The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus . Toners, for instance, are beneficial in keeping bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups resulting from microbes which invade and proliferate in pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when too many beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which are called defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when skin is damaged. Perspiration, necessary for maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein called dermicidin to combat bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also assist in keeping bacterial population down, thus decreasing odours produced as they feed on waste matter excreted by sweat glands. Research has shown that people who wash excessively are more prone to infection and eczema as a result of 'washing" away natural bacteria and germicides too frequently (Awake!, 2004).

The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients on Skin

A natural substance is any plant or animal extract, rock or mineral which is obtained from earth (Antczak, 2001). An artificial or synthetic substance is a substance which has been modified through chemical reactions in an industrial process (Antczak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, but before we use these beauty aids, three essential questions should be asked:

What is composition of cosmetic? Why is each ingredient used? Do ingredients have positive or negative effects on skin and body? (See glossary)

Many products claim to be safe or even may appear to be safe, but beyond short-term benefits of using cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin used to be considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal drugs have proven that opposite is true; skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into bloodstream.

Several factors affect rate with which skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of skin, such as whether it is dry or damaged will increase absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other ways to absorb cosmetic ingredients is to inhale them, such as with hairspray or talcum powder, or through mucous membranes. Moist substances are most readily absorbed and powders are absorbed least by skin. Many products claim to address a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients which exacerbate these problems. For instance, acne treatments may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip skin of its natural oils which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through skin and dissolve skin oils and defat skin (Lappe, 1996). A growing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can develop at any time, even after long term use of same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20% of population (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002) to develop symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural cosmetics emphasize more traditional skin treatments with few of these harsh effects, acknowledging that short term beauty does not balance with long term hazards to health.

The health of skin is dependent on sound nutritional practices, healthy living and effective, safe protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering a complete line of cosmetics and makeup composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain preservatives such as tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. Our cosmetics and make-up are developed on basis of sound, scientific principles and physiology of skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan, and an excellent alternative to conventional make-up and cosmetics.

Please contact us at www.organicmakeup.ca for further information.

References:

Anctzak, Gina & Stephen, Dr., (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collin, London. Erickson, Kim, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous, Contemporary Books, USA. Lappe, Marc Dr., (1996). The Body's Edge, Henry Holt & Co., New York. Purvis, Debbie, (1989). The Business of Beauty, Wall & Thompson, Toronto. Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004.

Most doctors say that we should drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily, but many people need even more than that. I have found that simply drinking enough water greatly reduces my likelihood for getting a yeast infection. Because I am drinking more water, and subsequently urinating more frequently, my body is able to flush out sugars that feed yeast.

Be sure to drink water that is pure and free from toxins. It is best to purchase some type of water filtration system, such as one made by Shaklee. Other brands that are good are Brita and PUR brands. Be sure that regardless of what system you purchase, you do your research first to be sure that it will be effective in its performance.

If you do only one thing, drink more water. It's easy, accessable, natural, and has no side effects!

Oil of Oregano

This is an amazing herb! It is very potent against yeast. Take it internally daily, according to directions. Be sure, also, that type of oil you choose has a high carvacrol content, as this is active ingredient. I recommend Oreganol Super Strength P73.

Beneficial bacteria supplement

A healthy body contains trillions of microoragnisms, most of which reside in colon. Their main function is to provide balance for less-desirable organisms (such as yeast). I use Shaklee Optiflora to help maintain these probiotics and prebiotics in my intestines. I have used other products in past, but have not found that their level of quality matched this product's. Other products can only gaurantee a certain amount of organisms at manufacture. However, Shaklee gaurantees that bacteria will be alive when you ingest it and be delivered to intestines. So, at this point, I can only suggest their product.

Solutions-4-You

This is a botanical, non-toxic multi-purpose solution that can be sprayed directly onto skin. It is extremely soothing on a yeast infection and is effective at killing yeast. I use it straight from bottle, without diluting it. I find it works best that way, but please be aware that this is not how company recommends using it. It can be purchased at this site: www.solutions-4-you.com.

Here are some things that you should try to avoid when fighting a yeast infection:

Taking birth-control pills—Birth control pills weaken immune system, making you succeptable to yeast.

Taking antibiotics—Antibiotics also weaken immune system.

Douching—Douching can upset natural balance of bacteria in vagina.

Feminine deodorants—These can be very irritating to anyone, especially those with yeast infections.

Non-cotton underwear—Any underwear made of man-made fibers is not breathable, as cotton is. They trap moisture and heat, creating a perfect environment for yeast.

Clothing that is tight in crotch—Tight clothing also creates a warm environment for yeast to grow.

Sitting in a wet bathing suit for a prolonged period—This creates not only a warm environment, but a moist one, as well. Perfect for yeast growth!

Pantyhose—Tight, man-made fiber that also allows yeast to flourish.

Foods that feed yeast—Avoid sugar, yeast, refined foods (such as white flour), and other foods listed on www.YeastRemedies.com.

Need more help? Check out other tips and find products mentioned in this article at www.YeastRemedies.com. Have you experienced success with any of remedies mentioned in this article? Or, have you found a home remedy that works well for you? Why not help others by sharing your tips and stories in our yeast forum, located at www.NutritionTalkNow.com? You can also find plenty of other advice from our members there.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be prescriptive or substitutionary for health care by a medical doctor. Persons wishing to follow any advice should do so strictly of their own accord. The contents herein do not prescribe use of any technique as a form of treatment, nor does it dispense medical advice as a form of treatment for medical problems without advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly.

Danielle Papageorgiou has been interested in and reading about nutrition and natural remedies for almost a decade. She considers herself an “experienced former yeast sufferer.”