Are you using all natural and organic skin care products with only safe and healthy ingredients yet? Or have you been struggling to find the healthy products and make the transition?
Here’s a program to help you focus on making the transition and actually doing it.
Now, having a goal isn’t enough to be successful at transitioning to using all healthy and safe cosmetics and skin care products. You need to know what products are safe to use and how to get them.
If you need help determining which products are safe and healthy to use, Dying To Look Good “Best Brands” has done all the leg work for you. Every one of the products listed in this program - from more than 20 different, prescreened companies - are guaranteed to be safe and healthy.
So, here you have a winning combination. Set your goals. Choose your pre-screened, safe and healthy products. And protect your health and that of your family.
Yours in health,
Christine H. Farlow, D.C.
The Ingredients Investigator
Protecting you from harmful ingredients www.dyingtolookgood.com
Finding the ingredients lists for natural skin care products
Beware of natural skin care product lines that don’t list all their ingredients on their website. If a skin care product line that claims to be natural or organic lists only “key” ingredients or only names a few natural or herbal ingredients, then it’s very likely that theyhave something to hide.
Most truly natural skin care companies, who really believe that all their ingredients are safe and healthy, will provide the complete ingredients list on their website.
At worst, at least until today, an e-mail to the company will generally get the ingredients list or a link to where it can be found.
However, I was sent on a wild goose chase yesterday and today when I tried to get the ingredients in the new “Pink Body” line by Victoria’s Secret. They claim the ingredients in their new skin care products are natural, organic and 100% vegan. If you try to locate the ingredients on their website, all you will find is two or three ingredients listed in a brief description of each product.
When I see a skin care company that claims such high standards for the ingredients in their supposedly natural and organic skin care products on top of alleging they are also “green,” I want to check them out!
Because I didn’t find complete ingredients lists on their website, I did the usual and sent them an e-mail. The response I got back mentioned the same few ingredients they list on their website and they directed me back to the website. When I replied and said I wanted the COMPLETE ingredients lists for their products, they sent me the phone number for the lab that does their MSDS’s (manufacturers safety data sheets). I called and spoke with a very helpful gentleman who then told me that the MSDS’s don’t contain ALL the ingredients in each product. He then gave me the corporate phone number for Victoria’s Secret and a lab that actually manufactures some of the products.
I wasn’t about to waste any more time trying to chase down all the ingredients in these supposedly organic, natural and vegan skin care products. If they put that much effort into making the ingredients unavailable to the consumer, I can only assume that they have something to hide.
Now it is up to Victoria’s Secret to come forward with full disclosure! I dare them!
In the meantime, make sure you can read the entire ingredients list and all the ingredients are safe for any skin care product you intend to buy. Dying To Look Good will help you decipher the safety of ingredients you find on the labels when you shop.
Nuvo Cosmetics all natural skin care - how natural are they?
NuvoCosmetics.com, located in Wisconsin, claims to be “a leading online retailer of quality natural skin care and cosmetic products manufactured in the European Union under Nuvo Cosmetics brand name.” According to the company website, their primary goal is “to offer consumers firsthand natural, environmentally- friendly, European skin care and cosmetic products.”
They claim to have “the highest quality blends of natural and pure ingredients that are good for you: essential oils, botanical extracts, powerful nutrients, vitamins, and vital antioxidants.”
Do they live up to all this, and are they really, as they say, “the essential step towards naturally beautiful skin?”
Let’s take a look at some of the ingredients in their products. While, it’s true that these products do contain some healthy ingredients like sweet almond oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, jojobaand wheat germ oil, most also contain some objectionable ingredients that I do not recommend.
The majority of these products contain phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol.
Phenoxyethanol is a naturally-occurring solvent that can be derived synthetically. It is an eye and skin irritant and can cause contact dermatitis. It is harmful if absorbed through the skin. There is evidence that it may cause neurotoxicity, immune system toxicity and endocrine disruption.
