Why Switch To All Natural Cosmetics?
|
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 AvoidForms 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 http://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.
- http://www.naturalcosmetics.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.
|
|
|
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
While most people have heard of rhinoplasty or nose surgery, most do not know what the procedure entails once you enter the hospital operating room.Once you are in the operating room and have spoken with the people who will take care of you during the surgery, the anesthesia will be administered. The exact type of anesthesia used will depend on the duration and complexity of the surgery about to be performed, any allergies you may have to any of the anesthesia drugs available, and the preference of the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Before any incisions are made, before any intrusive procedures begin, the nose is anesthetized with a local anesthesia either lidocaine or marcaine with epinephrine. This is used to numb the tissue, the surrounding cartilage and facial bones and further protect the pa...(related: Beauty)
Differences Between Perfume And Perfume Oils
The history of perfume oils dates back to ancient Egypt when these fine scented oils were presented to royalty as gifts. In modern times, however, when the word "perfume" is said, most people think of department store fragrances, which consist mainly of the concentrated oil and alcohol solution. Nevertheless, as more and more people are finding out about them, perfume oils are experiencing great popularity. Here are some interesting facts ...(related: Beauty)
Chemical Peels: Phenol, Carbolic Acid, Tca, Alphahydroxy, Beta Hydroxy
Chemical peeling is a process whereby the skin (usually of the face) is subjected to minor chemical burning in order to make the skin healthier and younger looking. The way this works is when the skin is burned, it jump starts the healing process. So the skin is burned enough to trigger the immune and defense system but not enough that serious damage is done or th...(related: Beauty)
Aromatherapy Skin Care
When there is easy way to do your aromatherapy skin care at home, why do you have to do it outside your house. You can save money and you can treat your skin properly. You will look fresh and your skin will be healthy although you do it at home.The importa...(related: Beauty)
What Is The Real Price Of A Spray Tan?
Looking tanned is such a great feeling, isn't it?There are three methods of getting that feeling.1. Getting out into the sun. Great if you are young, and believe that all this hype about skin cancer has nothing to do with you. Goes hand in hand with high alcohol consumption, speeding and living on credit. It will catch up with you sooner than you think.2. Solarium. Possibly a little more sensible solution if you take it easy, and buil...(related: Beauty)
Going Beyond Benzoyl Peroxide
Millions of people suffer from acne in the United States alone, and many of these acne suffers use Benzoyl Peroxide as the acne treatment medication of choice.It is generally safe, has very few si...(related: Beauty)
Help Prevent Wrinkles Through Dieting
How many times has your mother told you, you are what you eat? As you probably know, Mom knows best. So it's no surprise that what we feed our bodies does affect what the final product is. For healthier, younger skin it's no different. But what should we eat in order to have the radiant skin we all covet? Here is a list of simple things we can all incorporate into our diet to help fend off wrinkles.Fish Meat. Salmon especially. Fish meat is stock full of protein. Consuming ...(related: Beauty)
Smoking, Can It Harm My Skin?
Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are more reasons to quit smoking now.Skin is fed from within. The foods we eat are broken down into nutrients and waste. The nutrients are absorbed by the bloodstream which transports them around the body to t...(related: Beauty)
Beauty
There are many vantage points from which to find beauty. The side of the mountains overlooking Lake Louise on the grass of the hotel sipping champagne with your most cherished friend is a memory of beauty that will always overcome my consciousness. The purr of my friend and companion as he welcomed me home from a hard days work or the smile on the face of most any person who 'sees' what little part of life we can partake in to help each other. There are many beauties and no real evil. This will be dealt with in greater detail under Abraxas in the concept segment. In the whole of the 'brotherhood' there are many religions and in each one; I have foun...(related: Beauty)
Tanning The Natural Way
This is a call to everybody. Save your skin, now before it's too late! Having a tan makes you look more healthy and gorgeous. But how do you do it without bad consequences?There are a lot of people who would like to have golden brown skin. It is not a new sight when people go to the beach to lie almost naked under the sun just to have an equal tan. But, it is not so safe to do just that because of the super harmful UV rays. Instead of getting only a perfectly golden skin, one might suffer a serious case of skin cancer later, too.There are plenty...(related: Beauty)
Lease A Tanning Bed - A Great Option !
You go to the beach and you envy those beautiful bodies strutting the divine bronzed look for everyone to see. You want the look, but you can't afford an indoor tanning bed. So do the next best thing: Lease a tanning bed!! The much sought after tanned look is closer to you than you have ever imagined before. And the mantra that's making all this work is just to lease a tanning bed.The starting point therefore is to answer the question: Why lease a tanning bed? And while there are innumerable answers to this question, we will try and visit the most popular reasons for people who opt to lease a tanning bed. At this point in time, we assume that having used commercial tanning beds, you found they are not a viable option for you either for reasons of...(related: Beauty)
Beauty Doesn?t Have To Be Expensive
Where do you buy your beauty supplies? If you buy them from a department store- you are paying way too much! I was a department store buyer for many years. I was hooked on a particular brand, and I thought that the products were only available at the department store. I was wrong. With a little bit of time and research, I was able to shave off 50% of my beauty supply bill. I...(related: Beauty)
5 Sunless Tanning Lotion Tips For Summer
If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your skin's health is very important to you - yet you still love the tan look. Th...(related: Beauty)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved | Free Articles and Information | Beauty