7 posts tagged “safe”

As promised in my article last week here is a rundown of 10 useful skincare and makeup safety tips to keep yourself from allergies, rections and damage to your skin.

1. Be sure to clean your hands and face before applying make-up or other cosmetics. Use clean towels, fresh organic cotton wool, as even cotton wool is bleached and treated!

2. Never share your make-up. Clean cosmetic brushes and applicators frequently, with soap and water and dry thoroughly.

3. If you want to test a product in a store, ask for a new, unused applicator and ask the salesperson to wipe the opening of the tester with alcohol. If you are buying online, see if a sample is available first, if not, only buy one product at a time so that you don’t get stuck with large expensive items.

4. Keep cosmetic containers tightly closed, except when being used. Keep containers free of dust and dirt. Keep organic products in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, and do not let water contaminate the inner contents of the product.

5. Do not use eye make-up if you have an eye infection, discard those products and use new ones when your infection is gone.

6. Discard products if the color changes or they develop an odor. This may mean the preservatives in the products are no longer able to fight bacteria or that the essential oils have lost their goodness

7. Invest some money in seeing a nutritionist, and having an allergy test done. Check out the following info to help you keep toxins at bay and to assess your daily toiletries.

8. Use organic and natural products within 6- 9mths of opening, if you have kept them really cool they may last longer. Do not buy organic or natural products in bulk as they go off.

9. Try scent free products as scent is a common allergen

10. In order to heal from an allergic reaction, propolis ointment (from beehives) such as one by Trevarno can act as a good healing agent instead of non beneficial petroleum jelly.

I hope these tips and suggestions come in handy, and keep you safe and looking fab. We stock a great selection of organic skincare and organic makeup at www.buyorganics.co.uk, so please cme buy and have a look.

Sonia

With all eyes on Jade Goody, many will not associate themselves at all with her experience, whilst others may find the idea of a young mother desperately trying to live up her last few days and sort out her children’s future a fearful prospect and one that, let’s face it, could happen to anyone of us.

As I look around I am finding increasing numbers of people being plagued by Cancers in various shapes or forms; it used to be people I didn’t know, now it’s friends and family, and as I have just prevented my daughter from taking the latest cervical cancer vaccine, I hope I’ve done the right thing by her.

Cancer is alarmingly common, with an estimated quarter of a million people being diagnosed with cancer each year - the figures are earth shattering. Now I’m not a doctor but part of me cannot help but think that this is a disease caused by our modern lifestyle. Stress, obesity, poor diet, poor lifestyle choices, age and alcohol all can be factors in the development of cancer. Evidence shows that the biggest problem people face is changing habits. Even if they know they have to change, or want to change, 8 out of 10 people would rather die than change their habits! With over 10,000 new synthetic chemicals in the Earth’s system in the last 10 years can we really be surprised that Cancers are not growing; with our stressful 21st Century lifestyles; with our food and air polluted, is it really that surprising that something’s come back to bite us!!

I am a firm believer that we should try and make things as natural as possible in our current synthetic lifestyles and help prevent illness in the future. I recently read a book called the Tao of Detox, fascinating book and in it the author points out that a grown man can carry something like 2lbs of sludge like residue in his bowels that resembles nothing organic at all. This is echoed by a friend’s experience who went for a colon cleanse treatment and found (sorry to be gross!) kernels of popcorn being cleansed from her system. She had not eaten popcorn in 3 years. So the amount of rubbish that lines our stomachs is not good for us, and it originates from poor eating and diet.

So here’s a plan to do your utmost to prevent Cancer naturally:-

• Turn towards a healthier diet of home cooked organic foods, raw foods, vegetables, fruit, organic staples, and as little artificial rubbish as possible. Make sure you’re only having organic dairy products, cut down on meats and eat as little processed food as possible.

• Regularly detox your body with a proper programme and ensure you are nutritionally armed with the right nutrients, probiotics and factors that lead to good health. Visit a nutritionist for the best advice. Just because you’re not ill, it doesn’t mean you’re healthy!

