By Sara McCorquodale
Baby boys born to mothers exposed to hairspray may not have a higher risk of having a genital defect, the leader of an alarming study published this week has said.
Research revealed working regularly in an atmosphere where the styling product was used frequently while pregnant could lead to hypospadias, it was reported.
However, Professor Paul Elliot who commandeered the study has clarified the chemical they believed to be harmful to male foetuses has not been used in the product since 2005, due to amended European Union regulations.
The Imperial College scientist, along with his team, found evidence suggesting phthalates could lead to the condition which results in the urinary tract being positioned away from the tips of the glans of the penis.
In the study, 471 women who gave birth to babies with hypospadias between 1997 and 1998 were interviewed alongside a group of the same number who gave birth to children without the defect.
Approximately double in the former set revealed they had been exposed to hairspray during their pregnancy.
While the chemical thought to be harmful is not in the product anymore, Professor Elliot still advises pregnant women to stay away from the aerosol styler.
He said: “We need to understand more about the chemicals in this product. For that reason, I would still say it is probably wise for expectant mothers to minimise their exposure to the product, particularly in early pregnancy. It is just part of maintaining good health while pregnant.
The EU regulations mean the phthalates we have concerns about have been removed from the product but I still believe protection should be taken.”
Habia’s health and safety department advises managers of salons using hairspray to undertake risk assessments for pregnant staff on site.
Source: Professional Beauty 28 Nov
I need to get some Natural Hairspray Now!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Salon owners face jail if they continue selling Melanotan
By Sara McCorquodale
Salon owners who continue to sell an unlicensed tanning product could face two years in prison, a government watchdog has warned.
Following reports that injectable tan stimulator, Melanotan, is being retailed online and by salons and gyms across the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ordered vendors to remove the product from their shelves and websites. However, if they do not follow these instructions they could face a fine or worse. A spokesperson from the agency said: “If those selling the product continue we have the power under the Medicines Act to take action. We could prosecute them and they could end up spending two years in jail or receive an unlimited fine.”
The product contains a hormone that induces skin cells to produce more melanin but due to lack of research into its effects, Melanotan is currently unlicensed in the UK. The MHRA spokesperson said: “It shouldn’t be used because it has not gone through proper checks. We don’t know how safe it is, whether the manufacturer has good standards for production or even if it works.
She explained: "We don’t have any clinical data to show the short and long-term side effects. All we have is anecdotal evidence that the compound may increase the libido and therefore may raise the blood pressure. It also may suppress the appetite – we just don’t know. Very often the product is sold in powder form, which users need to mix with sterilised water, but this is prescription-only so we have serious safety concerns over this aspect of Melanotan too.”
Despite the negative press the Melanotan debacle has generated towards the tanning industry, Fake Bake owner Sandra McClumpha believes it will not do businesses selling legitimate products any harm. She said: “Something that is taken internally is potentially dangerous and has nothing to do with self-tanning products that are actually applied on the skin.
“No-one should inject themselves unless authorised by a doctor with anything, never mind a product not approved in this country. The salons that have been selling this illegal product should stop immediately. They have obviously been mis-informed but they have to realise the dangerous effects of this product and the damage that they can do to the reputation of their business.”
Source: Professional Beauty
We Say: Again more worrying links with your health, if you want a healthy tan, why not go for a natural self tanning lotion.
Salon owners who continue to sell an unlicensed tanning product could face two years in prison, a government watchdog has warned.
Following reports that injectable tan stimulator, Melanotan, is being retailed online and by salons and gyms across the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ordered vendors to remove the product from their shelves and websites. However, if they do not follow these instructions they could face a fine or worse. A spokesperson from the agency said: “If those selling the product continue we have the power under the Medicines Act to take action. We could prosecute them and they could end up spending two years in jail or receive an unlimited fine.”
The product contains a hormone that induces skin cells to produce more melanin but due to lack of research into its effects, Melanotan is currently unlicensed in the UK. The MHRA spokesperson said: “It shouldn’t be used because it has not gone through proper checks. We don’t know how safe it is, whether the manufacturer has good standards for production or even if it works.
She explained: "We don’t have any clinical data to show the short and long-term side effects. All we have is anecdotal evidence that the compound may increase the libido and therefore may raise the blood pressure. It also may suppress the appetite – we just don’t know. Very often the product is sold in powder form, which users need to mix with sterilised water, but this is prescription-only so we have serious safety concerns over this aspect of Melanotan too.”
Despite the negative press the Melanotan debacle has generated towards the tanning industry, Fake Bake owner Sandra McClumpha believes it will not do businesses selling legitimate products any harm. She said: “Something that is taken internally is potentially dangerous and has nothing to do with self-tanning products that are actually applied on the skin.
“No-one should inject themselves unless authorised by a doctor with anything, never mind a product not approved in this country. The salons that have been selling this illegal product should stop immediately. They have obviously been mis-informed but they have to realise the dangerous effects of this product and the damage that they can do to the reputation of their business.”
Source: Professional Beauty
We Say: Again more worrying links with your health, if you want a healthy tan, why not go for a natural self tanning lotion.
Industry backs nano-cosmetics
13 Nov 2008
By Sophie Blakemore
The beauty industry has defended the use of nanotechnology in the manufacture of cosmetics after its safety was called into question by a consumer watchdog.
A report published by Which? said “nano” particles were widely used in cosmetic products, such as anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreens, despite uncertainties about customer safety.Small Wonder? Nanotechnology and Cosmetics called for more research and tirals to be introduced, and for manufacturers to be obligated to clearly state which products use nano materials.
Nanotechnology manipulates atoms and molecules on a very small scale, more than 50,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, to enable them to take on new properties.Many brands were cited in the report for their use of nanotechnology, including Agera skincare, which uses it to deliver peptides into the skin.
But Dr Mervyn Patterson, medical director of Eden Aesthetics, which distributes Agera in the UK, said many cosmetics using nano materials were subjected to greater tests than the “crude techniques” other products went through. “Agera has spent a decade researching this technology and the nano materials used in its products are tested on human skin cells in the lab and then the final product itself is tested again to ensure safety. I really don’t know what the fuss is about – you can never say something is 100% reaction-free but we are confident in the safety and benefits of our products.”
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said the cosmetics industry took its legal responsibility to supply only safe products very seriously. “Each and every cosmetic product supplied in the EU must have a rigorous safety assessment... taking into account every aspect of its manufacture, including size,” a spokesman said. “We are disappointed that Which? feels the stringent EU rules surrounding the manufacture and safety assessment of cosmetics are somehow not robust.”
However, chief policy advisor at Which? Sue Davies said although many nanotechnology applications could lead to revolutionary developments in cosmetics, until safety checks were obligatory “the simple fact is we just don’t know enough. The government must introduce a compulsory reporting scheme for manufactured nano materials so we are all aware – and only those that are independently assessed as safe should be allowed to be used in cosmetics,” she said.
The CTPA said it was working with cosmetics companies, European trade associations and the regulatory authorities to ensure comprehensive regulation of all cosmetic products.
