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Outdoors, sunburn can strike even the most diligently lotioned vacationer. An infusion of black tea makes a fragrant sunburn soother. The tannins in black tea draw heat from the burn and restore the skin’s acid balance. Adding a few leaves of mint will add cooling relief. The infusion keeps for a few weeks in the refrigerator.
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Look in the mirror…what does your face tell you about your health? Your skin can be a window to your internal health….both physically and emotionally. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have long-established that many internal ailments express themselves in external appearance, especially the face. So when you get a recurring zit on your chin, or have a perpetually congested or flaky forehead, your skin could be telling you something. Facial diagnosis is not an absolute science, but it can certainly point you in the direction of healthier lifestyle.
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Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics and in fragrance. They can be found in soaps, shampoos, lotions and many other skin care products. Parabens easily penetrate the skin, bypass the metabolic process, and enter the blood stream and body organs. They have been detected in human breast tumors.
Parabens can influence the function on the immune system, and disrupt the endocrine system. Because parabens can mimic estrogen, they can throw off body’s hormonal balance.
Methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben are some of the most common parabens in cosmetics.
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The National Toxicology Program classifies Ethylene Oxide, which is used to sterilize surgical instruments, as a human carcinogen. It is also used to manufacture popular brands of shampoo.
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Triclosan was initially developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals, but in recent years it has been added to a host of consumer products, from kitchen cutting boards to shoes. Endocrine disruption, allergies, organ system toxicity are among the health concerns associated with this prevalent chemical. What to do about it? Check labels and avoid products containing triclosan & triclocarbon.]]>
The gistParabens are used to prevent the growth of microbes in cosmetics products and can be absorbed through skin, blood and the digestive system. Parabens have been found in biopsies from breast tumors at concentrations similar to those found in consumer products. Parabens may be found in a wide variety of products including shampoos, lotions, deodorants, scrubs and eye makeup, and are found in nearly all urine samples from U.S. adults regardless of ethnic, socioeconomic or geographic backgrounds. Adolescents and adult females had higher levels of methylparaben and propylparaben in their urine than did males of similar ages.
What are the health concerns?
Endocrine disruption: Of greatest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. They also increase the expression of genes usually regulated by estradiol (a natural form of estrogen); these genes cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply in cellular studies. Parabens are also linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. Since parabens are used to kill bacteria in water-based solutions, they inherently have some toxicity to cells.
How can you avoid this?
Look for products labeled “paraben-free” and read ingredient lists on labels to avoid products with parabens. Many natural and organic cosmetics manufacturers have found effective alternatives to parabens to prevent microbial growth in personal care products. Some companies have created preservative-free products that have shorter shelf lives than conventional products (six months to a year), but if used daily are likely to be used up before they expire.
The truth is, many of the ingredients in personal care and beauty products aren’t so pretty. US researchers have found that 1 in 8 ingredients in personal care products are hazardous industrial chemicals. Did you know that everyday chemical exposure is among the leading causes of the most common cases of chronic disease in America?
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I had so many comments about how great my bug spray smelled, I decided to share a couple of my favorite sprays, which I’ve scented with purpose in mind.
You can use my sprays on your person (body) or in your personal space (room). They are completely safe, non-oily, non-aerosol, and formulated to spark specific reactions thanks to our amazing olfactory system.
You’ll definitely want to check them out. ~Bozena
]]>Take a look at the new body and room sprays. Revive, Renew, and Invigorate!
Check out my Facebook pages for regular updates on where I’ll be at
~Bozena
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This is quickly becoming a favorite of my clients.
As an added benefit, it’s smells like….what else, black licorice. ~Bozena
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