You’re never too young or too old to start caring for your skin. In fact, skin care and protection should be a consistent part of your daily health, fitness, and beauty routine. If you take care of your skin, your skin will take care of you! But with all of the skin care options on the market, it can be quite confusing when trying to choose those that will best meet your needs.

Many claims are made regarding this or that product’s ability to dissolve wrinkles or eliminate dry skin. Other manufacturers talk up their expensive ingredients and market their products as superior. How do you sort it all out? Maybe an overview of the basic types of products available will help.

A Look at the Products

Below is a breakdown of the major categories of skin care products, along with some advice about choosing the right ones for your situation:

Cleansers: Cleansers help remove unwanted dirt, grime, pollutants, and perspiration that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. They are available in bar form, or as a liquid or foam.

Sunscreens: Sunscreen is an absolute must for the care and protection of your skin. Excessive exposure to the sun may cause changes in your skin cells that can be very damaging. Totally avoiding the sun is not the answer, because we need 20-30 minutes of direct sunlight every day in order to synthesize vitamin D.

Fair-skinned people need to be extra careful regarding sun protection, but those with dark skin are susceptible to the harsh effects of the sun too. Use of a natural sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 15 is recommended to prevent damage and lower your risk of skin cancers. Note that many moisturizers include sunscreen in their formulas; however, caution is urged as many of these moisturizers contain toxic ingredients which are harmful to the skin and the body.

Moisturizers: Moisturizers are designed to soothe dry skin and minimize wrinkles. They come in creams, lotions, and oils. Oil-based moisturizers are a good choice for use on areas of severely dry skin such as arms and legs. A cream or lotion may be a better option for your face, as it will leave it feeling less greasy and heavy. Always use a moisturizer after bathing in order to seal moisture into your skin.

Eye Creams: An eye cream is helpful at improving the delicate skin around your eyes. Eye creams hydrate and protect this fragile area, and may even temporarily tighten fine lines and/or minimize dark circles around your eyes.

Toners: Skin toners are particularly helpful if you have oily or combination skin. Natural skin toners such as Hydra-Tone™ are usually formulated for all types of skin.

Exfoliants: Exfoliants improve the appearance of your skin by sloughing off dead cells from the surface. If you have sun-damaged skin, exfoliants can also help to smooth and eliminate discoloration from your skin. They are an excellent choice for use on aging skin that is rough and sallow. Younger skin naturally sheds dead skin cells more easily than older skin. Exfoliants are often found in moisturizers and cleansers.

Retinoids: These vitamin A-based products help to significantly reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. When applied topically, retinoids temporarily “plump up” the area around a wrinkle, thus minimizing its appearance. While this is not a long-term solution, retinoids do offer some immediate benefits.

Herbals: Herbal antioxidants, such as green tea and others, can be applied topically and/or taken orally to battle free radical damage and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Supplements: Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring cellular antioxidant that is known for its ability to reduce wrinkles in the skin. It is often included in moisturizers. Co Q10 has also shown great promise at preventing and treating debilitating diseases such as Parkinson’s, heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.

Deciphering the Ingredient Label

You may notice that skin care products have a labeling system that can be quite confusing. The Food and Drug Administration receives many requests every year to help consumers understand the language of cosmetic and personal care product labels. However, in order to avoid confusion, the ingredients in these products must be listed by their chemical names. The use of brand names or trade names on the label would provide little clue as to the identity of the ingredients.

Despite the technical language of skin care product labels, it is possible to gain some useful information from them if you understand that the ingredients must be listed in sequence based on the amount included in the formula. For example, a product with alcohol listed near the top of the list would have more alcohol than one that lists alcohol as the final ingredient. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you would want to choose a product that has a minimal amount of alcohol. (It’s actually best to avoid alcohol altogether). As a consumer, you can compare products this way and more effectively choose what is best for you.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in Houston, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Lanique Botanicals, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Lanique Botanicals and OAW developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All product batches are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness or www.oasisserene.com

The term organic is commonly used in reference to foods and other consumer products that are considered healthy, non-toxic and all-natural. Organic skin care products have become very popular lately as many people are looking to avoid the harmful toxins found in most traditional products. But what does the term “organic” really mean? What assurance can you have that the products you choose are truly “organic?” Let’s talk a bit about the standards of organic skin care products, and learn how to know if a product meets these standards.

What Is Organic?

“Organic” is the term used to label food that is grown naturally without the use of any synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers, hormones, or other man-made or poisonous compounds. Organic foods must also be without artificial flavors or colorings. In addition, organic certification will not be given to foods that have been treated with radiation or genetically modified (GMO). According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in order for products to be labeled organic, they must be free of all the above harmful substances for a minimum of three years. In October of 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) passed new legislation regarding national standards for organic labeling. The new standards include a three-tiered set of classifications:

100% Organic. The USDA organic seal can only be held by products that exclusively contain organically produced ingredients.

Organic. Products may be labeled organic if they are composed of a minimum of 95% organic ingredients.

Made with Organic Ingredients. This label can, by current law, be used for any food product that contains a minimum of 70% organic ingredients.

Why Buy Organic?

Organic foods are great for our health, and for that of the environment as well. Organic farmers don’t use toxic or artificial chemicals to grow and produce their products. Instead, they manage their crops and provide pest control naturally by such means as crop rotation and planting a wide variety of products. Thus, organic farming is friendly to the environment. With organic methods, no chemicals and poisonous toxins will enter the food chain or the water supply.

At the present time, the FDA does not closely regulate the labeling of organic skin care products. In fact, less than 1% of their budget goes toward monitoring personal care products. Hopefully this will change soon, as more and more consumers speak out and demand higher standards and accountability for the manufacturers of skin care products.