Benzyl alcohol is a synthetic ingredient, derived form petroleum or coal tar. It is an eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. There is strong evidence that it is toxic to the nervous system. It is classified as harmful by the European Union. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system.
Some of the other ingredients in the Nuvo products, that should be avoided, are
Kojic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Methylparaben
Laureth-7
Disodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
Benzalkonium Chloride
Parfum
DC Red #33
Trideceth-9
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Propylene Glycol
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed silk
Hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Despite their philosophy “to create high quality, natural European skin care products, using natural benefit rich botanicals for a flawless, beautiful skin” and incorporating, as they say, “the best of science, combined with the most effective ingredients the nature has to offer, and hundreds of years of knowledge to deliver gentle but effective skin care products,” their so-called all natural skin care products leave a bit to be desired.
Their website claims they “only use natural and/or organic ingredients,” however, the objectionable ingredients listed above are neither natural nor organic.
These are only some of the harmful ingredients in skin care products on the market today. Make sure you read the ingredients list on every product you buy to make sure the ingredients are safe. Dying To Look Good is a handy book you can take with you when you shop if you need help understanding the safety of the ingredients listed on the package.
You can also find truly natural and organic skin care products at DyingToLookGood.com.
Five natural skin care tips for a healthier body and glowing complexion in 2009.
1. Truly healthy skin is an inside job. Looking good on the outside is almost an impossibility if you’re unhealthy on the inside. Make sure you’re eating fresh whole foods every day and limiting, preferably eliminating, the processed and junk foods. For help with healthy eating, sign up for the free healthy eating e-course on HealthyEatingAdvisor.com. If you follow it step-by-step, it’s guaranteed to get you eating healthfully, easily and effortlessly. Best of all, you get to choose the healthy foods you like to eat and go at your own pace.
2. Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Whatever you put on it is feeding your body. A great deal of the ingredients in the products you use on your skin end up in your bloodstream. Not all skin care products labeled as natural really are. Make sure the products you use on your skin contain only ingredients that you want in your body. In other words, if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin. You can get help determining which ingredients are healthy and which are not from Dying To Look Good. Carry it with you when you shop so you can be sure to choose only the healthiest products for you.
3. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice daily. Depending on your skin type, you should exfoliate and use a mineral mask one or more times a week. For detailed instructions for your skin type, refer to previous posts on this blog #16-19.
5. Make sure you exercise at least four or five times a week, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, keep a positive attitude and have fun. Remember to smile at everyone you meet or pass on the street, especially those who look the least deserving. It might make someone’s day. And it’s good for your health too!
Follow these suggestions and you’ll be on your way to a healthier body with healthier skin and an overall healthier 2009.
Natural anti-aging skin care products you can make at home
If you’ve shopped for certified organic natural anti-aging skin care products, you’ve probably noticed that they’re a bit more costly than the mainstream, commercially produced skin care. Actually, it’s expected because organic, all natural skin care products are made from higher quality, unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients that cost the manufacturer quite a bit more.
Some of the best all natural anti-aging skin care products, like Sensatia Botanicals and Miessence, are made from ingredients that you can find right in your own kitchen.
Have you ever thought of making your own?
If you’ve considered it, but didn’t know where to start, or thought it too hard, now there is a resource to teach you how to make your own natural anti-aging skin care products in the comfort of your very own kitchen.
Naturally Skinsational provides you with simple recipes to make your own natural anti-aging skin care products from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
They’re simple, easy to understand and follow. You’ll feed your skin with fresh, all natural and organic rejuvenating ingredients. And you’ll save yourself amazing amounts of money in the process. Click here to find out more.
And if you decide that you prefer to buy your anti-aging skin care, you can rely on companies like Sensatia Botanicals and Miessence to provide you with the best all natural and organic anti-aging skin care.