• Get rid of the multitude of chemicals that fill your house such as formaldehydes, triclosan, heavy duty detergents and bactericides. Ridding our environment of all germs is not healthy; it’s not good for us. The obsession with eradicating germs (good and bad) is the reason for MRSA and other super bugs! We need healthy bacteria in our environment to fight our daily fight for us. Switch to eco friendly cleaning products such as Bio-D.

• Throw your chemical laden toiletries and cosmetics in the bin. The multitude of chemicals we use in our daily routines lowers our immunity and creates more for a liver to detox. Switch to natural organic skincare products and cosmetics and makeup wherever possible.

• Respect your body clock and ensure that you are not overburdening your body.

Despite months of slathering on creams, protective serums, blocks and foundations to shield our skin from the harsh winter elements, all of us are no doubt desperate to get back to the fresh, sun-kissed glow that is now just a memory from last year’s summer holiday.

It’s not always about what you put onto your skin however – as we are all aware, most skincare products contain mind-bogglingly long lists of ingredients, many of which are synthetic and quite possibly harmful when absorbed into the skin and bloodstream, building up to cause allergies, irritancy and even disease.

Organic skincare is the perfect solution – and buyOrganics' range of carefully selected skincare products will set you up for the spring – sloughing off the winter and protecting new skin so you’re ready to face the world again! Two of buyOrganics’ ranges are perfect to ease this transformation – and expert advisors from both.Essential Care and Organic Apoteke have some great tips and advice as well.

Margaret Weeds of quality, affordable organic range Essential Care says, “The skin is the largest elimination organ of the body, so using chemical-free skincare products all year round will reduce toxic load, but in order to slough off the winter from our skins, improving sluggish circulations, focusing on exfoliation and extra moisturisation with vitamin-rich plant oil products will pay dividends.”

Margaret suggests using the Essential Care Tea Tree & Green Clay organic soap or their Honey & Oatmeal facial bar to gentle exfoliate the face, and to use a fine scrub mitt, brush or loofah with any of their soaps, for the rest of the body. Splash on cold water to boost circulation and close pores the natural way.

Cleanse with an Essential Care organic cleanser, followed by Rose Petal or Citrus Tonic to gently tone the skin without stripping or irritation. Says Margaret, “For a fantastic glow and vitamin boost I strongly recommend finishing with a couple of drops of Organic Superfruit Concentrate.”

Left with dry, flaky or chapped skin from the cold, wind and central heating? Essential Care’s Ultra Rich Balm is economical and multitasking, suitable for use anywhere on the body. For particularly badly cracked hands or heels, and even according to customer feedback, psoriasis, use their Calendula Balm.

If you aren’t fussed about the pennies, then luxury organic skin care range Organic Apoteke offers several products which are pure pampering heaven – indulge in one or two special organic skincare treats from the range in addition to your everyday cheaper products for perfect skin which won’t cost the earth.

Dr Nitasha Buldeo, creator of the Organic Apoteke range, also offers a simple and fun weekend detox plan to get the whole body, inside and out, ready to face the world again. As well as drinking plenty of water, avoiding dairy, fried foods, preservatives and carbonated drinks, she particularly recommends the following Organic Apoteke products for glowing, toxin-free skin: for the face, Active Face Cleanse Gel and Active Herbal Toner, moisturise with their Active Face Hydrating Gel and even have a go with the super cleansing Detox Face Mask. Use the Organic Apoteke Body Cleanse Gel and Body Hydrate Oil both in Sicilian Orange & Mandarin to cleanse and moisturise the body.

Put the Spring back into your skin now!

This is the question that rests on so many organic and natural shoppers minds, and takes hours to research; what are the ingredients, what preservatives are used, what’s the texture of the product, what certifications has it got? Am I going to like it, it’s a big investment and suppose I hate it? If it takes me that long to choose products for my site I can well understand the confusion, frustration and time it must take the day to day shopper to decide on the products that are best for them.

Endless hours analysing the small print, comparing the prices and product details - You’ve done the hit and miss orders, and been landed with products you hate! You’ve had the products that are good, but are looking for a change, or you simply want superior performance. Or you simply want to know if the products are genuine in their claims of being natural and pure. Where do you start?