Most people today want personal care products that they can be sure are free of unwanted toxins. But, there is a concern. Due to poor regulation, these products can be identified as “natural” or “organic” even though they contain dangerous chemicals. You might think reading the ingredient label is the answer, but unfortunately ingredients are listed with their chemical names and are hard for most of us to understand. To make matters worse, some labels may read “Derived from…(a natural substance)” and may give the impression that this is a natural product. In reality, it may be quite toxic and many chemicals are “derived” from a plant source. For example, ingredients might be followed by the words “Derived from coconut oil.” This misleading statement makes it appear that these man-made chemicals are “natural.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. Cocamide DEA is a foaming agent often include in shampoo formulas. In order to produce this substance, coconut oil must chemically interact with another chemical called Diethanolamine (DEA) that is a known carcinogen. Cocamide DEA is technically derived from coconut oil, but it is certainly not natural and is definitely dangerous.

Identifying Organic Skin Care Products

According to FDA policy, “…a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA” (FDA 1995). This leaves it wide open for manufacturers to put just about anything in personal care products. While some companies make products that would be safe to eat, others include known human carcinogens and developmental toxins such as coal tar and lead acetate. The best way to tell the difference between companies who manufacture truly organic skin care products and those that irresponsibly throw the word around as a marketing ploy is to read the product labels. By law, all skin care products must list their ingredients on the package in descending order based on the percentage of total volume. In other words, the first ingredient listed on the label makes up the majority of the product. A good rule of thumb to use when analyzing products is to divide the ingredient list into thirds. The top third typically contains 90-95% of the product; the middle third usually contains 5-8%; the bottom third is about 1-3%.

As I previously mentioned, the most confusing thing about labels on personal care products is that all of the ingredients are listed by their chemical names. Unless you have a background in chemistry, it is unlikely that you will understand the benefits or safety issues regarding the ingredients. This is where a bit of research is in order. It is a fairly easy process to quickly find out about any chemical you come across. Simply access the internet, and punch the chemical name into a search engine such as Google. When you get the results, look for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) regarding that particular compound. Here you will find such valuable information as other names the chemical goes by, health hazards associated with it, precautions to take when handling it, and first aid recommendations if you are exposed to it.

A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot pronounce the ingredient name then quite possibly it is a chemical and therefore may be harmful. Do your research and your homework and purchase products from companies that are making non-toxic, chemical-free natural skin care products.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com

In a recent survey, conducted by Health Magazine, 83% of responding consumers indicated that they would rather use all natural body products. The skin care industry is responding to this demand. The natural and organic skin care product sector has seen a growth of 39% over the last year alone. Some of these products may claim to be all-natural, while still containing a slew of chemicals and toxins. Here’s what you need to know about natural skin care and how to determine if the product you are using really is free of harmful chemicals.

Why Choose Natural Skin Care Products?

There are approximately six pounds of skin on your body which provides a porous membrane into your system. Dirt, dust, pollutants, and other environmental pollutants enter the body through the skin, making it an even more significant gateway to your system than food. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxic. And a recent Canadian study of pediatric drugs found cosmetic and personal care products as the most common cause of unintentional poisonings of kids under six.

The chemicals and toxins found in most commercial skin care products also have a detrimental effect on the environment, although their effect is just beginning to be understood. In March, a team of US Geological Survey scientists showed that a variety of chemicals from personal care products were among 95 wastewater contaminants found in US waterways.

Why poison yourself and the environment with toxic chemicals and pollutants? Natural skin care products are healthier for you, for your skin, and for the environment. But many products may claim to be all-natural while still containing a number of harmful ingredients. Make sure you read and understand the product label to ensure that the product you’re using is as natural as it claims to be.

Reading the Ingredients Label

Organic personal care manufacturing needs strict standards and enforcement in order to be effective. Currently, some manufacturers claim their products are organic merely as a marketing gimmick. One look at their products ingredients clearly suggests otherwise. Only by tying organic beauty care closely to the National Organic Program standards can the “organic lifestyle” being marketed by these manufacturers reach the level of quality already found in organic agriculture.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cosmetics into 13 categories, but it does not regulate them. According to the FDA, “A cosmetic manufacturer may use any ingredient or raw material and market the final product without government approval.” Seven toxins are banned, but many more known toxins and carcinogens are allowed in cosmetic formulations. Less than 1% of the FDA’s budget is allocated for the evaluation of skin care products.

Many commercial skin care products have been regularly found to contain toxic chemicals. Surprisingly, most personal care products are not tested for health and safety. And because the FDA does not regulate skin care manufacturers, questionable ingredients often make their way into their formulas. These ingredients may seem harmless in the short-term, but their chemical components are stored in the fatty tissues of the body where they accumulate and magnify over time.

Cosmetics and personal care products are marketed based on the quality and content of their formulas. Many products claim to be filled with expensive vitamins, oils, and perfumes. Others claim to utilize an all-natural formula. But how can you be sure that the products you buy actually contain the ingredients they claim to have? Read the label, right? But unless you happen to be a scientist or chemist, the ingredient list on most cosmetics and personal care products probably won’t make a whole lot of sense.

This is where natural and organic skin care products should stand out. If a product claims to be all-natural, it should be easy to recognize its components. Also, the ingredients should be listed in descending order with the most prominent factors listed first. Scrutinize the first several listings in the product to be sure that they are the natural ingredients you are looking for.

If a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, write down its name and do a little research. A quick online search should reveal its true nature. As a consumer, you need to be on the look out for chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and your body. You would never think about eating a food that contained chemicals or cancer causing agents. Don’t let these toxins enter your system through your beauty products either!

For more information on natural skin care and makeup go to OasisAdvancedWellness.com.

Published on: October 19, 2003
article reprinted from Suite101.com

#14. Methylparaben is also known as methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate; Nipagin M; Tegosept M; Methyl Chemosept and Methyl Parasept. “Parabens are derived from benzoic acid, which is commonly found in plants such as the gum benzoin tree [(Styrax benzoin)] …cherry [genus Prunus] bark, raspberries [genus Rubus], tea [(Camellia sinensis)], anise [(Pimpinella anisum)], and cassia [(Cassia fistula)] bark…”. Some sources state that it is a derivative of PABA (Para-AminoBenzoic Acid).

Methylparaben is used by the cosmetic industry as a anti-fungal and/or anti-microbial preservative.

It has no hazard rating; however, if you are allergic to PABA, you might well be allergic to methylparaben, since they are chemical relatives. ThirdAge.com doesn’t list it as a poison.

