The Problem with Parabens

As part of my all over detox I have been actively avoiding damaging products in skincare for a while now.  The most pervasive are definitely parabens. Nearly all mainstream skincare today uses parabens as preservatives. They are inexpensive and effective antibacterial preservatives but they are really bad for your health!

The United States has recognized the risk to humans from parabens so they have regulated the concentration allowed in each product - however the damage comes from continued use and the amount of products we use with parabens in them... even toothpaste and perfume often have parabens!

Luckily parabens are eliminated quickly from the body and become harmful only through daily exposure. Because they don’t stay in the body for long, avoiding them can lead to quick health benefits and limit any damage already done.  They have been linked to breast, skin and prostate cancer. Health risks include rashes, headaches, liver damage, kidney damage, and increased UVB-mediated DNA damage.  Parabens have a similar molecular structure to estrogen and easily penetrate the skin. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption lists parabens as a category 1 substance, shown to be an endocrine disruptor.

One of the biggest concerns about parabens is the fact that they are found concentrated amounts in breast cancer tissue. Some breast cancer are estrogen sensitive, and with parabens upsetting the bodies delicate estrogen balance parabens are implicated in the development and growth of tumors.  During treatment, doctors usually attempt to decrease estrogen levels in the body, so the tumor does not get extra encouragement in its growth. More breast cancers are also being found in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, near where deodorant and anti-perspirants are applied, most of which contain parabens.

Happily there are a lot of alternatives out there, and apart from on fragrances (with their trade secret ingredient lists), parabens have to be labeled clearly, so it is fairly easy to avoid them.  I have already reviewed a few skincare products I use and like.  I'm always looking for more!

Epsom Salts for lovely skin and good health!

Epsom salt is a fabulous, cheap skin saver for the cold winter months that are coming faster than I like to admit! Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, a mineral that helps skin retain moisture, eliminate toxins and helps relieve stress. Most people are slightly deficient in magnesium and soaking in epsom salt is a great way to elevate body levels as magnesium is absorbed easily though the skin.

One of the simplest ways to use epsom salts is simply to add them to a warm bath, then hop in and enjoy!  It can also be used to increase circulation if used as a body scrub, or as a mask. Epsom salt is one of my favorite beauty tricks because it's so inexpensive - I buy the big cartons from the local drugstore for just a few dollars and then never feel guilty adding them to every bath I have with different essential oils depending on my mood!

Sheknows.com posted a make-at-home "shower smoothie" from celebrity skin care guru Ole Henriksen. Henriksen says exfoliation leaves the skin luminous, smooth and soft in texture, and it also helps removes any excess dead skin, allowing for better absorption and easier application of skin care products.

You need: 1/2 cup of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup coffee grounds, 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil and enough sesame oil to form a smooth paste.

1. Mix the Epsom salt and coffee grounds in a medium bowl, then add the oils and stir until you have a smooth paste.
2. In the shower, get wet and turn off the water. Use the entire palm of each hand to vigorously scrub your body for several minutes, from your neck to your feet.
3. Afterwards, just rinse. Your skin will feel smooth, and you'll notice a lifting and tightening of the skin. 

"Epsom salt has amazing detoxifying properties and melts into the skin when activated by ingredients in my recipes," Henriksen says. "The texture of Epsom salt is firm, yet very smooth to the touch. This makes the exfoliation process comfortable for all skin types."

SanRe Organics

So I'm really focusing on skincare to start with because of all the amazing samples I just got.  I've been trying SanRe Organics foundation and moisturizer for the past few days and have received a lot of compliments on my skin tone which is always nice.

I did have to mix the foundation (Radiant Glow light tint), with the moisturizer (Supple Sunshine) as it's a little too dense for me but I tend to do this anyway.  There are numerous moisturizers to try based on skin type, and there is an option for sunscreen also.  They are very thick, you're definitely moisturized and a little goes a long way!

Expo East

This last weekend I ventured down to Baltimore, MD for the Natural Products Expo East 2012!  My Mum and I had a blast searching out products for our new store, Sasha's Naturals.  I can't wait to start selling some of the great products we found.

My all around fave for product, packaging and just general fabulousness has to be love & toast. They have wonderful smelling face and body care, with all natural ingredients (of course!) What I really love is the packaging is fun and sophisticated and appealing enough even for my very fashion-conscious 11-year old.

Another cool line for young girls is called Sparklehearts. Again they're all natural but have really had some fun with their packaging and scents.  I'm dying to try their deodorant (which they also make for adults) and their body lotions smell great (and they make you sparkle too!). They also have some consciousness-raising sets such as PeTA Dirt Free Hurt Free Gift Set. I'm so happy to see some skin-care aimed at the tween/teen set!

Dolphin Organics

Another product line I got to try at the expo was Dolphin Organics.  These products are aimed at Moms with new babies, and now also for older girls (there seems to be a theme with this!)  I tried their sunscreen as I'm having a hard time finding a sunscreen I feel comfortable using.

There are too many natural products out there that look like I've rubbed diaper cream all over myself - not cool. The alternative with nano-particles is actually being shown to CAUSE skin cancer (doubly not cool).

This sunscreen however was great!  It did cover slightly but it looked more like a glow than a paste.  I was pleasantly surprised.  It smells good too! Definitely going in my bag of necessities.