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Olive Oil's Cosmetic and Therapeutic Properties

Ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil to care for their bodies. Almost all men and women, young or old, sick or healthy,
rich or poor, used it a few times a day. Oil was spread all over the body before and after bathing. At first its function was
only that of soap, then it was used as a moisturizer, enriched with aromas obtained from herbs and flowers.

Those with dry hair and skin were considered dirty. For this reason people bathed and moisturized their entire bodies with oil
at least once a day in order to cultivate a healthy appearance. At first these ointments obtained from the combination of olive oil
and herbs or flowers were imported from the Orient, then they were produced in Greece and later on in the Roman Empire. Typically, a noblewoman would bathe three times a day, while a Greek playboy would bathe at least five times!

The Egyptians manufactured perfumes and ointments of all types, and Cleopatra was known for using a variety of perfumes and cosmetics. Many of them used olive oil as a base, usually from colorless, tasteless, unscented olives picked well before they were ripe (about three months too early), in August.

This care of the body also had a practical reason: oil forms a protective film over the skin thus shielding the pores from infiltrations of dirt and dust. In addition, oil is a bad thermal conductor that guards the skin from excessive cold. The numerous containers for olive oil made of different materials like gold, silver, marble, ivory, or wood, are a testament to the ancient cult for cleanliness and the use of emulsifiers.

It is not clear if the silver vase above, decorated with olive branches and olives, was used as a container for aromatic oils, edible olive oil, olives or wine. Preserved at Naples National Museum, the vase was found with 118 other pieces that were part of a dining set recovered in the excavation of the Menander House in Pompeii. The vase dates back to the Imperial period and was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that took place in the 1st century. Olive oil wasn't used only for the production of aromatic moisturizer, but also as an ointment for wounds and curative pomades. Such ointments were used to treat bleeding wounds, insect bites, headaches, tired eyes or any other parts of the body that needed to be disinfected. It was also used in cases of poisoning, stomach problems and even pregnancy. In the Bible, Moses uses olive oil to cure lepers.

Natural Cosmetic

What Are Natural Cosmetics and Alternatives from Nature?

Natural Cosmetics refer to the cosmetics produced from things obtained from nature. They may either involve using the products directly or derivatives of these products. Nature offers innumerable products which can be wisely utilized in preparing different types of cosmetics. Plant products are the most widely used ingredients in natural cosmetics . Thus, they are also often referred to as herbal cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics have been used since times immemorial. Historical records testify that all the ancient civilizations had discovered and harnessed the utilities of natural or herbal products for cosmetic use. Medicines, cosmetics and toiletries had all been prepared from natural products - herbal products being most commonly used.

Benefits of natural cosmetics

Natural cosmetics have a host of benefits. Being natural, they are considered to be quite harmless on the skin. They contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy. A judicious combination of potent herbs can not only produce cosmetic effect but also help cure skin ailments and hair problems. The natural products - leaves, roots, fruits etc. supply several essential nutrients to the skin too. The essential oils of certain plants can bring forth miraculous results.

All kinds of cosmetics from nature

There can be natural alternatives suggested to almost all kinds of cosmetics. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, face masks, creams, lotions, face packs- all are available in herbal varieties. Various natural lip gels and balms, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair packs, hair gels, sun protective bases and makeup ranges are also on offer.

Beauty recipes from China and India using traditional herbs have earned a special significance the world over. Ayurvedic recipes from India for skin and hair treatment also serve as cosmetics. They are often widely acclaimed as the ultimate in skin and hair care simply because of the effective results produced upon their usage.

Natural cosmetics use various parts of plants- the leaves, the bark, the roots, the oil extracted from seeds, the fruits and also at times the whole plant. Alongside, mud and mineral products , honey etc. may be used. Milk, milk cream, yoghurt and eggs are also largely used in various natural cosmetics as an ingredient to add body.

Some simple household products may also double up as natural cosmetics . These constitute home remedies for skin and hair problems. Spices and condiments like turmeric and saffron quite often figure in the list of ingredients for natural cosmetics . Natural cleansers like milk and lemon are effective natural cosmetics in themselves. Fruits can make up excellent face packs. The names of cucumbers, peaches and apricots can be especially mentioned in this regard. The oils obtained from almond and coconut act as very good massage oils for skin and hair. The application of these oils brings a healthy glow to the skin and hair and makes them beautiful. They also help restore or maintain youth by controlling wrinkle and crease formation on the surface of the skin.

Extensive range of natural cosmetics to pamper you There is an extensive range of natural cosmetics on offer. We can conveniently choose from these as per our requirement. Associated with natural cosmetics are natural perfumes obtained from essential oils of rare herbs. These may also come within the ambit of natural cosmetics . The natural cosmetics certainly promise to pamper your beauty and aesthetic senses and bring about a transformation in the way you look about yourself and nature.