New Natural Skin Care Standards – Prohibited Ingredients
The following ingredients are not allowed in the new natural skin care standards by the Natural Products Association:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Amodimethicone
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Butylene glycol
Carbomer
Ceteareth-20
Cetrimonium Chloride
Coco DEA
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
Cyclopentasiloxane
Diazolidinyl Urea
Dimethicone
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
EDTA
EthylHexylGlycerin
Glycereth-7 Cocoate
Isoceteth 20
Isopropyl Palmitate
Lauramide MEA
Lauryl DEA
Methoxycinnamate
Olefin Sulfonate
Oleyl Betaine
Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, etc.)
PEG-150 Distearate
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Polyquaternium 10
Propylene Glycol
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Lauryl Carboxylate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Sodium Myreth Sulfate
Sodium PCA or Na PCA (pyrrolidone carbonic acid)
Soyamidopropalkonium Chloride
Stearamidopropyl Dimethyl Amine
Also, natural skin care products are not permitted to contain ingredients that contain the following in their name:
“ethoxylate”
“PEG”
the suffix “-eth”
“sarcosinate”
“MEA”, “DEA” or “TEA”
“taurate”
“sultaine”
“Sulfosuccinate”
“PPG”
In addition, companies are not allowed to use these types of ingredients in their natural skin care products:
synthetic silicone compounds
petroleum derived ingredients including petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin
chemical sunscreens like avobenzone and oxybenzone
synthetic polymers, i.e. ingredients that contain PVP or acrylates in the ingredient name
preservatives that release formaldehyde, including DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone
This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other ingredients, not on this list, that are not allowed in natural skin care products.
There are a number of synthetic ingredients that are temporarily allowed in certified all natural skin care products. These are scheduled to be eliminated in 2010. They are:
preservatives that do not release formaldehyde and do not contain parabens
fragrances that do not contain phthalates and are not irritants
coco-betaine
quaternary ammonium compounds used in hair conditioners
It’s important to remember that the best natural skin care products may not be the ones certified by the Natural Products Association. Because of the high fees required to become certified, many small natural skin care companies may not be able to afford the certification, but may provide a superior natural skin care product.
Some of the best all natural skin care lines are found here.
Again, it all boils down to reading the labels and knowing which ingredients are safe and which are not.
There are a lot of anti-aging products on the market. Many claim to be natural. However, if you read the ingredients list you’ll find that a great many so-called natural skin care anti-aging products are far from natural.
Very popular among the highly marketed so called all natural anti-aging skin care products is the use of nano ingredients. This is a technology that is rapidly being integrated into many products, not only skin care.
The main issue you should be concerned with is the fact that these ingredients have not been adequately studied. No one knows the long term effects on your health from the absorption of nano ingredients. However it has been shown that nano sized titanium dioxide enters the cell and damages the DNA. This alone is good reason to avoid all skin care products, whether natural or not, that contain nano sized ingredients.
Here are three of my top picks for certified organic natural anti-aging skin care products …
Rejuvenessence Facial Serum rejuvenates tired and stressed skin with powerful healing ingredients like avocado, rosehips, calendula, jojoba and carrot. There are no synthetic chemicals, no petroleum derived ingredients and no contaminants – just organic, whole, nourishing ingredients to feed your skin and to regenerate and revitialize your complexion.
Firming Eye & Neck Serum decreases the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines and wrinkles. It moisturizes and tones with organic ingredients like rosehips, avocado oil, olive leaf, horsetail and nettle. It’s ultra concentrated with real food nutrition for the skin.
Ambrosia Essence is the ultimate skin rejuvenation treatment. It’s composed of powerful and effective herbs and flower extracts to tone, soothe and renew the skin. Tamanu nut oil, rosehips and neroli are just three of it’s eight potent and healing ingredients.
Rejuvenate and revitalize your skin with the best natural skin care anti-aging products that contain truly healthy and nourishing ingredients.
If you have dry or aging skin, you want to make sure that your organic all natural skin care products are gentle and do not dry your skin out even more. It’s very important to have a natural skin care routine that you follow every morning and evening to nurture your skin and keep it healthy.