#15. Ethylparaben is a synthetic compound which is also known as ethyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, p-ethylhydroxybenzoate; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester; Nipagin A; Solbrol A; ethyl parasept and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester.

It is used by the cosmetic industry as an anti-fungal preservative.

In its pure form, ethylparaben…

is neither a carcinogen nor a teratogen.

is flammable.

is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.

Furthermore,

It’s unknown if it is toxic or not. However, one rat out of two died when fed 3 grams of ethylparaben. The same amount killed one out of two mice, whereas it took 5 grams to kill one of two rabbits. It sure looks like ethylparaben has been tested on lab animals, so any product saying that it hasn’t been tested on animals which contains ethylparaben is being less than honest.

It can be a respiratory irritant.

You must avoid getting it in your eyes.

You must avoid getting it on your skin!

It’s getting sort of boring, isn’t it?

#16. Propylparaben ”is the ester of n-propyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.” It is also known as n-Propil-p-hidroxi-benzo�t, pHB propil�szter (Magyar); pHB n-propylester (UK); p-hydroxybenzoate de propyle, ester propylique de l’acide p-hydroxybenzoique (French)

In appearance, it is an off-white powder.

Its use in the cosmetic industry is that of a preservative.

In its pure form, propylparaben…

is flammable.

is explosive if in the form of concentrated dust.

may re-act with strong oxidizing agents.

may irritate your respiratory system as a dust if you breathe it in (you must go outside; you may need oxygen or artificial respiration; you will need medical help).

may be a poison (you must check with a doctor if you swallow it). However, MealsForYou.com seems to think it is safe to use in food.

may irritate your eyes (you must flush them with water for 15 minutes if you get the pure form in them; if irritation does develop, you will need medical help). RITA Corporation’s safety sheet indicates the need for an eye wash station if you are propylparaben!

may be bad for your skin! Cosmetic-industry chemists must wear protective gloves. If contact does occur, you must wash with soap and water; if that doesn’t work, you must seek the help of a doctor. RITA Corporation’s safety sheet also indicates the need for a safety shower in the work area.

It seems almost as though the manufacturer of this product went out of its way to include chemicals which, in their pure form at least, are not to be put on anyone’s skin!

#17. Diazolidinyl urea is a formaldehyde-releasing anti-microbial preservative used in cosmetics which may or may not be derived from animals. It is also known as:

N,N’-Bis (hydroxy-methyl) urea N-(1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)- diazolidinylurea Urea, N-(1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl-N,N’-bis (hydroxymethyl)- 1-(1,3-Bis (hydroxymethyl-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-iyl)-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)urea

One conclusion I have drawn from all these names is that chemical names suffer from the same diversity of spelling as archaic forms of English!

Just why is formaldehyde so dangerous? Let me count the ways!

1. It is extremely flammable!

2. Gas/air mixtures of it are explosive!

3. If you breathe it, formaldehyde can produce a burning sensation, coughing, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, wheezing, and other kinds of irritation of your nose, throat and respiratory system!

4. If you breathe it in, you may develop nasal cancer: It is considered to be a potential occupational carcinogen!

5. If you get it in your eyes, you may experience tearing (lacrimation), redness, pain and blurred vision!

6. Any Aspertame you eat may cause formaldehyde to be released within you!

That’s six reasons to have nothing to do with either formaldehyde or anything which produces it!

#18. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a phenolic man-made compound used by the cosmetic industry to prevent fats from going rancid and as an anti-discoloring (anti-oxidant) agent. You may find the related BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) “in butter, meats, cereals, chewing gum, baked goods, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes and beer. It is also found in animal feeds, food packaging, rubber and petroleum products.”

It is also known as:

2,6-Di-t-butyl-p-cresol 2,6-di-tert-butyl p-cresol 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethyl)-4-methylphenol and methyl di-tert-butyl phenol

The Australian NHSC states:

“[BHT and BHA] can provoke an allergic reaction in some people, may trigger hyperactivity and other intolerance and serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects exist. In large doses caused tumors in lab animals. Official committees of experts recommended this it be banned in the UK.”

In its pure form, BH

re-acts unfavorably with acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, brass, copper, other copper alloys, steel, bases and oxidizing agents;

is flammable;

is a possible carcinogen;

may cause reproductive defects;

can be teratogenic if you eat food-grade BHT; its addition to food is restricted but not banned; and

shouldn’t touch your skin!

Surprise! Surprise!

#19. Fragrance This is very hard to research since the fragrance industry doesn’t make it easy to find out much about them. You might look at it in the same way as glycerin: Since some components may be derived from plants you are allergic to, you may have an unfavorable re-action to fragrance components. It’s impossible to know.

My experience with fragrances has been good, so far. If I use talc containing talcum and fragrance, I get no little, red, itchy spots. This means that the fragrance used in talc is safe for me.

Conclusion

I’m making my own moisturizer from now on!

Christine Wolfe, Contributing Editor, Suite101.com
(profile: http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/Christine_Wolfe)

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/upwards_mobility/102983

Published on: October 19, 2003
article reprinted from Suite101.com

#08. Dimethicone copolyol The label’s comma between “dimethicone” and “copolyol” really slowed down already difficult research. The chemical is known under a variety of names, including di-Me; Dimethicream; dimeythyl silicone; dimethylpoly-siloxane; dimethylsiloxane-glycol copolymer; ethoxylated propoxylated; hydroxy-terminated; latex (Hevea brasiliensis); Silbar; silicone; silicone rubber; siloxanes and Simethicone. If you are allergic to rubber/latex (as I am), it might be wise to avoid dimethicone copolyol under any of its names!

Silicone, by the way, is made from silica which occurs in rocks and sand, and which is used to make glass and computer parts and breast implants.

Dimethicone copolyol can be derived in part from almonds (Prunus dulcis), avocados (Persea americana), beeswax, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter, olives (Olea europaea), phthalates or shea (Butyrospermum parkii) butter. Since I am allergic to three of these, I, at least, need to avoid dimethicone copolyol.

