Shocking Facts About So Called Organic Cosmetics

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Every company, it seems, wants to jump on the organic bandwagon. ‘Natural’ is the in word coupled with ‘organic’. The only problem is that there are still a lot of potentially harmful ingredients in these so called organic cosmetics. Let us take a few glaring examples.

Fragrance is still widely used. This is just a chemical cocktail and nobody is compelled to reveal what is in the mix. Why? Because it is still regarded as a trade secret. If you see fragrance on the label, then you know that it may be suspect, unless it is clearly stated what is in there.

Another shocking fact is that researchers found that there was a large percentage (85%) of pregnant mothers who had at least one harmful chemical in their milk. This included oxybenzone (usually in sunscreens). But the others ranged from parabens, synthetic musk fragrances, pesticides, PCBs and phthalates.

Research by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine also put oxybenzone under scrutiny. What they found was not comforting at all. Low birth weight in baby girls was the result of use of sunscreen by the mothers. But oxybenzone is not only in 600 sunscreens but is also used in lip balm, moisturizers, fragrances and lipstick.

We should always be careful when looking at labels. It might be comforting to see some natural or organic sounding ingredients on the list but if they are not at the top of the list, then they are there in miniscule quantities.  They are usually in descending order as regards the actual quantities.

Another suspicious ingredient is butylenes glycol which the EWG (Environmental Working Group) regards as being a moderate hazard. Dimethicone is made of silicone polymer and falls into the same class.

Given that we are exposed to thousands of harmful chemicals in everything we touch, breathe and eat, it is wise to reduce the exposure to as many as these as we can and also help the environment while doing so.  Study the infographic below and get an idea of what is really going on with organic skincare. You will also be better informed to make a wiser choice when it comes to deciding on safer skincare products. 

Paraben Free Skincare – Questions and Answers

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There has been some fierce controversy about whether parabens, in no less than 85% of our cosmetics, are really good for our health. There are some conflicting reports and studies about paraben free skincare.

The only certain thing about these parabens is that they are chemicals used to stop mould from invading cosmetics and making them useless. They extend the shelf life of these products considerably. A great invention, you might have thought. They have, in fact been in use now for almost a hundred years!

One fact is that they do disturb the endocrine system. This is what controls our cell development and has a direct bearing on how our thyroid and pancreas glands work. They do this because they are in effect endocrine disruptors and that is the real cause for alarm. This is why most people would prefer NOT to have them in their products. It is, after all, better to be safe and not take any unnecessary risks.

There were some alarming reports when scientists who examined breast cancer patients at a hospital, (University of Brunel UK)  found that the parabens were present in the cancerous tissue. This is not to say that they actually caused the cancer. But the fact that they were there when they should have been excreted by the body started to ring alarm bells. There is no doubt at all that the parabens are oestrogen mimickers and as oestrogen is one of the factors in breast cancer, it seems wise to avoid them. So, why risk it?  Surely there are safer alternatives?

Paraben free skincare is one answer to all these questions. It makes perfect sense, after all. We should also be avoiding all the other chemicals in many products. These have been called ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and they include dioxins, mineral oils, formaldehyde, just to name three.

Another answer to consider is whether the actual substitutes for parabens are safe! Yes, you’ve guessed it. Some companies have used phenoxyethanol instead and it is just as harmful, if not more so!

The only safe way is to read the labels and look out for chemicals and always go by the rule that if it is safe to eat, then it can be used on your skin. But you also need to make sure that the company manufacturing the product is a reputable one and will offer you guarantees. 

Sources:-

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/beauty/parabens-what-are-they-and-are-they-really-that-bad

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/780590_5

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23508773

Why Manuka Honey Is Essential In Skincare

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New Zealand is an unspoilt land with very few problems of climate change and pollution. It is no surprise that the white, crisp flowers of the manuka bush produce some of the world's best honey. Bees are allowed to thrive there in a protected environment where pesticides are not allowed. This honey is such a  rare commodity that it has become a national treasure.

The Waikato University has established that all honey should be judged by the Unique Manuka Factor and they have established a scale of 10 which is the maximum score.  Manuka honey is used for treating all sorts of ailments from wounds to treating gastrointestinal problems.

It is in skincare that its properties have given some startling results. Not all manuka honey is equal and you have to make sure that the manufacturer of your skincare products are using the one with the maximum score of 10. This means that it has a maximum potency and will work at the cellular level in the skin by renewing it and nourishing it. See the infographic below to see why this is essential for your skincare. 

Did you know that the darker the honey, the more likely it is to have methyglyoxal in it?  This is the one ingredient which makes manuka honey rock on the antibacterial front. This is why when the UMF of 10 is awarded, it means that it has a plentiful amount of this ingredient. What does this actually mean for your skin though? It can heal and restore it, more specifically :-

 *  A winner for treating acne as it is a natural antibacterial agent
 *  Full of antioxidants so delays aging and keeps skin youthful
 *  Excellent for opening up pores and cleansing them
 *  It is second to none for moisturizing and soothing the skin to give it a great glow

 This is why when you are selecting your skin care products, you really do have to look at the label and check carefully to see whether the manuka honey mentioned is really top notch. Anything less than 10 is not really giving you the best.