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Warning! Skincreams Can Damage Your Skin
You just wouldn't believe what dangers lie in the most innocuous skin care products nowadays. These products are promoted as being extra kind to your skin, bring you a natural healthy look, but when you peer at what ingredients are inside them, it will bring more than a healthy glow to your cheeks if you use them.
I have created my own A-Z of horrors just to make you aware of what you shouldn't be applying to your delicate skin.
If you find any of the following ingredients listed as apt of your skin-care products then avoid them like the plague, or, if you already have them, consign them to the trash-can!
AHA's: Found in skin creams, exfoliators & peels. These little beauties actually cause skin damage, and despite what it says on the jar, they won't help you look younger - the AHA's will actually make your skin - and consequently you - age prematurely.
Aluminium salts : Found in antiperspirants. e.g. Aluminium hydroxychloride, Aluminium chlorohydrate, Aluminium sulphate, etc. Aluminium actually blocks your pores and has links to Alzheimer's Disease and breast cancer.
Aqueous cream : Most commonly prescribed for skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis & diaper rash. Aqueous cream is paraffin and water in suspension. It clogs the pores. (See Paraffin, and Mineral oil) Butyl/methyl parabens : This is a preservative in most products particularly antiperspirants. There are some links with breast cancer and it mildly mimics oestrogen, so it should be avoided in pregnancy. It can cause rashes and allergic reactions. Only seek out suppliers who do not use parabens in their products.
BHT : Butylated hydroxytoluene, is a fat preserver found in cosmetics, skin creams & petroleum products. BHT may be carcinogenic. (See Paraffin, Mineral Oil) Collagen: Found in most "luxury" skin creams. Collagen is often taken from young animals and is a Slaughterhouse by-product. Research shows links to certain diseases caused by mutant collagen genes and there is a possible link to BSE.
Dea - Diethanolamine, Mea - Monoethanolamine, Tea - Triethanolamine : Found in cosmetics hair & skincare, bubble bath, shower gel, soap & cleansers. Dea is highly carcinogenic, especially to kidney and liver. The Dea family are hormone disrupting chemicals and can cause allergic reactions, irritate the eyes and dry the hair and skin.
Euxyl K100: Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydroxytoluene: Found in soaps & perfume. These are severe skin irritants that can also affect the eyes and respiratory system. (Same as Kathon CG.)
Fragrance, Perfume/Parfum : Found in almost all products, even baby care. Usually petroleum based (see Petroleum, Vaseline) and are the most frequent cause of allergies. These are carcinogenic and toxic, causing headache, dizziness, rashes, skin discolouration, respiratory problems, coughing, vomiting, allergic skin irritation, multiple chemical sensitivity, hyperactivity, irritability and behavioural changes.
FD & C or D & C Colour: Made from coal tar this causes skin sensitivity & irritation. In extreme cases can cause depletion of oxygen in the body & even death. Carcinogenic.
Glycerine / Glycerin: Found in most beauty products & foodstuffs. Glycerine/ Glycerin is a slaughterhouse by-product, being made from from animal bones. Ther are possible links to BSE. You should only use products that are made from vegetable Glycerine which is a more expensive product. If your label just says "Glycerine' it will be from animal sources.
Isopropyl myristate, Iso-propylmyristate (Alcohol): Found in hair rinses, body rubs, hand cream, body lotions, aftershave, fragrances, cosmetics. Derived from Petroleum & found in Antifreeze. Even inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, flushing, nausea, depression, vomiting and coma. It dries skin and hair, creates cracks and fissures in the skin which encourages bacterial growth. ONE OUNCE INGESTED IS FATAL.
Kathon CG: Found in shampoos & hair care products, skin creams, ointments & cosmetics. This is a constituent of anti-freeze and wood preservative and can causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.
Lanolin: Found in many skin creams, hand & foot creams, cosmetics, hairspray, baby oils & nappy rash products. Lanolin can cause allergic contact dermatitis. As it is derived from sheep's wool it will likely be contaminated with pesticides from the sheep dip - including DDT. Mineral oil : Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lip balms, cosmetics.
