tag:hiroseno.com,2008:/blog/04beauty//32 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z What about Beauty? This blog send you Beauty Informations. Movable Type 3.36 tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1272 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

This is a common condition which proves ...

This is a common condition which proves to be the devil of every girl's life! Split ends are most often seen in long hair but also found in shorter hair that is out of condition and is an affliction of anyone trying to grow their hair. The problem can be solved with good hair maintenance so check out this article! Split ends, (or trichoptlosis), are the nightmare for every self-respecting woman's life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing. Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber. THE MAIN CAUSES WHICH BRING THIS GHOST TO YOUR HEAD: 1. As your hair grows, the natural oils from the scalp can fail to reach the ends, making the ends of the hair more vulnerable than the roots. 2. The ends of your hair have had a long exposure to the sun, gone through many shampoos and been overheated by hairdryers and straighteners, which results in dry and brittle ends which are prone to splitting. 3. Not trimming your hair regularly is possibly the main cause of split ends. Prevention is better than a cure! 4. Damage due to colouring when done to excess also causes dry brittle ends. 5. Poor quality brushes and combs can also cause this problem. It doesn't necessarily means that have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. In earlier times, woman used to burn off their split ends themselves! And when I heard this I thought of bringing this revolution again into this Era, brought something new to this fashion & beauty industry so started cutting hair with Candle, its cool, fun & creative! Imagine using fire instead of Scissors, but you don't have to scared I will not advising you to do this at home and got entry into Records book Hey! Not to worry, there are easier ways to get rid of your dead ends before they split further... DIY (do-it-yourself) hair trims. Don't be afraid, most of women do it! These DIY hair trimming tips are for woman who are happy with their hair; for those who don't need a re-style, but simply want to freshen things up with a 'homegrown' sort of look. Still! If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals! To remove split ends: Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out. Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don't cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect. Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist. Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming! TIPS TO GET RID OF THIS NIGHTMARE: 1. Use specialist products that are designed to seal the splits temporarily in order to catch any splits that are shorter than the length you want to cut your hair to and to allow your hair to grow a little longer before you trim. 2. Go for deep conditioning treatment every week, if possible and especially if your hair is prone to splitting, chemically treated or treated by ceramic straighteners. Conditioning is mandatory every time you have a chemical. 3. Have a Trim regularly 4. Avoid excess heat and too much brushing and combing and please don't brush, scratch or shampoo hair and scalp before any chemical service. Never hesitate to Invest in quality combs and real bristle brushes. 5. Do shampoo your hair after a workout or strenuous exercise. The salt from perspiration will erode your hair. If you work out more than once a week, consult your stylist for your particular needs. What ever you do, if you want to keep your hair long, don't ignore split ends because, as they split they also break away, meaning that your hair is in effect getting shorter every time you brush it and also means that your hair population is going down! The above article has been written by Nadeem Ahmed, India's leading hair stylist. Nadeem Ahmed is India's one of the leading hair fashion experts and he works at Rex Salon & Academy, Chandigarh. Nadeem also conducts classroom sessions, seminars & workshops on latest hair trends, colors, rebonding for creative professional hairstyling as well. He have entered into Limca Book of Records (Indian version of Guiness Book) by cutting hair with fire, blindfolded, hair cut with cutter and piece of glass and have been appreciated by Guiness Book of World Records. He have featured in most of the leading TV Channels, newspapers, Magazine & leading fashion websites like modernsalon.com behindthechair.com, bosshair.com etc. Coupled with a hereditary passion, Nadeem completed a his diploma from his father's salon only. It is quite unusual believe it or not he learnt cutting techniques, styles from websites. He is inspired by just reading the interviews of the leading hair stylist on the net and now it has become his passion. For more info visit http://zulfmakers. Free lance Writer & journalist tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1273 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

If you are one of the thousands of men a...

http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/acne-rosacea-treatments.html]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1274 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder has jumped ...