In its pure form, dimethicone copolyol:

is flammable.

can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if you swallow it.

can cause redness and pain if you get it in your eyes.

makes it necessary to use it in a well-ventilated area.

makes it necessary to wear gloves to prevent skin contact!

I don’t know if it is a carcinogen or a teratogen. I do know that it isn’t good for my skin!

#09. Tetrasodium EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetate) is a very controversial chemical: Some sources say it’s safe, others say it’s very dangerous.

There are more than a hundred commercial names for tetrasodium EDTA. Instead of listing them in this article, you can click here to see the ones I’ve found so far.

Tetrasodium EDTA is a synthetic amino acid derived from an unspecified natural ingredient. Its primary use by the cosmetic industry appears to be that of permitting the removal of undesirable minerals from a combination of chemicals (chelating agent); were the minerals left in the product, microbes could get busy. This chemical can also be used to soften water.

Other industries using tetrasodium EDTA are the detergent and printing ones.

How safe is it in its pure form? Judge for yourself.

It isn’t flammable.

It isn’t known to be a carcinogen or a teratogen.

Noone knows if there are any chronic effects.

It’s incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Don’t put aluminum, zinc, copper or copper alloys (brass, gold) or nickel (the clasp on your watch) in touch with it.

It’s very alkaline, with a pH of 11 to 11.5 (7 is neutral, 14 is corrosively alkaline and 0 is corrosively acidic).

It may cause chemical conjunctivitis if you get it in your eyes.

It may cause gastro-intestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you remain conscious after swallowing it, you must immediately rinse your mouth out with water, you mustn’t vomit and you must seek the help of a doctor. If you’re unconscious, noone must give you liquids. Dimethicone copolyol must be a poison!

Don’t breathe in its dust. The most extreme re-action you could have is to stop breathing!

It can irritate your skin.

I never dreamt that cosmetic-industry chemists led such dangerous lives!

#10. Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is a fully proprietary chemical owned by Noveon, Inc. It is one hundred percent man-made (synthetic); no plant or animal material, whether natural or genetically modified, was used in its creation. It appears to be a copolymer of acrylic acid.

Noveon manufactures a line of copolymers, some of which are: Carbopol (r) 1342 and 1382, Carbopol (r) EDT 2020 and EDT 2050, Carbopol (r) Ultrez 21, Permulen (r) TR-1 and Permulen (r) TR-2. Hopefully, Carbopol (r) 1342 wasn’t used, since it contains benzene.

Benzene is given off naturally by the decomposition of vegetation. However, there’s too much more being given off by exhaust. The situation in the USA has become so bad that the federal government has legislated its eventual complete banning as a component of exhaust. There is such a thing as too much of a good/natural thing!

Acrylic acid isn’t any friendlier: It’s a petroleum derivative which, in its pure form, is very flammable and explosive. It can irritate your eyes. It re-acts with oxidizers, amines, alkalis (like tetrasodium EDTA), ammonium hydroxide, chloro-sulfonic acid, oleum, ethylene diamine (the ED in EDTA), ethyleneimine, 2-aminoethanol. It corrodes many metals; it can have a corrosive effect on your lungs, too. It has injured lungs, livers and kidneys in animals. If you swallow it, it can give you a burning sensation, weakness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, shock, “corrosion” and unconsciousness. It looks like acrylic acid is a poison!

Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is also known as polyacrylic acid.

The cosmetic industry uses it as a film former as well as a thickener.

In its pure form, its hazards are:

It may be flammable.

It may be a carcinogen.

It may be a teratogen; acrylic acid is a teratogen.

It is a mutagen if Carbopol (r) 1342 is part of it.

It is a poison: If you swallow it, you should be treated symptomatically.

It may hurt your eyes.

It may hurt your respiratory system.

It may irritate your skin!

Why should I be surprised that yet another chemical component of a skin-care product isn’t good for me?

#11. Magnesium aluminum silicate is a naturally occurring mineral which the cosmetic industry uses to emulsify, thicken and color products. Its molecules are so big they cannot be absorbed by your skin. It must have been used to color the skin-care product bright white.

Also known as silicic acid and aluminum magnesium salt, magnesium aluminum silicate is used as an absorbent, an opacifier and a viscosity adjusting agent as well.

No hazard information is available for it; since it is used as an antacid, I believe it’s correct to infer that it isn’t a poison.

Of eleven chemicals researched so far, this is only the fourth to present no hazards for me!

#12. Xanthan gum is used as an emulsifier, a lubricant, a suspending agent or a thickener. It is made by fermenting corn sugar with a bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris). The pharmaceutical, cosmetic and prepared-food industries all use it.

It has no hazard rating.

Wow! That’s two in a row which are safe!

#13. Triethanolamine (aka Trolamine, Triolamine and TEA) is produced by ammonolysis of ethylene oxide (oxirane; see #07 in Part 1).

It neutralizes carbomer solutions (see #10 above) to form gels. It neutralizes stearic acid (see #06 and #07 in Part 1) to form anionic emulsions and acts as an alkalizing agent to control pH.

According to the Hazard Rating Index, the pure form of TEA has a “3″ health rating which is defined below as:

“Materials which upon short-term exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury even though prompt medical treatment is given, including those requiring protection from all bodily contact. This degree should include: Materials giving off highly toxic combustion products; [and] Materials corrosive to living tissue or toxic by skin absorption.”

You think this is bad?

TEA also has a “3″ flammability rating which is defined as:

“Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials in this degree produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions. This degree should include:

Liquids having a flash point below 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22.8 degrees Celsius) and having a boiling point at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) and those liquids having a flash point at or above 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22.8 degrees Celsius) and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) [Don't you just love bureaucratese?!] (Class IB and Class IC flammable liquids); Solid materials in the form of coarse dusts which may burn rapidly but which are generally do not form [not my mistake; I'm just quoting!] explosive atmospheres with air;

Solid materials in a fibrous or shredded form which may burn rapidly and create flash fire hazards, such as cotton, sisal and hemp; Materials which burn with extreme rapidity, usually by reason of self-contained oxygen (e.g., dry nitrocellulose and many organic peroxides); [and]

Materials which ignite spontaneously when exposed to air.”

