Beauty Care Natural Product: Simple Steps to Beautiful Skin
Healthy skin glows from within! It’s a product of proper nutrition–a whole
food diet with a strong emphasis on raw fruit and vegetables. But don’t stop at
diet! A three-step routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day
also plays a vital role.
Good quality cleansers won’t strip your skin of its moisture and natural oils.
Using a toner removes the last traces of dirt and leaves your skin refreshed.
And finally, moisturizing protects your skin from everyday pollutants and
prevents it from drying out. Moisturizers are especially needed for older or dry
skin.
Be sure to thoroughly wash your face at night to remove makeup and the dirt and
grime of a busy day. Use a cleanser like the one below and rinse it off with
water. After applying toner with a cotton ball or makeup pad, don’t forget to
use a good moisturizer to allow your skin to rejuvenate while you sleep.
Cleansing, toning and moisturizing again in the morning leaves your skin ready
to face the world, especially if you wear makeup.
Try these simple do-it-yourself recipes and show the world what healthy skin
looks like.
Luxurious Honey Cleanser
2 Tbsp (30 ml) whole milk, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
Combine milk and honey thoroughly. Rub the mixture in an upward motion over face
and neck using fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Peppy Parsley Toner
2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh peppermint, chopped
2 1/2 cups (375 ml) distilled water
Steep herbs in hot water for 30 minutes. Strain and cool in the fridge. Dab
toner onto a cotton ball or makeup pad and gently rub over face and neck in an
upward motion.
Lovely Lemon Moisturizer
3 Tbsp (45 ml) almond oil
2 Tbsp (30 ml) lanolin
1 Tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
5 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil (optional)
Melt almond oil and lanolin in a double boiler or small pan on low heat. Add
lemon juice and remove from heat. Mix until the cream has cooled down and firmed
up slightly. Add essential oils and combine. Apply to face and neck using an
upward motion. This moisturizer can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge.
Natural Skin Care Products – Toxic Chemicals
How can you tell when a product that claims to be natural, really is? You
might try reading the label, but unless you are a chemist, this may get a little
confusing. Ingredients in skin care and beauty products are listed by the
chemical names. An all-natural product should stand out from the rest because it
should contain more easily recognizable ingredients. But if you want to be sure,
you should carefully scrutinize the label and research any ingredients that you
are unsure about. Here are a few in particular to avoid: 1,4-dioxane: This
carcinogen is found in many cosmetics as a by-product of other chemical
combinations. Products that use Ethoxylated surfactants as foaming agents or
emulsifiers often produce 1,4-doixane in the manufacturing process. This
chemical is considered toxic if it is inhaled, absorbed through the skin or
ingested.
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): This drying agent is a common ingredient in many
cosmetic products. When used directly on the skin, it strips off the outer most
protective layer, exposing the body to bacteria, fungus, molds, and other
toxins. It is derived from petroleum and may promote brown spots or premature
aging.
Anionic Surfactants: surfactants are used in about 90% of foaming personal care
products. They are also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and as engine
degreasers. Common anionic surfactants include: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS),
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth
Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium
Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine)
Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl
Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate,
and Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate. Avoid all of these ingredients if they are
on the label.
Cationic Surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in hair conditioning
products as they have anti-static properties. However, they are synthetic,
irritating to hair follicles, and toxic. Long-term use can cause hair to become
dry and brittle. Common cationic surfactants include Stearalkonium chloride,
Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetalkonium chloride, and Lauryl
dimonium hydrolysed collagen.
Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone: these two harmful chemicals can
be corrosive to the eyes and skin. Long term exposure can cause permanent eye
damage and third degree burns to skin. They can be fatal if ingested and they
can cause damage to the mucous membranes of the lungs if inhaled.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine): These
chemicals are often used in personal care cleansers to adjust the pH of the
formula. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, dryness, and
toxicity if used over long periods. These known carcinogens are already
restricted in Europe but they may still be found in the formulas of American and
Asian cosmetics.
Diazolidinyl urea and DMDM Hydantoin: These chemicals contain formaldehyde, a
toxic carcinogen, and it can cause dermatitis, burning, irritation of the mucous
membranes, inflammation, and watering of the eyes.
Ethoxylated surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in cosmetic
formulas as foaming agents, emulsifiers, and humectants. They may be listed on
the ingredient label as "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene",
"-eth-", or "-oxynol." These chemicals form 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) as
a byproduct in the manufacturing process.
FD&C Color Pigments: These synthetic color pigments are made from coal tar. They
contain heavy metal salts that leave toxic byproducts on the skin. These
chemicals have been tested on animals and found to cause cancer.
Formaldehyde: This is another cancer causing agent that is commonly found in
commercial make-up products. It can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and
chronic fatigue.