Hyaluronic Acid Resource is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to E-hyaluronicacid.com]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1275 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

In an age where fear of water impurities...

http://www.skinsolved.com]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1276 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Creams with soy are recommended around 4...

http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1277 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Are you sick and tired of your current h...

http://www.hairresources.net, as well as many other feature articles on hair extensions, hair styles and beauty salons. She is also the founder of http://www.hairresources.com, a global online resource for hair styles and beauty salons]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1278 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Unique fun contact lenses are what will ...

special effects contact lenses.]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1279 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Spf or sun protection factor, is the amo...

http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1280 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Cost of non prescription color contacts ...

discount contact lenses that you can research and purchase in your pajamas on his website.]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1281 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

She was so upset that day. She could not...

tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1282 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Learn to help your body glow from the in...

Learn to help your body glow from the inside out. Nourish it with foods that are pure and natural. Remove harmful substances from your diet and you will notice a difference in the way you look and feel. What is detoxification? Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or poisons. We all know that toxins are harmful and cause damage, potentially even death if taken in certain levels. Living cells, whether in plants or in the body, are constantly in the process of bringing nutrients and fresh substrates in while eliminating by-products and waste that is not useful to the organism. Therefore, detoxification is a natural, ongoing process in our bodies. Keeping your body healthy requires maintaining all of its systems in good working order. Minimizing the amount of toxins you take into your system is one way that we can detoxify our bodies. Benefits of detoxification may include increased energy and improved health, better breath, reduced allergies, and potentially fewer aches and pains. Wastes leave the body in the form of gases, solids, and liquids. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale. We excrete other waste from the body after it accumulates in the bladder and in the bowels. Other organs that play a major role in detoxification include the: - skin - liver - kidneys - lungs Blood also plays a critical role in the detoxification process. It carries dissolved gases like carbon dioxide to the lungs, and then it is traded for oxygen through respiration. Both the liver and kidneys help to detoxify the blood by removing wastes and sending them to the urine. In the form of stool, unused solids are carried away. Benefits for your skin via detoxification Your skin is a barrier but it is not impermeable. Just as products that you use on your skin are able to enter your body through this physical barrier, toxins are also able to leave your body through the skin. Free radicals and UV light in the environment also damage the skin which over time cause it to show signs of premature aging. How can detoxification help your skin? By minimizing the number of chemicals in your body, you help you body to function more efficiently. Eating well is one way to maintain healthy skin with a smooth texture, elasticity, and a proper level of moisturization. Skin complexions troubled by acne and imperfections can also benefit from the inside out with detoxification methods. For example, vitamin A reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin cells and therefore pores are less likely to become blocked. Ways to detoxify your body Some of the best ways to detoxify include: - eating a balanced diet - juicing organic fruits and vegetables - exercising regularly - exfoliation - using organic products for personal hygiene Before trying any detox method always be sure to check with your doctor. People with serious medical conditions should also consult a doctor as these methods are not recommended. Pregnant women should not try these methods. Eating a balanced diet Nutrients in foods contain many elements that can help your body and especially your skin to remain in good condition. When your body is 'happy' and 'efficient', through detoxification, it will show on the outside. Your skin needs: - essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) found in oily fish and flax seeds - antioxidants vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene to retaliate against the damaging effects of UV light and free-radicals - minerals zinc and selenium to build tissues and heal wounds. Find these minerals in foods like seafood, nuts, grains, and vegetables - vitamin B6 to balance hormone levels, particularly for women that have pre-menstrual break-outs - vitamin A to help reduce sebum levels on the skin - potassium to help maintain elasticity, water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body - water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body Juicing organic fruits and vegetables Have you ever tried freshly squeezed juice? It is delicious and nutritious. You get a truckload of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. The enzymes contained in vegetables and fruits help to digest your food so try drinking these natural cocktails with meals. One important thing to remember is that you should always start with organic fruits or vegetables. Because most fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, using non-organic products means that you will be ingesting harmful pesticides too. Keep these toxic chemicals away from your cells in order to maintain their proper functioning. Exercising regularly Oxygen is vital to life. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings this element into your body and skin. Studies at the University of Wisconsin have shown that oxygen reduces the effects of free radical damage and premature aging. Sweating encourages the release of toxins from the skin. Working up a good sweat during your exercise program will help in the detoxification process. You could also try saunas and steambaths to encourage the excretion of toxins. If you are not currently exercising choose something that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate and pump oxygen through your lungs. Other ideas include yoga, swimming, cycling, and running. Whatever you do, choose an activity that you will be motivated to do on a regular basis. Exfoliation Shedding skin cells is a continual process. Dead skin cells sit on the uppermost level of the epidermis and they make the skin look dull and less healthy. Our clothes play a big part in helping to remove cells on a daily basis. By sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, you can stimulate the skin renewal process. Try any of the following methods once a week to naturally exfoliate your skin: - briskly towel off after a shower - use an organic scrub during your shower - use a washcloth during your shower - use a loofah (Important: keep it dry when it's not in use to minimize bacterial count) Using organic products for personal hygiene Decreasing the number of synthetic chemicals entering your body through your food and personal products is yet another way to help detoxify. Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream. This means that chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, are entering your body and potentially causing unnecessary harm. The next time you need to stock up on personal hygiene products, look for alternatives to the chemically items offered in most stores. Using organic products decreases the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body. References: - www.meriam-webster.com, accessed October 26, 2004. - www.detox.org/skin.aspl, accessed October 26, 2004 - www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2164785-92E3-11D6-B8AC-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1, accessed Oct. 26, 2004. - Farley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley, London, 2001, page 66. - 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. tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1283 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

