For pregnant women, risk is not only for her body but also for developing fetus. If chemicals found in cosmetics readily enter bloodstream when applied to skin, then they will also reach developing baby. Researchers at Brunel University in England are looking closely at a family of preservatives called parabens. Their research has recently linked parabens to possibility that male babies will have lower sperm counts. These preservatives are derived from petroleum and help to maintain freshness and integrity of product. Currently, many manufacturers add parabens to cosmetics to allow a minimum of 3 years shelf life. Therefore, parabens kill any bacteria that could potentially enter product. If these chemical ingredients can kill bacterial cells, what are they doing to your skin cells? In most cases, there is no conclusive answer to this question. However, research mentioned strongly suggests that synthetic ingredients may have a significant impact on our bodies.

In many cases, long-term effects of many of chemical additives in our cosmetics are not known. However, other chemical additives are known carcinogens. These types of chemicals can cause cancer in humans. Such chemicals include some artificial colours in cosmetics. The effects of chemicals and other synthetic ingredients in cosmetics may lead to mild allergic reactions causing rashes and minor skin irritation to more significant problems such as lesions on skin.

What are your alternatives for cosmetics?

Luckily, there are alternatives to cosmetics filled with synthetically produced ingredients. Increasingly, cosmetic manufacturers are answering public’s demand for alternatives to chemically loaded beauty and grooming supplies. The Organic Make-up Company is one such company that is leading way in producing high-quality, organically manufactured cosmetics! As a consumer, you have ability to decrease number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body. To avoid using synthetically derived fragrances, look for products containing essential oils. These are pure oils derived from flowers and other plants in nature.

All you have to do is make simple choice of purchasing cosmetic products with all-natural, organic ingredients. Whether you continue using cosmetics that contain petroleum-based ingredients or not is a personal choice. What is most important is to get facts and to know that you have a choice when it comes to buying organic or synthetic cosmetic products.

References:

- Fairley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous natural way. Dorling Kindersley : London, 2001. - http://www.hans.org/web_articles/h07drugschemicals/h0799whatisreallyinyourhbprods.aspl, accessed Oct. 3, 2004.

Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person's age, health, medical history as well as type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:

- lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing skin after showering helps lock in moisture. - medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in form of creams and ointments that can be applied to skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.

Other tips that may help people with eczema improve skin's condition include:

- keeping nails short - avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments) - relaxing to reduce stress

References:

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl - www.eczema.org - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl