Beauty Is As Beauty Does: Scrutinize Before Your Buy

Men and women alike are becoming savvier about healthier product options thanks to natural health books, the internet, local health food stores and non-profit watchdog groups like EWG. It stands to reason we should scrutinize what is rubbed, dabbed and sprayed on our skin since it will show up in the rest the body. This concept was proposed as controversial a few years back on a TV special interviewing several spa owners and two specialists in the medical establishment. The spa owners shared their beauty and therapeutic approaches alluding to the skin throwing off toxins and absorbing their nutrient-rich creams. The doctor experts stated the skin does not absorb nutrients. Funny, we now have trans-dermal patches for weight loss, hormone balance and nicotine withdrawal. The chemical exposure in everyday living is becoming very obtrusive. Fact is, chemicals are accumulating in our fatty tissues and causing health problems. These chemicals are called PBT chemicals or persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. (Even DDT is showing up in children and adults who were born well after its banning in 1972.) So, take a rough mental inventory of what you've been using everyday for years from shampoos and conditioners, hair coloring products, deodorants, to cosmetics for starters. Do yourself a favor and read the label ingredients. You'll be surprised when it seems like a lesson in chemistry. If the ingredients are herbal sources from nature, you'll usually see a botanical name in the list. For example, it could be Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Oenothera biennis (evening primrose oil), or Mentha aquatica (mint, lime). On the other hand, if the ingredients are synthetic chemicals, you can usually tell because of the longer names such as dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 2-amino6-chloro-4-Nitrophenol, or Disperse Black 9. Do you want to buy products with toxic heavy metals, skin irritants, and ingredients that may cause cancer, developmental/reproductive abnormalities, allergic reactions, nerve damage and other conce s? Don't be fooled by buzzwords on the front of the product like natural, organic, hypoallergenic or cruelty-free. This should not be the only inducement to buy. These products may still contain harmful chemicals, cause allergic reactions in some people and have individual ingredients which have been tested on animals. Many manufacturers have been misleading the public using the term organic while they’ve included synthetic petrochemicals and other potential carcinogens. Always scrutinize the list of ingredients and look for products which list certified "USDA Organic" ingredients from companies known to put quality in and consumer health as a high priority. You may still choose to throw caution to the wind thinking that the average product out there is going to be safe or moderately safe. We're talking about a highly-profitable industry-- dominated by a small number of multinational corporations that originated in the early 20th century. The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics alone is $18 billion. Manufacturing companies are able to put virtually any ingredient into personal care products, be it highly-toxic or otherwise. Like most industry, they resist government regulation and have lobbied against it throughout the years. Federal law on personal care products, therefore, is riddled with loopholes, and there is no requirement for pre-market safety tests. The burden of proof lies with the consumer.nnAcne and Acne Roseacea Acne along with acne roseacea is becoming a common concern. Suspect diet as a big factor, along with possible hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) and problems such as clogged pores and demodex. Demodex (demodex folliculorum and brevis mites) are tiny parasitic mites that live in follicles of mammals. Sea Bucktho oil has shown to be one effective topical for this problem. The ingredients in the products you are using may be clogging your pores making an acne problem worse. The word comodogenic is used to describe ingredients that will produce or aggravate acne. There are many ingredients which have been found to irritate skin and clog pores. Here are just a few: Acetylated Lanolin Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol Algin Anhydrous or Synthetic Lanolin Butyl Stearate Carrageenan Cotton Seed Oil Laureth 4, 23 and Lauric AcidnPEG 8 Stearate Propylene Glycol Monostearate Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate A high-quality, organic product formulated for your skin type would be a wise choice. Choose between dry, normal, oily, and combination. The cleansing product should be followed by a toner to re-establish the pH, and a moisturizer-- all appropriate for your skin type.nnnDeodorants –Underarm Harm? Don't forget to check your deodorant! You may be surprised to see butane, propane (liquified petroleum gas), aluminum and other chemicals. Since aluminum is implicated in many conditions including Alzheimer's, why have it absorbed under your arms? There are many healthier versions at your local health food store. In a pinch and out of deodorant? Mix baking soda, cornstarch and some dried, fragrant herbs/flowers like rosemary, lavender, or rosebuds. Apply to underarm with fingertips after a bath or shower. You may even prefer it! If you’d like to try some wonderful kitchen cosmetics, I’ll share with you a few recipes I’ve saved over the years. They’re listed below. If you care about your skin and your health, no longer purchase products based on familiarity, media advertising and package appeal. Beauty is as beauty does--purchase products as an informed consumer to nourish and beautify.nnRecipes for Your Kitchen Cosmetics:nnAcne Tonicnn(Basil is known to contain antibacterial properties. When used in natural skin care products, basil is one herb that can help stimulate sluggish and congested circulation of skin, thus making it an excellent cure for acne and minor skin infections. It is also reputed to have antiseptic value and to neutralize the toxins of bites and stings.) You will need: 1 cup of boiling wate 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves 1. Place the three TB. of dried basil leaves into a sturdy mug and pound lightly with a pestle to bruise the leaves and release some oil. 2. Pour in a up of boiling water, cover the mug and let the tea steep until it is a clear grass green color. (about twenty minutes) 3. Strain and discard the leaves. 4. Splash your face with the basil tonic just before applying your moisturizer.nn“O” Facial (1 treatment) 1/8 cup ground oatmeal (leave some grit) 1 tablespoon of ground almonds (leave some small grit) 1 tablespoon of white clay 1 teaspoon dried rose petals 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide 3 tablespoons of water Prepare In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together all dry ingredients To Use on Facen1: In a small bowl, combine the oatmeal mixture with the hydrogen peroxide and water, and form into a paste. 2: Apply to face in a circular motion. 3: Let set for 5 minutes. 4: Rinse with cool water.nnnStrawberry-Lemon Face Mask for Oily Skin nn(The juices in strawberries & lemon contain natural astringents) 1 tsp lemon juice (use real lemon and a teaspoon of the lemon pulp) 2 egg whites 2 tsp honey 1 cup cleaned, washed strawberries 4 drops eucalyptus oil or jojoba oil (optional) nnHerbal Blackhead Solution 1/4 cup fresh parsley juice (preferably made in juicer) To use: Prepare a basic herbal facial steam Generously apply the parsley juice and pulp to the areas on your face that are prone to blackheads, avoiding the eyes. Steam your face with the parsley juice on it, following the instructions for facial steams. (If no steamer appliance, use a small saucepan with a lid. Bring filtered water to a boil. Remove from heat and place lid on pot. Place on a towel on table. Make a towel tent over head and pot. Tip lid to allow steam on face. Replace lid and repeat as many times as desired.)nnMy Honey Avocado Mask 1 large Avocadon1 tbsp of Honey Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture. Add the honey and mix well. Apply it thoroughly on face and neck and leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Wash gently with warm water, then cold water to close the pores. nnFresh Watermelon Tonernn(Watermelon is very useful for removing blemishes on the skin. It was termed to be one of the treasured gifts of Native Americans. Watermelon is also rich in Vitamins A, B and C that keeps the skin fresh, radiant and hydrated. It proves to be good for skin care, due to its moisturizing and astringent properties. Its super high water content makes it an excellent skin refresher. Make this toner for a refreshing youthful feel.) Mix together: 1 cup watermelon chunks 2 TB. Witch hazel 2 TB. Distilled water Purée watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender. Strain and discard the solids. Combine the reserved juice with the rest of the ingredients. Stir and pour into a glass bottle. Dab on face using a cotton ball.