BABY OIL IS 100% MINERAL OIL! This coats the skin like clingfilm and disrupts the skin's immune barrier as well as inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb moisture or nutrition. The inability to release toxins results in blocked pores, spots, acne & other skin disorders. Slows down skin function & cell development & therefore leads to premature ageing of skin. (See Paraffin)
Padimate - o (PABA) OR Octyl dimethyl : Found mainly in sunscreens. Similar to DEA. Sun's energy absorbed by the sunscreens is turned into free radicals, which may actually INCREASE the risk of skin cancer. Paraffin/Petroleum Petrolatum products: Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lip balms, cosmetics. This is also used as lubrication oil in sewing machines as well as in floor wax. This ingredient can slow or even prevent the absorption of vitamins in your body and also clogs the pores of your skin. Its use can promote acne, and it may be carcinogenic. (See Mineral Oil) This group of products can cause sensitivity to sunlight, and they strip natural oils from the skin, causing chapping, dryness and premature wrinkling.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Found in cleansers, skin creams & lotions. Caustic and carcinogenic, PEG strips skin's "Natural Moisture Factor", leaving the immune system vulnerable. Propylene Glycol (PG): Found in make-up, hair products, lotions, aftershave, deodorants, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. PG is also commonly found in antifreeze and brake fluid; it is highly toxic, causing brain, liver & kidney abnormalities.
PVP / VA Copolymer: Used in hair sprays. A petroleum based product. (See Petroleum / Vaseline)
Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulphate (SLS): Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioners, shower gel, Bubble bath, skin creams & lotions. This ingredient is very aggressive on the skin. It strips moisture and oils from skin and hair causing damage including cracking, inflammation, rashes, hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. Produces carcinogens and builds up in heart, liver, brain and eyes.
Spermataceti cetaceum: Found in "luxury" skin creams. This is obtained from the head of the sperm whale.
Silk Amino Acid: Found in shampoo, conditioner, skin creams, lotions & clothing. Silk Amino Acids is extracted from dead silk worms. Seek out suppliers who use Sea Silk, which is made from plant extracts
Talc: Found in baby powders, face powders, & body powders. Talc is a known carcinogen and a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. It can also lodge in the lungs causing respiratory disorders.
Tallow: Found in soaps, skin creams, lotions, hand & foot creams, lipsticks, cosmetics and candles. Tallow is made from beef fat and contains heavy metals and pesticides. There is a possible link to BSE.
Triclosan : Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, antiseptic soaps & skin washes, detergents, deodorants & cosmetics. Triclosan is extremely toxic and is used as a pesticide. This is not an environmentally-friendly ingredient and it can also disprupt the hormones in your body, as well as being supected as a carcinogen. It causes skin irritations and must not be swallowed as it can be toxic. Use of triclosan may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Urea & DMDM hydantoin: Found in all skin /hair / bodycare products, antiperspirants & nail polishes. Releases Formaldehyde, which irritates the respiratory system, causes skin reactions, palpitations, joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, asthma and cough, weakens the immune system and causes cancer .
Vaseline: Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lipbalms, cosmetics. Destroys vitamins, may be carcinogenic. Clogs the pores. (See Mineral Oil & Paraffin) Ethical suppliers don't use ANY of these things in their products and because they are safe and free of the nasties they are more effective at keeping the skin in tip top condition.
Always look for suppliers who believe in using the best, 100% natural ingredients, sourced from ethical suppliers, so that you benefit from the purest form of skin care that is not only effective and therapeutic but also enjoyable to use.
About the Author
Heart and Soul Skinare specialise in the development, production and sale of natural skin products, with ingredients sourced from 100% ethical and organic sources. Visit their website at http://www.heartandsoulskincare.com to see their vast renge of ethical products.
Body Waxing
Our bodies are covered with hair that grows in different cycles. Some may be dark and course, while others may be so fine that you can not see them visibly. There are many ways of removing the hair from various parts of your body and waxing is only one way.
Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes unwanted hair from the root. The new hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks depending on your hair growth and cycles. Almost any area of the body can be waxed and various types of waxing are available. Some must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. If waxing is done regularly for several years, permanent hair reduction may be achieved. The different types of waxing that can be performed are:
- Eyebrow waxing
- Bikini waxing
- Male Genital waxing
- Hollywood / Brazilian Waxing
- Leg waxing
- Arm/underarm waxing
- Abdomen waxing
- Back waxing
- Foot waxing
- Chest waxing
- Entire body wax
Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair. Another method utilizes hard wax (as opposed to strip wax). In this case, the wax is applied somewhat thickly and with no cloth or paper strips. The wax then hardens when it cools, thus allowing the easy removal by a technician without the aid of cloths. This waxing method is very beneficial to people who have sensitive skin.
Most parts of the body can be waxed, but other parts, not listed above are not given special consideration. Body parts you should never wax include inside the ears, nose, eyelashes, eyelids, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. These areas are of particular concern due to sensitive skin that can be severely damaged if waxed. Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed professional include the genitals and the nipples. The bikini zone, eyebrows and lip area are popular with the women for waxing.
Pros and Cons
There are many advantages of waxing compared to other forms of hair removal. It is an effective method to remove large amounts of hair at one time. This method is long-lasting. Hair in waxed areas will take between two to eight weeks to grow back. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit regrowth that is softer.