If you’ve already launched yourself into natural shopping you’ll know that the shampoos, and creams all perform differently to regular high street products. You may have got the hang of a lot of the basics just through trial and error and you’ll already know that starting off with a real understanding of some fundamentals can make life a lot easier. We just thought we’d put together a quick checklist of things to consider. So sit back, grab a cup of herbal tea, and take stock of the variety with as little strain as possible, then take the decision about what might suit you best.

Herbal Potions compared with Scientific concoctions:

What grabs your fancy? A witch’s brew or laboratory test tube?

Two distinguishing features separate most natural and organic products. The traditional ones tend to be created on herbal lore, Earthbound organics, Raw Gaia, Eselle organics and Spiezia for instance, use time old recipes and blends based on ingredients that are known to have natural healing or beneficial properties for the skin and body, without the toxins but with all the benefits and time tested proof that they work. The newer breed of natural and organic skincare products such as Organic Apoteke for instance combine herbal lore with scientific research and cosmeceutical knowledge, this makes them similar in their placement on the market to top beauty houses, taking the preparation out of the kitchen and into the laboratory! Both lines are equally good.

Balms, Creams, Lotions and Oils

The consistency of a product can make a huge difference to whether you are going to like a product or not. We all have our preferences. What’s yours, rich and buttery, runny like hunny or creamy and dreamy?

Another key difference between many completely pure certified organic products and others that have additives lies in the formulation. 100% pure products tend to be balms or oils such as Eselle Organics, Spiezia organics etc. These don’t appeal to everyone as they are quite rich products, but if they do appeal to you, then you’ll find them packed full of rich nutrients and skin goodies that can really make a difference to your skin. They tend to be heavier and oilier and therefore aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Other people who prefer creams can go for the purest available which will still be slightly heavier such as Earthbound (beeswax based) and Raw Gaia (shea butter based). These formulations are all heavier because they do not contain any water hence bypassing the need for preservatives. The Shea butter and Coconut butter based products are mostly solid at room temperature and therefore need to be melted in your hand before being applied. The essential oils used in these products preserve them over time. Don’t be put off by their richness, as a little goes along way and after applying, any excess can be soaked off with a tissue.

Creams and Lotions that have a lighter feel to them inevitably have water as an additional ingredient. This makes it necessary to add a preservative. The majority of preservatives have an irritational element to them, so the Soil association for instance strictly limits their use. The popular ones that are accepted are Phenoxyethanol and Limonene the absence of a preservative could result in a more dangerous form of contamination from Nitrosamines which makes their presence necessary. Many of the newer organic products tend to be made in the form of these lighter applications such as essential care, Organic Apoteke and Miessence, although some lines have cleverly avoided even the accepted preservatives and used totally natural preservatives. Balms, oils, and heavy creams are better for normal/dry/ maturing skin types, whereas oilier skin types may do better with a lighter cream or lotion.

Biodynamics and Wildcrafted

Do you feel assured by knowing the ingredients are charged by Mother Nature or simply growing free range?

Products that contain Biodynamic ingredients contain ingredeints that have been grown in accordance with the lunar cycles and seasonal cycles that create the greatest benefit and achieve optimum results from the plants. May sound a little woo woo! But all of Weleda products are for instance bio dynamically based and therefore provide the benefit of optimum ingredients for health wellbeing and healing. Wildcrafted ingredients are taken from plants that have grown wild without the use of pesticides or herbicides such as Eyre Biobotanics.

Certifications and Ingredients to avoid

Do you need the security of a certificate or are you happy to check the ingredients and see there’s nothing really nasty in it, so its ok! Let's compare the standards.

Certifications can often make a product more expensive. That’s a fact. The common certifying bodies for products you will see being sold in the UK are Soil Association Standard (UK) , USDA (American), EcoCert (European), Organic Food Federation (UK), Australian organic, Demeter (Eurpoean), BDIH (German), Organic food Chain (Australian).

If you’re happy with going with a certificate then look out for the logos and verification that the product is certified. If you’re not too fussed about the certification but want to make sure it’s natural enough then check the products don’t contain any of the following:

AHAs – Alpha-hydroxy acids

(or ‘fruit acids’; incl. Glycolic acid and lactic acid) --

Why? Because it can penetrate the skin causing many reported adverse skin reactions in the US - May increase sensitivity to sunlight therefore increase photo-aging and risk of sun-related skin cancers

BHT

(butylated hydroxytoluene) - Preservative antioxidants

Why?

