral cosmetics) or have an oil base and no water (like lipstick or liners). In products such as these, a plant extract or essential oil with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties such as grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract or tocopherol (vitamin E) is used as an effective preservative system. In any case, the manufacturer should perform proper stability testing to ensure that the product's preservative system lasts.

Resources for the Risk Adverse

Much research and observation still needs to be done to ultimately determine the true long term safety and consequences of the wide spread use of paraben preservatives as a daily part of our skin regimen and subsequent absorption diet. The current studies questioning paraben preservatives fundamental safety and the current lack of FDA testing or regulation regarding cosmetics establish a good case for avoiding these questionable ingredients all together. An excellent resource to determine the overall safety of almost any personal care product is the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Cosmetic Database. This database culls world-wide collective scientific ingredient and cosmetic studies as well as governmental toxicity databases from around the world (examples US, EU, Japan, Korea) and gives a toxicity ranking based on this collective data. The online interface is easy to work with. One simply types in the name of a product/brand or an ingredient and the database will return all the relevant information about that query and its safety. The EWG's database is a work in progress and is always being refined for further detail and clarity.

Conclusions

More comprehensive studies are needed to conclusively determine the true scope of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to paraben preservatives by way of the cosmetic ingredients we use every day. A serious effort to reassess the safety of these products must be undertaken by a non-biased group of researchers. To date, among the studies that have been done world-wide, paraben preservatives have been linked to breast cancer and have been labelled as a possible endocrine disruptor that might have specific damaging consequences for young children and those with ongoing exposure. Luckily, we have more options than ever before and can take ourselves out of the equation entirely by educating ourselves and opting for products that use different preservative systems and fewer questionable ingredients in general.

Sources and works cited:

Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London. Fairley, Josephine, (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London. Winter, Ruth M.S. (2005). A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Three Rivers Press, NY. Cornell University: Parabens: evidence of estrogenicity and endocrine disruption http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Bibliography/General/bib.parabens.cfm#risk Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 114, Number 12, December 2006 http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9413/9413.html

Kristin Adams is Founder and President of Afterglow Cosmetics, a line of natural make-up including mineral cosmetics infused with certified organic ingredients. Discover your natural beauty at http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com

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Cosmetics: Precautions

by Patricia Davis

Could your cosmetics be making you sick?

Caution needs to be used with when deciding whether to use any type of cosmetic, cream, or beauty product on your skin. Most women never think of the possible allergic reactions and aging problems that might occur when using these products on their faces and bodies.

To help alleviate consumers' concerns, many products use the term “hypoallergenic” on their packages. They market these products to you as if there is no need to worry about skin problems just because it is hypoallergenic. The truth is that there is no standardized test or method that can back up a claim like this.

Also be wary of products that state “Dermatologist Approved” or “Allergy Tested.” These marketing labels do not offer any guarantee that your skin will not have adverse reactions from those cosmetics. And of course, the word “natural” is another great way to pull the consumer into a mindset of false safety.

Below are some helpful guidelines for safe cosmetic use:

1. Always wash your hands and face before applying cosmetics.

2. Eye cosmetics should be thrown away after 6 months.

3. Mascara should be thrown away after 3 months.

4. Do not use the open samples of cosmetics when you visit the store. One survey found that almost 6% of these samples were infected with contaminants like fungus.

5. Any makeup that smells funny or has lost its regular consistency should be thrown away.

6. If you discover that you have an eye infection, do not use makeup. Also, throw away all makeup that you used prior the infection as these may be contaminated as well.

Use common sense when it comes to using cosmetics. Throw away old cosmetics. Don’t assume that a product is safe just because the label says it is. And never share cosmetics with another person. These precautions could save you unneccessary aggravation and a potentially serious infection.

Patricia Davis contributes to several web magazines, including http://top-healthy.com/ and http://pesud.com/.

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Finding Cosmetics Online

by Melissa Core

In the recent past, women went to their favorite mall to find their cosmetics. The department store is one of the most profitable in the beauty business. The same products can be purchased now from home, from the comfort of your house. The only condition is to have a computer and an Internet connection. Online there is a deluge of cosmetics; the problem is to have the time to choose from all the great offers.