Source: Professional Beauty
We Say: It is clear that more tests are required to prove the safety of nano-cosmetics and we may never know the full extent of what effect they have, so why risk it, when there are so many great alternatives on the market.
http://www.lucyrose.biz/
By Sophie Blakemore
The beauty industry has defended the use of nanotechnology in the manufacture of cosmetics after its safety was called into question by a consumer watchdog.
A report published by Which? said “nano” particles were widely used in cosmetic products, such as anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreens, despite uncertainties about customer safety.Small Wonder? Nanotechnology and Cosmetics called for more research and tirals to be introduced, and for manufacturers to be obligated to clearly state which products use nano materials.
Nanotechnology manipulates atoms and molecules on a very small scale, more than 50,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, to enable them to take on new properties.Many brands were cited in the report for their use of nanotechnology, including Agera skincare, which uses it to deliver peptides into the skin.
But Dr Mervyn Patterson, medical director of Eden Aesthetics, which distributes Agera in the UK, said many cosmetics using nano materials were subjected to greater tests than the “crude techniques” other products went through. “Agera has spent a decade researching this technology and the nano materials used in its products are tested on human skin cells in the lab and then the final product itself is tested again to ensure safety. I really don’t know what the fuss is about – you can never say something is 100% reaction-free but we are confident in the safety and benefits of our products.”
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said the cosmetics industry took its legal responsibility to supply only safe products very seriously. “Each and every cosmetic product supplied in the EU must have a rigorous safety assessment... taking into account every aspect of its manufacture, including size,” a spokesman said. “We are disappointed that Which? feels the stringent EU rules surrounding the manufacture and safety assessment of cosmetics are somehow not robust.”
However, chief policy advisor at Which? Sue Davies said although many nanotechnology applications could lead to revolutionary developments in cosmetics, until safety checks were obligatory “the simple fact is we just don’t know enough. The government must introduce a compulsory reporting scheme for manufactured nano materials so we are all aware – and only those that are independently assessed as safe should be allowed to be used in cosmetics,” she said.
The CTPA said it was working with cosmetics companies, European trade associations and the regulatory authorities to ensure comprehensive regulation of all cosmetic products.
Source: Professional Beauty
We Say: It is clear that more tests are required to prove the safety of nano-cosmetics and we may never know the full extent of what effect they have, so why risk it, when there are so many great alternatives on the market.
http://www.lucyrose.biz/
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nano Particles In Cosmetics
Cosmetics companies are not taking sufficient steps to ensure cosmetic products containing nanoparticles are safe, according to the recent Which? report.
Of 67 firms approached, only eight submitted information on their use of nanotechnology. A common use of nanotechnology is in the addition of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles to sun screens. European experts have demanded more safety tests to investigate the effects of these on damaged skin, according to the Guardian.
Safety concerns over nanoparticles in cosmetics have already been raised by the Royal Society earlier. It called for independent safety assessments on all products containing nanoparticles. The society has also urged firms to declare their safety tests.
According to the chief policy advisor at Which?, the cosmetics industry needed to declare about how it was using nanotechnology. The government would have to introduce a compulsory reporting scheme for manufactured nanomaterials, and only those that were independently assessed as safe should be allowed to be used in cosmetics.
http://www.guardian.co.uk
17.11.2008
Of 67 firms approached, only eight submitted information on their use of nanotechnology. A common use of nanotechnology is in the addition of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles to sun screens. European experts have demanded more safety tests to investigate the effects of these on damaged skin, according to the Guardian.
Safety concerns over nanoparticles in cosmetics have already been raised by the Royal Society earlier. It called for independent safety assessments on all products containing nanoparticles. The society has also urged firms to declare their safety tests.
According to the chief policy advisor at Which?, the cosmetics industry needed to declare about how it was using nanotechnology. The government would have to introduce a compulsory reporting scheme for manufactured nanomaterials, and only those that were independently assessed as safe should be allowed to be used in cosmetics.
http://www.guardian.co.uk
17.11.2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Natural Sanitary Protection
Ladies, is your choice of sanitary protection affecting your health?
Whilst your period is an inevitable part of your life and not something you would choose to have each month, the sanitary protection you use is within your control. The unquestioned choice for the vast majority of women in the UK is to use either tampons or sanitary towels. In fact, we buy more than 3 billion disposable sanitary protection items each year, which are being flushed away adding to marine pollution or dumped in landfill sites. The environmental costs are clearly a concern, but have you considered how safe they are to use?
The main areas of concern are:
Dioxin is a potentially harmful byproduct of the chlorine bleaching process used in the wood pulp industry, which includes the manufacture of sanitary towels and tampons. Evidence is growing that even low levels of dioxin may be linked to breast cancer, cancer, endometriosis and immune system suppression.
Surfactants (additives used in tampons to increase absorbency) and fragrances may pose additional unnecessary health risks in feminine hygiene products.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare bacterial condition with up to 20 confirmed cases in Britain each year. Tampons (particularly high absorbency ones) may facilitate the infection because their use may cause lacerations and ulcerations of the vaginal wall. In fact half of all cases occur in menstruating women who are using high absorbency tampons.
However, there is another more modern form of sanitary protection that thousands of women all over the World are now choosing to use:
Femmecup® menstrual cup is a reusable alternative to tampons. It is a small bell shaped menstrual cup worn internally during your period. It is very soft and made from approved medical grade silicone. Unlike a tampon it collects the flow instead of absorbing it.
Femmecup contains no harmful chemicals, bleaches, fibres or perfumes and does not cause dryness.
One Femmecup lasts for years; produces no waste and saves you lots of money aswell.
Femmecup has never been linked with TSS and is discreet, comfortable and easy to use. It can be worn for up to 12 hours, overnight and whilst swimming and playing sports.
Find out more about the future of feminine hygiene at http://www.femmecup.com/
Whilst your period is an inevitable part of your life and not something you would choose to have each month, the sanitary protection you use is within your control. The unquestioned choice for the vast majority of women in the UK is to use either tampons or sanitary towels. In fact, we buy more than 3 billion disposable sanitary protection items each year, which are being flushed away adding to marine pollution or dumped in landfill sites. The environmental costs are clearly a concern, but have you considered how safe they are to use?
The main areas of concern are:
Dioxin is a potentially harmful byproduct of the chlorine bleaching process used in the wood pulp industry, which includes the manufacture of sanitary towels and tampons. Evidence is growing that even low levels of dioxin may be linked to breast cancer, cancer, endometriosis and immune system suppression.
Surfactants (additives used in tampons to increase absorbency) and fragrances may pose additional unnecessary health risks in feminine hygiene products.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare bacterial condition with up to 20 confirmed cases in Britain each year. Tampons (particularly high absorbency ones) may facilitate the infection because their use may cause lacerations and ulcerations of the vaginal wall. In fact half of all cases occur in menstruating women who are using high absorbency tampons.
