Why Switch To All Natural CosmeticsWritten by Lori Stryker
The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, average woman absorbs 30 pounds of ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).These new understandings of how skin functions reveal concerns about possible long term effects due to combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from 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. 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 lowest priced, to most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991). Cosmetics do not stay on surface of skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers ingredients being internalized by 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 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.
| | Summer Skin Care Written by Lori Stryker
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, due to acid mantle which covers it. The acid mantle is a combination of sebum and perspiration designed to protect skin from environment. Each day we lose 850 ml of water through perspiration, so drinking water is helpful in replacing this lost fluid. During summer, water loss is more rapid, and humid conditions accelerate water loss through skin as body attempts to cool itself. As a result, sebum production increases, collecting on skin and clogging pores. For many, this process results in breakouts, so regular cleansing is recommended.A good skin care regimen for most skin types during summer months is following: 1. Cleansing with a natural, vegetable soap or soap-based cleanser. 2. Exfoliation, not exceeding once or twice per week 3. Hydrate your skin with an alcohol free, natural toner or fill a clean, sterile spray bottle with filtered water and mist over face after cleansing or exfoliation. 4. Moisturize with a light, all natural moisturizer. Creams and lotions with petroleum based ingredients tend to clog pores unnecessarily. 5. Massage a face oil or moisturizer into skin at night. Massaging serves to increase circulation to skin, which helps natural rejuvenation processes which take place during sleep. 6. Keep lips protected and moisturized with a lip balm, lip gloss or lipstick, preferably containing a natural sunblock such as titanium dioxide. 7.Cover up to reduce amount of exposure to sun with a wide brimmed hat, long and loose fitting clothing. Ninety percent of skin cancers are due to chronic sun damage and eighty percent of wrinkles arise from photoaging.
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