Why Go Organic for Skin Care?

We should always be looking for ways to take better care of our skin. With the help of organic skincare products this can be easier than you would think. There are many reasons to take care of our skin with possibly the most important reason is that our skin is the most noticeable part of our body; in order to have healthy skin, we must take care of it.

So what makes organic skincare and beauty products good for you? Well it is the fact that none of the harmful chemicals normally associated with makeup and skincare aren’t present in organic skin care and healthcare products, thus making them much more compatible with, and less allergenic to, the skin. This reduced exposure to toxins and chemicals will typically have much more positive effects on the skin, and tell tale signs of the overuse of skincare and beauty products will be unnoticeable as there is no accompanying skin damage.

Because there are many standard skincare products that contain toxins that can hurt our skin it is definitely worth seeking out an organic alternative? Of course the problem can be finding these organic products, be it organic skincare, body wash, deodorant or toothpaste, but thankfully there are a wealth of online stores dedicated to organic skincare and organic living and thus the search becomes easier.

The next task is to make sure the products in question are actually organic, and not just labelled as “natural”; using a reputable website and looking for things such as Soil Association certificates can make life easier here too.

In the long run those tat choose to use organic skincare over normal skincare products, as well as organic makeup and natural health and beauty products tend to have much younger, fresher and smoother skin, than those who abuse the typical skincare and cosmetics on the market.

By Jason Payne

For a great range of certified organic skin care and organic makeup products, visit www.buyorganics.co.uk

Luxuriously Natural Skincare by John Masters

New in store is the complete facial organic skincare range by John Masters. This luxurious range of cleansers, toners and face creams for all skin types including age prevention, smells absolutely divine. When you use it day and night, you actually look forward to pampering your skin as the aromas uplift you and the products leave your skin feeling and looking fabulous.

The facial skincare range is formulated with the same dedication as John Masters organic haircare range, it is a performance led brand that really concentrates on producing natural organic products that work. When you invest in buying the complete range for your skin then you really are making an investment towards your health and wellbeing. We are sending out free samples with any orders placed at the moment until stocks last. If you would like to try a sample then email us at mail@buyorganics.co.uk

Contact us also if you have your own blog and would like to review all our skin and make up products on a regular basis!

What’s In Your Toothpaste?

Toothpastes have a tough task to undertake, between cleaning and freshening, but all the ingredients aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking to have healthy gums and teeth without all the chemicals, it is possible to do so. Here’s an in-depth heads up, on what your teeth have to contend with and if the natural alternatives stand up to keeping your teeth in good health.

Having healthy teeth and gums is essential, and an unhealthy mouth, gums and teeth can be a sign of heart disease, but it is also important to remember how much can be absorbed through our mucous membranes, so is it really a good idea to use harsh chemicals in this delicate area?

Fluoride:
Scientific evidence shows that the presence of low levels of fluoride in water helps prevent dental cavities and keep our bones strong. When we talk about low levels this means only a few milligrams per day.

In the United States the recommended optimum range of fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7-1.2 mg/litre or parts per million (PPM), with the lower concentration recommended for warmer climates where water consumption is higher, and the higher concentration for colder climates.

However Fluoride taken in large quantities over time slowly poisons the human body; prolonged intake of treated water that contains more than 2 parts fluoride per million (PPM), can lead to discoloured, mottled or brownish enamel on the teeth. Extremely high concentrations, over 8 PPM can contribute to bone disorders, kidney, liver and adrenal failure as well as the heart, reproductive system and central nervous system. Other effects recorded include cancer. This is especially dangerous in young children and the elderly.

The issue therefore arises amongst young children who don’t always wash their mouth out properly after brushing teeth and whether or not they and other vulnerable people are being over exposed to fluoride levels from water combined with imperfectly used toothpaste and also possible food sources.

It may be worth checking the fluoride level in the water in your area and deciding whether toothpaste containing fluoride is a necessary addition. Natural Fluoride in Bottled water is not as strictly regulated as tap water, so this doesn’t make it better for you.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphates:
Detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, Ammonium Lauryl Sulpahtes and are used in toothpaste to clean your teeth, for some, the Lauryl Sulphates can cause irritation and allergy, and so sometimes a different version such as Lauryl Sarcocinate is used in more ‘gentle’ toothpastes. Alantoin is sometimes also used to lessen the effects of the detergents.

Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP):
is a slightly toxic, some studies have shown neaurotxicity effects on the brain and nervous system, it is also classed as mildly irritating crystalline chemical compound used in toothpaste to remove calcium and magnesium from Saliva, thus removing the agents causing Tarter on teeth, like a water softener stops scaling

Polymers and Acrylics:
PVM/MA copolymer prevent the pyrophosphate breaking down, polyethylene glycol (PEG) in various weights (i.e. PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-40, etc.), and polypropylene glycol (PPG). PEG for instance is toxic in large doses and is not recommended for use on damaged skin. PEG compounds are used in most toiletries, creams, and pharmaceuticals and are restricted to low dose usage only. Some research studies have shown laboratory cancer mutation of cells, endocrine and reproductive health effects and irritation. Research has also shown that contamination can occur making the PEG compounds impure causing additional cancer health concerns from compounds such 1-4 Dioxane

Sodium Carbonate Peroxide:
Is present in toothpastes in order to bleach the teeth white. Although it has lesser health concerns, it has still been found to have some neurotoxicity and respiratory effects in laboratory tests

Triclosan:
This is not a good ingredient for putting anywhere near your body let alone in it! Triclosan is limited for use in cosmetics, it is toxic and bioaccumulative. Research has shown the effects of low dosages to include endocrine disruption, mutation of cells such as cancer, and at high doses it also effects reproduction. Triclosan is so widely used in our cleaning products that our exposure to it is persistent and higher than should be acceptable. Triclosan is added to toothpaste to kill plaque forming microbes

Hydrated Silica:
Biaccumulative in humans and wildlife

Sodium Methylparaben:
Has been found unsafe for use in cosmetics by government bodies, research shows that it is strongly allergenic, and is a known as toxic to the human body, causes endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and can interfere with the body at biocellular level,

Zinc Citrate:
Is Bioaccumulative, and may be toxic to the reproductive system.

Other Stuff:
Your toothpaste may also contain artificial additives such as Blue #1, Yellow #5 or other FD&C colorants, saccharine and artificial flavours. These are linked to allergies, and are anti-nutrients which are not good for health.

Alcohol:
Used in Mouthwashes, alcohol use has been linked to an increase in oral cancer

You don’t really need all these chemicals in your mouth, as natural alternatives will give you gum and dental health without the toxins

Switching to Natural Toothpaste and Dental Products

Making the switch can be equally worrying if you are concerned about your dental and mouth health. Most people don’t really understand what the differences are between the chemical and non chemical natural toothpaste brands. But rest assured, natural dental products are not the soft option, these products are still effective in cleaning and keeping your mouth healthy and teeth strong.

Natural and organic toothpaste will give you the same clean feeling and taste through ingredients such as baking powder, essential oils for natural flavour such as fennel, lemon, anise and mint.

Teeth can be cleaned with Non-SLS based cleaning agents such as coconut based low foaming cleansers present in natural toothpastes.

Natural antimicrobials, like Echinacea, goldenseal and grapefruit seed extract keep germs at bay. Many natural herbs and extracts eradicate germs and bacteria effectively such as Neem and Tea tree for instance whilst healing the mouth in place of harsh bioaccumulative Triclosan. Although it may not say Triclosan on the label, it may still be in the product due to poor labelling laws.

If you are concerned about fluoride, then there are alternatives whichever way you wish to go, there are natural toothpastes available with Fluoride and without. Although it’s important to remember that it’s already in your drinking water.

Non alcohol natural mouthwashes ensure that natural herbs and botanicals clean, get rid of germs and bacteria effectively, and leave your teeth healthy and strong.

The main points in keeping your teeth perfect are the commitment to everyday dental care, in conjunction with natural products will keep your mouth and teeth healthy and strong.

• Floss and brush your teeth twice a day, every day.

• Visit the dentist regularly every 6 months or more if you have problems that need seeing too address them and don’t leave them to fester.

• Make sure you get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months and find out as much as you can about ways to keep your mouth healthy.

• Eat fruit and vegetables and high fibre foods, they naturally whiten teeth and exfoliate stains

• If you want whiter teeth avoid Tea, Coffee and red wine, which colour your teeth and leave them yellow.

• Minimize stress and get a dental guard made from you dentist that will help you prevent grinding your teeth at night. Grinding can cause gums to recede prematurely.

• Avoid harsh home remedies that could damage your teeth. A gentler whitening remedy we came across recently getting your gnashers sparkling – mix baking soda with strawberries and rub on teeth, then rinse.

Sonia’s Makeup and Skincare Safety Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonia

Discover What’s Causing Your Makeup & Skincare Allergies

So many women have approached me after having suffered difficulty with their makeup. Some were fine for years and then suddenly developed swelling around their eyes or on their face, or illness where previous they never had a problem.

Makeup and cosmetics are part of most women’s daily routine. It’s a ritualistic thing that gets us ready to go out and face the world. It can be very alarming and really knock a woman’s self esteem if she suddenly has to go out with no makeup due to blotchy skin, rashes, and red eyes or in worst cases actually lead to depression!