Mineral cosmetic

With the market being flooded with the miraculous mineral cosmetics , there is a definite urge among people, to understand what makes up the so-called natural cosmetic range. Mineral cosmetics are technically better than the otherwise available cosmetics, and are certainly preferred by dermatologists, owing to the natural composition.

Mineral makeup is made from naturally existing mineral elements. The minerals are mixed up with an assortment of inorganic pigments and undergo various steps like milling, pulverization and purification, before reaching the end consumer. Pigments are responsible for the color and shimmer effects. These components also contribute towards the inorganic and inert properties of mineral cosmetics . The latest range in the category of mineral cosmetics also claims to include vitamins, in a frozen form, to lend that extra edge.

Mineral Cosmetic Ingredients The typical ingredients deployed in manufacture of mineral cosmetics include: Titanium, Dioxide Zinc, Oxide Kaolin, Clay, Magnesium Bismuth Talc (Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide)

The Benefits Of Applying Mineral Makeup

A cure for sensitive skin - Mineral cosmetics offer a respite from various skin ailments like acne, pimples, dryness, clogged pores, etc. They are non-comedogenic and therefore, ideal for sensitive skin types. Mineral cosmetics are inert and inorganic and therefore, do not promote microbial growth. Being finely milled, the makeup granules are much smaller than the pores and therefore, do not clog them, thus helping cleaner skin surface.

Finer application - Mineral makeup has a lighter and different texture. The items are made up of microscopic flat crystals that are mixed together to offer a filtering layer on the skin, which helps the skin to breathe even with makeup on. A translucent and natural look is guaranteed with mineral makeup. Stays longer than regular cosmetics - Mineral cosmetics do not smear easily and therefore, stay for longer hours.

Least harmful - Mineral cosmetics do not contain harmful preservatives like parabens, dyes, fillers or oils, which are present in abundance in regular cosmetic range. Mineral cosmetics , owing to their natural composition, do not require preservatives for an increased shelf life.

Sunscreen qualities - Mineral cosmetics contain components like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which provide the desired shield from harmful ultra violet (UVA-UVB protection) sunrays. Perfect for application on skin post medical treatment - Mineral cosmetics have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them an apt choice for makeup on skin that has undergone any kind of treatment. They cool the skin and facilitate faster healing. Moreover, the elements present in mineral cosmetics help to naturally refresh and rejuvenate the tired skin, which is like a dream come true in the preset tiring schedules. Thinning of the fine lines and skin pores - Mineral cosmetics contain Mica, which, being a natural translucent creates an illusion of smoother and softer skin type.

Forget the pains of taking off the makeup mask - Usually after the end of a tiring day, it seems tedious to devote another half hour towards taking off the makeup. With mineral cosmetics , this is not always sought. Mineral cosmetics allow a nap with makeup on. And it still stays the next morning.

A Line Of Caution - Mineral cosmetics are good for skin and can help attain that young look. However, few components present in the natural cosmetics can be harmful for certain skin types and may cause skin allergies. Therefore, while purchasing any product, it is imperative to check the labels for ingredients that could be harmful to the skin. Moreover, various brands tend to pass on the not so natural products under the cover of mineral cosmetics . Dyes are added to grant an edge, in terms of shades available, in the range of mineral cosmetics, which could again be harmful.

Mineral cosmetics have certainly introduced a new era in the domain of cosmetics. The benefits seem endless. Mineral cosmetics have something to offer for all. However, a few pitfalls like irritation to few skin types can certainly not be ignored. Yet owing to its positives, popularly referred to as skin care makeup, mineral cosmetics are gaining in terms of usage and so, certainly deserve a trial.