The best part of shopping cosmetics online is the convenience. Any cosmetic can be found in the cyberspace, unlike the cosmetics department of your favorite mall. Here is a great beauty related site http://www.beautycap.com. Internet means that you have access all over the world, not only on your immediate surroundings. Cosmetics costs a fortune everywhere, but a good search online can give you the chance to find awesome low prices from the companies who need to sale and make their name a known brand.

The internet is allowing you the possibility to find the products that are suiting perfectly to your needs and skin type. During the searching, take the time to find and read reviews and testimonies that on the products you are searching for. You must do this research before purchasing, to avoid the unpleasant events.

The miracle you are waiting for can be only a gimmick. If you are making a serious search, you can find a spectrum of good cosmetics online. There are cosmetics on the internet that you never find in a store. This is the reason why you must leave behind the drug stores and the malls. You have nothing to lose purchasing cosmetics online.

You must lave the malls and drugstore behind; online cosmetics list is larger and cheaper. Try to search ‘cosmetics’ and you will be overwhelmed by options and deals helping you to save lots of money. The largest cosmetics distributors are presenting attractive, breathtaking web sites, presenting their products, offers and money saving deals.

The Internet is giving you the possibility to save money, time, purchase the best products on the market is a fast and elegant way, in the comfort of your house. There are many good places to buy beauty products online in the world; there is a long list of shops which will cater for all your makeup, skincare, body care and hair care needs.

You will find some of the most exciting and innovative products from the professional firms, along with experts advices. There are also firms bringing you discounts (of up to 70%) on the leading skin care, bath and body products.

Melissa Core works with:
http://www.ourmelateam.com
http://www.mywebsharing.com

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Look Great with the Latest Cosmetics Combining Healing Like Ingredients

by Kamau Austin

Beauty has been a sensitive issue for both men and women since ancient times. There cannot be a better example of this concern than the reports of Cleopatra bathing in a donkey's milk to keep her skin young and glowing. Legends testify that Egyptians and Greeks adopted various beauty treatments that used both natural and chemical ingredients.

The term, 'Cosmocueticals' is being used widely today. But what is the story behind cosmocueticals? Researchers have combined the beneficial aspects of both science and cosmetics. These two diverse and strong fields have come together as one. In the process of developing this new beneficial admixture, they have thrown open the gates to a dynamic new industry.

Science is one of our most powerful fields and the field of cosmetics is a very commercial. They are two of our largest and most powerful fields. Therefore, cosmocuetics, as a field of endeavor, seems to have almost unlimited potential.

Interested to learn more about how this burgeoning new industry can have positive benefits for your life? Spend a few minutes with me exploring this encouraging new field.

You will probably agree that both these fields have distinctive identities. This merger is certainly a promising and prominent one, capable of solving many of our health problems. There is also an allied field of activity that is continuously working toward combining science with cosmetics. This is known as cosmetic chemistry.

Until recently, only medical procedures were recognized as solutions to various health problems. But, with advances in cosmocueticals, you can expect new options and treatments.

Here are some of the products that best explain the concept of cosmocueticals:

There are two groups of chemical ingredients used in preparing cosmetics that are in sync with consumers' needs: (1) vehicle agents and (2) active agents. The vehicle agents aid in preparing cosmetics, while the active agents play an active role and decide the final product's effect on your skin. It is the job of cosmetic chemists to strike the right combination of these agents and prepare cosmetics to satisfy you the customer.

Some agents are found in most of the cosmetics. Water is a good example. But, it is the duty of cosmetic producers to use only safe, distilled, filtered and sterilized water, Due to its ability to flow, water is used in lotions and creams as a spreading agent. It is also a natural choice in moisturizers too.

* Surfactants comprise a product category that performs various functions. Sometimes, they are used in cleansers, body washes, and even shampoos. They perform the role of emulsifiers in creams and lotions. They are also are used as solubilisers to dissolve oils in water-based cosmetics.