The best natural skin care routine for dry and mature skin includes the following:
First, you should always cleanse to gently removing dead cells, perspiration and pollution. The best natural skin care cleansing products for dry and mature skin will also soften and freshen your skin as well. They’ll contain healing herbs and essential oils. You might even notice that most of the ingredients are actual food ingredients that you can eat.
Once a week, use an all naturalgentle skin care exfoliant designed for dry and mature skin. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cell build up and give your skin a glowing, healthy look.
Deep clean your skin once a week with an organic all natural skin care mineral mask, formulated for dry and mature skin. This will draw out the toxins from below the skin surface and help to tone your skin and promote a smooth and clear complexion. Make sure you condition and moisturize your skin after using the mask.
Use a natural skin care conditioner or toner every time you cleanse. Conditioning your skin revitalizes your complexion, nourishes your skin and provides a base to lock in the moisture.
Take good care of your skin with all natural skin care products with organic herbs and essential oils and not only will you look terrific, you’ll feel great about how you look!
If you have sensitive skin, you probably know the frustration of trying product after product, only to find that it irritates your skin or you have some kind of reaction to it. You may even have tried natural skin care products claiming to be mild, gentle and healing to sensitive skin… only to find that again you reacted to the product.
Many skin care products claiming to be all natural really aren’t natural at all. That’s because the word “natural” is not legally defined for skin care products and manufacturers can use “natural” to mean anything they want. Yes, it’s misleading, and that’s why it’s so important to be informed so you know how to identify truly natural skin care products.
My top recommendation for natural skin care products for sensitive skin is to choose skin care products that are certified organic, preferably to the USDA National Organic Program standards.
Once a week, use a gentle exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells and promote a glowing and wholesome skin tone.
Use a mineral mask, also once a week, to draw toxins from below the skin surface to refresh your skin and give it a clear and healthy complexion. Make sure you condition and moisturize after using the mask to prevent your skin from dehydrating.
Always use a skin conditioner or toner, made specially for sensitive skin, after cleansing to nourish your skin and provide a base to lock in the moisturizer.
Moisturize your skin to restore and repair damaged skin and protect against free radical damage and moisture loss.
The all natural and organic skin care products from Australia, by Miessence are my top pick for sensitive skin care. Follow the links below for more details and complete instructions on their use and how to get the greatest benefit from them.
If you use these products and still find that you are getting a reaction, then it is likely that you may need to look at your diet and improving your health.
Note: This is not intended to be medical advice. If you need medical advice, please see your doctor.
A proper natural skin care cleansing, conditioning and moisturizing regimen is essential for oily skin. Without the proper care, your pores may become blocked and you may develop blackheads and acne. While improper care of your face is not the only cause of acne, it can be a major contributing factor.
Cleansing with a good all natural facial skin care product is especially important for oily skin. I suggest choosing one that will leave your skin fresh and clean, without stripping out all the natural oils and drying it out. Your best choice is to use an organic, all natural skin care cleanser, specifically formulated for oily skin.
If your skin is clear, it’s also good to use an all natural and organic exfoliating scrub several times a week to remove the dead skin cells and promote a glowing, healthy looking complexion. Skip this step if you have blemished skin.
If you have acne, in addition to cleansing with the appropriate organic natural skin care products, it’s also important to use a mineral mask specially formulated for oily skin to draw out the toxins from deep within the skin. Used properly, this will help to clear your skin and give you a healthy complexion. Follow with a conditioner and moisturizer to prevent your skin from dehydrating.
Conditioning your skin should not only follow the use of a mineral mask, but it’s also important after cleansing. A top quality all natural skin care conditioner will nourish the skin and provide a base for the moisturizer.
Yes, even oily skin needs to be moisturized. Specially formulated, the best all natural skin care moisturizer will hydrate, purify, tone and help heal blemished skin. It provides protection against free radicals and moisture loss, which is a major cause of wrinkles!
The Miessence certified organic skin care products for oily skin are my top recommendation for a natural skin care program for oily skin. Click the links below for more information and detailed instructions on how to use the products.