Imidazolidinyl urea: This chemical releases another harmful chemical,
formaldehyde, as a byproduct in the manufacturing process. It may be listed
under the trade name Germall 115.
Lanolin: Lanolin is used in many commercial cosmetic formulas, and it is often
considered harmless. However, it is obtained from the wool of sheep and is
therefore contaminated with the pesticide DDT unless it is obtained from organic
sources.
Mineral Oil: Also called liquid parrafinum, mineral oil is a byproduct of
petroleum that coats the skin like plastic. It disrupts the skin's natural
ability to purge itself of toxins, slows down cell function and can cause
premature aging. Mineral oil can also be found in paraffin wax, paraffin oil and
petrolatum.
Nitrosating Agents: Chemicals that cause nitrosamine contamination have been
found in laboratory tests to cause cancer. Nitrosamines can be found in the
following chemical ingredients: 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Cocoyl
Sarcosine, DEA compounds, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Formaldehyde, Hydrolysed Animal
Protein, Lauryl Sarcosine, MEA compounds, Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc, Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium
Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, and TEA compounds.
Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl): These chemicals are
often used in cosmetic formulas to inhibit microbial formation and extend the
shelf life of the make-up products. They are commonly used in commercial
applications even though they are known to be highly toxic and to cause allergic
reactions and skin rashes.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds: This petroleum product is used in
commercial cleaners to break up grease and in spray on oven cleaners. Over time,
this chemical can cause premature aging when used in personal care products.
Propylene/Butylene Glycol: This chemical compound is considered so toxic by the
EPA that it mandates that its workers wear protective equipment when handling
it. It is a petroleum product that penetrates the skin easily and can cause
brain, liver, and kidney malfunctions. This ingredient is often found in stick
deodorants where it can cause acute and chronic health hazards.
Rancid Natural Emollients: Creams and other commercial cosmetics made from
refined vegetable oils contain harmful transfatty acids. Polyunsaturated oils
can also oxidize quickly, causing free-radical damage to the skin and premature
aging. They are also missing the essential nutrients, fatty acids, and vitamins
that help protect and moisturize the skin.
Silicone derived emollients: Like other emollients, these products coat the skin
like plastic wrap, and disrupt the skin's ability to breathe and release toxins.
They can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and promote the development of
tumors. Common silicone derived emollients include Dimethicone, Dimethicone
Copolyol, and Cyclomethicone.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): When combined
with other ingredients, these chemicals form nitrosating agents and have a
carcinogenic effect on the body. Be especially wary of semi-natural products
that claim to be derived from coconut oil.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): These chemicals can
alter the immune system and cause damage to the eyes, digestive system, nervous
system, lungs, and skin. They are commonly found in foaming personal care
products. And may be listed as ingredients on semi-natural products that claim
to come from coconut oil.
Stearalkonium Chloride: Originally developed as a fabric softener, this chemical
is often found in hair conditioners and creams. They are toxic chemicals that
can cause allergic reactions on contact.
Toluene: This chemical can be particularly dangerous if inhaled or absorbed
through the skin. Aspiration can cause chemical pneumonitis, a fatal disorder.
It is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor form and it may affect the
liver, kidneys, nervous system, and blood. Natural Beauty & Skin Care
products
1. Soapless soap, lotions and body cleansers are better for your skin
because most soaps actually strip the moisture out of your skin. Soapless soaps
have a combination of water and oils. So actually, they remove the dirt and
debris and actually replenish the moisture at the same time without drying the
skin out. Look for products that specifically say "soap free cleanser," "soapless
cleanser." They have a variety of compounds that fit into the general category.
Cetyl Alcohol is one of them.
2. Moisturize after washing your skin whether you use a traditional soap or a
cleanser. When the water evaporates, the skin will dry out. So the best time to
moisturize is right after bathing. If you don't want to moisturize heavily, then
you don't want to use a lotion. If you want a heavy moisturizer, then you would
likely use a cream. There are creams that tend to be more greasy or less greasy.
The more moisture that one's skin needs, the heavier moisturizer or more oily
moisturizer one should use.
3. Know your skin type. Most people will often believe one of two things: "I
have terribly oily skin," or "I have terribly dry skin." In most cases, it's
somewhere in between. Independent of whether you have oily skin or dry skin, the
general guidelines of washing your face once a day apply.
* Dry Skin: For most dry skin is visible. Skin will be flaky and dry, and it can
be irritated easily. Moisturizer can remedy that.
* Oily Skin: This skin type is difficult to diagnose accurately. But do note
that frequent washing will not clear up oily skin - it will only irritate it.
4. Mild Exfoliation. Use a mild abrasive soap or cream. Do not do it more than
once a week or once every couple of weeks. The idea that if you sand your skin
down it's going to get smoother and fresher doesn't always apply.