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Natural Ingredients
If there is one cosmetics industry buzz word that gets almost immediate consumer attention, it's "natural."
Whatever preconceived or media-induced fiction someone might believe about natural ingredients being better for the skin has no factual basis or scientific legitimacy.
Not only is the definition of "natural" hazy, but the term isn't even regulated, so each cosmetics company can use it to mean whatever they want it to mean. "If a company wants to call their products natural, it can, and it doesn't matter what they contain.
[The] FDA has tried to establish official definitions for the use of certain terms such as 'natural' but its regulations were overturned in court. So companies can use them on cosmetic labels to mean anything or nothing at all." (Source: FDA Consumer Magazine, August 2000). In the world of skin care and makeup, the claims about all-natural products are either exaggerated because the products are laden with lots of unnatural ingredients, or the natural ingredients they do contain are problematic for the skin.
Just because an ingredient grows out of the ground or is found in nature doesn't make it automatically good for skin, and the reverse is also true, just because it is synthetic doesn?t make it bad. Yet there are many beneficial natural ingredients for skin,
which makes the whole issue more confusing because consumers are often at a loss (or simply don?t have the time) to determine which natural ingredients are helpful and which are harmful (and more products than I care to count contain a frustrating combination of both). Fruits, vegetables, or any pure food ingredients are not necessarily the best for skin. When it comes to skin care, more often than not, it is some small element of the plant that has benefit for skin.
Extracting this component from the plant almost always requires a process that is synthetically derived. Further, these extracts are far more stable than the whole food. Think about it this way: a plant in its pure form isn't stable in the least, especially in skin-care products.
Just think of how long a head of lettuce lasts in your refrigerator. It would be far worse sitting on the counter in your bathroom! Regrettably, natural or plant-based preservatives have extremely poor antimicrobial or antifungal properties. Complications for skin due to a product being contaminated are a serious consideration when it comes to how a product is preserved.
Many companies claiming to be all-natural are anything but. They achieve the appearance of being all natural by listing a natural ingredient description in parentheses next to the more technical-sounding ingredient on their label. Although this appears to be helpful information, it still leads consumers in the wrong direction.
For example, ammonium lauryl sulfate, a standard detergent cleansing agent, is listed on an Aveda ingredient label as being derived from coconut oil. While that makes the ingredient sound natural, what the label doesn't explain is what the coconut oil has to go through to become ammonium lauryl sulfate. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is the salt of a sulfuric acid compound,
neutralized with an ingredient like triethanolamine. None of that makes this ingredient bad for skin, and I wouldn't tell anyone to avoid ammonium lauryl sulfate, but that is the more accurate description of that ingredient and it just isn't "natural." Along with this deception, products from companies that want you to believe they are all natural often, if not always, contain a vast array of synthetic ingredients. It is important to point out that many natural ingredients can cause allergies, irritation, and skin sensitivities. Just think of how many people have a hay fever response to a wide variety of plants, and observe how many of these plants show up in cosmetics. Citrus often shows up in skin-care products, but most of us have gotten lemon or lime juice on a slight cut while cooking and know it burns like crazy because it's irritating to skin. Camphor (which is distilled from certain trees),
peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus can all cause an irritant or sensitizing response. All of the following natural ingredients can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, skin sensitivity, and/or sun sensitivity:
Almond extract, Allspice , Angelica , Arnica , Balm mint oil , Balsam, basil , Bergamot , Cinnamon , Citrus , Clove , Clover blossom , Cornstarch , Coriander oil , Cottonseed oil , Fennel , Fir needle , Geranium oil , Grapefruit , Horsetail , Lavender oil , Lemon , Lemon balm , Lemongrass , Lime , Marjoram , Oak bark , Papaya , Peppermint , Rose , Sage , Thyme , Witch hazel , Wintergreen ,
The label might say natural, but you could be buying a purely irritating product that might cause an allergic reaction. Simply saying a product is "natural" doesn't tell you anything about the efficacy of the ingredients in a product. Remember, poison ivy is natural too, and I can't imagine a fan of all-natural products applying that to their skin instead of a benign synthetic ingredient.
The notion that natural ingredients are better than synthetic ingredients is even more distressing, because it just isn't true. While vegetable or plant oils may sound better for the skin, varying forms of silicones (i.e., siloxanes, dimethicones, cyclomethicones) are just as beneficial and offer impressive benefits for the skin. But it's hard to glamorize and advertise a "synthetic,"
unnatural-sounding ingredient. Silicones show up in over 80% of all skin-care, makeup, and hair-care products you buy. Yet you rarely hear about them because the cosmetics companies think consumers won't find them as sexy or alluring as plants, or oxygen therapy, or cellular repair, or a thousand other marketing angles that have nothing to do with what really works for your skin. I'm not saying there aren't a large range of natural ingredients that are exceptional for the skin, because there are—lots and lots of them—but the idea that they are the "best" (or only) option for skin is just not reality. If you want to use products that contain helpful, non-irritating natural ingredients, what should you look for?
The following natural ingredients (though keep in mind the natural form and, at times, the function of these ingredients may be altered after they're treated and prepared for use in a cosmetic product) each have beneficial properties for skin, mostly by making dry skin look and feel better or functioning as antioxidants:
Alfalfa, Algae, Aloe, Andiroba oil, Apricot kernel oil, Artichoke extract, Avocado oil, Babassu oil , Bearberry extract , Beeswax , Black currant oil , Black elderberry , Black tea , Bladderwrack , Borage seed extract , Borage seed oil , Burdock root , Candelilla wax , Canola oil , Carnauba wax , Carrot extract and oil , Castor oil (all forms), Ceramides , Chamomile extracts , Cocoa butter , Coconut oil , Cornflower extract , Corn oil , Cranberry seed oil , Curcumin (tumeric) , Elderberry , Evening primrose oil , Flax extract and oil , Ginkgo biloba , Grape seed extract , Grape seed oil , Green tea , Hazelnut oil , Hemp seed oil , Honey , Horse chestnut extract , Hydrocotyl extract , Irish moss , Japan wax , Jojoba oil , Kaolin , Kelp , Kudzu root , Kukui nut oil , Lanolin (all forms) , Licorice extract and root , Linseed oil , Lotus seed extract , Macadamia nut oil , Magnesium, Mallow , Matricaria , Nettle , Oat extracts , Olive oil , Oryzanol , Ozokerite , Palm oil , Peanut oil , Pecan oil , Pine cone extract , Propolis , Pycnogenol , Rapeseed oil , Raspberry seed oil, Rice bran oil , Rose hip oil , Safflower oil , Sea whip extract , Seaweed , Sesame oil , Shea butter, Slippery elm bark , Soybean extract , Soybean oil , Sunflower oil , Sweet almond oil , Tea tree oil , Vanilla Planifolia , Walnut oil , Wheat germ glycerides and oil , Wheat Protein, Whey Protein , White tea , Willow bark , Willowherb (fireweed) extract , Yeast , Yucca extract,

