As we know, mix of five elements varies depending on where we are on planet. At North and South Poles Fire Element is quite weak. On Equator Fire Element is quite strong and Water Element may be lacking, as in deserts. So our environment may influence Five Elements within us.

Also food we eat. Each type of food will have one dominant element. For instance Water Element will dominate a watermelon. The Fire Element will dominate a chilli pepper. Onions may contain a lot of Air Element. All growing plants contain Earth Element and Life Force.

The point of this discussion is to bring to your awareness interplay of Five Elements that is in everything we experience, from changing seasons to change of balance in elements within us, as we grow older.

Certain animals have adapted themselves to one of Elements. Fish from sea and rivers have adapted to use Water Element. Birds fly through Air Element. Moles burrow in Earth Element. Most animals enjoy lying in Sun, soaking up Fire Element.

Each day just see how five elements are working in your life. Do you have a good balance of all five?

Are you taking enough time to go for a walk on beach and just enjoy play of five elements in your life? The heat of Sun, ebb and flow of waves, sea breeze on your face. Take time to see and appreciate life itself and its interplay.

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.