Skincare Sleuth » Organic Skin Care

Are Organic Skin Care Products Worth the Additional Cost?

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:19:46 +0000

Organic skincare products are beginning to gain a little part of the billion dollar skin care industry. Organic ingredients cost a whole lot more. In some cases, it is not necessary to spend the extra money.

The primary reason people choose organic has to do with pesticides. Anything that can kill a bug is a poisonous substance. Toxins can gather up in the body over time. They may not be so toxic as to cause acute health issues, but they may lead to future long-term health problems experienced by many aging people.

Many of the ingredients in conventional skin creams are toxic. The label itself says just that! Being warned to immediately call a poison control center in case of unintended ingestion should make you feel uncomfortable about applying it on your skin.

Anything used on the skin’s surface can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Poisons absorbed this way can result in tissue damage, leading to the formation of wrinkles, age spots or even cancer cells.

In the United States, farms have to be certified organic by the USDA, if they want to call their product “organic”. Beauty product companies at times choose plant extracts or vegetable oils as natural skincare compounds. Those ingredients can be USDA certified. But, is certification necessary or even desirable? That depends on the ingredient.

Wakame kelp will never be certified organic, because it is seaweed. While there are many pollutants in our oceans, including pesticides, the concentration tested in kelp is very low. The process of purification used by cosmetic manufacturers would rid the kelp of any toxins.

Wakame kelp has anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory qualities and a high nutritive value. It would be a shame to lose the benefits of wakame, because they couldn’t find an organically grown variety.

Another ingredient with numerous benefits is Shea butter. You might find a USDA-certified cream containing it, but most manufacturers use the standard grading system. The lowest grades contain numerous contaminants and are extracted from the nuts using chemical solvents. The highest grades contain no contaminants and are extracted using cold press methods.

So, organic skin ingredients are not always needed or even available, depending on the ingredient. There are natural skin care products that are just as safe. Learn about the manufacturer’s philosophy. That should tell you what you need to know.

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Discussing Toxic Skincare

admin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:15:01 +0000

Looking for information about toxic skincare ingredients? Recent studies performed by the Environmental Working Group, perfumes are a major issue.

Environmental Working Group tested seventeen brand name perfumes and found a total of 38 chemicals that were not on the label of ingredients. This is because manufacturers don’t have to list fragrance ingredients, because they are thought to be “trade secrets”.

Unlisted chemicals included hormone disruptors and allergens. The vast majority of them have never undergone safety testing or review.

Companies are not required to prove that the ingredients they use are safe. It is only after numerous adverse reactions are reported by dermatologists that a chemical “might” be taken off of the market. Simply being informed and choosing the best all natural skin care creams, can these toxins be avoided.

Diethyl phthalate is one of the hormone disruptors not listed on labels, but identified to be in most added fragrances by the EWG. It has been linked to sperm damage.

An artificial ingredient known as musk ketone accumulates over time in fatty tissues. It is unclear what type of harm the ketone can cause, but other unsaturated ketones are known toxins. A relatively tiny dose of 7 milligrams can kill a full grown adult if swallowed.

Other toxic skincare ingredients include parabens, PEG (polyethylene glycol), triclosan, SLS (sodium laurel sulfate), triethanolamine and mild acids that are designed to strip away the skin’s outer layer. Those compounds will usually be listed on the label. So it is conceivable for the consumer to make an good choice before purchasing.

But the only way to avoid the toxic chemicals in fragrance ingredients is to stop buying products with added fragrance or perfume. This is difficult because everyone likes to buy things that smell nice. Selecting natural skin care products is the best way to find a safe alternative to toxic skincare.

Most experts feel that a touch of perfume on the neck or behind the ears is safe. It is a different matter when the cleansers, creams, shampoos, deodorants and other skin care products we use every day on a large section of skin contain added fragrances.

Daily exposure to all of these projects and the toxins they contain may be hazardous to your health. They are unlikely to cause immediate effects, but they could lead to chronic, life-threatening or seemingly age-related illnesses.