* Emulsifiers are another important category of ingredients in cosmetics. Their primary function is to enable water and oil-soluble substances to mix evenly. Uniformity of ingredients is essential in cosmetics so that they spread evenly and serve their purpose. Lecithin is one of the popular emulsifiers.

* Emollients refer to the large molecules of chemicals that collectively prevent water loss from your skin, thereby preventing it from becoming dry and dull. This property of emollients makes them a main ingredient in moisturizers since the purpose of these cosmetics is to make your skin appear soft and smooth. Moisturizers generally include fatty esters which are essential to replace as you age and natural esters are depleted.

These various categories of cosmetics should help you better understand the concept of cosmoceuticals. This new field has developed some products that will help you find effective solutions to problems like dark circles under your eyes, puffiness, wrinkles, and eye strain.

Cosmoceuticals is a new trend in the field of cosmetics. You can find a wide range of products in cosmoceuticals from which you can choose those that will soothe you and heal many of your topical skin problems. This is an ever-growing field and new developments occur every day.

Cosmoceuticals, in the long run, can encourage us to begin to see and realize that nature, helped along by science, can be a good soother and healer. Mere medical procedures cannot be always accurate and effective. The same is of course true of nature, but in combination their potential is limitless.

Nature alone can be unpredictable. Science and nature individually are limited. Individually, their side-effects often can cause more harm than the actual ailment. Together, science and nature can create exciting products.

Accordingly, cosmoceuticals today are helping address unslighty problems associated with natural aging. Products like Lumnaderm(TM) focus on harmless but unsightly age spots, liver spots, and sun spots; while Eyederma(TM) deals with dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles on the skin and under the eyes, in some cases, are an indication of more serious problems and they should be examined by a doctor. However, for the overwhelming majority of people, they are problems that can be addressed with cosmoceuticals like Lumnaderm(TM) and Eyederma(TM).

The well regarded cosmoceutical Eyederma(tm) boasts rich ingredients that targets a nagging problem of many people as they age -- dark circles under their eyes. It is not within the scope of this article to discuss all the reasons people tend to have dark circles under their eyes as they age. However, the Eyederma(tm) product makes our general point. It illustrates how a common problem like dark circles and patches under your eyes can be minimized without expensive surgery.

Imagine the promise of this type of cosmoceutical. A product like this could save you thousands of dollars in hospital costs, lost wages, and recovery time (not to mention risk) if you experience dark circles under your eyes.

Think about it, other options like plastic surgery are more dangerous and costly. The Eyederma(tm) cosmoceutical example certainly seems like a worthwhile consideration and maybe investment for those whose who are concerned about a more vibrant youthful appearance. Both the Lumnaderm(tm) and Eyederma(tm) products are distributed by major retailers and established online stores like Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com (http://www.BODeStore.com).

Cosmoceuticals may be the long-awaited merger of medicine and cosmetics. It has certainly become the buzzword in the cosmetic industry today. For all of you who are concerned with your appearance, cosmoceuticals may just be a timely and welcome merger of science and nature!

Written by the V-Team, courtesy Kamau Austin, publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about reducing dark cycle around the eyes with Eyedermaat http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

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Natural Cosmetics

by Maggie Ng

In a world full of technology, machines and elements, the only thing protecting our bodies is our skin. Did you know we spend around 6 to 20 percent of our disposable income on products for our skin? Our skin is important to us and most of us will do anything to preserve its youth and longevity. But do we ever think about what we put on our skin every day?

Sure, many products claim to be safe or may even appear to be safe, but beyond the short term benefits of using the cosmetic, there are long term effects from daily absorption of its use. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils, which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and defat the skin.

So what's a better alternative? Natural cosmetics. Consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. Whether you're a makeup artist or esthetician which may use cosmetics every day or a consumer who applies the occasional moisturizer, we may not see any immediate effects from the current products we are using. Even though we are all dying for beautiful skin, keep in mind the healthy alternatives. We only have one skin, so care for it properly.

By Maggie Ng, Make-up Artist http://www.organicmakeup.ca

Maggie Ng

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Maggie Ng and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

info@organicmakeup.ca

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Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

by Ellen Kennedy

Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under eye circles, wrinkles, discolorations, and a variety of other ailments. If you are in the market for a skin care line, there are a few things that you should consider before settling on a product. First you need to look at the type of ingredients the product contains, and then find out what works best for your particular skin type. So, get ready to put your best face forward!