People from all walks of life and all ag...

People from all walks of life and all ages live with eczema; however, it typically appears in infants. Also called contact dermatitis, eczema is actually a group of skin conditions. Although it may sometimes look like a contagious condition, eczema is not contagious. Symptoms related to eczema depend on the causes and severity of the form of eczema. A person with mild eczema has dry, hot, and itchy skin. Severe eczema causes the skin to crack, bleed, and often takes a long time to heal. Inflammation in the area is common depending on the type of eczema. Type of eczema More information Atopic eczema - Most common form of eczema; affects children and adults.Symptoms include: - extreme itchiness - dryness of the skin - redness - inflammation Irritant contact dermatitis - Occurs when skin becomes irritated by detergents and other chemicals (e.g. perfumes, soaps, bubble bath powder and more). Varicose eczema - Affects skin on the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation of blood. Allergic contact dermatitis - Body's immune system attacks a substance in the skin. - Symptoms are similar to those listed for atopic eczema. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema - Found on infants under one year old. - Often looks unpleasant but does not affect the infant's comfort and may appear on the scalp or bottom. Discoid eczema - Typically associated with adults. - Found on upper body and lower legs. Dealing with eczema In order to deal with eczema, you need to figure out what type of eczema you have. A doctor can help a person living with eczema or someone caring for a child with eczema manage the condition. Diagnosis of eczema is not simple. A doctor must look at the person's medical history, when they first recognized the condition and what triggers the condition. Some people with atopic dermatitis have allergies and may need allergy testing, especially if treatment with medication is not working. Reducing the number and frequency of outbreaks is the goal of any eczema treatment. To reach this goal, a person living with eczema may need to: - make certain lifestyle changes (e.g. avoid certain irritating products) - use medication to control the outbreaks - kidneys - follow a regular skin care routine Lifestyle changes are often useful in reducing and preventing the symptoms of eczema. However, some of these lifestyle changes work for some people and not others. Some changes to consider include: - wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to reduce the itchiness associated with the condition. Synthetic fibres don't allow the skin to breathe and wool can irritate the skin. - using biological laundry detergents, also avoid using fabric softeners. Synthetic laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may increase itchiness and cause a person to scratch more often. As a result, not using them may help reduce the skin's itchiness. - vacuuming, dusting, and changing bedding regularly. This is extremely important because it reduces the number of house dust mites and the droppings from dust mites that are found in bedding, mattresses, curtains, and carpets. - possible changes to the foods you eat. Even though the link between diet and eczema is not conclusive, making changes to certain foods consumed in some severe cases of eczema, especially in babies and young children seems beneficial. Always ask your doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the foods eaten will include all necessary nutrients for growth and development. Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of the skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person's age, health, medical history as well as the type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of: - lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on the skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since the non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing the skin after showering helps lock in moisture. - medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema. Other tips that may help people with eczema improve the skin's condition include: - keeping nails short - avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments) - relaxing to reduce stress References: - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl - www.eczema.org - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl - http://www.naturalmake-up.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. tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1284 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Natural beauty is the ideal many people ...