I hope this information about toxic skincare ingredients helps you make more informed choices. I always suggest natural beauty products that contain wakame kelp. Google it to find out more.

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What’s a Total Skincare Cream?

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:59:45 +0000

What do you look for in a total skin care product? While the companies that use the advertising slogan may have their own definitions, according to top Skin MD, this is what a total skincare cream should be.

It should be compatible with every type of skin: oily, dry, combination or sensitive. It should free of parabens, preservatives and added perfumes. It should not contain known allergens, irritants or toxins.

The skin care manufacturers are responsible for grouping products according to skin type. Petroleum derived ingredients such as petrolatum and mineral oil are not right for any type, nevertheless, they are frequently found in all types of moisturizers, makeup and other products.

They are not actually moisturizing. So they are not good for dry skin. They clog the pores. So they are not right for oily or combination types. They can contain contaminants that irritate sensitive skin.

Artificial preservatives and added fragrances are the most likely culprits if you have even experienced allergic reactions and irritations. Creams should be free of added fragrances. Over time prolonged exposure to too many scented products can exacerbate asthma and lead to neurological problems.

It is completely illogical to risk using creams containing allergens, irritants or toxins. There are safe and effective alternatives.

A total skincare cream should include natural ingredients that are clinically proven to fight every cause of aging skin. Skin aging is not just a cosmetic problem. If you ask your skin MD, they will tell you the visible signs of aging signify that the skin’s health has been damaged.

Despite testing the latest innovative skin care products, researchers have proven that numerous compounds can prevent the damage that leads to wrinkles, sagging and age spots. Sun damage can be reversed when the right creams are used on a regular basis. We might not be able to go back in time, but we can look almost as if we did.

The best anti-aging creams contain antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E. The inclusion of natural vitamin E has an added benefit. When it is included in a product, there is no need to use artificial preservatives.

The active form of the protein keratin has been shown to stimulate cell growth and collagen production while increase the skin’s antioxidant content. Normally, the antioxidant content decreases with age.

So, that’s what a total skincare cream should be. What kind are you using?

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Natural Wrinkle Treatments with CoQ10 and Wakame Extract

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:45:52 +0000

An anti-wrinkle treatment containing alpha hydroxy acid will increase your risk of sunburn. The FDA began mandating that cosmetic companies label products containing them with that word of advice in 2002. Yet many people fail to read the labels. The products continue to sell and consumers continue to suffer.

Sunburn doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort and redness that damages your appearance for a short while , it also increases your chances of developing both wrinkles and skin cancer. It just doesn’t make good sense to use anti wrinkle creams that could increase your risk of wrinkling, especially when there are compounds available that help to protect the skin against sun damage.

I’m not talking about sunblock. While it may be necessary to use a zinc oxide or other broad spectrum sunblock on an occasional basis, the value of using products containing sunscreen on a daily basis is questionable at best. It could actually be hazardous.

If you follow the latest cosmetic world news, you know that scientists have seen an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency over the past few years. The cause, they conceive, is sun block containing cosmetic products. By blocking UV light, sunscreens also interfere with the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D.

The best wrinkle treatment available right now (once again, according to the researchers) is one that contains coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is one of the compounds mentioned above that helps protect against sun damage. Another is wakame kelp extract.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found in each and every cell in your body. The amount present in the heart starts to decline once we reach twenty years of age, which is why it is often suggested as a nutritional supplement for the heart.

The amount present in the skin is quickly depleted during exposure to UV rays from the sun, which is why scientists began to speculate whether or not it might be helpful as an anti aging skin care products. The development of wrinkles is frequently blamed on the sun’s harmful rays, but it is the free radicals that cause the wrinkling of the skin.

Wakame kelp extract contains many different anti-aging nutrients. If you want the best wrinkle treatment, look for one that contains it and COQ10.

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What is the Best Thing For Aging Skin?