A good skin care product is only as good as its ingredients. Make sure to read the label before you buy. If you are unable to pronounce anything on the bottle, move on to something else. The best skin care products are made with natural ingredients. Look for a formula with Aloe Vera and vitamin E for a great complexion. You want a skin care line that keeps you looking your best, while feeling great on your skin. Cleansers and creams shouldn’t burn or sting. Depending on your skin type, you may find that formulas that contain alcohol can actually aggravate your problem. So do your homework beforehand. If you have a specific problem like acne or sun damage, you will want to find a skin care line that focuses on your problem areas. Benzyl peroxide has been known to work wonders on acne, while alpha-hydroxy helps improve the appearance of wrinkles or sun damage.

If you have dry skin, you will want to find a formula that helps replenish the moisture in your face. Products made with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are particularly good at this. Look for skin care lines that come in a cream or a lotion form. A good humidifier used at night may also help improve your complexion. Always remember that excess washing can actually dry your face out further, so limit your washings to once or twice a day.

If you are plagued by oily skin, you may find that acne is a major problem for you. Here again excess washing can aggravate the problem, so limit washings to once or twice a day. Follow up your skin care routine with a quality astringent or toner. This will help control the amount of oil on your face, and reduce the number of breakouts.

Combination skin can be a tricky situation. You have patches of dry skin as well as oilier regions. Look for a formula that is specifically designed for your type of skin. Oil absorbing masks applied to the T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) once a week will help control oil and breakouts.

No matter what type of skin you have, you should have no trouble finding a skin care line to suite your needs. The key is to understand what different ingredients do. Research anything that you don’t understand- and don’t be fooled into thinking that a product has to be expensive to work. Some of the best products on the market cost less than $10 dollars a bottle!

Ellen Kennedy is a freelance health writer and contributing author to http://www.fixoilyskin.info – a site that provides free skin care information and tips.

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Skin Care Treatments - How to Look Younger for the Holidays

by Ken Black

Do you have company coming over, or are you visiting family and friends for Christmas ? Are you planning to go out on New Years Eve ? Whatever the reason, most people want to look their best at least during the most important times of the year.

So, what ways are out there to make you look more stunning as fast as possible ?

Well, you could try and lose some weight, but that's not easy of course, especially if you have lots of pounds to lose. And, can you lose it all within one month ?

You might also be able to go to an expensive Spa and get a total makeover. Good idea, but, that might cost one thousand dollars or more.

What about just going shopping and buying some high end shoes and clothes to make you look younger ? Another fair idea, but that might set you back two hundred dollars or more.

If you’re between the ages of thirty five and ninety five, you might want to try making your face more youthful looking. After all that’s what people notice and remember the most.

A premium anti wrinkle and anti aging skin care cream or lotion is often referred to as a "face lift in a jar" and can do wonders for your looks and often has excellent effects within thirty days. And the best products usually sell for less than one hundred dollars. Truly a great bargain and an easy way to quickly transform yourself into how you may have looked years ago.

So why do people get wrinkles anyway ?

You can find an indepth discussion of this at www.skin-care-reviews.com/wrinkles-101.html, but to summarize, sun exposure, smoking, and your age contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep your skin firm and supple. You can’t fight the passage of time, but you can apply sunscreen if you’re going out into the sun, quit smoking, and use an anti wrinkle cream to battle the effects of skin damage.

Try and buy a product that contains some or all of the following :

1. Alpha, beta and poly-hydroxy acids, which gently remove surface layers of skin to remove fine lines.

2. Argireline - is derived from amino acids that occur naturally. It works by relaxing facial tension because it reduces excessive release of the neurotransmitters, called catecholamines, that make your facial muscles tense up. When your muscles aren't tense, they don't contribute to wrinkles.

