Why Should You be Using Paraben Free Lotions and Creams?

For your overall good health you should be using paraben free face care products, but especially if your family has a history of breast cancer.

Any opportunity you have to limit your exposure to potential cancer causing chemicals should be taken, and you can start by changing your personal care products to paraben free lotions and creams.

Parabens are chemical preservatives that are used by many of the large cosmetic companies to increase the shelf life of their products. Some of the better known cosmetic companies continue to produce “non” paraben free face care products and “non” paraben free lotions and creams, all the while highlighting their support of the fight against cancer.

The dangers of parabens should be taken seriously. This chemical additive has been shown to mimic estrogen. There has been a link made between artificially produced estrogen and an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk has been shown to effect young women, who are still developing.

Paraben free face care and other health and beauty aids are a must, and you should dispose of that other stuff you’re using.

These potential carcinogens can be found in shampoo, shaving cream, body wash and fragrances. They are even used in foods and drugs. With so many sources of exposure the effect is compounded.

You may wish to consider limiting your exposure, even if you are not concerned about the risk of breast cancer, simply because these compounds are the most common causes of allergic reactions and irritations.

Just the opposite of what we expect our personal care products to do for us!

Now let’s take a look at what makes a good paraben free face care replacement.

First, always check the ingredients. There are several large cosmetics companies, such as Mary Kay, that do not provide product ingredients, unless you specifically request them. That should send up a red flag, right there!

Companies that make it difficult for you to check their ingredients should be avoided. Obviously, those companies that disclose their ingredients readily, should rate higher on the trust scale.

Second, be aware that paraben free lotions and creams may contain other synthetic preservatives that are just as damaging. The best preservatives are natural vitamin E and grape seed oil or extract. Preservative-free products may quickly go rancid, which would still be bad for your skins health.

The best paraben free lotions and creams can not be found in your local drug or departments stores. And you can plan on paying a bit more, but the benefits are certainly worth the extra cost.

For now, until paraben free lotions and creams, and paraben free face care products become more mainstream and easier to find, some of the best products can be purchased online.

In order to keep prices in line, advertising for paraben free skin care products is nominal, making searching on the net the most viable source to find them.

Finally, beware of any salesperson who tries to convince you that parabens are not dangerous. They may point out that because the carcinogens are present in small amounts they are not absorbed by the skin. Exposure to any amount of cancer causing element is a risk.

We know about the danger of parabens because they have been found in breast cancer tissues. Obviously, they are absorbed through the skin and any amount poses a health risk.

Your making the right choice by shopping for paraben free face care products and don’t you let anybody tell you differently.

About the Author:
To discover how to improve the look and feel of your skin, naturally and healthfully you’ll want to visit the following website: www.clear-and-radiant-skin.com

How Toxic Is Your Sunscreen?

There has been considerable hype lately about health risks posed by sunscreen itself. Organic sunscreen aside, almost all commercial brands carry potential hazards. In the end, the consumer must make the final decision based on the facts.

Of great concern to researchers is the use of nano particles in sunscreen. These are extremely small particles that can pass through membranes that have been able to block previous manufactured materials. The health risks of nano particles are not fully understood as they are the result of relatively new technology. The bottom line is finding how far toxins can go at this small size.

One notorious component of commercial sunscreen is oxybenzone. While the compound provides benefits by protecting the skin, is has also been associated with cell damage, hormone disruption, and allergies. Of particular concern is a trend of low birth weight for girls whose mothers used oxybenzone during pregnancy.

To the relief of many, the FDA announced plans for ensuring the safety of sunscreens back in 1978. Unfortunately, these plans amounted to good intentions and were never completed. Today the public must remain skeptical towards the claims of many sunscreen companies.

Five out of the six active ingredients in sunscreen have been found to mimic estrogen in the human body. Risk groups for these effects include children and breast cancer patients. All of these chemicals were examined in actual breast cancer cells.

SPF ratings provide the public with a measurable assessment of a sunscreen’s effectiveness. However, these ratings do not take into account UVA ultraviolet rays, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. Though not an issue of toxins, many sunscreen products leave the user under-protected and under-informed in this area.

The final word on the negative health effects of sunscreen is yet to be heard. Clear communication and action on the part of the FDA would be helpful to all, and in the meantime organic sunscreens can provide a healthy alternative.

About the Author:

Mark Bennet is a published writer and offers organic sunscreen and a wide selection of organic products at his online store.

Are Natural Skin Care Products The Answer To All Problems?

When it comes to skin care products, a lot of people are very particular about using only natural skin care products. After all, the skin is the first line of defense to protect our bodies, so it should be treated with kid gloves. But, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?

Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to the presence of synthetic preservatives, it’s really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be prohibitive. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by manufacturers of natural skin care products.

It is equally important to note that some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one.

When selecting a natural skin care product consider the following 3 factors:

1. Your skin type (dry, oily, normal, sensitive).
2. The climatic conditions in which it will be used e.g. hot and humid conditions would warrant the use of oil-free natural skin care products.
3. The process for application/use of the natural skin care product. A good natural skin care product (in fact any product) can seem useless if not used in the proper way.

Remember that using a natural skin care product does not mean that you can exercise carelessness with other aspects of skin care. Natural skin care products should be used like supplements to the following “essential” recommendations: healthy eating habits (avoiding oily food), regular exercise, drinking a lot of water (8 glasses everyday), and cleanliness. This will then form a perfect and completely natural skin care routine that will help maintain a healthy beautiful skin for longer time.

Keep Your Skin Healthy With Antioxidants

If you take care of your body and your health, it’s going to be reflected in your overall appearance. Vitamins and natural antioxidants found in food, such as the healing lycopene antioxidant prevalent in tomatoes and green tea, help the skin stay healthy and functioning properly.

As a general guideline, eating fruits and vegetables, at least five servings daily, can be one of the best things you can do for your appearance. Foods like carrots and butternut squash contain beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A that keeps your skin healthy. Antioxidant-rich foods, like citrus fruits and broccoli, are great choices.

Foods rich in vitamin E should also be part of your daily diet, as this antioxidant helps keep the skin healthy and vibrant. Look for vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, nuts and seafood for your vitamin E fix.

Water, at least eight, 8-ounce glasses a day, is still a crucial aspect of keeping the skin hydrated and glowing. It’s important also to keep the body in good shape, as the natural consequence of too much fat, in the form of clogged arteries, won’t allow enough blood to get where it needs to go.

For additional information on the importance of antioxidants, read Antioxidants: Your Natural Skin Protection.

How To Improve Your Skin In One Week

There’s plenty you can do in seven days to make over your skin. Exfoliating offers the fastest route to improvement. For this, you will need the bare essentials:

• a mild granular scrub,
• a pore-cleansing clay mask, and
• anything with glycolic and salicylic acids.

A possible regimen can consist of a mask every other night, with the scrub on alternate nights. Both treatments will help remove superficial buildup.  The salicylic acid product will clean the pores even further, and glycolic acid will remove any stubborn residue. Finish with a coat of moisturizer.

Skin Care for Christmas

If improved skin care has become your mission for the upcoming year or if you have a friend or loved one interested in better skin care, consider getting a jump start for Christmas.  You can certainly add a few choice items to your wish list that just happens to find its way to the folks who like to buy you perfume, candy or yet another coffee mug. And, you can surprise one of your family members or friends with a unique gift that shows you care.

If you need some ideas, take a look at Skin Care Stocking Stuffers for Her.