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:57:28 +0000

This is a question that has perplexed many people for many years. There have been many theories and products that have come onto the market and not provided much in the way of results. So you might be asking what really is the best thing for aging skin. The answer is actually a lot more simple than you think.

The best way to keep your skin in good health is to keep your body in good health. We tend to forget that our skin is an organ and responds to our health in the same way as any other part of the body. The skin needs nutrients and rest to be kept in the best possible health. To do this it is important that we pay attention to our overall health.

Have you ever noticed that when you are ill your skin does not look its best? This is all the proof that you should need that your overall health is an important part of the appearance of your skin. Make sure that you keep your body in good health and you will find that your skin will glow with good health. This is the simplest approach to keeping your skin healthy and clear.

Develop a skincare routine that will help your skin stay in good health as well. The skin needs to be kept clean and well moisturized if it is to fight off the signs of aging. The key to a good skincare routine is its ability to be consistently applied. Make sure that you keep your skin clean and the pores unclogged and free of the bacteria that can cause breakouts on your skin. Making sure that you use your skin care products with regularity will also help you to determine if they are working.

Pay attention to your skin. You will not be able to use the same products that you did when you were younger. Over time your skin will change and there will be a need for a different type of skincare product as your skin requires it. If you notice that your skin is becoming dryer as you age, it might be time to look for a better moisturizer or a less harsh cleanser. Constantly evaluate the condition of your skin and make changes to your products as needed.

When you are asking what really is the best thing for aging skin, you should take some time to do some research. Science is constantly finding new ingredients and products that will work on your aging skin. Stay informed on what is currently being tried and you just might find a product that works well for your skin. Keep in mind that not all skin responds to treatments in the same way.

Remember to treat your skin with care and you will be able to keep the signs of aging at bay for a long time. The next time you ask what really is the best thing for aging skin, you just might already know the answer.

Dr. Valerie Rosenbaum is a dermatologist specializing in anti-aging and skin care treatments. If you are interested in nourishing healthier and younger looking skin then visit her website http://www.DefendYourSkin.com now to learn which skin care products she uses and recommends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Rosenbaum
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-the-Best-Thing-For-Aging-Skin?&id=1687071

Finding a 100% Pure Skin Care Treatment

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:35:55 +0000

Many people are recognizing the need to find quality skin care that does not contain any of the chemical ingredients that are in so many of the products that are currently on the market. The search for a 100% pure skin care treatment will require you to do some research and find out the kind of ingredients that you should be looking for in your skin care products.

The people who are looking for pure skin care products are usually interested in finding the best anti aging skin treatment that is available as well. Most of the time the purer the ingredients the better the anti aging skin care treatment will be. You should consider the damage that can be caused to your skin when you are using products that contain chemicals and other ingredients that you should steer clear of. There are a number of resources online that can give you the information that you will need to begin your search.

Of course, when you conduct your research, you will discover that there are some ingredients that must be included even in those that claim to be a 100% pure skin care treatment. When you are looking at the products that are available, look for ingredients that are made from natural sources. Some of the ingredients will need to be processed in some way before they can be used so in this sense they are not completely natural. However, you can find products that are free of the harmful chemicals that should not be put on your skin. Consider that the ingredients are being absorbed into your system through your skin and decide if the chemicals that are in the products are something that you want in your system.

Fragrances and other ingredients that make the skin care product smell nice and have a better texture are the ingredients that you should be wary of. Anything that does not add to the effectiveness of the product is just not necessary in your 100% pure skin care treatment. Save your use of fragrances to the perfumes that you decide to wear. You will only be placing it in a small area and can choose the fragrance that you like. Manufacturers understand that people like things that smell nice and add the fragrances to enhance their product. Unfortunately, the fragrances are doing more harm than good.

For the best anti aging skin treatment and a 100% pure skin care treatment, you should look for products that are made of plant based ingredients that have been proven to be effective. Watch out for the quantities of the effective ingredient when you are shopping as well.