So here’s a heads up on what symptoms you may be suffering from and what may be causing it along with advice on how to prevent yourself from developing problems in later life. Now I’m not a medical doctor, just a natural makeup and cosmetics enthusiast, so this article is based on my own research of what information is already out there, so consider it practical, useful but not gospel.

Manufacturers put chemical and synthetic ingredients in makeup, such as fragrances and preservatives, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehydes and fillers that can act as allergens and trigger an allergic reaction. They don’t always cause a reaction in everyone, but it has been shown that 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed, similar to the method by which nicotine patches work; therefore what we put on our skin does matter. (Please note it is worth mentioning that some people are also allergic to natural ingredients, but the numbers are much lower).

How do you know you are having a reaction?

Two types of allergic reaction are typical of makeup and cosmetics; irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis: This is more common than allergic contact dermatitis and develops when an irritating or harsh substance actually damages the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis usually starts as patches of itchy, scaly skin or a red rash, but can develop into blisters that ooze, especially if the skin is irritated from scratching. It mostly occurs where the makeup has been in contact with your skin. Where your skin is thinner such as the eyelids, or where it is cracked and dry, irritant dermatitis will be more common. The skin actually breaks down when it comes into contact with the harsh chemicals substances in the makeup, most often these chemicals directly injure the outer layer of the skin, resulting in symptoms of a cosmetic allergy.

Allergic contact dermatitis: This is an allergy to a specific ingredient or ingredients in a product. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and hive-like breakouts. In some cases, the skin becomes red and raw. The face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck are the most common sites for cosmetic allergies, although reactions may appear anywhere on the body. The body's immune system is reacting against a specific substance (the allergen) that it considers foreign and harmful. This may be a specific ingredient that doesn’t agree with you, it could be a chemical ingredient or even a natural one. Everyone is different, and every ingredient is a possible allergen

Neurological Problems

It has also been reported that some of the chemicals in makeup can cause neurological damage, inducing depression. These and other reactions are so insidious that you wouldn’t know that they are because of an ingredient in your lipstick or eye shadow for instance. ME sufferers have reported relief from switching to organic cosmetics, however studies are ongoing.

It can take seconds or minutes for a reaction to occur to really strong triggers, or alternatively it may take weeks or years for low levels of exposure to toxins to finally create a level of sensitivity that will result in a reaction. Hence, prolonged use of makeup containing harsh chemicals is not a good idea for anyone. Your skin and body needs a break!

Studies show that up to 10% of the population will have some type of reaction to a cosmetic over the course of a lifetime. Reactions to cosmetics occur more often in women, most likely because women tend to use more cosmetic products than men, and where your skin has been damaged by prolonged use of makeup containing toxins, it will need to time to heal and recover.

Safe or not safe; who’s telling the Truth?

Although government agencies such as the FDA permit a lot of these chemicals in the makeup to be used, they do not directly test all the compounds, products and chemicals themselves. Instead they allow this multi million dollar cosmetic industry to regulate itself. Across the UK the situation is much the same with the multitude of chemicals within each of the toiletries and makeup products used everyday not being tested to see how they react in the cocktail we use them in.

What to do If you have an Allergy

Although it may sound drastic, the first step is to stop using all makeup. When your symptoms are gone and your skin has calmed down again, then start using them again, one product at a time. Give each product at least a few days trial, even a patch test will do. If you are allergic immediately then stop using it immediately, if you aren’t allergic, use it a couple of days more to check it’s really ok. This may help you determine which product or products are responsible for the reaction. If your skin flares up, you will have to give it a few days to calm down again before you start testing the other products.

If you cannot identify the source of the reaction or if your symptoms do not go away after you stop using the cosmetics, consult your Doctor/Nutritionist as it may be a nutritional problem or infection. Your doctor will assess your skin and could do a patch skin test to find out what is causing the problem. Although your Doctor may prescribe you a steroid cream, this will only temporarily relieve the symptoms, but it will not remove the cause of the allergy. The only way you can avoid further allergies is by avoiding the ingredients that you may be allergic to.

Preventing an allergy to makeup and skincare?

There are several steps you can take to try and avoid cosmetic allergies, including:
Read the list of ingredients on all cosmetic products. If you find an ingredient that has caused a reaction in the past, don't use that product. Keep track of ingredients that have caused reactions, and look for products that do not contain those ingredients.

When considering a new product, even a natural one, do a "mini-patch test" first to see if it causes a reaction. Put a sample of the product on your inner wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.