However, there is another more modern form of sanitary protection that thousands of women all over the World are now choosing to use:
Femmecup® menstrual cup is a reusable alternative to tampons. It is a small bell shaped menstrual cup worn internally during your period. It is very soft and made from approved medical grade silicone. Unlike a tampon it collects the flow instead of absorbing it.
Femmecup contains no harmful chemicals, bleaches, fibres or perfumes and does not cause dryness.
One Femmecup lasts for years; produces no waste and saves you lots of money aswell.
Femmecup has never been linked with TSS and is discreet, comfortable and easy to use. It can be worn for up to 12 hours, overnight and whilst swimming and playing sports.
Find out more about the future of feminine hygiene at http://www.femmecup.com/
Friday, August 01, 2008
Behind the Label: Lynx Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant
Whether you regularly use a stick, solid or spray anti-perspirant/deodorant, the chances are that it contains a cocktail of chemicals that can lead to mental decline, migraine, and breast cancer.
Through clever marketing Lynx anti-perspirant/deodorant promises much more than dry, sweet smelling pits. On the long-held advertising premise that you can sell anything to a man if you can link it to sex or sport, this product promises amazing success in both areas.
Lynx was first launched as a men’s body spray in 1985 and the range has since expanded to include anti-perspirant/deodorants, shower gels, hair care and skincare. The brand maintains pole position in the marketplace by reinventing itself each year with a new fragrance variant and new advertising celebrating the urban legend known as the ‘Lynx effect’.
The concept of the Lynx effect – underarm dryness and a date on Saturday night – has proved very seductive, especially among younger men. This is all the more amazing considering that underneath it all Lynx is a fairly bog standard anti-perspirant/deodorant. While antiperspirants don’t usually contain the laundry list of ingredients that other toiletries (such as shampoos) do, the few ingredients they do contain are worrying and include neurotoxic solvents, toxic metals and potential carcinogens.
Lynx is produced by Lever Fabergé, the UK arm of consumer goods giant Unilever. In the UK deodorants and body sprays are now worth over £400 million a year in total sales. Lever Fabergé’s share of the deodorants and body sprays market stands at a whopping 54 per cent – over three times greater than its nearest competitor. Sales of Lynx make up the greater proportion of this along with Impulse, Sure and Vaseline Intensive Care.
Today Lynx is the UK’s biggest male toiletries brand, accounting for around 35 per cent of all male toiletries sold in this country. It is used by 60 per cent of all boys aged 16 or under. Indeed, half of all users are under 24 and a further quarter are aged 25 to 44. Lynx, which is known in other countries as AXE, can also claim to be the world’s biggest selling men’s deodorant.
Ingredients:
Butane, Isobutane and Propane: Propellants.
Health effects: Headache; breathing difficulties; mood swings; nausea, vomiting, dizziness; symptoms of drunkenness; high doses can cause convulsions and coma; symptoms of mild frostbite (numbness, prickling and itching under the arm) are also possible. These highly flammable volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are popular with solvent abusers (note the warning on the can) because they produce a quick ‘high’ – however they can also produce quick death. VOCs also accumulate in human breast milk. While these particular propellants don’t destroy the earth’s ozone shield, they do contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, or smog, which can cause serious breathing problems.
Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY. Aluminium chlorohydrate: Clogs pores to prevent sweat leaking through.
Health Effects: Skin irritation; mental decline. Aluminium is absorbed through the skin and there is evidence that a lifetime’s use of aluminium-containing deodorants may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Can cause cancer - In women, a combination of underarm shaving and aluminium containing deodorants has been linked to breast cancer. Aluminium salts are also linked to an increase in male breast cancer. This may be because they damage the DNA of breast cells and have a potential hormone disrupting effect. Spray formulations mean you inhale, as well as absorb these compounds. Inhaled aluminium has fairly direct access to the brain via the nasal passages and chronic occupational exposure has been associated with preclinical signs of Alzheimer’s.
14 butyl ether: Preservative, solvent, antibacterial.
Health effects: Skin irritant, neurotoxin. PPG-14 butyl ether is a relative of propylene glycol and potentially toxic to the kidneys and liver. In the US it is a pesticide component used in sprays to protect animals from flies, gnats and mosquitoes. It is poisonous in high concentrations and can enhance the skin penetration of other more toxic chemicals.
Alcohol: Emollient, moisturiser, stabiliser.
Health effects: can cause allergies or contact dermatitis.
BHT – butylated hydroxytoluene: Antioxidant.
Health Effects: Contact allergies/contact dermatitis. Cancer suspect. May cause reproductive defects. Once absorbed, BHT can accelerate the breakdown of vital nutrients such as vitamin D (which maintains immunity and healthy bones and teeth).
Parfum (Synthetic): Body odour mask.
Health effects: Skin irritation, allergic reaction; breathing difficulties (including asthma); headache (including migraine; dizziness, nausea. ‘Parfum’ is a collective name given to hundreds of different chemicals used to produce a fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries. Many of these chemicals are persistent (ie, they don’t break down in the environment and they accumulate in human tissue and breastmilk). Of the top 20 most common perfume ingredients, four – acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methylene chloride – are classified as hazardous waste by the EPA. Other commonly-used chemicals in perfume include propylene glycol (see PPG-14 above); cyclohexanol, a central nervous system depressant; linalool, which can provoke depression, loss of equilibrium and respiratory disturbances; methyl ethyl ketone, toxic to liver and kidneys, irritating to eyes, nose, and throat; and formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Spray formulations mean you – and those around you – inhale more of these toxic chemicals.
Distearate: Moisturiser, emulsifier, emollient and antioxidant. Adding PEG to a product will prevent moisture loss during storage. The lower the number the more liquid the product is.
Health effects: cancer – Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds can be contaminated with various carcinogens, including ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane and polycyclic aromatic compounds (including benzene, benz(a)pyrene, DMBA, and 1-nitropyrene) – potential breast cancer triggers. Neurotoxic - PEGs can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic, which are toxic to the central nervous system.
(Source: Ecologist - Pat Thomas)
To find organic and natural deodorant alternatives free from these toxi chemicals click here
Through clever marketing Lynx anti-perspirant/deodorant promises much more than dry, sweet smelling pits. On the long-held advertising premise that you can sell anything to a man if you can link it to sex or sport, this product promises amazing success in both areas.
Lynx was first launched as a men’s body spray in 1985 and the range has since expanded to include anti-perspirant/deodorants, shower gels, hair care and skincare. The brand maintains pole position in the marketplace by reinventing itself each year with a new fragrance variant and new advertising celebrating the urban legend known as the ‘Lynx effect’.
The concept of the Lynx effect – underarm dryness and a date on Saturday night – has proved very seductive, especially among younger men. This is all the more amazing considering that underneath it all Lynx is a fairly bog standard anti-perspirant/deodorant. While antiperspirants don’t usually contain the laundry list of ingredients that other toiletries (such as shampoos) do, the few ingredients they do contain are worrying and include neurotoxic solvents, toxic metals and potential carcinogens.