TEA has a “0″ re-activity rating.

If any of you who read this article know anyone working with TEA, you might consider urging them to find another line of work!

Part 3 will contain information on the last six chemicals in the skin-care product as well as a list of my resources.

Christine Wolfe, Contributing Editor, Suite101.com
(profile: http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/Christine_Wolfe)

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/upwards_mobility/102983

Published on: October 19, 2003
article reprinted from Suite101.com

Introduction

Just as with food labels, American cosmetic-industry labels rank ingredients by order of quantity: There is more of the first than the second, more of the second than the third and so forth and so on. The ranking number of each of the nineteen chemicals in the product I researched is preceded by a “#”.

It is important to remember that, although individual chemicals can be bad for you (after all, one of the chemicals used in making soap is lye), the end product is not necessarily hazardous to you. It is also important to remember that some chemicals are hazardous to you only once a certain amount is used; for example, you might be safe using something in a strength of four percent but not one in a strength of five percent.

The hazards specified below are for the pure chemical components of the skin-care product I used to research this article. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may well have either an allergic response or a toxic response to a chemical which might not bother someone with normal skin. If you have hypersensitive skin or if you have multi-chemical sensitive skin (as I do), your threshold for tolerance may be even lower.

As for the ability of chemicals to be mutagens, that is, to change genes, not much is known, perhaps because we are still too close to the end of the Human Genome Project. Unless I have found specific information to the contrary, information about the mutagenicity of individual chemicals is not included in the summaries below.

Please note that biting creatures can be venomous not poisonous whereas plants and chemicals can be poisonous but are never venomous. Venom is poisonous.

The sources I used are in English; however, I did not restrict myself to American sources; indeed, I found those in Europe to be of far greater interest than American ones. I did restrict myself to either governmental, organizational or chemical sources. It is my intention to show what the industry knows, not what other individuals’ experience has been. I do not seek to belittle them: Their opinions show the degree to which controversy surrounds some chemicals and their actions have probably helped make chemical information more available, for which they have my thanks.

The skin-care product I selected is one you can get in almost any drugstore in the US.

#01. Purified water is the product’s major component. Contrary to popular belief, water dries your skin if you use it topically; it only moisturizes if you drink it. If you have dry skin as I do, you will have seen the truth of this. Purified water has no hazard rating although it does re-act with some metals (it will rust some, for example).

#02. Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum) is one of several vegetable oils used in the cosmetic industry as a carrier oil (aka base or fixed oil). However, since the formulation of this product is one of having sesame oil in it, its presence is more likely that of being able to add vitamin E to the product as well as to serve as its principal emollient. Sesame oil has no hazard rating, either, although it will catch fire if you heat it and expose it to a flame.

Purified water and sesame oil form the backbone of this skin-care product. Some of the other chemicals it contains prevent discoloring (anti-oxidants), some soften your skin (emollients, including sesame oil), some keep oil and water together (emulsifiers), some maintain the emulsion (emulsion stabilizers), some make a product penetrate your skin more than it might otherwise (enhancers), some give the product a fragrance other than the one its components would normally lend it (fragrance), some attract and/or bind water (humectants), some add water (moisturizers), some make the end product opaque (opacifiers), some prevent the end product from sprouting fungi or growing microbes (preservatives), some make other chemicals behave differently than they originally would (sequestrators), some are wetting agents (surfactants), some give the end product a good feel (texturizers), some make it thicker (thickeners) and some make it pourable (viscosity adjusters).

#03. Isopropyl myristate Isopropyl is derived from propane, a gaseous and flammable component of petroleum. Myristic acid, a fatty acid, can be derived from most vegetable and animal fatty acids, but most especially from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), palm seed fats, milk fat and sperm whale (Physeter catodon) fat.

Isopropyl myristate is an enhancer, although it is not known how it does this.

In its pure form, isopropyl myristate is flammable; it re-acts with strong oxidizing agents; it is not a known carcinogen or teratogen. It is not known to be poisonous to swallow. Isopropyl myristate is a known irritant of eyes, skin and respiratory systems!

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why anyone in good conscience would use a known skin-irritating chemical in a skin-care product! I stopped using this one when I finished the research on this, its third largest component. The skin on my arms is still dry, but at least I no longer have funny, itchy, scaly patches on them. So much for trusting a long-trusted brand name!

#04. Glycerin (aka glycerol) is a by-product of the manufacture of soap. It can be made from beef lard or from a variety of vegetable oils; in my case, guaranteed beef lard would be the safest, since I have a contact allergy to several of the fruits and vegetables often used in soap-making.

The cosmetic industry tends to view glycerin as a humectant as well as an emollient. Other industries use it as a lubricant, an anti-freeze, a solvent, a denaturant and in food, as an emulsifier, a thickener and a stabilizer.

The pure form of glycerin isn’t a poison, a carcinogen or a teratogen. It is incompatible with perchloric acid, lead oxide, acetic anhydride, nitrobenzene, chlorine (used in swimming pools and many public water systems) and peroxide (as in hydrogen peroxide or hair-color-changing peroxide). It is flammable. It is edible. It can be an eye or respiratory-system irritant. Repeated use can dry your skin!

The known skin hazard of this fourth component not only confirms my belief that glycerin isn’t necessarily good for me, it also confirms my conclusion that this skin-care product isn’t good for me!

#05. Cetyl alcohol is an emulsifying wax; it can be made by turning whale oil (spermaceti) into soap (saponification), by hydrogenating palmitic acid (exposing it to hydrogen), by combining fatty alcohols (alcohol derived from fat) from a variety of vegetable sources or by making it synthetically. Palmitic acid is derived from coconuts or other palms.

The cosmetic industry uses cetyl alcohol as a carrier, an emollient, an emulsifier, a moisturizer, an opacifier and a thickener. Other industries use it in making detergents and drugs.

Please remember that the alcohol you drink is really ethanol; it made by the fermentation of an organic product.

Rubbing alcohol is a drying agent (dessicant).

In its pure form, cetyl alcohol has no hazard rating.