organic cosmetics

Maybe she's born with it, or maybe she's just using organic cosmetics. In July, the Hain Celestial Group, a leading natural and organic products company, launched the first skincare line made from ethically sourced cocoa butter. Shoppers already know the company for its Earth's Best organic baby food and Soy Dream products, but its Queen Helene® Naturals skin cremes are the first-ever cosmetics to bear the Fair Trade Certified™ logo. Is the makeup counter poised to go green? Maybe. What's certain is the global cosmetics industry is enjoying an unprecedented boom and the organic market is the next frontier. In 2000, the U.S. market for natural and organic products was $190 million. In the years since, that figure has risen 67 percent, now topping $318 million. The success of niche retailers such as Whole Foods and Wild Oats has inspired larger retailers to get in on the organic and fair trade craze. You can now buy Fair Trade Starbucks coffee at Target and organic fertilizer at Home Depot. Wal-Mart has introduced Natural and Organic Bodycare Oasis displays into 366 of its North American stores. Organic lifestyle products now offer consumers more than a one-off chance to buy green. It's no longer just about hormone-free milk. Consumers are now looking for the organic imprint on everything from clothes to cars to cosmetics. "As consumers become more interested in what they're taking into their bodies, they've also become more interested in what they're applying topically to the body," Euromonitor International senior research analyst Virginia Lee recently told the Wall Street Journal. Sales growth in the beauty care industry topped 5 percent last year according to Euromonitor, a global market research firm that tracks statistics and trends in cosmetics. Demand for natural and organic products drove much of this growth. Skin care, the industry's largest sector, saw worldwide sales of over $60 billion in 2006. With all this money spent on organic and natural cosmetics, who is policing the industry? The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program allows companies to label cosmetics as organic if they meet the same criteria governing its organic certification of food. But the USDA has been criticized for allowing companies to greenwash their products by incorporating organic ingredients with little or no chemical function. The Food and Drug Administration is also powerless to enforce the rules. Its website notes: "[The] FDA does not have the resources or authority under the law for pre-market approval of cosmetic product labeling. It is the manufacturer's and/or distributor's responsibility to ensure that products are labeled properly." "Under federal law, companies can put virtually anything they wish into personal care products, and many of them do. Mercury, lead, and placenta extract—all of these and many other hazardous materials are in products that millions of Americans, including children, use every day. Mothers shouldn't have to worry about what is in the baby lotion they use," said Jane Houlihan, Vice President of Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization. EWG runs Skin Deep, an online cosmetics safety guide that tracks nearly 25,000 products for the presence of toxic chemicals. Published reports suggest that daily makeup wearers absorb up to five pounds of harmful chemicals a year. Bad publicity has led many companies to abandon the use of common chemical preservatives such as parabens. But the reluctance of the USDA and FDA to provide effective oversight of the organic cosmetic industry means that self-enforcement is likely to remain the order of the day. "We really need to start questioning the products we are putting on our skin and not just assume that the chemicals in them are safe," biochemist and organic advocate Richard Bence told the UK Telegraph recently. British fashion designer Stella McCartney's skincare line, Care, claims to be 100 percent organic and packaged in recyclable materials. (McCartney even encourages customers to send their empty containers back to be recycled.) Care moisturizers and cleansers bear the certification mark of Ecocert, a French organization accredited by the USDA to perform certification activities under the National Organic Program. They also verify the conformity of organic products to regulations in Europe and Japan and carry out inspections and certifications in more than 80 countries. In Germany, the trade federation BDIH has been enforcing comprehensive guidelines for certified natural cosmetics since 1996. The Queen Helene® Naturals skin creams are certified fair trade by TransFair USA, an independent, third-party certifier that seeks to guarantee fair market prices and fair wages for farmers and workers in the supply chain. In Japan, too, the popularity of organic beauty products has exploded in recent years. But Japanese cosmetics firms such as Shiseido, Kanebo, and SK-11 are seeking greener living through history, not chemistry. Drawing on traditional recipes, many firms are trotting out products featuring natural ingredients such as seaweed, rice bran, and ground adzuki beans. "Japanese culture has a constant need for innovation. As a nation we are always looking for something new, extreme and strange. At the moment, it's by reinventing ancient beauty practices by giving them a new high tech edge," Mikiko Ashkiri recently told the UK Daily Mail. Ashkiri is a Cambridge University research associate studying modern Japanese cosmetic practices. The Japanese ethos, while likely closer to the spirit of the organic movement, is not free of potentially controversial labeling issues. Some ingredients found in traditional Japanese recipes may prove less than appealing to Western consumers. Treatments that feature nightingale droppings and bull semen are likely to find new names when they reach shelves in the United States. (There is precedent for such name-switching. The widely used food dye cochineal is made from ground up beetles.) The international hodgepodge approach to organic certification and labeling clearly has limited effectiveness. And many cosmetic companies, whether in Japan or the West, knowingly make unverifiable claims about the provenance and potency of their products. An industry that doesn't mind marketing such dubious products as anti-aging and anti-cellulite creams seems prone to resist the imposition of uniform regulatory standards.