http://www.organicmakeup.ca. Interested in selling our products? Contact us to discuss how we can assist each other to bring our safe, natural cosmetics and make-up to interested consumers. References: - Begoun, Paula (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Beginning Press, Seattle. - Fairley, Josephine (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London. - 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.]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1285 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:42Z

Ideas and perspectives as to what consti...

SYNTHETIC ----------------> FUTURE technically synthetic still viewed as natural SYNTHETICS Why the intermeshing of two seemingly opposing concepts? Consider what occurs during a chemical reaction. A combination of reactants undergo a chemical change, which is a loss, gain or sharing of electrons between or among atoms. The chemical reaction changes the physical properties of the reactants involved. For example, Na (sodium: a silvery, metal poison) + Cl (chlorine: a poisonous gas) ---> NaCl (table salt) Table salt no longer carries the physical properties of sodium or chlorine. Table salt, then, could be considered synthetic if human labour set up the conditions for the two elements Na and Cl to react. However, we can also find NaCl that is naturally occurring, such as in sea salt or mined salt. Commercially available salt has the same chemical formula, NaCl, but has been obtained from salt beds or underground lakes and then purified. Products resulting from chemical reactions which occur independent of human interference can be considered as natural substances. What is a Practical View of Natural and Synthetic Substances? Synthetic substances can best be understood as existing on a continuum (see Fig.1). Some chemical reactions occur naturally after minimal human input, such as enzymatic browning. This chemical reaction turns the surface of a cut apple brown in a few minutes because of a chemical reaction called enzymatic oxidative browning: Phenolic enzymes (phenolases) join with tannins -Eoxidation of phenols found in the apples-Emelanines formed (brown or grey-black pigments) Who would claim, however, that the resulting chemical changes transformed the cut apple slice into a synthetic food or that melanin, a pigment, is as synthetic as artificial pigments like acrylic? Contrast this with the creation of artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin. These substances are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, and are created through chemical reactions. They have no similar counterpart in nature and should be placed on the upper range of the synthetic continuum. Saccharin, for instance, is made from petroleum products and aspartame is made by combining aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Whether or not a chemical reaction has occurred, then, is not a reliable indicator to separate synthetics from natural substances since chemical reactions are part of the natural realm. Human labour or skill is also not a differentiating factor between a synthetic or natural substance, simply because we can re-create and set-up conditions for naturally occurring reactions to take place. Baking cookies is an example of a product which does not exist in nature unless human labour and skill set up the conditions for a series of chemical reactions to occur in the oven to yield cookies. For instance, baking soda is one of the oldest leavening agents used in baking: baking soda + acid (lactic acid found in milk, benzoic acids from fruits, etc) ---water--> salt + carbonic acid carbonic acid ----- dissociates --> water + carbon dioxide This is an example of a chemical reaction which is technically synthetic because of the addition of human skill, but is clearly viewed as natural since it contributes to a product viewed as natural and because the final results of the reaction are naturally occurring substances. In the cosmetics industry, hundreds of ingredients are used to impose various effects on the skin. These ingredients range from purely natural ingredients extracted from nature in their original condition, to purely synthetic ingredients which have been created from synthetics through a complex series