We can all be Natural Beauties

Dirty Dozen Ingredients in mainstream cosmetics have been linked to a number of health concerns and recent research has shown that over 3-­‐6kgs of cosmetics are absorbed into our bodies every year. It is estimates that an average daily use of cosmetics and hygiene products leaves us exposed to over 500 different toxins. Here is a list and summary of ingredients that have shown to produce adverse side effects on our skin and health. This list is by no means exclusive. However, in general, a product, which does not contain any of the following and is registered organic, will not contain harmful chemicals. For further research or to guarantee the safety of a product, please, www.ewg.org/skindeep. This website gives a hazard rating as well as discusses research which has been carried out. “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin” Unknown Ingredients to Avoid •
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SLS/ALS/Sulphates Parabens FD&C Pigments Silicones Formayldehyde Mineral Oil Phalates DEA/MEA/TEA Propylene Glycol SLS/ALS/ Sulphates These ingredients are responsible for the foaming action of cleaning products. By removing the sebum/sweat protective barrier, sulphates are responsible for increasing our skins permeability, leading to greater absorption of hazardous ingredients. Removing this barrier also aggravates skin disease such as eczema, leading to potential infections from bacteria. For many people, sulphates give the shiny squeaky feeling of being “clean” which is actually a sign you skins protection has been removed. From an esthetic point of view, removing the sebum form our skin and scalp leads to dry dehydrated skin and scalp, brittle hair, hair loss and increases signs o f aging. Parabens Parabens are added to cosmetics as a preservative and to prevent the growth o f bacteria and fungus. Different names for these products are: ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Once absorbed into the body, parabens act on the endocrine system and are known as hormone disrupters. They mimic the action of oestrogen and can contribute to oestrogen dominancy syndrome. FD & C Color Pigments Colourants, found in hair dyes and make up. Through skin absorption or inhalation, these ingredients have been found to effect the nervous system and contribute to heavy metal toxicity. •aluminum lakes •astaxanthin •azulene •canthaxanthin •carmine (because of the synthetic process used to secure the color from the insects) •sodium copper chlorophyllin (chlorophyll) •D&C colors (all) •FD&C colors (all) •iron oxides •titanium dioxide •ultramarine •zinc oxide Dirty Dozen Silicones or –cones Many ingredients ending in the letters cone are a type of silicone. Used in cosmetics to protect the skin and hair, by leaving a layer over the surface. Research over the effects of cone our metabolism is mixed. Debate over the molecule size, and whether or not these molecules are small enough to be absorbed, is on going. It is known that silicones contribute to allergic reactions and can exacerbate acne. We can all be natural beauties It has been said that we should not put in our skin what we would not eat. Many of the best beauty products can be found in our kitchen. A few tips, woman to woman or woman to men even, when changing cosmetics. Our skin will need time to adapt. Many of us have been exposed to these ingredients since childhood and in teenage years exposed to even harsher products for “greasy skin”. On average, expect a 28-­‐day cycle for your skin to adapt and sebum production to regulate. Many people who thought they had “greasy” skin, was just the bodies reaction to the harsh removal of the natural barrier. Actually over production of sebum can be a sign that you have very sensitive skin. You will notice, that oil is the preferred cleaners and moisturizer for you skin. For those adverse to the “oily” sensation, this is usually the side-­‐effect of using silicone containing products. Oils will not be absorbed and so will “sit” on the skin. Be aware of this in the beginning, once you have removed silicone items, your skin will absorb the oils very quickly. Our hair will have also been exposed to harsh conditions for years and being covered with silicones. It can become wild when we stop using these products. This can be very shocking and distressing at first. Where some damage will need to be addressed with a scissors – you do not have to shave your head. Natural products such as honey, aloe vera can rehydrate your hair and vinegar can accelerate the recovery time form alkaline to the acid environment your scalp will need to repair. Cones, in hair products, give the “slip” effect and so give the impression of healthy shiny hair when in reality hair is extremely dehydrated and damaged, if used over a long period of time. To remove silicones, a strong cleaning agent is needed usually in the form of a sulphate. This leads to