California Safe Cosmetics

What's inside your makeup bag? A shimmery lipstick, a full-proof foundation and a tube of black mascara? Now take a good, hard look at what's really inside your makeup bag. Read all the ingredients. Are the products you use every day safe? Last year, Americans spent about $50 billion on cosmetics and toiletries, according to Euromonitor International, a market research firm. While looking good isn't a crime, it is certainly a matter of concern when those products contain numerous ingredients that have never been tested for safety. "I think women are shocked when they find out that the products they put on their skin and lips aren't tested for toxics," says Julia Brody, Ph.D., executive director of the women's health-focused Silent Spring Institute. The United States Food & Drug Administration puts the onus on manufacturers to ensure their products are safe, stepping in only when enough consumers complain of adverse reactions, and the agency does not regulate terms used on cosmetic labels, such as "hypoallergenic," "all natural" or even "organic." While these undefined, misleading labels still remain an issue, state governments are working to hold cosmetic companies accountable for the ingredients they use. California has taken the lead in the safe cosmetics campaign, implementing the California Safe Cosmetics Act as of January 1st. The act requires cosmetic companies to tell state health authorities if a product contains any ingredient—including "trade secrets" and "proprietary" ingredients—listed on California's comprehensive Proposition 65 list of chemicals deemed carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Toxicology Program and those considered as reproductive toxins by the National Toxicology Program's Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. Proposition 65 includes the hormone disruptor di-butyl phthalate, a common ingredient in nail polish, and 1,4-dioxane, an EPA-designated probable human carcinogen that has been detected in trace amounts in shampoos, bubble baths and some cosmetics. Washington state legislators have introduced a similar bill, based on California's efforts, that if passed would go into effect January 2009. Later this year, the European Union will institute a policy called the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH), which will require cosmetics firms collect comprehensive data on the possible risks of the substances to human health and to the environment. It's too early to see if these pioneering efforts have yet benefited consumers nationwide, but Brody doesn't think that the bill's effects will be limited to Californians. "The California legislation has raised awareness among a lot of women that, right now, cosmetics aren't adequately regulated," she says. Until then, smart shoppers can enliven their spring makeup bags with an organic makeover, reading the fine print and avoiding The Green Guide's Dirty Dozen chemicals (download the Dirty Dozen Smart Shopper's Card) and undefined, unreliable labels (download our Non-Food Labels Smart Shopper's Card) commonly associated with cosmetics. To get you started, we've uncovered some of the safest and most stylish products around. Lips Who doesn't love a good lip balm or a sexy lipstick? But many lip products are petroleum-based, which depletes a non-renewable resource, and petrolatum can cause allergic reactions. Avoid potentially hormone-disrupting benzophenone compounds in lip products with SPF, and watch out for phenol, a common lip-balm ingredient that can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness and kidney and liver damage when absorbed or ingested in high concentrations, according to the EPA. Instead, create a safe—and sexy—pout with these: Perfect Organics Super Moisturizing Shea Butter Balm ($3.99) and Vegan Lip and Cheek Shimmers ($18.99; www.perfectorganics.com, 800-653-1078); Suncoat Natural Lip Shimmer ($8.99; www.suncoatproducts.com, 519-780-0149); Carol's Daughter Natural Shine for Lips ($6; www.carolsdaughter.com, 877-540-2101); Dr. Hauschka Novum Lipgloss ($16.95; www.drhauschka.com, 800-247-9907); Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick ($12.95) and Lipliners ($9; www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com, 800-497-6419); Earth's Beauty Sheer Lip Glaze ($11.95, www.earthsbeauty.com, 888-586-9719). Face Among the problematic ingredients in foundations, concealers, powders and blushes are paraben and formaldehyde-based preservatives. Both have been shown to irritate skin, and the known carcinogen formaldehyde, present in small amounts in preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15, can evaporate from liquid products. Synthetic fragrances, often used to mask the chemical odor of some products, may contain hormone-disrupting phthalates. Choose the following safer products:

Ingredients to Avoid Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects

The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka). These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal concerns about the possible long term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients. Ingredients to Avoid Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects Aluminum Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease. Found in almost all antiperspirants. Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin. Artificial colours FD&C, derived from coal tar. For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin. Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001). Benzoates Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate. Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks.Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001). Certain essential oils Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women. DEA, MEA, TEA Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001). Dibutyl phthalate Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study. Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age. Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000). Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients. Formaldehydes A preservative. Causes skin reactions. Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001). DMDM hydantoin Quaternium 15 Diazolidinylurea 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 3-diol Fragrances Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001). Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001). May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001). Genetically Modified Organisms Soy, Corn Effects still undetermined. Isopropyl Alcohol Drying agent, from petroleum. Keratolytic chemicals Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid. Corrosive, used in skin peels. Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage. Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001). Methylisothiazolinone Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001). Parabens Petroleum product. Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called 'natural' products. Parraffin Derived from petroleum. In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum. Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores. Propylene Glycol When derived from petroleum. Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems. Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003). Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients. Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001). Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001). Tallow Animal fat. Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant. Toluene Found in many nail products and nail polish removers. Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal. Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened. May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite. Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003). In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991). Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers the ingredients being internalized by the body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer, healthier alternatives especially when these products are composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It also indicates that the product is free from, or contains minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For instance, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. The organic make-up co. offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral pigments. Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term. We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.

Sensitive skin can make it difficult to maintain a healthy look

Sensitive skin can make it difficult to maintain a healthy look. Having this type of skin will cause you to eliminate strong lotions that may have the ability to help keep young looking skin. Dermatologists who have recognized this have also found ways to meet your needs, allowing you to keep your youthful look and to help your sensitive skin. Following are recommended sensitive skin care lotions for anti-aging. Sensitive skin care lotions work best when they have a particular amount of different ingredients in them. Typically, those with sensitive skin will need to have a type of cleansing cream that allows for some moisturizer, while taking away the problems with extra ingredients that cause reactions. This means that any lotion with too much oil or chemicals in it can cause problems. Instead, alternative solutions for moisture and extra support for anti-aging should be looked into. The first recommended skin care lotion for sensitive skin is from Neova. This particular lotion does not have as much grease in it. It is a combination of ingredients, mostly which includes copper combinations. It also includes vitamin E and squalene, which can help to initiate a support system for your skin cells. If you have sensitive and dry skin, this particular lotion is known to be a great way to stop aging. Another sensitive skin care lotion that is recommended for those who are trying to find the best is from the line of La Roche-Posay. This particular French line has an entire set of ingredients that is based on sensitive skin. You will want to look for the Toleraine line, which combines hydrating ingredients with what is needed to keep you looking young. The formula in this particular set of lotions is based around supporting sensitive skin without the side effects. If you want to take a more natural route, SkinCeuticals can help. This lotion does not have a particular type for sensitive skin; however, it stays recommended because of the natural ingredients that are used. Most likely, this will allow less of a reaction by your skin while giving the correct amount of moisture and skin rejuvenation. This combines vitamin E, algae, botanical extracts and soy isoflavines. Each of these is used in order to produce more healthy skin cells and to eliminate the cells that are causing aging. Another possible recommendation for skin care lotion is Kinerase. This has a variety of products, all which have been recommended according to skin types. Each of the different lines will have a different set of natural ingredients that are applied to the lotions, dependent on the focus of skin type. All of the above mentioned lotions have a variety of ingredients that depend on both natural and chemical mixtures. They are recommended for sensitive skin as products that will provide better support and anti-aging ingredients. The ability to find the right set of lotions for your skin type is as simple as looking at those which have been stamped for sensitive skin approval.

goji berry juice is probably one of the best fruits for anti-aging

While you may not have heard of it, goji berry juice is probably one of the best fruits for anti-aging that is available today. Known as lyceum barbarum, the goji berry is rapidly becoming a popular new herbal remedy. The goji berry has been used in traditional Asian medicine for a long time. In fact, it has probably been used for several millennia. Among non-Asians, the berry is not commonly used. In Asian medicine, it has been noted that the more goji berry a person consumes, the longer they live. While scientists don’t know much about goji berries yet, it is believed to have a strong impact on aging. It was probably somewhere in the Himalayas that the very first traditional healers discovered the amazing abilities of goji berries. These were the first people to share what they knew about goji berries and their potential to maximize a persons life expectancy with the other herbalists in India, China and Tibet. It was felt by the herbalists that the fruit of the goji vine imparted anti-aging properties. Herbalists from other areas of Asia took the vine home and grew the berries themselves. Today, you can find several types of goji berries that grow throughout the world. Now that the goji berries are more available, more people are discovering their healthful properties. Even so, it is the Himalayan variety of goji berry that are so potent. People that buy goji berries should consider what they are purchasing when they are picking out their goji berry product. Scientists have found four different polysaccharides, also called phytonutrients, in the pulp and skin of goji berries. These polysaccharides carry out the function of directing and carrying messages from one cell to another inside of the human body. Some herbal researchers call these polysaccharides “master molecules” because they appear to have the ability to control a lot of different bodily functions, including those of the immune system. When you buy goji berries from the Himalayas, they have very even levels of the different polysaccharides and are more dense in nutrients than the berries that are grown elsewhere in the world.