- Possible allergen

- Has been linked to possible behavioural effects, reproductive failures, not allowed in baby food

Fragrance

(Parfum, or Aroma.) Can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms.

Why?

May contain chemicals linked to cancer, damaging to the liver and kidneys and toxic to the nervous system.

Parabens

(Alkyl parahydroxy benzoates, or butyl/methyl/ ethyl/propyl/isobutyl paraben)

Why?

- Oestrogen mimics

- - Can penetrate the skin

Phthalates

(Dibutyl (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP), di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP))

Why?

risk to pregnant women and unborn children;

- DBP and DEHP on EU list of banned substances to be phased out by early 2005

- May disrupt hormones and cause birth defects

- Linked to asthma and allergic disease

P-Phenylenediamine

(PPD, or Para-phenylene-diamine)

Why?

Linked to cancer in workers

- - Linked to asthma and allergic disease.

- - Can penetrate skin.

- - Skin irritant

Triclosan

(5-chloro-2 (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-phenol) or Trade name – Microban

Why?

Bioaccumulative - builds up in fatty tissue and can’t be broken down properly.

has been found in human breast milk and fish

Dioxins (linked to cancer) are formed when it is manufactured, incinerated or exposed to sunlight.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

(Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

Why?

Skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant.

- May damage liver, lungs and immune system.

- Some evidence to suggest reproductive effects.

Toluene

(Toloul, methylbenzene)

Why?

Risk to women workers of spontaneous abortions

- Skin irritant

- Toxic to central nervous system, eyes, blood, liver, kidneys and skin.

Propylene glycol

(propan-1,2-diol)

Why?

Humectant - used to maintain moisture.

- Can cause contact dermatitis

- Linked to depression of the CNS (Central Nervous System)

Source: WEN Toxin Tour Factsheet

Also check out what WEN – Women’s Environmental Network has to say on the subject of toxins

http://www.wen.org.uk/cosmetics/facts.htm

Go onto their resources page for a good non bias heads up on what’s what in the cosmetics industry.

Here we are, half-way through organic fortnight and most people are thinking about their pockets instead of their health. During the credit crunch our pockets will be squeezed, our minds will be wrangled and our nerves may be shot, but it is the ideal time for creativity to flow.

The past shows us that during the hardest times, people become highly creative, which can mean cutting corners in all sorts of ways, but it doesn’t necessarily mean losing site of quality.

Food is the main expenditure. But this is where creativity is really needed. By being clever we can create several meals from a few bare essentials. For example buying an organic chicken will cost you £8 and can be roasted with the leftovers being curried, put in a sandwich, or a risotto and made into a soup too. Veggies can make several meals from one bag of lentils (about £1) – and with organic lentils only about 15 to 20 pence more than regular lentils, it’s worth paying that bit extra to ensure you and the planet is healthy. Lentils can be used in place of meat in Bolognese sauces, curries, soup, shepherd’s pie and mashed with potato and cheese and baked in the oven for a loaf which is delicious hot or cold.

The main thing is to avoid heavily packaged food, go for more seasonal local vegetables which are cheaper as they have done less travelling. Integrate more pulses and grains and vegetables into your diet, which is not only better on your health but also on your pocket too. Be creative with salads and as Jamie Oliver is campaigning – get Britain cooking again. Too much of our money goes into quick, easy, over processed and heavily packaged food. By going back to basics, we help ourselves, farmers, animals and wildlife. Clear a small space in your garden or even a window box for fresh salad leaves and herbs, tomatoes can be grown in windowsill pots and all these home grown foods are pure and healthy as you won’t be adding nasty pesticides yourself of course! Buying fruit and veg in the supermarket is cheaper if you go seasonal – Swedes are just appearing on the shelves and root vegetables such as parsnips and celeriac are delicious roasted, mashed or grated in salads and a little goes a long way, as well as upping your five-a-day of fruit & veg. Winter is the perfect time for making homemade soups out of just about any vegetables you can get your hands on – top tips for increasing the thickness and nutritional value at little cost is to add a tin of organic butter or kidney beans or chickpeas.