Lynx is produced by Lever Fabergé, the UK arm of consumer goods giant Unilever. In the UK deodorants and body sprays are now worth over £400 million a year in total sales. Lever Fabergé’s share of the deodorants and body sprays market stands at a whopping 54 per cent – over three times greater than its nearest competitor. Sales of Lynx make up the greater proportion of this along with Impulse, Sure and Vaseline Intensive Care.
Today Lynx is the UK’s biggest male toiletries brand, accounting for around 35 per cent of all male toiletries sold in this country. It is used by 60 per cent of all boys aged 16 or under. Indeed, half of all users are under 24 and a further quarter are aged 25 to 44. Lynx, which is known in other countries as AXE, can also claim to be the world’s biggest selling men’s deodorant.
Ingredients:
Butane, Isobutane and Propane: Propellants.
Health effects: Headache; breathing difficulties; mood swings; nausea, vomiting, dizziness; symptoms of drunkenness; high doses can cause convulsions and coma; symptoms of mild frostbite (numbness, prickling and itching under the arm) are also possible. These highly flammable volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are popular with solvent abusers (note the warning on the can) because they produce a quick ‘high’ – however they can also produce quick death. VOCs also accumulate in human breast milk. While these particular propellants don’t destroy the earth’s ozone shield, they do contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, or smog, which can cause serious breathing problems.
Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY. Aluminium chlorohydrate: Clogs pores to prevent sweat leaking through.
Health Effects: Skin irritation; mental decline. Aluminium is absorbed through the skin and there is evidence that a lifetime’s use of aluminium-containing deodorants may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Can cause cancer - In women, a combination of underarm shaving and aluminium containing deodorants has been linked to breast cancer. Aluminium salts are also linked to an increase in male breast cancer. This may be because they damage the DNA of breast cells and have a potential hormone disrupting effect. Spray formulations mean you inhale, as well as absorb these compounds. Inhaled aluminium has fairly direct access to the brain via the nasal passages and chronic occupational exposure has been associated with preclinical signs of Alzheimer’s.
14 butyl ether: Preservative, solvent, antibacterial.
Health effects: Skin irritant, neurotoxin. PPG-14 butyl ether is a relative of propylene glycol and potentially toxic to the kidneys and liver. In the US it is a pesticide component used in sprays to protect animals from flies, gnats and mosquitoes. It is poisonous in high concentrations and can enhance the skin penetration of other more toxic chemicals.
Alcohol: Emollient, moisturiser, stabiliser.
Health effects: can cause allergies or contact dermatitis.
BHT – butylated hydroxytoluene: Antioxidant.
Health Effects: Contact allergies/contact dermatitis. Cancer suspect. May cause reproductive defects. Once absorbed, BHT can accelerate the breakdown of vital nutrients such as vitamin D (which maintains immunity and healthy bones and teeth).
Parfum (Synthetic): Body odour mask.
Health effects: Skin irritation, allergic reaction; breathing difficulties (including asthma); headache (including migraine; dizziness, nausea. ‘Parfum’ is a collective name given to hundreds of different chemicals used to produce a fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries. Many of these chemicals are persistent (ie, they don’t break down in the environment and they accumulate in human tissue and breastmilk). Of the top 20 most common perfume ingredients, four – acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methylene chloride – are classified as hazardous waste by the EPA. Other commonly-used chemicals in perfume include propylene glycol (see PPG-14 above); cyclohexanol, a central nervous system depressant; linalool, which can provoke depression, loss of equilibrium and respiratory disturbances; methyl ethyl ketone, toxic to liver and kidneys, irritating to eyes, nose, and throat; and formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Spray formulations mean you – and those around you – inhale more of these toxic chemicals.
Distearate: Moisturiser, emulsifier, emollient and antioxidant. Adding PEG to a product will prevent moisture loss during storage. The lower the number the more liquid the product is.
Health effects: cancer – Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds can be contaminated with various carcinogens, including ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane and polycyclic aromatic compounds (including benzene, benz(a)pyrene, DMBA, and 1-nitropyrene) – potential breast cancer triggers. Neurotoxic - PEGs can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic, which are toxic to the central nervous system.
(Source: Ecologist - Pat Thomas)
To find organic and natural deodorant alternatives free from these toxi chemicals click here
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Summer Sun Protection
Choosing the Right SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun's harmful UVB rays.
The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in factors from 2-60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF of 50 only provides 1-2% more protection than an SPF30.
UVA and UVB Protection
The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun. However, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer.UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Choose a product that has states "UVA/UVB" protection or has "broad spectrum" protectant.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant
If you are looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or "water resistant"."Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes, while "water resistant" provides only 40 minutes of protection.
Visit http://www.lucyrose.biz/organic--natural-suncare-32-c.asp for a great selection of effective natural sun care.
SourceU. S. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet June 27, 2000; Sunscreens, Tanning Products, and Sun Safety
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun's harmful UVB rays.
The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in factors from 2-60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF of 50 only provides 1-2% more protection than an SPF30.
UVA and UVB Protection
The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun. However, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer.UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Choose a product that has states "UVA/UVB" protection or has "broad spectrum" protectant.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant
If you are looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or "water resistant"."Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes, while "water resistant" provides only 40 minutes of protection.
Visit http://www.lucyrose.biz/organic--natural-suncare-32-c.asp for a great selection of effective natural sun care.
SourceU. S. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet June 27, 2000; Sunscreens, Tanning Products, and Sun Safety
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Story of Stuff
Hi all,
This 20 minute video by Annie Leonard is very interesting and sums up alot of things at the moment.
What is Story of Stuff?
From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view.
The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.
The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
Annie Leonard
View Here
This 20 minute video by Annie Leonard is very interesting and sums up alot of things at the moment.
What is Story of Stuff?
From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view.
The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.
The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
Annie Leonard
View Here
Friday, April 11, 2008
Many Babies Exposed to Chemicals
Evidence of phthalates found in urine after using shampoo, lotion and powder, study shows
By Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Feb. 4 (HealthDay News) -- More than 80 percent of infants tested in a new study had been exposed to a potentially harmful group of chemicals known as phthalates.
Exactly what this means in terms of infant health isn't yet clear, however. Some animal studies have found these substances to be harmful to development, and one study on human infants found an association between exposure to a particular phthalate and male reproductive problems.
Because the exact effects on the developing body aren't known, the researchers suggest limiting the use of products that contain these chemicals in infants as much as possible. Baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder were all linked to phthalate exposure in the study.
"Right now, we still don't know the true long-term effects," said study author Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, an acting assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Washington , Seattle . But, she added, it's probably a good idea to "decrease the amounts of products used, especially in newborns."
Phthalates are a group of widely used chemicals that make plastic softer and help stabilize fragrance in personal care products. These chemicals are found in children's toys, infant care products, cosmetics, food packaging, vinyl flooring, blood storage containers and more, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Exposure to phthalates occurs when you use a product containing them, from breathing household dust containing phthalates, from medical treatments like dialysis that use products with phthalates, and from living near a manufacturing facility that uses phthalates, according to the CDC.