of chemical reactions and have no connection to nature any longer. So how is a consumer to decide which ingredients are natural and which are synthetic? Every chemical reaction has three parts, and each prompts a series of questions to help us decide: reactants ----- + -------- catalyst/energy process ----------> products Reactants: - Are these naturally occurring, i.e. taken from the earth in its original state or modified physically through grinding, melting, sifting, etc.? - Are these the result of biological processes? Catalyst: - Is this a natural substance? - Is this natural but toxic i.e. harmful to humans or the environment? - Is this environmentally damaging to obtain or use? - Is this re-usable? - Is this synthetic? If so, where does it belong on the synthetic continuum? - Is this a petrochemical? Energy Process: - Is the process externally imposed on the reaction? - What is the source of energy being imposed and is it from a non-renewable or renewable source? - Is the amount of energy needed to conduct the reaction minimal or energy intensive? This must be weighed against the benefit of the products resulting from the process i.e. is it worth the energy cost when compared to human benefit? Products: - Are these naturally occurring in the reactants but now separated out? - Are these chemically different than the reactants in part or in whole? - Are these toxic or non-toxic to humans and the environment? - Are these biodegradable without impact to the earth through normal micro-biological or decay processes? Implications for Daily Use of Cosmetics There is a vast array of cosmetic products at our disposal. Why does the natural versus synthetic debate matter? Our personal health and well-being, as well as our environment locally and globally, are in question by the widespread use of synthetic substances. We cannot avoid all synthetic substances, and not all synthetics are bad for us. Many of these materials have improved the quality of our lives, but many have also deteriorated it. We do not know what will result from our use of certain synthetics in the long run. Cosmetics are products which we have a direct physical and emotional relationship with, as we wear them daily on our skin and bodies. The environment can be sustained or systematically destroyed by our choices. As consumers we can participate in the sustaining of eco-friendly organic farming practices, wise waste disposal, clean manufacturing processes and biodegradeability of ingredients. The choices are many, and the freedom to choose is ours. Where do you stand on the natural vs synthetic debate? The answer can make a difference to your health and our ecosystem. The Organic Make-up Company considers synthetic ingredients to be those which: - do not have natural reactants - use petroleum derived reactants - use catalysts which are petroleum derived or on the upper end of the synthetic range - use processes which require pressure and/or heat which cannot be achieved with simple technology - yield products through chemical reactions that have properties which are chemically (not physically) different from the reactants - yield chemically produced substances which are not biodegradable through normal biological processes The Organic Make-up Company considers natural ingredients to be those which: - are derived, obtained or drawn from plants, minerals or animal sources such as beeswax (please refer to our policies on animal testing and use of animal part ingredients). - have not undergone a synthetic process as defined under our criteria above of a synthetic substance - are refined through physical processing - result from biological processes - result from simple chemical processes where the reactants and catalysts are natural as defined in this article and the statements above - have been changed or created through the use of simple technologies such as those that can be found in a conventional kitchen References: - Freeland-Graves, Jeanne & Peckham, Gladys. Foundations of Food Preparation 5ed, Macmillan Publishing Co; New York:1987 - http://www.naturalmakeup.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.]]> tag:hiroseno.com,2007:/blog/04beauty//32.1286 2007-05-05T00:09:08Z 2008-04-03T07:31:43Z

What is petroleum? Crude oil, sometimes ...