Many companies use a very small amount of the best ingredients to entice customers, but they are not effective because there is not enough of the ingredient to make an impact on your skin. Do not be deceived by this practice and do your research on the ingredients and their effective quantities before you buy a skin care product.

Dr. Valerie Rosenbaum is a board certified dermatologist who has done extensive research on the way many chemicals used in skin care products do more harm than good. If you have fine lines, wrinkles or damaged skin visit her website http://www.DefendYourSkin.com to find out which skin care products she uses and recommends.

Why Anti-Wrinkle Creams With Collagen and Elastin Are a Waste of Money

admin — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:31:31 +0000

Buying anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen and elastin is a waste of money. You want something that stimulates collagen production with the skin. To do that, you need to stimulate the production of new cells. There’s a way to do that, safely.

When you understand how the cells of the body work, it is easy to understand why anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen and elastin are not beneficial. The cells of the body produce peptides, (short chains of amino acids) known as pro-collagen. The pro-collagen is then secreted into the space around the cell, where other peptides become attached to it and tropocollagen is formed.

The tropocollagen molecules automatically assemble into larger arrays called fibrils. The fibrils bundle together to form fibers. So, when we want something that stimulates collagen fiber production, we first need something that will stimulate the production of new cells.

Anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen and elastin are derived from animal skins or marine life. If they contained tropocollagen, they might bind with the skin’s own to form new fibrils, but that’s not what they contain.

Tropocollagen is used in some medical procedures, but they are extracted from the skin of very young animals and that is not the case with most skincare products. Most people wouldn’t like the idea of slaughtering young animals to improve their appearance, anyway.

There is a type of bio-active peptide that stimulates the production of new cells, which in turn stimulates collagen production. The peptides are gently extracted from sheep’s wool and processed in a manner that allows them to remain bio-active, throughout the process and all the way into your bottle.

The process was developed and patented by a company called KERATEC. Their team of researchers has published a number of scientific studies. The ones that pertain to the skin include an ingredient called Functional Keratin.

The results of clinical studies were exciting enough to encourage a health supplement company to develop and begin distributing a line of anti-aging skincare products. Creams containing Functional Keratin have been shown to increase skin cell proliferation by as much as 160% in as little as three days. This, of course, stimulates collagen production, as well.

Anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen and elastin are supposed to improve firmness. Those containing Functional Keratin improve firmness by over 40% in less than three weeks. These were short term studies, so firmness could continue to improve over time.

Even though they were short term studies, there is no question about the safety of long-term use. One of the safest, most hypoallergenic ingredients in skincare products is a pharmaceutical grade of lanolin, which is extracted from sheep’s wool.

Avocado oil also stimulates collagen. The best night creams contain avocado oil and Functional Keratin, along with a pharmaceutical grade of Shea butter, which has been shown to soften, smooth and reduce wrinkles in as little as four weeks. I can vouch for it myself.

So, now that you know about the alternatives to anti-wrinkle creams containing collagen and elastin, you’ll be looking better in no time.

Dr. Valerie Rosenbaum is a dermatologist who specializes in aging of the skin. If you want to protect your skin from wrinkles and fine lines then visit her website to find out which natural skincare product line she uses and recommends to her patients. She has worked extensively in combatting the signs of aging through the use of natural ingredients that help the body repair itself. To learn more about protecting your skin from wrinkles and fine lines then visit her website http://www.DefendYourSkin.com today to learn what she recommends.

Naturally Remove Age Spots With Pharmaceutical Grade Shea Butter

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:01:09 +0000

If you want to get rid of age spots remove wrinkles, reduce stretch marks, scars and blemishes, there is one ingredient that you must look for. It is called Shea butter. You may think “no”. I’ve used that in the past and it hasn’t worked. There’s a reason why most creams do not work like the ads say that they will.