In my book, cetyl alcohol is safe because it is in another product I use with no problems. It appears to me that four fruits I have contact allergies to (almonds, peaches, apricots and cocoa) are not the sources of the fatty alcohols used to make cetyl alcohol.

#06. Glyceryl stearate is made by combining glycerin (see #04 above) and stearic acid.

The Greek word “stea” means “fat”, so you know that stearic or stearate must have something to do with fats or oils. Beef tallow is usually the source of stearic acid, but vegetable oils or fats can be used as well.

The cosmetic industry uses glyceryl stearate as an emollient, an emulsifier and as a moisturizer.

In its pure form, safety data makes it clear that you would be better off not swallowing it. It is neither a carcinogen nor a teratogen. It is probably flammable, given the flammability of its components.

I think I’ll be avoiding glyceryl stearate in future: If it is based on glycerin (which I know from experience dries my already-dry skin) and fats from unidentified vegetables or fruits to which I might have a contact allergy, I will be better off. Of course, if the product label specifies the derivation of the glycerin and the stearic acid, I could be persuaded to change my mind.

#07. PEG-100 stearate PEG stands for polyethylene glycol (also known as Carbowax, Polywax and Lutrol. PEG-100 stearate is made by combining natural oils with stearic acid (see #06 above) to form a water-soluble ester. It can also be a man-made (synthetic) polymer made by combining oxirane (ethylene oxide) and fatty acids (stearic acid).

The cosmetic industry uses PEG-100 stearate as an emollient, an emulsifier and a moisturizer.

In its pure form, PEG-100 stearate has been included in the USEPA TSCA Inventory and Genetic Toxicology Program (run by the University of California’s Public Health Library at Berkeley), which suggests to me that it might be a mutagen. It is neither a carcinogen nor a teratogen. It is as flammable as sesame oil (see #02 above). It is an irritant of eyes, skin and respiratory systems! According to the safety data, it is “slightly toxic by ingestion”. Furthermore, the safety data states, “DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING–SEEK MEDICAL HELP OR A POISON CENTER.” I wonder how the safety organizations define “very toxic”: It seems to me that PEG-100 stearate is very poisonous indeed.

Of the seven chemicals I have looked at so far in my chosen research project, only three are safe for me to use.

There are several more just-as-hazardous components of this no-longer-used-by-me-skin-care product which you can read about in Parts 2 and 3.

Christine Wolfe, Contributing Editor, Suite101.com
(profile: http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/Christine_Wolfe)

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/upwards_mobility/102983

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Foundation

Healthy, vibrant skin is not found in a bottle or the result of a magic potion. Some fortunate individuals have naturally flawless and supple skin, but most of us have to work at it. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and the condition of your skin acts as a gauge for your overall wellness. Caring for your skin should be a normal part of your daily health and beauty routine. It is essential that you protect your skin from damage as well as provide your body with the necessary nutrients to keep your skin strong and healthy. Here are the basic facts you need to know in order to care properly for your skin today, and to protect it so that it can serve you well for many years into the future.

Beware of the Sun

If you do nothing else regarding the care of your skin, be sure to take proper measures to protect it from the damaging effects of too much sun. The sun emits several different types of radiation, including ultraviolet rays that are capable of causing damaging sunburn; and infrared rays, which are thought to be the culprits behind most long-term skin damage. According to conventional medicine, sun exposure accounts for 90% of all medical skin damage such as cancer and tumors. It is also responsible for over 80% of all cosmetic skin damage including wrinkles, premature aging, sagging, dry skin, age spots, and broken blood vessels.

Yet, despite all this evidence, most Americans continue to actively sunbathe in hopes of getting a tan so they can be fashionable and look “healthier.” Sun worship can be a deadly religion. What they can’t get through their heads is that the tan of today is likely to produce skin disease in the future. Avoiding peak sun exposure (10am-3pm) is the best thing you can do for the wellness and appearance of your skin. With all of the natural sunscreens, natural sunless tanning creams, and protection products available today, Americans should have less and less of a need to expose themselves to over-exposure.

Don’t get me wrong though, your body needs sunlight and many people are actually sunlight deficient! A limited amount of exposure to direct sunlight is beneficial to the skin and the entire body. The sun is most beneficial to the skin in the early morning hours during sunrise and in the evening at sunset. About 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night is optimal. The most damaging rays occur between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Skin Care Philosophy: To avoid sun damage during the heat of the day, use a natural sunscreen such as UV Natural with a minimum SPF 15. Wear protective clothing whenever possible, including a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat for extra safety. If necessary, use a natural sunless tanner to brighten your skin and replace a suntan.

You Are What You Eat

Skin care is more than just what you put on your skin; it’s also what you put in your body. What you eat and drink can directly affect the wellness and overall appearance of your skin. Your body needs more than 40 different nutrients on a daily basis for proper growth and performance. If it doesn’t receive all of these nutrients, basic life functions, such as the maintenance and repair of skin tissues, begin to suffer. Eating a wholesome, well-balanced healthy diet will supply your body with the fuel and building blocks you need to stay well and keep your systems functioning properly. What you drink is just as critical as what you eat. The body needs ample amounts of purified water in order to operate efficiently. Try to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of purified water every day. Your body and skin will thank you! Alcohol and sugary sodas can alter your body’s internal chemistry, and should be avoided or only consumed in moderation.

Skin Care Philosophy: Give your body and your skin the tools they need to stay strong and healthy. Drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day to hydrate your skin, transport nutrients, and remove waste products from your system. Aim to eat a healthy, natural diet that will assist your body at maintaining and repairing your skin. A diet heavy in organic fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the essential vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin in optimal condition.

Walk a Mile in Your Skin

Many people fail to fail to understand how important exercise is to skin care. The fact is, exercise plays a crucial role in the health, maintenance, and beauty of your skin. Regular exercise can improve your skin’s color and texture by increasing blood flow, improving circulation and eliminating toxins. This means greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients can be delivered throughout your system. When exercising, a few precautions are in order to avoid skin trouble in the future:

Remove makeup and cosmetics before exercising so that your skin can breathe and perspire effectively.

Take off jewelry to lessen the chance of irritating skin reactions.