the vicious cones – sulphate circle. It is advised that when converting to more natural oil based products, silicones are removed or greatly reduced, as they can inhibit the absorption of the beneficial oils. Formaldehyde Restricted in Europe, formaldehyde can be described using the following names: •Paraformaldehyde •Benzylhemiformal •2-­‐bromo-­‐2-­‐nitropropane-­‐1, 3-­‐diol •5-­‐bromo-­‐5-­‐nitro-­‐1, 3-­‐dioxane •Diazolidinyl urea •Quaternium-­‐15 •DMDM Hydantoin •Sodium hydroxymethyl •Glycinate •Methenamine Used widely to preserve dead tissue, in the body, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Further research has shown, adverse effects on our lungs, through inhalation, increase allergies and eye irritation. Dirty Dozen Cleaners Mineral Oil Oil is the best cleanser –a s oil removes oil, a well known fact in Roman times. There are various oils out there – Coconut, Hemp, Grapeseed, Avocado, Sweet Almond, and Jojoba. Choose the one, which suits your skin, the best. A major ingredient in infant care and baby oil, mineral oil is derived from petrochemicals. Absorbed over time into our blood stream, it can affect endocrine metabolism and cause allergies. For esthetic purposes, it coats the skin and prevents the skin from “breathing”. Method – Cleansing and Make-­‐up removal •
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Use about a tablespoon or less of your chosen oil Massage into your skin. This can also be used to remove eye make up. Take a hot, wet, natural fibre cloth. Use to remove the oil form you skin, rinse and repeat until clear. Phalates Often listed as parfum or fragrance, phalates are used in cosmetics as perfume fixers, prolonging the odor of a product. Concerns over the ingredient have arisen over potential effects on a woman’s fertility and on children’s health. This will remove the oil. For those who are adverse to the oil method, milk is a very effective cleanser but, see reason below, will require further moisture after use. Add a few drops of your essential oil, just one or two, to create a nicer smell and deliver the benefits of essential oils to your skins. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine) Used to enhance foam production and a pH adjuster. There is restricted use in Europe. A known irritant, these products affect the stomach, liver, oesophygus and bladder, causing inflammation. Facemasks These are single item facemasks. There are literally thousands of facemask combinations, but when you are rushing and want to treat your skin, these recipes are quick and efficient. Labneh or Sour cream or any fermented dairy products; These items contain lactic acid and containing good fats, will sooth the skin. Lactic Acid will act as a very mild chemical exfoliant and will eat dead skin cells that may clog pours. Honey is a humectant and will attract water to your skin rehydrating it. Honey, natural, organic and unprocessed, also has anti-­‐bacteria, anti-­‐fungal and anti-­‐inflammatory properties. It can relieve and reduce skin redness often seen in roseaca and acne. Egg white may be the least tasty of the facemasks but highly efficient to tighten skin. One egg white, slightly whipped, and apply to clean skin for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water to further enhance the effect. Other ingredients can be combined with the above to make you own custom face treatment. Examples can be avocado, banana, oats, organic sugar, argile clay, papaya. Phenoxyethanol Found naturally in green tea and chicory, use in cosmetics is from a synthetic source. It acts as a fragrance stabilizer and preservative. A known irritant, to the skin, research is showing that is can be organ toxic and accumulates over time in the body. More research is being done to the full effects o f P on our system. Propylene Glycol (PG) PG, also present in anti-­‐freeze, is found in many liquid products acting as a penetration enhancer and prevents products from melting in heat and solidifying in cold. It has been seen to be an endocrine disrupter, immune-­‐toxic and neurotoxic. Children are greatly effect by this product. In anti-­‐aging products, the use of PG aims to hide the appearance of fine lines. Due to its deep penetration into the skin and attracting water molecules, PG causes the skin to “plump up”, giving the impression of smoother skin. Floral waters can then be used to tone and close your skins pores. They can also be used through the day to rehydrate your skin. Rose water and orange flower water so prevalent in Lebanon are the most highly recommended. Moisturizing & Facial Oils Creams, no matter the brand or expense are inefficient in providing care and nourishment for our skin. Most facial creams, are a majority water (aqua), which quickly evaporates from our skin. However use of organic moisturizers, free of toxic ingredients are beneficial during the day as they offer additional protection to our natural mantle against