You may or may not find this surprising. But, big companies are not completely honest, especially in their marketing claims. When it comes to anti-aging products and other cosmetics, they base their claims on one or two active ingredients that are present in such low quantities they could not possibly be effective.

When it comes to Shea butter, they do not use the pharmaceutical grade that is used in some countries to treat wounds, heal eczema, reduce inflammation, heal sunburns, relieve frost bite or take the itch out of insect bites. In the US, it is not considered a pharmaceutically active ingredient. But, if you want to fade age spots remove wrinkles or address the other signs of age, it is very “active”.

Now, in order to provide all of these benefits, you must look for a premium quality product that is prepared using cold press methods. Heat destroys the nutrients found in this natural cream and it is the nutrients that are responsible for its effectiveness.

It is rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin A creams containing retinol have been prescribed for wrinkle reduction. Retin-A is one of the most popular brands. But, those creams cause redness, itching, irritation, inflammation and flaking. In other words, they are accompanied by a number of unwanted side effects.

The vitamin A in Shea butter is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is non-irritating and non-toxic. It actually has natural anti-inflammatory activity. In large amounts, retinol, the animal form of vitamin A is toxic, which is probably why it causes so many adverse reactions.

The essential fatty acids in Shea butter are virtually identical to those produced by the sebaceous glands, within the skin. Because of this, Shea butter is quickly absorbed and leaves no greasy feeling.

The brand that you buy should not contain artificial preservatives or added fragrances of any kind. It may include other ingredients, but no synthetic chemicals or artificial additives. Natural vitamin E is an effective preservative and it also will prevent future age spots from developing.

There is another important ingredient to look for if you want to fade age spots remove wrinkles and increase firmness. Lost firmness is responsible for sagging and the appearance of deep wrinkles. The sagging is caused by decreased production of new skin cells and elastic fibers. A protein complex called Functional Keratin has been shown to stimulate the production of new cells and fibers. In less than three weeks, it can improve firmness by over 40%.

There are other nutrients that are important to the skin’s health, but if you use a night cream that contains Shea butter and Functional Keratin, you can get rid of age spots remove wrinkles and increase firmness in no time.

Valerie Rosenbaum has found the most effective skin care products available on the market today. Visit DefendYourSkin.com if you have fine lines, wrinkles or age spots and want to do something about it today.

Getting Rid of Age Spots by Nourishing Skin Naturally

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:59:39 +0000

Getting rid of age spots doesn’t have to be challenging or frustrating. There are manufacturers that provide safe, high quality ingredients that are highly effective. Of course, most of what you see on the market is ineffective and many of them will do more harm than good. The label of ingredients is your best friend when it comes to shopping for cosmetics, of all kinds. It may look like a foreign language, at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to judge the safety and even the effectiveness of a product, before you buy it. Here are some pointers.

Most of the products on the market contain artificial preservatives, colors and fragrances. While these were at one time thought to be safe, except in people with allergies or sensitive skin, it is now believed that many of them might contribute to cancer or other health problems. There is no advantage to adding colors or fragrances to cosmetics. Often they are used to mask chemical ingredients that have a strong odor or an unsightly appearance.

There are natural alternative for getting rid of age spots and for other skin issues. There are even a few brands of all-natural makeup on the market that contains the sunscreen zinc oxide, the safest and most effective sunscreen on the market.

There are also natural alternatives for preserving the ingredients in creams, lotions and other cosmetics. Grape seed extract and natural vitamin E are effective preservatives, because of their antioxidant activity. Most products contain mineral oil, which has no antioxidant activity of its own and quickly becomes rancid.

Using an effective sunscreen and a lotion, which contains natural vitamin E, are important for getting rid of age spots and preventing them from reappearing. The spot is actually a clump of melanin, which is produced in response to a sunburn and sometimes, because of hormonal activity. The spot should eventually fade on its own, if you protect your skin from the sun and support the natural reparation processes that go on daily.

