Soap and Eczema

The overall message of this article is that soaps and other harsh clearners are stripping away the outer layer of our skin leaving it open to allergic reactions and conditions such as eczema.

As always, look for a cleanser that won't strip away the skin's natural ability to protect us from the enviroment. Need a recommendation for a better cleanser...just ask me!

Here is a short summary:

Margaret Cox, of the National Eczema Society, said: "Patients with atopic eczema have especially sensitive skin.

"Because soap and biological detergents de-grease the skin, if you are genetically predisposed to eczema you would be well advised to avoid using such products and switch to less abrasive and more nourishing emollients."

Over the last 30 years the prevalence of eczema in the UK has increased three fold.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/6748207.stm

Get Results from Anti-Aging Products

10 Tips: Getting the Best Results from Age-Fighting Topicals
Dermatologists say that you will see the most desirable results from an age-fighting gel, cream, or lotion when you follow these guidelines:

1. Wear sunscreen every day. To prevent further damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can accelerate signs of aging, sunscreen is essential. Sunscreen should be applied to all skin that will be exposed such as the face and hands. A facial moisturizer that offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) coverage and has an SPF of at least 15 can be worn on days that you are not spending a lot of time outdoors.

2. Do not tan. Getting a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or sun lamp exposes you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, and a blotchy complexion.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. This traps water in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of some fine lines (not deep lines) and make a complexion look brighter and younger.

4. Test products, even those labeled “hypoallergenic.” People often interpret “hypoallergenic” to mean that an allergic reaction cannot occur. Hypoallergenic actually means that there is a reduced chance of developing an allergic reaction. Dermatologists recommend testing products before applying them to your face.To test, dab a small amount on your inner forearm twice a day for 4 to 5 days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely that you will not have a reaction when you apply it to your face.

5. Limit the number of products. Using many products on your skin, especially more than 1 anti-aging products, tends to irritate the skin. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable. For best results, test 1 or 2 products and give them time to work.

6. Give the product time to work. Despite the claims, most age-fighting products do not work overnight. While a moisturizer can plump up fine lines in a few days, most products take at least 6 weeks to work. Sometimes it can take 3 months.

7. Use the product as directed. Some products contain active ingredients that can do more harm than good when too much is used. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, or other unwanted effects.

8. Avoid products that sting. Tingling and stinging do not mean the active ingredients are working. Burning, tingling, or stinging often means that the product irritates your skin. Irritation tends to make signs of aging more noticeable. Note: Some products prescribed by a dermatologist may cause stinging or burning. In fact, to get more noticeable results, the skin may be injured in order to reveal fresher, more youthful skin. When supervised by a dermatologist, this can be safe and effective. Pain and stinging should not occur when using an over-the-counter product.

9. Continue using, if you want to continue seeing results. People often believe that once they get the results they want, they can stop using the product. To continue seeing results, you must continue using the product.

10. Do not supplement with do-it-yourself procedures. Consumers occasionally find that they can buy lasers and kits for performing a cosmetic procedure (such as injecting botulinum toxin A) online. Such purchases can be extremely dangerous. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions consumers to “be vigilant about your purchases and steer clear of lower-priced cosmetic treatments.”

Are you looking for products that meet the guidelines above? Post a comment and let others know your experiences and questions...

The Cat Knows...

...what's in your lotion...Do you?

I came across this article in the Washington Post Prince William Extra Section which I thought you would find interesting...

Leg-Loving Cat Probably Has a Taste for Skin Lotion
Thursday, June 25, 2009

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have a 5-year-old calico cat. We rescued her at 7 months from an animal shelter. She has turned into a lovable, happy cat. However, she has one bad habit that we cannot break.
She is obsessed with licking my husband's legs. He has very dry skin and applies lotion nearly every day. She doesn't lick my legs, so we think it's definitely the lotion she's after. Can you shed some light on this obsession with the lotion? Is it harmful for her to be licking it, and can we break her of the habit?
J.&J.M.Boynton Beach, Fla.

I often receive letters from people who have cats like yours, eager to lick skin lotions and facial creams from their human companions. Rather than thinking you need to be cleaned (as a mother cat that washes her kittens), your cat probably thinks it's some kind of food.
Some ingredients in the lotion probably give off scents of various animal fat and protein byproducts that your husband is putting on his legs. However, other ingredients, especially petrochemicals, could make your cat sick. I would try coconut and shea oil butter, which will not harm your cat. Avoid products that contain synthetic fragrances.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/23/AR2009062303940.html

Want to learn about products without any animal by-products and that don't test on animals? Contact me at mjgrice30@comcast.net

Arbonne Donates to Military

Personal Care Company Arbonne(R) Donates More Than $640,000 in Product to Military Serving Overseas

IRVINE, Calif., Jun 17, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Arbonne has made a charitable donation of approximately 30,000 skin care products --with a retail value of almost $642,000--to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that sends care packages to the U.S. military. Arbonne is a company headquartered in Irvine, California. The company formulates botanically-based, cutting-edge skin care and personal care products, distributed through an international network of Arbonne Independent Consultants.

Click here to read more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/personal-care-company-arbonner-donates-more-than-640000-in-product-to-military-serving-overseas

Good Anti-Aging Products

From Aging Skin Net

10 Tips: Getting the Best Results from Age-Fighting Topicals

1. Wear sunscreen every day.
2. Do not tan.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
4. Test products, even those labeled “hypoallergenic.”
5. Limit the number of products.
6. Give the product time to work.
7. Use the product as directed.
8. Avoid products that sting.
9. Continue using, if you want to continue seeing results.
10. Do not supplement with do-it-yourself procedures.

Full article here: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/age_fighting_results.html

Toxins in Cosmetics

It's interesting to learn about the cosmetics that we have been trusting for years. If you think about the latest numbers of women with breast cancer, hormonal issues, and other reproductive issues, I encourage you to find safer products.

Where can I find safer products?

Email me today mjgrice30@comcast.net

Lead in Your Lipstick??

Ok, so I had heard that there is a HUGE amount of animal fat found in many lipsticks, but LEAD??? You betcha.

"In fact, there are no F.D.A. standards limiting lead and other toxins in lipstick. The agency leaves it up to manufacturers to decide which safety and efficacy tests to perform on products. Cosmetics companies are required to list their “intended” ingredients on labels. But lead would be considered an “unintended” byproduct of the manufacturing process."
Interesting article.

http://safecosmetics.org//article.php?id=533

No More Toxic Tub

To start off this blog, I thought I'd use an article that really speaks to my heart.

My son is 2 yrs old and I never knew about the formulas used in American cosmetics. I am now researching the products that I use more than ever.

Here is a quick summary of this paper:

"Children’s bath products are often marketed as safe and gentle. However, laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found these products are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane – and, in many cases, both. These two chemicals, linked to cancer and skin allergies, are anything but safe and gentle and are completely unregulated in children’s bath products."