3. Edelweis Extract - isn't just something found in a song from "The Sound of Music." Edelweiss Extract is a strong antioxidant that cleans up the free radicals produced by metabolism and by pollutants as well. These free radicals voraciously combine with almost anything, including the components of your skin, causing serious damage. In addition to being an antioxidant, Edelweiss Extract helps protect skin by blocking ultraviolet light.

4. Shea Butter - is derived from the nut of the karite tree of West Africa, where it is commonly used in soap. Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer and skin tightener. It contains cinnamic acid, which helps protect your skin against ultraviolet light. It also includes natural latex, which has hypoallergenic qualities. The fatty acids in Shea Butter, along with the other ingredients, promote healing and regeneration of the skin, and work to prevent the skin from drying, cracking, burning and wrinkling.

5. Vitamin A - is an antioxidant that is necessary in many ways, including for healthy skin, sight, growth, bones and epithelial cells (cells that line the nose, throat, lungs, mouth, digestive system, vagina and urinary tract). Vitamin A penetrates the skin effectively to reinforce collagen and elastin, firming the skin and counteracting wrinkles. It also works to improve skin pigmentation by eliminating aging spots.

There are other fine ingredients like Matrixyl, Dermox, Evening Primrose Oil, and more, that assist in bringing back that radiant looking appearance to your face.

Some of the leading products on the market are : Olay Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment with VitaNiacin, Revitol Anti Wrinkle solution, Pond’s Dramatic Results Active Face & Neck Mositurizer with glycolic acid, and Avotone Wrinkle relaxant cream.

The advantage to these products is that they usually have no side effects, do not require a prescription, are often just as effective as injections or chemical peels performed by a doctor, and they can be purchased at fine stores or at the manufacturer’s websites on the internet. The only disadvantages is that they are not free and they do require you to apply them daily in most cases.

However, the results are often amazing. Many people claim they look ten or more years younger after using the product for four to six weeks. However, like anything else, results may vary. You have to try it out for yourself. Best to go with a company that gives a thirty day or longer guarantee, so you’re protected either way.

A new you could be waiting right around the corner.

Happy holidays !

Ken Black is Founder of www.Skin-Care-Reviews.com, a site that specializes in skin care product reviews and information.

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Facial Skin Care Products

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

The skin on your face is exposed to a barrage of toxins and environmental damage on a daily basis. It must withstand pollution, ultraviolet rays, wind, and debris, as well as the harmful chemicals in 99% of all skin care products and cosmetics. The skin on your face is the most delicate skin on your body. Therefore there are many specialty products that have been developed specifically for your facial skin. It can be difficult to decipher which products perform which tasks, and which products would work the best with your skin type. Here’s a primer on the most common facial products available.

A Word About Facial Skin

Before you can select the facial skin care products that would work best for you, you need to determine your skin type. Basically, facial skin is categorized as either normal, oily, dry, sensitive, or combination. If you’ve never had problems with oily skin or dry skin, it’s likely that you have “normal” skin. The pores of normal skin are small and the overall skin tone is even. Oily skin, on the other hand results in medium to large pores that are prone to blockage and breakouts. Oily skin is usually slightly too moderately greasy and is thicker and firmer than normal skin. Dry skin feels tight and itchy, especially in the winter. It is thinner than normal skin and may even be slightly rough to the touch. People with sensitive skin are usually the ones who actually know their skin type. Sensitive skin is prone to rashes and breakouts from any kind of irritants such as sun, perfumes, shaving cream, temperature extremes, and even soap. Avoid products with dyes, per!

fumes, or unnecessary chemical ingredients in all skin conditions. As its name implies, combination skin has both dry and oily patches. Most commonly, combination skin exhibits an oily “T-Zone” (forehead, nose and chin) with dry skin on the cheeks and around the eyes.

Facial Skin Care Products

Facial Cleansers: Soap can be very drying to facial skin. So it is best to use a facial wash or cleanser that is specifically designed for the face.

Skin Toners: Skin toners offer extra cleaning and help to restore the pH balance of your facial skin. However, these products can be quite drying, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, you will not need to use a skin toner.