What is petroleum? Crude oil, sometimes called petroleum, is a fossil fuel that was produced deep in the earth through a process that took millions of years to complete. Millions of years later, almost all of us come into contact with a derivative of petroleum every day. Through a process called fractional distillation, petroleum refineries break petroleum into many of its smaller components. Each of these smaller components is made up of molecules called hydrocarbons. The world is full of products that come from petroleum. For example, gasoline, styrofoam, lubricating oils, and many other items are all derivatives of this raw material. How are petroleum and cosmetics related? The two seemingly unrelated items, petroleum and cosmetics, are indeed closely related in our modern world. Mineral oil and petroleum are the basic ingredients in many cosmetic products today. Both mineral oil and petroleum have the same origins in fossils fuels. Cosmetics such as foundations, cleansers, and moisturizers often contain mineral oil. By locking moisture against the skin, mineral oil sits on the skin's surface and can potentially block pores. This may cause the appearance of pimples because the skin cannot properly 'breathe'. Fragrances in lotions, shampoos, and many other cosmetic products are composed of aromatic hydrocarbons. Perfumes and products containing fragrance can contain many hundreds of chemicals to produce a distinct scent. A significant number of these aromas are derived from petroleum. One popular chemical additive that carries moisture in cosmetics is propylene glycol. It is also a derivative of petroleum. Some products that list propylene glycol as an ingredient include: - anti-freeze - laundry detergent - paint - shampoo - conditioner Past research links propylene glycol to serious health problems as liver and kidney damage as well as respiratory irritation or nausea if swallowed. An antiseptic, isopropyl alcohol, kills bacteria on the skin. You can find it on the ingredient list of cleansers, toners and other cosmetic products. Unfortunately, this derivative of petroleum dries the skin and may cause miniature cracks in the skin that allow bacteria to enter, potentially causing irritations or pimples. Do these petroleum-derived products affect your health? Your skin covers your body and acts as a physical barrier to many of the pollutants in the atmosphere. When you use products on your skin such as cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos, the ingredients in these products come into direct contact with your body's largest organ; your skin. You may ask yourself, where do the ingredients in the products go? Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream. Today, hormone therapy treatments and smoking cessation medications are often prescribed as patches that you apply directly to the skin. The medication passes through the skin and directly enters the bloodstream. For pregnant women, the risk is not only for her body but also for the developing fetus. If the chemicals found in cosmetics readily enter the bloodstream when applied to the skin, then they will also reach the developing baby. Researchers at the Brunel University in England are looking closely at a family of preservatives called parabens. Their research has recently linked parabens to the possibility that male babies will have lower sperm counts. These preservatives are derived from petroleum and help to maintain the freshness and integrity of the product. Currently, many manufacturers add parabens to cosmetics to allow a minimum of 3 years shelf life. Therefore, the parabens kill any bacteria that could potentially enter the product. If these chemical ingredients can kill the bacterial cells, what are they doing to your skin cells? In most cases, there is no conclusive answer to this question. However, the research mentioned strongly suggests that the synthetic ingredients may have a significant impact on our bodies. In many cases, the long-term effects of many of the chemical additives in our cosmetics are not known. However, other chemical additives are known carcinogens. These types of chemicals can cause cancer in humans. Such chemicals include some artificial colours in cosmetics. The effects of chemicals and other synthetic ingredients in cosmetics may lead to mild allergic reactions causing rashes and minor skin irritation to more significant problems such as lesions on the skin. What are your alternatives for cosmetics? Luckily, there are alternatives to cosmetics filled with synthetically produced ingredients. Increasingly, cosmetic manufacturers are answering the public's demand for alternatives to the chemically loaded beauty and grooming supplies. The Organic Make-up Company is one such company that is leading the way in producing high-quality, organically manufactured cosmetics! As a consumer, you have the ability to decrease the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body. To avoid using the synthetically derived fragrances, look for products containing essential oils. These are pure oils derived from flowers and other plants in nature. All you have to do is make the simple choice of purchasing cosmetic products with all-natural, organic ingredients. Whether you continue using cosmetics that contain petroleum-based ingredients or not is a personal choice. What is the most important is to get the facts and to know that you have a choice when it comes to buying organic or synthetic cosmetic products. References: - Fairley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley : London, 2001. - http://www.hans.org/web_articles/h07drugschemicals/h0799whatisreallyinyourhbprods.aspl, accessed Oct. 3, 2004. - http://www.naturalmakeup.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.