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).

Certain essential oils
- Rosemary is 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.

Parraffin
- 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 our website at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.

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.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

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.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

---

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning is a relatively new method of sunless tanning. Technically spray tanning method is something between self-tanning cosmetics and tanning beds. You go into the spray-tanning booth where you are sprayed by... Read More

Brow Lift - Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Brow Lift ? Cosmetic Surgery ProceduresThroughout life, natural signs of aging occur on all of our bodies. The forehead broadcasts a telltale sign of aging more so than any other place on our... Read More

Botox Cosmetic Injection

Botox (botulinum toxin) is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure because it is a non-surgical way to reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet, neck bands and other wrinkles. It has fast... Read More

Facial Exercises - A New Trend in Non-Surgical Facial Toning

There is a moment in everyone's life, when you notice for the first time, (it may be for some around your 35th birthday), wrinkles and sagginess on your face. These may appear as... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses... Read More

Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are more reasons to quit smoking now.Skin is fed from within. The foods we eat are broken down into nutrients and waste. The nutrients... Read More

What is Botox and Whats the Use

Botox is an injectable substance that is a medical grade form of the botulinum toxin, most often used to soften and relax forehead/scowl lines as well as crows feet around the eye area.Botulin... Read More

Cellulite Clinical Study results

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of Vital Science's Cellu-System products which consist of the following four items:Cellu-System Toning Tea Cellu-System Toning Capsules Cellu-System Toning Cream... Read More

Tooth Whitening, Tooth Treatment: Get that Perfect Smile!

I would say a smile throughout the day keeps doctor away. Undoubtly, laughter is the best medicine as it not only supplies nutrients to the skin but also makes your skin glow. But... Read More

For The Very Best, Use Mac Cosmetics

Mac cosmetics are just the type of cosmetics women are looking for. Mac cosmetics can change you, in a matter of minutes, from the average looking, ordinary, girl-next-door into a stunning beauty. Mac... Read More

Stay Young and Beautiful

Staying young and beautiful is an important factor in many of our lives. The thought of getting old, wrinkly and losing our faculties is rather daunting to say the least.Scientists who have studied... Read More

Seven Things to do Now to Look Good Always!

Fashion magazines target people every day with lists and charts telling them the latest trends and techniques to look better, skinnier, smarter, where to buy the hippest clothes or the latest shoes! If... Read More

Lip Augmentation - The Raw Facts

Lip augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Last year, approximately 264,000 people underwent lip-plumping surgery. With fuller lips one can create a more youthful, vibrant look. This is primarily achieved... Read More

5 Hot Hair Style Trends For 2005

Folks are so diverse in 2005, which means that there's never just one hair style trend that's hot at any given time. All of history is fair game for re-invention. Truly, there's not... Read More

Straight Hairstyles Are Easy

The patented ultra smooth ceramic plates on flat iron hair straighteners produce a smooth straightening motion that eliminates potentially damaging snagging or pulling, resulting in salon quality hairstyles.Whether your hair is fine, coarse,... Read More

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat, skin and muscle from the area around the eyes. As people age, their skin loses elasticity, they accumulate more... Read More

7 Tips to Keep Your Skin Looking Great

1. Healthy Food: Keep your skin fresh and glowing by eating antioxidant-rich foods. Choose foods that are bright in color, such as broccoli, carrots, blueberries and tomatoes. When you eat healthy and exercise... Read More

Age Spot Erasing Made Easy And Right From Your Own Kitchen

If you're anything like most baby boomers, after graying hair, poor eyesight, weight gain and winkles, age spots rank fifth on your list of aging nuisances. But you can find comfort in erasing... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent CosmeticsQ2) What is the recovery time for permanent makeup? A2) Everyone is different, but a general rule would be 3-7 days on the surface, and another 10-14... Read More

Lens Technologies Found On Glasses

With so many glass lens technologies out there designed to block out all sorts of light, where do you turn? Don't worry; terms like photochromic and polarized may have stumped even Einstein! These... Read More

Treating Ingrown Hairs -- Product Comparison

Ingrown hairs occur when hairs that have been waxed or shaved or otherwise removed grow back without exiting the follicle. These hairs coil under the skin and create unsightly and painful bumps or... Read More

Should You Get Hair Extensions?

Are you sick and tired of your current hair style and want to change it immediately? Hair extensions can add instant length volume, thickness or highlights to your hair in just a few... Read More

Help Prevent Wrinkles Through Dieting

How many times has your mother told you, you are what you eat? As you probably know, Mom knows best. So it's no surprise that what we feed our bodies does affect what... Read More

Natural Skin Care

You work hard to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. You know that organic foods can help you avoid ingesting nasty hormones and chemicals but did you know that these toxins are... Read More

The Many Faces Of Mascara

After finding the right foundation shade, choosing mascara is probably the next most challenging beauty task. Sure, there are less color options, but quality of the product is what will make the difference... Read More

Great Looking Skin

Maintaining great skin can be a challenge if you don't know the secrets to having perfect skin. Did you know that what you eat and what you use on your skin plays a... Read More

Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity

The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of years. The early Celts displayed their skills in complex artwork particularly metal, jewelry and weapons as they were regarded as fierce warriors by... Read More

Skin Care: Organic, Natural or Scientifically Advanced ? Which is Best?

In an age where fear of water impurities has millions drinking bottled water, and concerns about genetically engineered corn has others searching for "natural food sources", many people are also wondering what type... Read More

At-home Hair Color: Seven Tips for Great Results

Doing your own home hair color for the first time can be intimidating, to say the least. Have I chosen the right color? What if I make a mistake and wind up with... Read More