Anti Aging Creams: Facial skin care creams made of antioxidants (particularly vitamins C and E), vitamin A or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), are commonly used to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and restore luster to the skin. These products may make a variety of claims regarding their efficacy and time required to see results. Use caution when reviewing a facial skin care product that claims to be a “miracle cure” to aging.

Eye Creams: Eye creams are specifically made to pamper the delicate skin under and around the eyes. They help to plump and tighten under eye skin and they can reduce fine lines and wrinkles (like crows feet) that develop around the eyes. I recommend “Parfait Visage”

Moisturizers: Moisturizers help to hydrate skin and reduce the effects of aging over time.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is the most important facial skin care product for the health and protection of your skin. The sun’s rays, even in small amounts can be very damaging to the skin on your face. Protect it with a natural sunscreen of at least an SPF 15 everyday.

Facial Cleansers: The fragile skin on your face needs a gentle cleanser that is designed for facial skin. Facial cleansers may come in liquid, foam, gel, towelette, or bar form.

AHAs: Alpah Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work wonders at smoothing out the texture of skin and reducing the visibility of fine lines. These products work by sloughing off dead skin cells to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. The extent of exfoliation that a facial skin care product is capable of depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product.

Exfoliators: These facial skin care products utilize a variety of ingredients such as nuts, alpha hydroxy acids, and microcrystals to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal the healthy, radiant skin underneath. They are best used occasionally to restore luster to dull or dry skin.

Sunless Tanners: As their name implies, sunless tanners are used to tan the skin without exposure to the sun. These products vary greatly in quality, time requirements, and ease of application. They should be used with caution. A poor quality or poorly applied sunless tanner will produce unnatural results. These sunless tanners also contain harmful chemicals which can be absorbed by your skin.

For more information on natural cosmetics and skin care visit:
http://www.skin-care-support.org or http://www.make-up-cosmetics.com

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.

myoung@virante.com

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Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics?

by Lori Stryker

The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).

These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal concerns about the possible long term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients.

Ingredients to Avoid

Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects

Aluminum

• Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.
  
• Found in almost all antiperspirants.
  
• Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.

Artificial colours

• FD&C, derived from coal tar.
  
• For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
  
• Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).

Benzoates

• Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.
  
• Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks. Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).

Certain essential oils

• Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.

DEA, MEA, TEA

• Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).

Dibutyl phthalate

• Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.
  
• Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.
  
• Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).
  
• Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.

Formaldehydes

• A preservative.
  
• Causes skin reactions.
  
• Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).
  
• DMDM hydantoin
  
• Quaternium 15
  
• Diazolidinylurea
  
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
  
• 3-diol

Fragrances

• Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
  
• Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
  
• May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).

Genetically Modified Organisms

• Soy, Corn
  
• Effects still undetermined.

Isopropyl Alcohol

• Drying agent, from petroleum.

Keratolytic chemicals

• Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.
  
• Corrosive, used in skin peels.
  
• Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.
  
• Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).

Methylisothiazolinone

• Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).

Parabens

• Petroleum product.
  
• Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called 'natural' products.

Parraffin

• Derived from petroleum.
  
• In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.
  
• Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.

Propylene Glycol

• When derived from petroleum.
  
• Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.
  
• Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).

Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate

• Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.
  
• Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).
  
• Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).

Tallow

• Animal fat.
  
• Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.

Toluene

• Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.
  
• Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.
  
• Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.
  
• May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.
  
• Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003).

In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991).

Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers the ingredients being internalized by the body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer, healthier alternatives especially when these products are composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It also indicates that the product is free from, or contains minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For instance, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral pigments.

Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.

To view our products, please visit our website at www.organicmakeup.ca.

References:

• Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London.
  
• Begoun, Paula, (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Beginnings Press, Seattle.
  
• Fairley, Josephine, (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London.
  
• www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000.
  
• www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, April 2003.

By Lori Stryker, B.Sc., B.H.Ec., B.Ed. http://www.organicmakeup.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

info@organicmakeup.ca

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For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.

Herbal Skin Care

by Ellen Biddle

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Many skin care tips and articles: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin-care.htm

Copyright http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

Ellen Biddle for http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com. Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here with many useful articles on skin care (http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin-care.htm). Also learn how to get rid of dark circles under eyes (http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/dark-circles.htm).

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For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.