Phthalates are banned from use in personal care products and in some toys in Europe .
For the current study, the researchers looked for nine different metabolites of phthalates in the urine of 163 infants born between 2000 and 2005. The reason they had to look for evidence of phthalate exposure in the urine is that it's difficult to measure exposure any other way because manufacturers aren't required to disclose all phthalates in their products.
"Right now, manufacturers aren't required to label them, so it's difficult to know if you're using a product with phthalates," explained Sathyanarayana.
Most of the infants studied -- 81 percent -- had detectable levels of phthalate metabolites. Because the researchers also asked the parents about which products had been used on the babies, they were also able to see an association between higher levels of phthalate metabolites and the use of baby shampoo, lotion and powder. Diaper creams and baby wipes didn't appear to increase the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, according to Sathyanarayana.
Findings from the study are published in the February issue of Pediatrics.
"We believe that there is potential value in the study of metabolized phthalates. But we take great exception to any effort to draw unfounded conclusions that suggest human health risks are associated with the mere presence of very low levels of metabolized phthalates in urine," Marian Stanley, manager of the Phthalates Esters Panel of the American Chemistry Council, a plastics industry trade group, said in a statement.
"With phthalates in particular, there's good research in multiple animal studies that these compounds can be harmful. It's interesting that industry is willing to accept animal studies to introduce new medication, but when something is found to be harmful, industry says, 'Well, those studies were just done on rats,' " said Dr. Jonathan Weinkle, a physician at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh's Cancer Institute's Center for Environmental Oncology.
"If animals are useful models for things that are helpful, it's because their bodies are similar enough to ours. Animal models should be reliable for good and bad."
Both Weinkle and Sathyanarayana said that dose makes a difference. The greater the exposure, the greater potential for harm, which is why they recommend limiting the use of products containing phthalates if possible. Sathyanarayana said that phthalates are often contained in fragrances, so a product that's fragrance-free may also be phthalate-free, and she said there are products available that are labeled phthalate-free, but they're generally more expensive.
By Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Feb. 4 (HealthDay News) -- More than 80 percent of infants tested in a new study had been exposed to a potentially harmful group of chemicals known as phthalates.
Exactly what this means in terms of infant health isn't yet clear, however. Some animal studies have found these substances to be harmful to development, and one study on human infants found an association between exposure to a particular phthalate and male reproductive problems.
Because the exact effects on the developing body aren't known, the researchers suggest limiting the use of products that contain these chemicals in infants as much as possible. Baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder were all linked to phthalate exposure in the study.
"Right now, we still don't know the true long-term effects," said study author Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, an acting assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Washington , Seattle . But, she added, it's probably a good idea to "decrease the amounts of products used, especially in newborns."
Phthalates are a group of widely used chemicals that make plastic softer and help stabilize fragrance in personal care products. These chemicals are found in children's toys, infant care products, cosmetics, food packaging, vinyl flooring, blood storage containers and more, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Exposure to phthalates occurs when you use a product containing them, from breathing household dust containing phthalates, from medical treatments like dialysis that use products with phthalates, and from living near a manufacturing facility that uses phthalates, according to the CDC.
Phthalates are banned from use in personal care products and in some toys in Europe .
For the current study, the researchers looked for nine different metabolites of phthalates in the urine of 163 infants born between 2000 and 2005. The reason they had to look for evidence of phthalate exposure in the urine is that it's difficult to measure exposure any other way because manufacturers aren't required to disclose all phthalates in their products.
"Right now, manufacturers aren't required to label them, so it's difficult to know if you're using a product with phthalates," explained Sathyanarayana.
Most of the infants studied -- 81 percent -- had detectable levels of phthalate metabolites. Because the researchers also asked the parents about which products had been used on the babies, they were also able to see an association between higher levels of phthalate metabolites and the use of baby shampoo, lotion and powder. Diaper creams and baby wipes didn't appear to increase the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, according to Sathyanarayana.
Findings from the study are published in the February issue of Pediatrics.
"We believe that there is potential value in the study of metabolized phthalates. But we take great exception to any effort to draw unfounded conclusions that suggest human health risks are associated with the mere presence of very low levels of metabolized phthalates in urine," Marian Stanley, manager of the Phthalates Esters Panel of the American Chemistry Council, a plastics industry trade group, said in a statement.
"With phthalates in particular, there's good research in multiple animal studies that these compounds can be harmful. It's interesting that industry is willing to accept animal studies to introduce new medication, but when something is found to be harmful, industry says, 'Well, those studies were just done on rats,' " said Dr. Jonathan Weinkle, a physician at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh's Cancer Institute's Center for Environmental Oncology.
"If animals are useful models for things that are helpful, it's because their bodies are similar enough to ours. Animal models should be reliable for good and bad."
Both Weinkle and Sathyanarayana said that dose makes a difference. The greater the exposure, the greater potential for harm, which is why they recommend limiting the use of products containing phthalates if possible. Sathyanarayana said that phthalates are often contained in fragrances, so a product that's fragrance-free may also be phthalate-free, and she said there are products available that are labeled phthalate-free, but they're generally more expensive.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Your Health is Your Wealth
A recent book on a British self made billionaire who said “he would give all his money back for his health and youth” should make us realise that our health is our biggest asset. With things like cancer and many other diseases increasing at alarming rates, ‘just look at skin cancer’ . Why put our life and body at risk by using products which contain chemicals that can cause it.
Consider this, what can we eat and use that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals but contain ingredients that are good for us.
Cancer disease and how products can help! a recent email in the last few days, which is typical of what we get all the time.
I have been attending Christchurch Hospital's Dermatology Resource Unit for a couple of years for treatment of an ulcer on my back, which developed where I had radiotherapy for a melanoma many years ago.
Nothing the hospital did helped in any way, and they said the only answer was a skin graft. However, when they explained that the reason it would not heal was that blood did not circulate because of the radiotherapy, we ourselves used Bioflow boost buttons, which immediately gave an improvement, and the ulcer started to heal.
Recently we have also used the Therapeutics Extra Rich Moisturising Cream, with the result that my back is now just about healed. The hospital were mightily impressed with the healing and the texture of the new skin, and have asked for information about the cream Regards Bob Pugh.
Q10 a book by Dr Knut T. Flytlie. This book and many others like it by leading doctors and Scientists talk about Antioxidants and the benefits of them helping with many illnesses like Cancer, Arthritis, Thrombosis, MS, etc .
Repairing and boosting the body’s own immune system is paramount to recovery and prevention. They say Antioxidants fight the free radicals which destroy the body’s healthy cells and can protect the body against many diseases.
So what are these great antioxidants?
Well mostly anything natural like plants and of course our products are full of all natural plants also we know that 60% of things put on your skin go into the body.
Therefore… It does not need a rocket scientist to work out why our products can’t harm you because there free of the harsh chemicals... but think of all the great naturals that are going into your skin and then your body daily from our products!
What the doctors don’t know.