Following food is our household expenditure. By being economical on the energy we use, we can drastically reduce our energy bills. Simple measures are good for your pocket and the environment. Start with turning off all appliances at the plug when they are not in use, switch off lights in rooms when you leave them and switch to energy saving bulbs. Make sure you have thick curtains for the winter and seal up drafts. Walking around at home without the need for a sweater in the cooler months is a good indication that your heating is too high!

Buying natural and organic goods for the home is not always the expensive alternative we might think it is. Bio-D cleaning products are very economically priced so that you can get your home clean and still be chemical free. The products range from between about £1.50 and £4 and include laundry products, polish, cleaning sprays and window cleaner. When we think of all the allergies and illnesses that are triggered by household chemicals this switch is a simple cost effective one, and is particularly good for adults and children suffering from eczema and asthma.

Organic Bedding is obviously a high quality luxury bedding option, and you may be tempted to go for something cheaper in the sale to get you through the difficult times. But if you stop and think, the difficult times may only last 6 months or so and your mattress or bedding may be with you for years to come. If you have had to put off the purchase of a much needed quality mattress then last a bit longer with an organic mattress topper, buy one or two bamboo sheets instead of a whole set, that way you can build up your purchases slowly without compromising on quality.

Now life doesn’t stop just because of the credit crunch and one of the things that doesn’t get returned is the new baby. Babies are still born whether it’s convenient or not and they still need caring for with the safest products. Their health does not warrant being compromised. You still need to use reasonably priced quality skincare but it is possible to have healthy, organic skincare and beauty products on a budget such as Green People products which are concentrated and effective. We’ve got loads more tips coming your way on skincare and cosmetics in our beauty on a budget blog next week. Until then, remember that attitude is the key to whether you live in abundance or poverty.

Children these days, it seems, are all too keen to grow up quickly in so many ways, but one highly alarming and possibly health hazardous way in which young teenagers are hastening towards their adult years is through their use of personal care products. It is a horrifying fact that the majority of cosmetics, skin and hair care products on the market contain ingredients which are allergens, hormone disruptors and neurotoxins, and with children every day exposed to on average 27 different personal care products which have not been found safe (according to the Environmental Working Group), there is much to worry about. Puberty is a very challenging time for the growing body, hormonally, and it is at this precise time where the body is developing and changing at an exaggerated rate, that the less noxious substances entering the bloodstream through the skin, the better, particularly as this is the time where in particular girls, are trying out new personal care products and cosmetics on a regular basis.

Children’s skin is 30% thinner than adults, and does not reach maximum thickness until around age 20, so well after the teenage years when girls in particular but increasingly boys, experiment with all sorts of cosmetics and other products. Teenagers use these products in a bid to form a sense of identity, fit in with their peers and to toy with different “looks”, meaning that their use of potentially hazardous products is high. And even more worryingly, children are starting to try out cosmetics at an increasingly young age. A recent report found that 80% of 11-14 year olds wear lip colour – but did you think about the effects of lipstick ingestion? According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the average woman who wears make-up will EAT about 4 pounds (that’s 1.81 Kg) of lipstick during her lifetime via drinking, eating and kissing. Last year, several very popular lipsticks (including those by L’Oreal and Cover Girl) were found to contain levels of LEAD – linked to a range of unpleasant side effects – higher than the recommended limit set by the FDA.

Makeup is not the only area where less should definitely be more, particularly when it comes to growing children. A staggering 58% of girls regularly wear perfume by age 14, which seems crazy with fragrance one of the top five allergens in existence. “Tweenagers” (children aged between 9 and 16) are increasingly visiting spas and tanning salons, having makeover parties, and having treatments such as waxing, hair dyeing and nail extensions. Hair removal company Nair recently launched a product, Nair Pretty, aimed specifically at this target audience, and other cosmetic companies are cottoning onto the lucrative tween market, which is estimated at £82 billion worldwide. Most of these products contain suspect ingredients, even those formulated for children’s skins which are marked as being “gentle”, “non-irritating” and even dermatologist approved.