Cleanse your skin as soon as possible after exercising to remove sweat, grime, and debris that can potentially clog your pores.

Skin Care Philosophy: Make daily exercise a consistent part of your skin care regimen. Exercise helps to stimulate the digestive system and better move nutrients throughout the body. It can also help to cleanse toxins through perspiration. Even 15 minutes a day can boost your overall wellness and the condition and appearance of your skin.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com

It seems like everyone, at least those over the age of 30, is on a quest for the “Fountain of Youth.”-that elusive cream, potion, or pill that can restore our skin to the soft, smooth, and wrinkle-free appearance of our younger days. We all know the “real” fountain of youth is myth, but there are several skin care options available these days that can offer some restorative hope.

Chemical Peels

As the name indicates, this form of skin care treatment involves the application of chemicals to your facial skin in order to stimulate the growth of new and healthier skin. Chemicals typically used in these treatments include: glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicyclic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid. Dermatologists classify these procedures as either light, medium, or deep peels. I personally do not recommend chemical peels because of the trauma associated with them, but I think it is important for educational purposes to be familiar with them. Another option you should be aware of is the use of organic peels and masques, which are also very effective.

Light Peels: Light or superficial peels concentrate on the upper epidermis to promote exfoliation (the removal of dead skin cells). They work well to lightly refresh the skin.

Medium Peels: This type of chemical peel affects the upper epidermis as well as the layer directly below it called the upper dermis. Medium chemical peels are appropriate for repairing damaged collagen, giving consistency to the skin tone and dealing with moderate wrinkles and blemishes.

Deep Peels: Deep chemical peels are the most penetrating, reaching down to the mid to lower dermis. They are typically recommended for use on deeper wrinkles and scarring.

Conventional Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion has been a popular procedure in skin care for more than 50 years, used mainly to treat scars and eliminate wrinkles. It is also referred to as skin planing. Dermabrasion is accomplished by the use of a motorized high speed-rotating bush that “abrades” (wears down by the use of friction) layers of skin. The degree of success with dermabrasion is subjective, depending on each patient and their particular skin problems. But in general, most people are able to experience a 50-85% improvement in their facial appearance.

Before undergoing dermabrasion, your health care provider will typically suggest a daily facial care routine to improve your skin’s condition and enable better post-procedure wound healing. Dermabrasion begins with a local anesthetic followed by the application of a chemical called a skin refrigerant, such as ethyl chloride or flurethyl. In addition to numbing your skin even further, this “freezing” process stiffens your face to make the dermabrasion even more effective. After the procedure, your face is usually bandaged for about 24 hours. Complete healing will require about ten days. As rough as it seems, this treatment is generally painless. However, it often results in a shower of blood and skin cells due to the “planing” effect, and it can be a rather messy ordeal. In many cases, “buffing,” which we will discuss next, is the preferable choice.

Skin Buffing

Skin buffing is a gentler form of dermabrasion that has become very popular in the last few years. Buffing is done manually, using sterilized abrasive material rather than a motorized tool. It is much easier to handle and control than traditional dermabrasion. Skin buffing is very useful at improving the appearance of many skin conditions, such as scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, broken blood vessels, and others. On the day of the procedure, you are usually given a sedative, along with a local anesthetic. Your health care provider will then gently buff your skin using circular motions. There is typically no need for extensive bandaging during recovery. Many patients describe the feeling as that of a sunburn. It takes 7-10 days for your face to back to normal.

Soft Tissue Augmentation

Wrinkles or scars that are too deep for removal can also be improved with a skin care procedure known as soft tissue augmentation. Filler substances may be injected into the skin, under a wrinkle or scar, to “plump up” the tissue. One way your health care provider can determine if this is an appropriate procedure for you, is by manipulating the scar or wrinkle with his or her hands. If the blemish can be flattened, soft tissue augmentation is probably going to give positive results. Recovery is usually quick, with the potential for some swelling for several days.

Botox Injections

As with soft tissue augmentation, botox injections aim to improve the appearance of wrinkles. However, rather than “plumping up” the area, botox paralyzes the minute facial muscles that are responsible for the wrinkling. It takes about two days to notice any improvement, and about seven days for the full effects to take place. It should be noted that botox injections are only temporary, and the procedure must be done again every few months.

Surgery

For particularly difficult skin care issues, there are several surgical options that can be implemented to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Special excision methods can be used to remove unwanted blemishes such as moles, scars, cysts, and skin tags. Laser surgery can be used to alleviate such conditions as wrinkles, broken blood vessels and age spots. Cosmetic skin care surgery works by removing the abnormal patch of skin and promoting the growth of new healthy skin in the affected area.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the fact is that whether you are pleased with your skin or not, you will have to deal with it for the rest of your life. Your skin serves you in many different ways. It assists in sensory perception; helps to protect you from injuries; works to prevent dehydration; is involved in body temperature maintenance; removes toxins from your system; aids in the synthesis of vitamin D, and provides structural stability to the organs and tissues within your body. Your skin is a hard-working organ that plays a key role in your overall health. It is essential that you care for and maintain it so that it can continue to serve you well throughout your lifetime.

Knowing Your Skin

How well do you really know and understand the particulars of your skin? Is it dry or oily? Sensitive or thick? Do new moles, blemishes, or wrinkles develop easily? Do you notice a difference in how your skin reacts when you change skin care products? Do you have a daily skin care routine?

The health of your skin is critical to your overall wellness. Take some time to examine your skin and become familiar with its various features and characteristics. If you are not satisfied with the current products you are using to care for your skin, maybe it’s time to aim higher and look into quality, natural, organic options that will improve the condition and appearance of your skin.

Skin Care Tip: It may be very helpful to be examined by a natural skin care expert who can help you to understand your skin type, analyze and monitor the condition of your skin, point out any troublesome areas, and suggest skin care products that will best meet your needs.

