Natural Beauty health articles on how to improve your self image and appearance at home & workplace with beauty tips & self esteem for your improved self confidence about your appearance & presentation. Natural cures for better self Image & appearance health articles for your beauty tips & wellbeing including Natural Beauty Products. Fragrance – Is It Natural? & self image Fragrance Is It Natural
Natural Beauty & Self Image....95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. It has been estimated that more than 3000 different chemicals are used in fragrance production!.
Do these figures shock you? Yes, manufacturers are very clever – we see the packaging and the adverts showing flowers and nature, and we assume (as the manufacturer intends us to assume) that the fragrance in the product is derived from nature, but most fragrances are chemically derived.
They do not use essential oils because they are too expensive!.
They do use synthetic chemicals because they are cheap!.
We are exposed to perfume or fragrance throughout the day. We may not wear perfume ourselves, but our shampoo, soap, shower gel and cosmetics are likely to contain synthetic perfumes, unless we look at the label and shop carefully.
We encounter more smells in our household products – cleaners, washing powders, polish, air fresheners, etc. If we go out, we experience these smells on other people and in offices and stores.
Perfume mixes added to products are listed in the ingredients as ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ depending on the part of the world you live in. Even some products that appear to be unperfumed will contain synthetic perfumes in order to cover an unpleasant odour from one of the active ingredients, or to ensure that the product always smells the same.
The exact composition of these may vary over time even for the same product, as the manufacturer adjust the fragrance mix in relation to variations in the smell of the raw ingredients.
Even some essential oils are not entirely natural, as harsh chemicals may be used in their extraction process. Chemical solvents such as hexane and heptane are used to extract the maximum amount of oil from the plant, so it is important to buy good quality oils from a source you trust.
Allergies to fragrances are very common. The main organs affected are the skin and the respiratory system, but neurological damage has also been reported.
Some people feel that we should have a right to fragrance-free air as well as tobacco-smoke-free air. There are also concerns about the impact of synthetic chemicals on the environment, as they do not necessarily break down easily.
Of course, there is a role for fragrance. The power of aromatherapy oils to heal and lift the spirits is well documented, but the widespread use of synthetic fragrances should be seen as pollution of both our bodies and our environments.
About the Author: Jane Thurnell-Read is a writer and researcher on health, stress, allergies, happiness and alternative medicine. More of her writing can be viewed at http://www.healthandgoodness.com
“Man and Womens Fragrance - Looking for a fresh, new fragrance perfume? ”
Fragrances and perfumes emit beauty and allure.
Whether you're crazy about lily of the valley or happen to love lime, you'll discover a favorite fragrance - from floral to fruity - here.
There are several fragrance families to choose from. Go to a fragrance counter and ask a rep to help you discover these different families. There are seven basic fragrance types that all fragrances fit into while some will fit into more than one.They include single florals, floral bouquets, spicy, woodsy-mossy, oriental, fruity, and modern blends.
When purchasing a fragrance for yourself, it is best to go to the mall and actually try on the fragrance. And don't make up your mind after a few seconds. Walk around the mall for 20 minutes and allow the scent to develop. If you still like the scent after the twenty minutes, you have a keeper.
Fragrance oils may be used in place of the essential oils for a cheaper version. Cover your work area with a plastic sheet. Essential oils and fragrance oils may damage surfaces.
Choosing Fragrance and Perfume - Before You Buy Fragrance
While choosing fragrances, we are sure that you will want to create your own scents to suit your unique personality. Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment!
Top quality perfume oils contain no alcohol, no water, no chemical additives, no coloring or any other (obnoxious) ingredients. You can save a lot of money by applying just a tiny drop for a pleasing scent all day long.
Your long-lasting fragrance is enjoyable without repeated applications. A good fragrance formula should consist of 75% dilutants such as vodka, and 25% fragrances. Glycerin is a good fixative which can be added to formulas to help it retain its scents.
“Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics? ”
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).
Essential Oils: like Rosemary are 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.
Paraffin: 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 Company 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.
To view our products, please visit the Organic MakeUp website
References: Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London. Begoun, Paula, (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Beginnings Press, Seattle. Fairley, Josephine, (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London. www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000. www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, April 2003.
By Lori Stryker, B.Sc., B.H.Ec., B.Ed. http://www.organicmakeup.ca
About The Author: Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.
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