Keep it simple. Choose natural organic cosmetics with simple formulas. More ingredients mean more potential allergens. With fewer ingredients, it's also easier to pinpoint the source if you do have a reaction. Even some organic and natural products have to have some preservatives in them to keep them safe to use.

As makeup stays in contact with the skin for a long time look for products that are natural or organic and that do not contain the harsh chemicals that may cause an allergy such as formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Propylene Glycol, AHA’s, phthalates, parabens, fragrances and BHT’s. Natural and organic makeup formulas use milder and naturally sourced preservatives and ingredients and are therefore much better for sensitive skin people. This doesn’t entirely remove the chance of having an allergy, as any of the one ingredients, however natural, may trigger a reaction.

Mineral makeup is all the rave because it doesn’t need preservatives and is so mild as to suit even the most sensitive of skin. But not all mineral makeup is equal. Inika for example is excellent from using it myself and from friends and customers who have given it positive feedback.

Being a little cautious and testing any cosmetics or makeup before use will in the long run provide benefits and help protect your skin from allergic reactions and discomfort.

I'll be following up this blog with some tips on how to prevent allergic reactions to cosmetics getting the better of you.

Sonia

10 Reasons to Choose Organic Beauty Products10 Reasons to Choose Organic Beauty Products

The beauty and skincare industry is a billion dollar force to be reckoned with. Many companies get away with putting all concoctions of chemicals together that may have been tested individually but may not have been tested in combination or tested to see what they turn into when they breakdown in the bottle. Slap on a smart label and a big or very small price tag and you have something – not sure what – in a bottle.

The natural and organic skincare and beauty industry is now a growing market for those who want purer products that do not carry all the growing hazards presented by high street brands. Instead of buying a bottle of chemical preservative with a few essential oils thrown in, consumers are getting savvy to what they are buying, and would rather buy a bottle packed full of pure nutrients for their skin with a little bit of preservative to keep it fresh!

So if you’re not on the band wagon yet, here are 10 reasons why you should give it a go!

1. High street brands contain 0.5 – 6% of active ingredients, the rest are made up of cheap ingredients that have no value for your skin or body, including mineral oil derived from petrochemicals, formaldehydes, synthetic preservatives ( parabens) and emulsifiers, colorants and fragrances that contain phthalates

2. Organic Brands contain on average approximately 80 – 90% active ingredients, ingredients include more expensive nutritionally based oils that are good for your skin such as Apricot oil, sea buckthorn oil, plant emulsifiers instead of synthetic ones, and essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance

3. Unlike the early brands of organic skin care and other and natural beauty products up and coming new brands are sophisticated and luxurious to use and yes, they do work!

4. The Soil Association has announced a new EU-wide, harmonised standard for organic health and beauty products. This is brilliant news for the growing organic health and beauty industry and also for the consumer as this is the first common standard in the world that will ensure clarity and transparency, so that everyone can understand what ‘organic’ means.

5. The ingredients in organic skincare products have been grown or produced without the use of pesticides, or chemical solvents, they are either wild harvested, grown from organic farms or handmade with care and attention

6. Organic skin care products are produced in a socially responsible way without harm to wildlife, the environment, people or animals.

7. Organic products tend to be Vegetarian or Vegan meaning you won’t be smearing animal fat on your face

8. Organic beauty products feed your skin rather than coating it with plasticizers or thinning it or chemically destroying it as other products can do

9. The saying you get what you pay for is very true of organic products. Sure they are more expensive than a non-organic equivalent, but at the same time you can be assured you are keeping your skin safe, are helping the environment and are pampering yourself with real luxury.

10. Organic products are non – toxic and do not cause the side effects associated with chemicals in high street products such as hormone disruption, depression, skin allergies and cancer.

Unfortunately as the Soil Association's standard has only recently been agreed, it means there are still some unscrupulous manufacturers out there that will label their products as “natural” or “organic”, yet they are no better for you than many non-organic products. The best advice is to look out for reputable brands such as Green People, Eselle Organics, Earthbound Organics and Miessence.

So what are you waiting for?

The death of a childhood hero and a Life changing Eclipse!

What a strange few weeks this has been, Michael Jacksons death seems almost surreal! I am so, so sad at his passing, and so sad that his life was so misunderstood. Akin only to how I felt when Princess Diana died. Maybe they were both just passing flames who lit up our life for a little while and then moved on.

Michael Jackson was part of my childhood, his music, like Madonna’s was the subject of every craze we went through, and with his passing I feel like a part of my own childhood has gone and my heart hurt when I saw is Memorial.

And what was that all about on the 7th of July, did anyone’s life get turned upside down completely for you only to be left the next day with a feeling that everything will be ok?

Sonia