environmental effects. For evening, your skin needs to be nourished. Oils are the only products that are absorbed deep enough into the skins layers to deliver their goodness. Find an oil what suits your skin type. Recommended • Coconut Oil • Avocado Oil • Argan Oil • Cameilla Oil • Apricot Oil • Rosehip Oil Babies and Toddlers Much of the information contained in this information sheet is aimed at men, women and teenagers. However the products used of infants and toddlers is very important. More research is come to light shown that even in the womb, babies can absorb these chemicals and so over time form use since birth, toxins will build up in the babies system. As our skin can effectively “clean itself”, the use of harsh soaps and shampoos is not necessary to cleans your baby. This is not necessary until your little one can rolling the mud and wonder why you are cross! Products to research and take into consideration; talc powder, nappy rash cream, diapers/nappies, cradle cap cream, baby massage oil, the most important, baby wipes. New products, which have recently come on the market, are washable diapers. These have come a long way since towel cloth and are highly effective and more cost efficient! Recommended New Earth supplies fantastic products not only for you skin but also for you house. ACHRAFIEH ZAHRET EL IHSAN ST / ABC DBAYEH L3, Beirut, Lebanon Mademoiselle Bio; The Sephora of organic, bio body care products Tel: +331 48 87 87 50 Alexandra Soveral, creator and owner of her own line of organic products, spent more than four years studying, researching and developing her products using only the highest quality ingredients. Available at her London clinic, is her signature organic facial Tel: +44207 266 3577 Neal’s Yard Remedies based in London and have a wide range of products for men, women and children. Tel: +44207 379 7222 ZAO Make-­‐up is a brand of make-­‐up that I use personally. Ingredients include bamboo powder www.zaomakeup.com Online Retailers www.naturisimo.com www.ayanature.com www.bazar-­‐bio.fr Melvita, Santé, Beneco, NVEY
Eco, Green People, Lavera,
Couleur Caramel, COSLYS,
Burt’s Bees, Weleda, So’Bio,
Barefoot
Botanicals,
Pai,
Essentail
Care,
Trevorno,
Trilogy……
Haircare natural or otherwise can be a laborious and “When I discuss natural cosmetics and body care products, it is from a health practitioners point of view. challenging activity until you find products that work for you. Remember, after years of using silicone based products, your hair has suffered a lot and you will see this once you cease their use. Generally, to save the situation your hair needs nourishment and lots of it. For all recipes, leave the mask in your hair for at least 1 hours covered in a hot towel and rinse with warm not hot water before shampooing as normal. Seeing their effects on my own health and the health of some of my patients, I became passionate about informing people of their effects. Honey, Aloe Vera Gel and Eggs Whip all these ingredients together. Apply a top towel to your head or if you can stand it, go to bed with this in your hair. Heat in the hot towel or naturally for you head helps to absorb the goodness from the ingredients. Rinse your hair in warm, not hot, water and shampoo as normal. The human race has for thousands of years decorated the body with jewelery and body paint, and this tradition has and will continue. Banana, Egg & Coconut Oil/Avocado Oil People need to refuse to use sub-­‐
standard ingredients and with more people demanding safe, natural products maybe big cosmetics companies will listen.” This is personally my favourite. As someone with very long hair and so dry ends, this mask in highly affective and your hair is left very soft afterwards! Combine all ingredients well; otherwise you will have large chunks of banana to pick out of you hair for days! Apply, first to the ends of your hair and final to your roots. Julia Edgely BSc(Hons) Homeopathy L.C.H.E Egg, Aloe Vera Gel and Caster Oil An excellent mask, especially for the scalp and roots, apply to the ends of the hair at the end. Conditioner/Styling After regular masks, the regular use of conditioners is drastically reduced. For those who wish to style their hair, there are a few steps in preparation. Straightening After washing, on damp hair rub, ¼ teaspoon of oil of your choice into the ends of your hair. Leave hair to air-­‐dry, as long as possible. For heat drying and straightening, Argan Oil is the best, again only ¼ teaspoon into the ends of your hair. The Ostoepathic Practice 251 Che des Gourettes, 06370 Mouans-­‐Sartoux Tel : +336 27 09 68 57 www.vie4vitality.com Hair Colour Understandably after years of dying your hair, it is not an easy decision to go all natural. However, there are fantastic products out there. For darker hair there is natural Henna but for other colours companies such as Organic Colour Systems, are available. www.organiccoloursystems.com Skype JULICZA