The things that the skin’s cells need to repair, soften and rejuvenate are nutrients. Even if you were at one time a sun-worshipper, you can make your complexion lighter, soften, firmer and less wrinkled, as well as even out pigmentation, as long as you use nourishing creams on a regular basis.

The skin needs protein, essential fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants may be one of the keys for getting rid of age spots. We know that vitamin E creams can prevent them. It looks like creams containing coenzyme Q10, a more potent antioxidant, may make them go away.

Another ingredient, known as Extra-pone nut-grass root, inhibits melanin production. It is a safe non-irritating alternative to creams that contain hydroquinone, a probable carcinogen that has been banned by the EU, but not the US.

Specific protein complexes stimulate the production of new cells. If melanin is inhibited and you avoid the sun, those cells will be lighter in color. So, that’s really all you need for getting rid of age spots. Nature has all of the answers.

Valerie Rosenbaum has made it her mission to provide the public with information supporting the use of natural and clinically tested ingredients in their anti-aging skincare products. She has found the most effective skin care products available on the market today. Visit her website http://www.DefendYourSkin.com if you have fine lines, wrinkles or age spots and want to do something about it today.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Rid-of-Age-Spots-by-Nourishing-Skin-Naturally&id=2184185

4 Effective Tips on Fading Age Spots Naturally

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:49:47 +0000

Any fair-skinned person that has spent a bit of time outdoors wants to know how to fade age spots. What follows is a step-by-step program that will help.

Stay out of the Sun

Staying out of the sun is always step one, because the spot was most likely caused by UV rays from the sun. UV triggers the production of melanin. Melanin is actually a hormone responsible for the skin’s color. Sometimes, the melanin producing cells or melanocytes become damaged. So, instead of even production, you get “uneven” production and clumping. It’s not unlike a freckle.

If you protected the area completely from UV, it might start to lighten on its own, in eight weeks or so, but maybe not. It really depends on how much damage has been done to the melanocytes. But, regardless, the first step for how to fade age spots is to stay out of the sun. The best way to do that is to wear protective clothing, like a hat with a wide brim, or to use a sun block containing zinc oxide. Other sun-screening ingredients are not as effective.

Avoid Smoke and Pollution, if Possible

If the spot was not caused by the sun, the most likely cause was smoke or environmental pollutants. These things would not naturally trigger melanin production, but they can cause the production of free radicals, which can damage the melanocytes.

Free radicals can also lead to skin aging. People that smoke cigarettes look older and have more wrinkles than those who don’t. Not only are these two steps important for how to fade age spots, but they will also help insure that the spot does not return.

Check the Ingredients in Your Skincare Products

Petroleum based alcohols, such as ethanol, methanol, isopropyl and denatured alcohol, can cause hyper-pigmentation when applied directly to the skin. These are relatively common ingredients in cleansers, aftershave and some other health and beauty aids.

Use mild, all natural cleansers and moisturizers. The moisturizer that you choose could be the key step in how to fade age spots.

Use a Good Cream

There are a number of natural ingredients that even out pigmentation. If you want all-over whitening, look for cyperus rotundus extract. Don’t buy hydroquinone. It’s not safe, no matter what some sources say and it can make the problem worse.

If you simply want to even out pigmentation, follow the steps above and use a night cream that contains Shea butter, coenzyme Q10 and bioactive keratin. Each of these has been shown in separate studies to even out pigmentation, reduce brown spots and reverse sun damage.

In addition, these ingredients will improve firmness and moisture content. They will reduce wrinkles and sagging. They will improve your skin’s health, in many ways. If you haven’t always been as good to your skin as you could have been, it deserves some good treatment, for a change.

So, that’s how to fade age spots in four simple steps. Be patient, it will take a few weeks, but the effect should be permanent.

Valerie Rosenbaum studies anti aging skin care products and the ingredients used in them like Phytessence Wakame. She believes the best skin care products are clinically tested by independent labs. Visit http://www.DefendYourSkin.com if you have fine lines, wrinkles or age spots and want to do something about it today.