herbal skin care products

The cosmetics counter at your local department store probably stores several different types of herbal skin care products. These herbal products promise to do wonders for your body, depending on what you use, how you use it, as well as your body's current condition. What should you look for in the herbal products that you purchase? Here are a couple of products that are highly recommended even by some dermatologists. Cetaphil Cleanser: This is a product made up of natural oils that will help to clean your skin without the harmful reactions and conditions from chemical soaps. The ingredients are pure and your body's natural oils will not be removed. So, your skin will not get dried out. Face Toner: This product is designed to hydrate the skin. It has the Sea Buckthorn compound in it which helps to rejuvenate the skin cells. Also, there is Dead Sea Salt in the compound as well. This gives it an extra feature. It can not only wipe away the dull look of a winter face but it works as an anti aging product as well. Zia Natural Skincare, Gel: This product gets good reviews from users. But, it is recommended for those with an oily skin. It is a lightweight substance that has minimal oil in it. It will hold moisture in your skin without adding to the oils that you are already battling. It contains gotu kola, horsetail extract as well as algae. Its ability to balance the skin and to soothe it from blemishes is excellent. In order for any herbal skin care product to work, it needs to contain 100% natural products. Natural products work well in your body simply because your body is a lot more accepting of these rather than chemical products. But, with all of the many benefits available to you in herbal skin care products, your search for quality skin care is over.

algae skin care

This invention concerns a cosmetic cleansing and skin care preparation which is suitable in particular for oily skin, which often also has inflamed spots or areas, such as skin during puberty or skin exposed to particular environmental toxins. 2. The Prior Art A number of cosmetic preparations that have already been proposed or have come on the market are especially suitable for problem skin with excess oil and sebum secretion as well as inflamed spots or areas. European Patent No. 721,775 A describes a combination of (a) salicylic acid and/or an ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid and/or an ?-ketocarboxylic acid, (b) a glycerine monocarboxylate monoester and (c) optionally retinol or a retinol derivative. European Patent No. 728,474 A describes the use of a compound having at least one incompletely neutrlized sulfonic acid function as an anti-acne agent in the preparation of topical formulations. It is known from the journal Parfumerie und Kosmetik [Perfumery and Cosmetics], No. 12, 1997, pages 776-779 that phlorogine as a basic ingredient in a marine alga combats excess sebum in skin and hair. Japanese Patent No. 61-286,317-A, which is abstracted in Patent Abstracts of Japan 1987, volume 11, no. 150, describes the use of an aqueous extract of Glycyrriza glabra in bath preparations. Japanese Patent No. 6-256,140 A, which is abstracted in Patent Abstracts of Japan 1994, volume 18, no. 651, describes a combination of glycyrrhetic acid derivatives and a water-soluble UV absorbent as a skin care preparation. The effects that can be achieved with proposed formulations and preparations already available on the market are not always satisfactory, however. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of this invention is to provide new cosmetic cleansing and skin care preparations that are especially suitable for oily and inflamed skin, especially skin during puberty, and have a high efficacy. According to this invention, a cosmetic cleansing and skin care preparation containing 0.25 to 5 wt % of a combination consisting of the following ingredients is made available: 5 to 40 wt % of an extract of Laminaria saccharina alga; 10 to 60 wt % of a root extract of Lilium candidum; 10 to 50 wt % glycyrrhetic acid as a natural root extract of Glycyrriza glabra; and the preparation also contains 99.75 to 95 wt % cosmetic additives and vehicles, optionally in mixture with other active ingredients. It is known from research that an extract of Laminaria saccharina, for example, inhibits the lipase enzyme, a hydrolase which specifically cleaves triglycerides into glycerine and fatty acids, thereby preventing the formation of free fatty acids as well as prostaglandins. However, adding less than 0.8% of the extract yields less than 20% inhibition of lipase and therefore cannot be regarded as very effective. Therefore adding at least 1% of this extract has been proposed for effective inhibition of approximately 30% lipase. It has surprisingly been found that a combination of the above ingredients with a Laminaria saccharina content significantly less than 0.8 wt % achieves a sebostatic effect of approximately 30% or more, so this is an unforeseeable increase in effect (synergism). With the addition of 2% of the alga based on the total weight the preparation, approximately 80% lipase inhibition is achieved. This can be ascertained by fatty acid assays. Nor could it have been foreseen that the new preparation would not affect the endogenous microflora of healthy skin or that the full activity of the two other ingredients of the combination would be maintained completely. The root extract of Lilium candidum normally has a tonic and astringent effect, and in the present case it also contributes toward an increase in the sebostatic effect. Glycyrrhetic acid is known to promote wound healing and is effective against itchy skin, and previously it has also been used for allergic reactions, rough or chapped skin in face lotions and creams. In the present case it surprisingly also contributes toward increasing the sebostatic effect. As another active ingredient, the preparation may also advantageously (according to International Patent WO 96/17588) contain kaolin modified with spherical Tio2 or Sio2 particles with a particle size of <5 µm, where the spherical particles amount to 0.5 to 10 wt % of the kaolin mixture. The preparation thus has a very soft feel on skin while also having an anti-inflammatory effect.