5. Acne Treatment. Even for individuals with acne, over-cleaning, over-washing
and scrubbing is not helpful. It's just going to irritate the acne lesions that
are there. Although there is an attempt to clean the oil off of the face, it
really is not beneficial and can set you back in terms of causing more
inflammation. Some people who have acne actually have acne with dry skin. So
drying that skin out further is obviously going to set them back even further.
The desire to pick at acne blemishes is second only to the desire to scratch in
the rather human experience. There is one message that I think can convince
teenagers and other acne prone individuals not to pick. That is that probably
the number one cause of acne scarring can be picking and manipulation. Getting
the acne under good medical control is the best solution.
6. Use Sunblock. Use a compound with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
That gives you about 94% to 96% protection against the ultraviolet B or burning
rays of the sun. It's important to remember that the ultraviolet A rays that
come down from the sun as well have an effect on skin. They are actually the
tanning and aging rays that penetrate into the dermis and shatter the elastic
tissue. So you want to look for a sunscreen that is broad spectrum as well.
The importance of using sunblock is demonstrated with the fact that the
incidence of skin cancer is rising. One in five Americans develops a basal
carcinoma. In the year 1999, the risk factor for melanoma was 1 in 74. That's a
deadly form of skin cancer. Young people who do not use sunblock will see the
ill effects of their exposure to the sun 20 or 30 years from now. I think it's
extremely important, not only for adults to be aware of the dangers to make sure
that they are applying sunscreen to their children. The most damaging effects of
the sun are really done in the first 15 to 20 years of life.
Taking care of your skin starts at a young age and using the right products is
determined by knowing your skin. Try these all natural products, to give your
skin the healthy glow it naturally has and protect yourself from those harmful
rays. Natural Skin Care Products – Remove Toxins From Your Body And
Environment
Why choose natural skin care products? Today, more men and women are trying
to live a healthy lifestyle. They go to the gym or take yoga even if their
schedule almost doesn't permit it. They buy organic food even if it's a bit more
expensive. But a lot of people still don't realize that all the makeup,
moisturizers and skin care products that they use could be containing extremely
contaminating ingredients. According to the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, almost 900 ingredients used in skin care
cosmetics have been known to be toxic. Moreover, there have been hundreds of
documented cases where skin care cosmetics caused a variety of ailments on
users. Common makeup and skin care products are also a leading cause of
accidental poisoning in small children.
Skin care should not be taken lightly. Human skin is lightly porous. By applying
typical skincare products on yourself, you are allowing your skin to absorb all
the toxins that such cosmetic products contain. Gels, creams and makeup can
easily pass through the skin's pores. The answer is to go natural. Natural
skincare products use ingredients found in nature and contain no artificially
fabricated components. Consumers had better be careful, though, as many of these
products claiming to be natural may not be.
Products claiming to be organic or all-natural, in fact, can have toxic
chemicals. Simply adding a natural ingredient shouldn't make a product
"all-natural" - unfortunately, there is no strict regulating body that monitors
this. Strangely, the FDA does not regulate skin care producers. Cosmetic
companies will often use the word "natural" as a marketing ploy, without truly
meaning it. The best way is to study the ingredients yourself. If you have
difficulty choosing which brand is the best, you should consider asking for some
professional help from a skin expert. Consulting a dermatologist, of course,
would be the best recourse.
Read the labels of natural beauty products and be alert for chemical
ingredients. Normally, natural skin care should not contain any harsh fragrances
or artificial colors. When purchasing organic shampoo, lotion, gels or creams,
make sure to open the bottle and see how it smells and appears. Organic stores
can be a good place to look for organic cosmetic products. While sometimes
priced higher than their ordinary counterparts, most organic cosmetic products
can be less expensive than high-end brands that are known to contain serious
toxins.
If you are not buying makeup and all you want is skin conditioners and lotions,
you can be a lot safer by making your own skin care items using all-natural home
ingredients. The traditional oatmeal mask is a cliché, but it does work. Ground
and rub it on your face to work as an exfoliant; or lightly cook with a small
amount of water to use as a conditioning face mask. A sugar and oil rub does
wonders to dry skin. Place olive oil on your face and rub table sugar on it.
Your skin will be exfoliated and feel incredibly smooth. There are many homemade
recipes out there on the internet available for free. Be sure to check them out.
Ordinary skin care products can actually cause skin deterioration. While most of
these products tend to provide immediate noticeable results, it's because of the
exfoliating or moisturizing properties of the chemical ingredients. However,
such results are short-term. At worse, the harsh chemicals can even enter your
body and cause health problems. Yes, natural cosmetics can be a bit more
expensive, but is your health not worth it? So the next time you groom yourself,
think about the many natural alternatives out there and ask yourself if a few
dollars is worth the risk. Ask your dermatologist Science Articles, and you will
discover that all-natural skincare products can complete your healthy lifestyle.
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