After spending 2 days talking to doctor’s, surgeons and even dermatologist at the anaesthetic medicine conference all weekend, I came away surprised how much they don’t know about ingredients and skin. Most of them are not sure what an antioxidant was!Or were surprised to here that paraffin was bad for the skin!
Also when looking at their skin, the one's who were in the industry they had the most prematurely aged and damaged skin I have ever seen!
Not only that! the procedures they were there to talk about could all be relieved and prevented by using really natural products. Out of 200 stands there we were the only one with natural products. No wonder the public have problems with there skin with all the petro-chemical products they push on the unknowing public.
If you use a 90% petro-chemical products with say a 5 % natural content then you’re using petro chemicals on your skin, the 5% is all but cancelled out and the 5% will have no chance in making any difference.
With our products which are 99% natural then you have almost the maximum anti-ageing benefit because the more natural the more antioxidants.
So great anti-ageing benefits that’s the fact of our ingredients. That’s why our products work better than any others, combine that with all the vitamins in them and the super plants like seaweed and asparagus plus the vital oils, then no wonder we are the elixir of anti-ageing, not all that cosmetic surgery, botox and hyper chemicals.
If after seeing 2000 people who sell the best in super treatments, I have to say there are all looking really the worse for it, unlike us who have great, super fresh, healthy, youthful skin. Our little stand was a oasis, a beacon shining out in a sea of petro-chemicals and boy did we look good for our age compared to them.
By John Hamilton, Cosmetologist.
http://www.lucyrose.biz/ to find out more about these great products.
Consider this, what can we eat and use that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals but contain ingredients that are good for us.
Cancer disease and how products can help! a recent email in the last few days, which is typical of what we get all the time.
I have been attending Christchurch Hospital's Dermatology Resource Unit for a couple of years for treatment of an ulcer on my back, which developed where I had radiotherapy for a melanoma many years ago.
Nothing the hospital did helped in any way, and they said the only answer was a skin graft. However, when they explained that the reason it would not heal was that blood did not circulate because of the radiotherapy, we ourselves used Bioflow boost buttons, which immediately gave an improvement, and the ulcer started to heal.
Recently we have also used the Therapeutics Extra Rich Moisturising Cream, with the result that my back is now just about healed. The hospital were mightily impressed with the healing and the texture of the new skin, and have asked for information about the cream Regards Bob Pugh.
Q10 a book by Dr Knut T. Flytlie. This book and many others like it by leading doctors and Scientists talk about Antioxidants and the benefits of them helping with many illnesses like Cancer, Arthritis, Thrombosis, MS, etc .
Repairing and boosting the body’s own immune system is paramount to recovery and prevention. They say Antioxidants fight the free radicals which destroy the body’s healthy cells and can protect the body against many diseases.
So what are these great antioxidants?
Well mostly anything natural like plants and of course our products are full of all natural plants also we know that 60% of things put on your skin go into the body.
Therefore… It does not need a rocket scientist to work out why our products can’t harm you because there free of the harsh chemicals... but think of all the great naturals that are going into your skin and then your body daily from our products!
What the doctors don’t know.
After spending 2 days talking to doctor’s, surgeons and even dermatologist at the anaesthetic medicine conference all weekend, I came away surprised how much they don’t know about ingredients and skin. Most of them are not sure what an antioxidant was!Or were surprised to here that paraffin was bad for the skin!
Also when looking at their skin, the one's who were in the industry they had the most prematurely aged and damaged skin I have ever seen!
Not only that! the procedures they were there to talk about could all be relieved and prevented by using really natural products. Out of 200 stands there we were the only one with natural products. No wonder the public have problems with there skin with all the petro-chemical products they push on the unknowing public.
If you use a 90% petro-chemical products with say a 5 % natural content then you’re using petro chemicals on your skin, the 5% is all but cancelled out and the 5% will have no chance in making any difference.
With our products which are 99% natural then you have almost the maximum anti-ageing benefit because the more natural the more antioxidants.
So great anti-ageing benefits that’s the fact of our ingredients. That’s why our products work better than any others, combine that with all the vitamins in them and the super plants like seaweed and asparagus plus the vital oils, then no wonder we are the elixir of anti-ageing, not all that cosmetic surgery, botox and hyper chemicals.
If after seeing 2000 people who sell the best in super treatments, I have to say there are all looking really the worse for it, unlike us who have great, super fresh, healthy, youthful skin. Our little stand was a oasis, a beacon shining out in a sea of petro-chemicals and boy did we look good for our age compared to them.
By John Hamilton, Cosmetologist.
http://www.lucyrose.biz/ to find out more about these great products.
Monday, February 25, 2008
What to use and when!
Your skin can be under siege with problems many which cause
premature ageing, lines, wrinkles and dry skin.
Want to be free of them then use the super 7 ranges which are free from chemicals and will leave you looking fresh and youthful.
1. First use a face mask once a month this deeply cleans the pores for the whole benefits of natural ingredients to hit the spot and we are talking lower dermas not just the top layers as they need a clean path i.e. no blocked pores. Most face masks are nothing but chemicals sitting on the surface and even the ones that solidify to peal off really do nothing at all and even cause damage by pulling out hairs which grow back stronger... attractive !
Not ours it goes very deep pulling out all the ingrained dirt and oil etc
Remember to wash off with warm to hot water.
2. Scrub and exfoliate every few days in the shower to take the old dead skin cells off this is a must do to keep the skin fresh
3. Cleanser, tone or face wash. If you’re a wash and go person, then face washes are your best bet especially if you have oily or oily t zone even combination skin. Every night take that make up off and let you skin breath, if you have dry skin use a cleanser and toner,it keeps the skin more moisturised.
4. Facial oil.now theres facial oil and then theirs ours which is out of this world. You have a choice of four in the anti ageing area page, pick the one that you feel you skin needs.
Why so good? Well there unadulterated and that’s means the very very best.
Simply most facial oils are second grade and the best are so expensive.
Well now you can have your cake and eat it. The best oils at the best prices.
5. Moisturisers. Well you have a choice either the ones for your skin type or the day serum in the anti ageing area. Whichever you choose you are getting a product superior to any others on the market.
Proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and anti-toxins like any good partnership each brings its own benefits to the fight, combine the facial oil with the moisturiser and you get fantastic effects because your trapping everything that the skin needs and simply do not get from a dove, elemis, dermalogia or any other brand product.
Always use a little of our facial oil under your moisturiser and your skin will be beautiful especially if you do use the above products as well
6 Body lotions. Your body is not detached from your head so keeping you whole body in tip top condition is paramount to feeling healthy and being youthful. So always use a non chemical shower gel… we have many! and after apply the seaweed body lotion even after sunbathing and sun beds if you must go on them; because what’s seaweed got? Well let’s say it the best health ingredient that your body will come in contact with, even a cancer prevention as far as the far East is concerned, this is combined with asparagus the best dissolver of toxins for your body and not just one but 5 vitamins ABCDE .No wonder we call it the best body lotion in the world.
