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Health And Beauty Products

The Truth About Cosmetics

We are constantly bombarded with commercials promising smoother, softer skin, less wrinkles or even our wrinkles completely disappearing. Do they really do what they say they are going to do? How can we make sense of it all?
Unfortunately there isn’t a real standard for chemicals in cosmetics- even the word "Natural" doesn’t mean too much anymore. Look for the word "Organic" on the label so you know that the ingredients have been grown and processed responsibly without chemicals or pesticides. There are a lot of great products to choose from and your skin will thank you for it. Here are a few tips to determine if the personal care products you’re using are on the up and up.
Read the ingredient list! Can you pronounce everything? If not, it’s probably a chemical and you shouldn’t buy it. Here are some dangerous chemicals that the cosmetics industry commonly puts in their products:
Propylene glycol, a derivative of the petroleum industry, and also the first ingredient in anti-freeze and brake fluid. It can penetrate the skin and weaken the cellular and protein structure. The EPA warns against this chemical coming into contact with the skin, and yet you can find this in everything from skin care to shampoos!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfates(SLS) are used in the industry as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers, but you'll find them in 90% of personal care products such as toothpaste, facial cleanser, and body wash. The most dangerous of all things that can be listed on a label has got to be “fragrance.” This can mean the presence of over 15,000 different chemicals and the problem is, you never know which chemicals are being used! You should never choose a product that has "fragrance" or "natural fragrance" listed as an ingredient.
Do you want these dangerous chemicals in your personal care products? How can these be good for our skin?
These are only three examples of the thousands of chemicals that are in our personal care products that we are being told are good for our skin, hair and teeth. The skin is the body’s largest organ and whatever you put on the skin is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. It doesn’t go to your liver or kidneys for the detoxification process the way the food you eat does.
So the next time you’re buying personal care products, remember that your best bet is to buy them in a health food store or a reputable spa. Don’t believe everything cosmetic companies tell you because if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

Carolyn Dwyer resides in central New York and currently works in the Spa industry.

 

Ecco Bella Cosmetics Natural Foundation

I used to be a Clinique girl until I found this amazing makeup! Contrary to the foreign-sounding name, this is a domestic product, which makes me feel even better about buying it. Their website doesn't always work, but there's an 800 number you can call to order if you need to.... www.eccobella.com

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Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll On Deodorant

An erratic performer, this aluminum-free product has left me in a couple of unexpectedly stinky situations....

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Nature's Gate Rainwater Herbal Awapuhi Shampoo 

A wonderful organic, PH balanced shampoo that made my hair so happy it curled right up!  And it smells great!

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Avalon Organics Vitamin C  Refreshing Facial Cleanser

What a GREAT cleanser!  My skin feels fresh and clean and happy after using this- and someone had the foresight to give it that great re-closable pump top so I can toss it in my train case and take it with me when I travel.  The icing is that it's reasonably priced, only about $8 for an 8.5 oz bottle.

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Tom's of Maine Natural Anticavity Toothpaste For Children (Silly Strawberry)

This is an excellent first toothpaste for kids- no fluoride, so you don't have to worry about them swallowing it while you're teaching your progeny proper dental hygiene.  Now that my boys are champion brushers, we've transitioned to the same toothpaste with fluoride.  And they have no idea!  Poo haa haa, Mom strikes again!  Mild, kid-friendly flavor.

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Aura Cacia Calm Aromatherapy Body Lotion

I keep a huge pump bottle of this right next to the shower so I can step out and slather it all over my aging, dehydrated epidermis.  Not an organic product, but a relatively natural one, it's made with lavender and wild chamomile, two herbs famous for their calming effects.  www.auracacia.com

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EO Rose & Chamomile Bath Suds

I suggest you attempt to sniff this one before you buy it- the fragrance is not completely floral (which the name had me expecting), but heavily laden with citrus overtones.

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Post-Makeover Ecstasy

J/A/S/O/N Fresh Papaya/Pineapple Enzyme Facial Peel & Mask

Truly refreshing, I can see and feel the improvement in my skin after using this product!  The word "peel" is misleading, though, since it actually washes off.  The directions say to leave the mask on for 20 minutes, but I find an hour does wonders.

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Rachel Perry Tangerine Dream Foaming Facial Cleanser

Gentle delicious suds all over my cheeks and nose and... oh my lord, this is the GOOD stuff.  A tad expensive and worth it.

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Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Deodorant

Another milestone in the fight against aluminum, this effective product comes in both a solid and a roll on.  I got my mother to switch to this, need I say more?

Alba Botanica Certified Organic Lavender Deodorant

Now when they say they don't test these products on animals, does that mean they test them on humans?  This stuff smells lovely until I start to overwhelm the delicate lavender fragrance with my BODY ODOR. 

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Organic Essentials Certified Organic Cotton Tampons 

These are expensive but I'd rather really not think about pesticides and chemicals entering my body in such a manner.  Got to admit I no longer speak up when another woman says "Does anyone have an extra?"   This American company produces a complete line of organic cotton products- the cotton is grown here, but mysteriously enough is shipped to Sweden for manufacturing....  Their website has links to online retailers. www.organicessentials.com

Hennalucent Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Now labeled as 100% organic, I've been using this henna product for years with fabulous results every time.  

Beauty Without Cruelty Aromatherapy Moisture Plus Shampoo

My hair gets very dry and frizzy sometimes, so I'm always on the lookout for a good shampoo that will moisturize effectively without weighing down my curls.  I'm not crazy about the way this stuff smells, but that can be covered up easily enough.  It leaves my locks lustrous (say that ten times fast)!

ABRA Therapeutic Skin Care Detox Complexion Wash

This is a very gentle, balancing facial wash, but it does not cleanse thoroughly.  Good to use on days when you haven't been wearing any makeup.

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