Protecting Your Skin

One of the best things you can do for the health of your skin is to protect it from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to all kinds of skin troubles, including: skin discoloration, premature aging, sagging, wrinkles, and even cancer. While your summer suntan will fade as the seasons change, the damage to your skin is an ongoing problem. Here are a couple of tips that will greatly minimize skin damage from the sun:

Sun Screen: Use of a natural sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 15 is a must. Even if you don’t plan on sunbathing, daily activities such as driving in your car or taking a walk will expose you to the sun as well. Use a natural sunscreen everyday in which you will be getting maximum sun exposure, and if you are exercising or you tend to perspire a lot, reapply it every 2-3 hours.

Reduce Sun Exposure: In addition to wearing sunscreen, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of ultraviolet radiation your skin is exposed to every day. Whenever possible, avoid time outdoors between 10:00AM and 3:00PM when the sun is directly overhead and its rays are most intense. Wearing clothing such as wide brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses is recommended. If you must be in the sun, try to build your tolerance by gradually extending your exposure by a few minutes every day.

Cleansing Your Skin

In addition to sun protection, proper cleansing of the skin is another vital step you can take to assure healthy skin. Properly washing helps to remove grime, pollutants, dead skin cells, bacteria, cosmetics, perspiration and other toxins that accumulate on your skin. Choose a gentle skin cleanser that is specifically designed for your skin type and particular skin care needs (e.g. oily skin or anti-acne.) Wash your skin at least once in the morning and once before bed, and more often if needed to keep it fresh, clean, and functioning properly.

Skin Care Tip: Never rub skin care cleanser directly into your skin. Instead, lather the soap or gel into in your hands, apply to the skin, and rinse with warm, purified water. This will keep the cleanser from overly drying, clogging, or aggravating your pores.

Maintaining Healthy Skin

Moisturizers: Skin care moisturizers help keep your skin hydrated by locking in natural moisture. They also smooth and soften the skin, and can be especially helpful if you have dry or sensitive skin. Moisturizers can also provide additional protection against the effects of cold, wet, or windy weather.

Lifestyle: Your skin needs a good supply of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to remain well and function properly. Adequate exercise also helps to produce healthy skin by improving circulation, maximizing absorption of nutrients, and effectively removing waste products from your system. Eating wisely and getting plenty of exercise is excellent for your overall health in general, and that of your skin in particular.

Skin Care Tip: Drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of clean, purified water every day to hydrate the skin and circulate essential nutrients. Be careful to avoid chlorine and other damaging chemicals as well. They can be very hard on your skin. Stay away from chlorinated swimming pools and hot tubs, and it is best to get a filter for your shower that will purge chlorine and other toxins from the water.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com

Most boys develop a skin care routine of some type during their teenage years, simple due to acne, pimples, and peer pressure. However, as they get older, many men fail to continue regular care of their skin, and neglect toning and moisturizing that can greatly improve both the appearance and texture of their skin.

Skin care products and routines are mostly geared towards women, but men need skin care too. Men can make a dramatic difference in the health and appearance of their skin by learning a few basic principles of skin care. For starters, men need to understand their skin type, how to best care for their type of skin, and develop a skin care routine that works for them.

Know Your Skin Type

Before you begin selecting skin care products, you must know what type of skin you have. Although women often learn about skin types as soon as they can hold a bar of soap, many men have never given it much, if any, thought. Skin is skin, right? Not so fast! Your skin can be normal, oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination. Here’s the rundown, guys, on determining your skin type:

Normal Skin: If you’ve never had problems with oily or dry skin, the chances are you have “normal” skin. The pores of normal skin are small, and the overall skin tone is even and consistent. If you’ve never thought much about your skin, you probably are in the “normal” category.

Oily Skin: As the name implies, oily skin is slightly to moderately greasy. Men with oily skin have pores that are medium to large in size, and easily prone to blockage. You are likely to have problems with pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne cysts. One good thing about oily skin is that it is typically thicker and firmer than normal skin, which makes it more resistant to environmental damage.

Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to be thinner than normal skin, and is often described as tight, itchy, and rough in texture. Dry skin is easily irritated, and the low humidity and dry indoor air of winter is especially troublesome for folks with dry skin.

Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, you are probably very aware of it. Men with sensitive skin are prone to rashes and irritation caused by many different factors including the sun, perspiration, temperature extremes, colognes and after shaves, shaving creams or lotions, and soaps. Choose your skin care products very carefully if you have sensitive skin. Avoid anything containing dyes, alcohol, perfumes, or any other unnecessary chemical ingredients that may irritate your skin.

Combination Skin: This skin type is used to describe facial skin that has both dry and oily patches. Combination skin commonly exhibits an oily “T-Zone” (forehead, nose and chin) combined with dry skin on the cheeks and around the eyes. In some cases, these oily/dry zones may be reversed. If you have combination skin, there are skin care products available that are specially designed for your type of skin.

A Skin Care Routine for Men

OK. Now you know your skin type and you have purchased the right kind of products that you need. The next logical question is “What do I do with them?” Don’t let the phrase “skin care routine” scare you. Most men have an exercise routine, a daily schedule, and a financial plan. You really need to add a skin care regimen into your day as well. It’s not just for the ladies. In fact, the more active you are, the greater need you have to take care of your skin. Men who stretch their skin while working out and expose themselves to sweat, sun, wind, and other elements can have more skin problems than women who do the same, especially if they don’t cleanse and maintain their skin properly.

Taking care of your skin does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming process. You just need to implement a simple routine that you are consistent with on a daily basis:

Wash: Don’t let your morning shower before work take the place of washing your face properly. Use products designed for your skin type, and gently wash your face twice a day. In the morning, facial cleansing will remove any perspiration and debris that surfaced during the night. (Your body cleanses itself of impurities while you sleep). In the evening, cleansing will take care of any sweat and grime that has accumulated throughout the course of the day.

Tone: Step 2 is only for men with normal, oily, or combination skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, skip this step. Toners may be irritating to dry or sensitive skin. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free toner. Toning products offer extra cleansing and help to maintain proper pH balance on your facial skin.

Moisturize: Use of a quality moisturizer such as Purely Ageless™ will help keep your face well hydrated. Many moisturizers also include a natural sun block component as well. Choosing a moisturizer with a minimum SPF rating of 15 will protect your skin from the sun, and avoid the necessity of remembering to apply an additional product as well.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com