Thallasso Therapy

At BLUE we believe the sea offers safe and effective answers for managing the overall health of our skin. Recent developments in science have served to help us better understand how algae and seawater work. Today we know that the cells of marine algae concentrate the minerals found in ocean water. This explains way adding seaweed extracts to skincare can amplify the benefits. Certain types of algae have been found to possess molecules similar to those of collagen, the substance that gives skin it's elasticity and firmness. Our skin care products are primarily based on the principles of Thallasso Therapy and the amazing similarities between the sea and the human body. Our labs have been devoted to studying the science of algae and skincare and are continually testing new methods to utilize the lessons we learn for the sea. We are committed to developing body and bath products that incorporate the benefits that can be obtained from nature. Although we import some of our ingredients from France, our products are made in America and manufactured from the finest natural ingredients. Don't be fooled by imitators or others using our good name without authorization. This is the site for authentic Blue Skincare. If you are looking for Blue Skincare, you have found the official site.

Herbal skin care

Time was, herbs were the only way we had to take care of our skin. As synthetic products came on the market, we gradually forgot the plant wisdom of our grandmothers. Now, herbs are all the rage in skin care products, but the commercial versions have drawbacks. Often, they're not really herbal at all, but just add scents or a little splash of essential oil to make them appear herbal. The "real" herbal ones are often only available in specialty stores. And both can be prohibitively expensive. So why not make your own? Here are some easy home recipes and ideas for my favorite herbal skin care products that you can make up quickly, easily--and cheaply! A quick note on ingredients Facial clay comes in many different varieties; look on the label to see which is best for your skin type. It is available at most natural food stores. If you can't find a source for it, or for any of the herbs and ingredients in this story, try MountainRoseHerbs.com, my favorite online retailer for good quality herbs and herbal supplies. They carry several kinds of facial clays, as well as bulk herbs, hydrosols and oils--including fabulous unrefined coconut oil. It's where I get my supplies. My favorite herbal skin scrub I've been using a scrub like this for nearly 30 years--when I remember to make it up! When I do, my skin is like a peach. This is really all you need to keep your skin clean. Do it once every 3 days or so, and the other days all you really need is warm water to clean your face. 1 part rolled oats 1 part dried lavender 1 part dried rose petals 1 part cornmeal 1 part sea salt 2 parts facial clay Rosemary essential oil Warm water or aloe vera juice/extract Pulverize the oats, lavender and rose petals in a food processor. Mix all dry ingredients together and keep them in an airtight jar. To use, take a small spoonfull of the scrub mix in the palm of one hand, add a drop of the rosemary essential oil, and mix into a paste with either warm water or aloe vera juice. Wet your face with warm water and gently scrub your skin with the paste in a circular motion with your fingertips. Leave on for a few minutes if you can, then rinse with warm water. My favorite herbal toner Witch hazel, widely available at drug stores, is cheap and effective as a toner. I've used it since girlhood and it's always been soothing to my skin. Hydrosols are also great toners. You've heard of rosewater or orange blossom water? Those are hydrosols. You can buy them or you can make your own simply by steeping the plant materials in hot water like a tea overnight and then straining. Good hydrosols include cucumber (a great use for peels and scraps), lavender, rosemary, chamomile and rose. Use one part plant material to one part water if fresh, one part plant material to two parts water if dried. Green tea can also be used as a toner. It's especially beneficial if you've overdone the whole tanning thing over the years. Just brew it strong and let it cool. My favorite herbal moisturizer My very favorite moisturizer is unrefined coconut oil, but my skin is quite dry. You may do better with aloe vera. Aloe vera is one of the best-known herbs for skin care, and rightly so. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns. It's extremely easy to grow as well, thriving in a pot on a sunny windowsill. Its extract is also widely available at drug stores if you don't want to grow your own. Just smooth it on. My favorite herbs for skin support Taking herbs internally will also help nourish and care for your skin. Liver tonics especially will help the skin. Milk thistle, dandelion root, yellow dock root and burdock root are particularly good for the liver, and will help support your skin in the process since often our skin tries to excrete toxins the liver is too stressed to handle. Whenever John's skin starts acting up I dose him with milk thistle and he improves. Drinking green tea will also help your skin. My favorite lifestyle recommendations By far the best thing you can do for good skin is to get enough sleep. We are all shorting ourselves all the time these days on good sleep. Let Jay Leno take care of himself--you go to bed! Make sure you get a good walk in daily. I have taken to getting on my treadmill upon rising, first thing, to get it out of the way. Eat well. Avoid white sugar, corn syrup and flour. Drink lots of water. And do what you can to de-stress your life; simplify. Easily said, I know! But the more you follow these recommendations, the better your skin will look and feel.