There are also many disadvantages to waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. Although the pain doesn‘t last long, it can be quite uncomfortable. Another drawback of waxing is the cost: waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetology, and it can be quite expensive. You can purchase do-it-yourself waxing supplies, but they may be difficult to use on yourself on some parts of your body. Hair removal is not permanent. When removed against the direction of hair growth, the wax strip can disturb the hair follicles, causing the hair to start growing in different directions. This could also cause the hair growth to be more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal more difficult. Fortunately, this risk is minimal if the waxing is performed properly. Another problem with waxing is that some people experience ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor bleeding. This is more likely to occur when waxing areas where the hair is thick, especially the first few times when the follicles are strongest. While usually impossible to eliminate, regular exfoliating can be reduce ingrown hairs, and applying an astringent or a mixture of astringent and oil (typically azulene or baby oil.
Bikini Waxing
A Regular Bikini Wax removes the hair outside the panty line. A Full Bikini Wax takes the sides of the bikini line deeper than a regular bikini wax, and can also include waxing some hair on top to make a more defined ‘triangle’ area, or trimming down the hair left shorter. A French Bikini Wax takes all hair off the in the front (except a small strip) and continues to right before the back. It doesn't take hair off from the back like a Brazilian.
Brazilian or Hollywood Waxing
The terms “Brazilian Waxing” and “Hollywood Waxing” are often used interchangeably to refer to hair removal in the genital area. Specifically the term “Brazilian Waxing” refers to partial genital hair removal, often leaving a strip of hair, whereas 'Hollywood Waxing' refers to total genital hair removal. The "Brazilian" differs from a regular bikini wax because hair is removed in the front, back and everything in between. Most of the time a "landing strip" is left in the front (which is a tiny strip of closely-shorn hair), but many clients have all the hair removed. Genital hair removal includes hair removal around the anus, perineum and vagina. Removal of the hair between the buttocks is called a "Hollywood" wax. Prices at Beauty Salons may range anywhere from $25 to $100 or more.
The hair has to be a certain length before it can be successfully waxed. It needs to be a quarter of an inch if it's fine, and a half inch if it's coarse. A down side is, you may experience red bumps or ingrown hairs, which are caused when hairs grow curled under the skin. As stated earlier you can avoid ingrown hairs with regular exfoliation and a scrub that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Treat existing ingrown hairs with an acid-based solution.
It is now common for men as well as women to ask for Brazilian Waxing, so bikini waxing is no longer gender-specific. The "Brazilian Wax" has most recently been in the press since the state of New Jersey announced in the spring of 2009 that it may ban "genital waxing" after a couple of residents were hospitalized with infections.
Male Body Waxing
Waxing services performed on men, or “Male Body Waxing” is hot! Many people think that waxing any part of the male body is only for homosexual men, yet this is not true. Heterosexual men as well as homosexual men utilize some type of body waxing service. Men are requesting Full Bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood Wax, but also a lot of entire body waxing, which extends from the neck down and everything in-between. However, when it comes to waxing a man's bikini area, it can be a very dangerous thing. There is the possibility of bruising them, rupturing blood vessels, or you can actually tear their genitals! Male body waxing is properly done by two people -- an experienced technician and the client (the client usually helps by holding the skin taunt). However, the popular area for male waxing is the back and chest.
Health Concerns
Some doctors do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation because they are more prone to infection. Users of Retin-A, Renova, Diferin or Isotretinoin are advised not to have waxing performed; these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed. Waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by rashes, moles, warts or pimples or on skin that is chapped, irritated or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to broken or peeling skin or varicose veins. A women's tolerance to pain may be different at various times of their menstrual cycle. Women may experience greater sensitivity to pain during the week before menstruation. For this reason, many experienced estheticians recommend that women schedule waxing appointments for the week after menstruation, when pain tolerance is generally at its highest. Waxing rips the hair out of the skin and often causes pain. The pain is more intense in areas such as the genitals, especially for people who haven't waxed before or who don't wax often. Redness and swelling also often occurs at the waxing site. Waxing in itself is a safe thing, but there are times when it is not safe to get waxed. When skin is sunburned it is not good to get a wax treatment. Waxing can also cause allergic reactions in some people. People with medical problems such as diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or weakened immune systems are advised not to get wax treatments at all.
About the Author
Mackenzie has salon experience in several areas. Having worked in a casino salon, independently owned salons, chain salons, and a barber shop, she has held three managerial positions. The previous owner of three salons one being home-based, Mackenzie has more than twenty years experience in the Beauty Salon industry. Retired now, she is a consultant for start-up Hair Salons. Much of her time is spent developing information products to help others in the industry. She continues to serve as a model for others.
For more valuable information visit Beauty Salon Secrets, Salon Creators and Beauty Salon Secrets Blog.