7. Hair Products. If you are looking after everything else then don’t forget your hair. Our shampoos will not dry,dilute, colour or thin hair in fact it will help them because there’s no harsh chemicals so you hair will look natural and soft and youthful.
So now you can be free from all the harsh chemicals but are using only super natural ingredients
Protecting you and caring for you.
www.lucyrose.biz to read about these products.
premature ageing, lines, wrinkles and dry skin.
Want to be free of them then use the super 7 ranges which are free from chemicals and will leave you looking fresh and youthful.
1. First use a face mask once a month this deeply cleans the pores for the whole benefits of natural ingredients to hit the spot and we are talking lower dermas not just the top layers as they need a clean path i.e. no blocked pores. Most face masks are nothing but chemicals sitting on the surface and even the ones that solidify to peal off really do nothing at all and even cause damage by pulling out hairs which grow back stronger... attractive !
Not ours it goes very deep pulling out all the ingrained dirt and oil etc
Remember to wash off with warm to hot water.
2. Scrub and exfoliate every few days in the shower to take the old dead skin cells off this is a must do to keep the skin fresh
3. Cleanser, tone or face wash. If you’re a wash and go person, then face washes are your best bet especially if you have oily or oily t zone even combination skin. Every night take that make up off and let you skin breath, if you have dry skin use a cleanser and toner,it keeps the skin more moisturised.
4. Facial oil.now theres facial oil and then theirs ours which is out of this world. You have a choice of four in the anti ageing area page, pick the one that you feel you skin needs.
Why so good? Well there unadulterated and that’s means the very very best.
Simply most facial oils are second grade and the best are so expensive.
Well now you can have your cake and eat it. The best oils at the best prices.
5. Moisturisers. Well you have a choice either the ones for your skin type or the day serum in the anti ageing area. Whichever you choose you are getting a product superior to any others on the market.
Proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and anti-toxins like any good partnership each brings its own benefits to the fight, combine the facial oil with the moisturiser and you get fantastic effects because your trapping everything that the skin needs and simply do not get from a dove, elemis, dermalogia or any other brand product.
Always use a little of our facial oil under your moisturiser and your skin will be beautiful especially if you do use the above products as well
6 Body lotions. Your body is not detached from your head so keeping you whole body in tip top condition is paramount to feeling healthy and being youthful. So always use a non chemical shower gel… we have many! and after apply the seaweed body lotion even after sunbathing and sun beds if you must go on them; because what’s seaweed got? Well let’s say it the best health ingredient that your body will come in contact with, even a cancer prevention as far as the far East is concerned, this is combined with asparagus the best dissolver of toxins for your body and not just one but 5 vitamins ABCDE .No wonder we call it the best body lotion in the world.
7. Hair Products. If you are looking after everything else then don’t forget your hair. Our shampoos will not dry,dilute, colour or thin hair in fact it will help them because there’s no harsh chemicals so you hair will look natural and soft and youthful.
So now you can be free from all the harsh chemicals but are using only super natural ingredients
Protecting you and caring for you.
www.lucyrose.biz to read about these products.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Toxic Beauty
Hi all,
I am sure by now most of you are aware of the hazards our beauty products pose but thought I would post this article which was published last year as it sums up the main concerns and is a good reminder which chemicals to avoid.
Once you've read this go and have a look in your bathroom cabinet and check your products, you may be surprised what you find. There are many brands which claim to be Natural etc yet you will still find toxic ingredients that really don't need to be there.
By PAT THOMAS Daily Mail:
Bath products use the same chemicals as household detergents:
Bath foam that triggers headaches. Shampoo full of cancer-causing chemicals. And shower gel that attacks your skin. As experts warn of the chemicals in our toiletries, we reveal the health hazards in your bathroom cabinet.
Pat Thomas makes sense of the often impenetrable labels, and reveals the ingredients' potentially devastating effects on our health.
Bath products
These days, most of us don't use soap in the shower or bath. Instead, we lather up with bath foams, shower gels, facial washes and scrubs, all of which rely on complex detergents — often the same ones used in heavy industry — to wash away simple dirt.
The difference between soap and detergent is like the difference between cotton and nylon. Soap and cotton are produced from natural products by relatively small modification.
Detergents and nylon are produced entirely in a chemical factory. There is no difference between the detergents in your household cleaning products and those you use in your bath. It is simply a matter of concentration.
Bubble baths, which are highly fragranced, have the greatest potential to cause skin irritation, allergic skin reactions and headaches. In the U.S., they carry a health warning alerting users to the possibility of skin irritation and urinary tract infections.
Body washes essentially contain the same basic ingredients as bubble bath. Soaking in any bath product will prolong its contact with your skin, increasing the risk that chemicals will be absorbed. Both bubble baths and shower gels have the potential to penetrate the skin and lungs.
Your bubble bath is likely to contain potentially irritating detergents like sodium laureth sulphate and cocami-dopropyl betaine (the latter is also a penetration enhancer, allowing other chemicals to be more easily absorbed); preservatives such as tetrasodium EDTA, a potential irritant; and methylchloroisothiazolinone (both potential mutagens — substances that speed up gene mutation).
If it contains cocamide EDTA (or similar compounds ending with DEA, TEA or MEA) along with formaldehyde-forming substances such as bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, diazo-lidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15, it is likely to contain cancer-causing nitrosamines. Studies show up to 93 per cent of toiletries and cosmetics contain these compounds.
Healthier options
Avoid bubble baths altogether and limit your use of shower gels. Stick to plain old soap instead. Vegetable oil and glycerine soaps are best. They foam beautifully and are made from enriching oils such as coconut, hemp and olive. They are usually unfragranced or scented with essential oils (check the label).
Deodorants
Antiperspirants and deodorants typically contain moisturisers, solvents and preservatives (such as parabens, which can cause skin irritation and can be a source of weak oestrogens, which may have a detrimental effect in the long-term).
They contain synthetic perfumes and antibacterial agents such as triclosan (which can be absorbed through the skin and has caused liver damage in animal experiments).
Researchers at the University of Reading recently found traces of parabens in every single tumour sample taken from a small group of women with breast cancer.
The aluminium content of antiperspirants is also a major concern. No one knows exactly how aluminium compounds work to reduce underarm wetness. What is known, however, is that aluminium is absorbed through the skin.
The recently acknowledged link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminium has raised a furious debate over the safety of putting aluminium compounds into deodorants.
Another concern is the potential link between aluminium and breast cancer. A study looking at the incidence of breast cancer among 400 American women suggests that a combination of underarm shaving and deodorant use may allow chemicals to seep into breast tissue.
In the study, women who shaved three times a week and applied deodorant at least twice a week were almost 15 years younger when diagnosed with cancer than women who did neither.
Healthier options
Avoid aerosols, which surround you with a cloud of toxic chemicals. Switch to a solid or stick deodorant instead. This is less likely to aid the absorption of ingredients into the skin. Never apply antiperspirants or deodorants to broken or newly-shaved skin.