There are products available to buy which teens and tweens use, such as hair dyes and shampoos which can contain lead and petroleum by-products, and even placenta, which is added for its deep conditioning properties – however this substance is so chock full of hormones that it has been claimed is responsible for breast growth in toddlers! . But there is hope – apparently girls over 15 listen to their mothers and follow their example, often using the same brands and products they do.

We’re not suggesting that growing children and teenagers shouldn’t be able to experiment with beauty products and express their identities through their appearance – simply that all of us need to pay more attention to the ingredients in the products before slathering our bodies with nasty chemicals.

There are so many wonderful organic skincare products and organic cosmetics available which would be infinitely more suitable for teenagers! The good news is – they are all pure luxury for adults as well, and so you won’t have any trouble setting a good example by using them yourself! Here at buyOrganics we have picked what we feel to be the best of the best:

BUYORGANICS’ TOP RECOMMENDED ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

Lipgloss – Nvey Eco’s Lip Lustre – several colours including a Nude and two shimmers

Lipstick – Green People’s beautiful moisurising lipsticks contain organic coconut, cupuacu and jojoba oil

Foundation – Nvey Eco’s Organic Moisturising Liquid Foundation – perfect for young skin with a dewy finish and 100% organic ingredients

Loose powder – Miessence’s Organic Mineral Foundation Powder – beautiful light reflective powder which contains organic rose essential oil

Mascara – Miessence’s Organic Mascara in Pure Black gives luscious, thick – but toxin-free lashes!

Eyeshadow/Eyeliner – Nvey Eco’s eyeshadow singles and cake eyeliner contain chamomile and antioxidants and come in a range of colours

Blusher/Bronzer – Miessence’s organic mineral bronzing powders and blushers do not clog the pores and give a healthy colour which truly is healthy!

Cleanser – Miessence’s Purifying Facial Cleanser is ideal for teenage skin, soothing oily and problem skin naturally

Toner – Earthbound Organics Orange Blossom Water – wonderfully gentle for oily skin, this toner is simply pure organic orange blossom water!

Moisturiser – Miessence’s Purifying Organic Moisturiser is a light lotion with organic extracts of Echinacea, plantain, calendula, witch hazel, tea tree and lemon myrtle which soothe inflamed complexions without blocking pores

Shampoo/Conditioner – Green People’s range of organic shampoos are perfect for all the family – try their no scent or natural vitamin shampoo and conditioners for healthy hair that shines!

Hair Styling – Miessence’s Shape Natural Organic Styling Gel is great for boys and girls to style wet or dry hair – moisturising and nourishing the hair whilst providing medium hold

Body Wash – Ecosopia’s unscented hand and body wash is ideal for sensitive skins and can be used by all the family.

And especially for teenage boys …. starting to shave can be irritant and stressful to young boy’s skin – the perfect solution is Eselle Organics’ Razzmatazz Shave/Aftershave Oil – which can be used as a pre-shave softener as well as an aftershave treatment. It softens and protects the skin as well as containing healing and soothing properties.

All these organic skincare products are available at www.buyorganics.co.uk

Not only will these organic skincare products be kinder to your growing child’s body and overall health – but the companies producing them are all certified to the highest standards meaning their production and distribution methods are respectful of the environment as well as our own bodies, and are generally not tested on animals, with many containing no animal ingredients.

NVEY ECO ORGANIC MAKEUP – TOP SHADES AS CHOSEN BY TEENAGERS!

The Nvey Eco organic makeup range is perfect for teenagers as it contains no nasty additives, is 100% organic and not tested on animals – all considerations young girls experimenting with makeup for the first time should bear in mind. The top colours and products in this range were chosen by a poll of teenagers as the best for getting the look they wanted – and here they are:

Erase Concealer – Neutral & Medium

Mascara – Black

Cake eyeliner – Black

Lipstick – shades 370, 359 & 365

Eye Shadow – 150, 151, 152,155, 156, 159, 160, 165, 166 & 168

Powder Blush – 953, 955 & 957

Lip Gloss – Nude, Cristal & Amour Rose