Many health food shops sell aluminium-free deodorants based on plant extracts or mineral salts, both of which can be very effective.
Shampoo
Cheap or expensive, modern shampoos are usually a mixture of the same handful of detergents. The choice of detergents used is usually as much to do with the final look of the product as it is with its effectiveness.
Unfortunately, rather like bubble bath, some of the common ingredients in shampoos can break down into formaldehyde during storage.
When formaldehyde-forming agents mix with some of the other emulsifying ingredients commonly found in shampoos, such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA), they can form carcinogenic n-nitrosodi-ethanolamine, or NDELA.
This is particularly problematic in shampoos because we use them so frequently and in such great quantities.
Read labels. All shampoos need to contain some detergent, but look for one with the fewest ingredients to limit your exposure.
Use less — half the amount of shampoo you'd usually use. Always tip your head well back when rinsing to avoid getting shampoo into your eyes.
Shaving cream and foam
There are a wide variety of shaving creams and foams for men and women. They look nice, feel nice and smell nice. But they can contain some not-so-nice ingredients.
For example, triethanolamine (TEA) and lauramide DEA can mix with other chemicals during storage to form carciogenic compounds and propellants such as isobutane and propane — which have been linked to headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Get hair thoroughly wet before shaving so you use less foam.
Try shaving soap. It'll still be a detergent - unless you buy it from a health food shop — but at least you'll avoid the solvents and propellants in shaving foam. Or try a vegetable -based shaving oil (not a mineral-based one).
At Lucy Rose we only stock organic chemical free products so if you would like to find out more go to http://www.lucyrose.biz/
I am sure by now most of you are aware of the hazards our beauty products pose but thought I would post this article which was published last year as it sums up the main concerns and is a good reminder which chemicals to avoid.
Once you've read this go and have a look in your bathroom cabinet and check your products, you may be surprised what you find. There are many brands which claim to be Natural etc yet you will still find toxic ingredients that really don't need to be there.
By PAT THOMAS Daily Mail:
Bath products use the same chemicals as household detergents:
Bath foam that triggers headaches. Shampoo full of cancer-causing chemicals. And shower gel that attacks your skin. As experts warn of the chemicals in our toiletries, we reveal the health hazards in your bathroom cabinet.
Pat Thomas makes sense of the often impenetrable labels, and reveals the ingredients' potentially devastating effects on our health.
Bath products
These days, most of us don't use soap in the shower or bath. Instead, we lather up with bath foams, shower gels, facial washes and scrubs, all of which rely on complex detergents — often the same ones used in heavy industry — to wash away simple dirt.
The difference between soap and detergent is like the difference between cotton and nylon. Soap and cotton are produced from natural products by relatively small modification.
Detergents and nylon are produced entirely in a chemical factory. There is no difference between the detergents in your household cleaning products and those you use in your bath. It is simply a matter of concentration.
Bubble baths, which are highly fragranced, have the greatest potential to cause skin irritation, allergic skin reactions and headaches. In the U.S., they carry a health warning alerting users to the possibility of skin irritation and urinary tract infections.
Body washes essentially contain the same basic ingredients as bubble bath. Soaking in any bath product will prolong its contact with your skin, increasing the risk that chemicals will be absorbed. Both bubble baths and shower gels have the potential to penetrate the skin and lungs.
Your bubble bath is likely to contain potentially irritating detergents like sodium laureth sulphate and cocami-dopropyl betaine (the latter is also a penetration enhancer, allowing other chemicals to be more easily absorbed); preservatives such as tetrasodium EDTA, a potential irritant; and methylchloroisothiazolinone (both potential mutagens — substances that speed up gene mutation).
If it contains cocamide EDTA (or similar compounds ending with DEA, TEA or MEA) along with formaldehyde-forming substances such as bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, diazo-lidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15, it is likely to contain cancer-causing nitrosamines. Studies show up to 93 per cent of toiletries and cosmetics contain these compounds.
Healthier options
Avoid bubble baths altogether and limit your use of shower gels. Stick to plain old soap instead. Vegetable oil and glycerine soaps are best. They foam beautifully and are made from enriching oils such as coconut, hemp and olive. They are usually unfragranced or scented with essential oils (check the label).
Deodorants
Antiperspirants and deodorants typically contain moisturisers, solvents and preservatives (such as parabens, which can cause skin irritation and can be a source of weak oestrogens, which may have a detrimental effect in the long-term).
They contain synthetic perfumes and antibacterial agents such as triclosan (which can be absorbed through the skin and has caused liver damage in animal experiments).
Researchers at the University of Reading recently found traces of parabens in every single tumour sample taken from a small group of women with breast cancer.
The aluminium content of antiperspirants is also a major concern. No one knows exactly how aluminium compounds work to reduce underarm wetness. What is known, however, is that aluminium is absorbed through the skin.
The recently acknowledged link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminium has raised a furious debate over the safety of putting aluminium compounds into deodorants.
Another concern is the potential link between aluminium and breast cancer. A study looking at the incidence of breast cancer among 400 American women suggests that a combination of underarm shaving and deodorant use may allow chemicals to seep into breast tissue.
In the study, women who shaved three times a week and applied deodorant at least twice a week were almost 15 years younger when diagnosed with cancer than women who did neither.
Healthier options
Avoid aerosols, which surround you with a cloud of toxic chemicals. Switch to a solid or stick deodorant instead. This is less likely to aid the absorption of ingredients into the skin. Never apply antiperspirants or deodorants to broken or newly-shaved skin.
Many health food shops sell aluminium-free deodorants based on plant extracts or mineral salts, both of which can be very effective.
Shampoo
Cheap or expensive, modern shampoos are usually a mixture of the same handful of detergents. The choice of detergents used is usually as much to do with the final look of the product as it is with its effectiveness.
Unfortunately, rather like bubble bath, some of the common ingredients in shampoos can break down into formaldehyde during storage.
When formaldehyde-forming agents mix with some of the other emulsifying ingredients commonly found in shampoos, such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA), they can form carcinogenic n-nitrosodi-ethanolamine, or NDELA.
This is particularly problematic in shampoos because we use them so frequently and in such great quantities.
Read labels. All shampoos need to contain some detergent, but look for one with the fewest ingredients to limit your exposure.
Use less — half the amount of shampoo you'd usually use. Always tip your head well back when rinsing to avoid getting shampoo into your eyes.
Shaving cream and foam
There are a wide variety of shaving creams and foams for men and women. They look nice, feel nice and smell nice. But they can contain some not-so-nice ingredients.
For example, triethanolamine (TEA) and lauramide DEA can mix with other chemicals during storage to form carciogenic compounds and propellants such as isobutane and propane — which have been linked to headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Get hair thoroughly wet before shaving so you use less foam.
Try shaving soap. It'll still be a detergent - unless you buy it from a health food shop — but at least you'll avoid the solvents and propellants in shaving foam. Or try a vegetable -based shaving oil (not a mineral-based one).
At Lucy Rose we only stock organic chemical free products so if you would like to find out more go to http://www.lucyrose.biz/
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