By Liz Thompson on May 22nd, 2009
It is definitely time to get the sunscreen out, but with so many chemical and not-so-natural versions on the market it can be very difficult to choose one that is safe. In the past natural sunscreen product manufacturers used zinc oxide to provide UV protection. And though it is safe and effective, it leaves behind that ghostly white skin we all wish to avoid. So the next scientific breakthrough was the use of nanotechnology, the creation of incredibly small particles — measured in nanometers (nm), or one-billionth of a meter. This took care of the white film, but recent evidence shows that these nanoparticles may pose risks to the environment. Not a great trade-off.
Not to despair, there are some terrific sunscreen products on the market that are safe, effective, free from nanos and leave your skin, well – skin colored. Vivesana is a new product line that presents major breakthroughs in organic sun care. The products are free from harmful synthetic ingredients, nanoparticles and even water, providing a stronger sun product.
(more…)
By Liz Thompson on May 14th, 2009
Aromatherapy is one truly beneficial indulgence most of us don’t make time for. Afterall, you do have to know what you are doing, like which essential oils work for what ailment, how to mix and use them and which to stay away from. Essentials oils are very potent and it is not wise to throw caution to the wind when using them, as some are skin irritants and over doing it can be toxic. That said, the right ones can go a long way toward good physical and mental health.
Nuworld Botanicals has come to our aromatherapy rescue with Aromatherapy Personals, little rollerball vials that combine aromatherapy and acupressure, along with health benefits of antioxidants, vitamins and 100% certified organic essential oils. Nuworld Botanicals uses a base of 100% certified organic Jojoba oil to dilute the essential oils for safe use. (more…)
By Liz Thompson on April 16th, 2009
Fresh air and sunshine (and the vitamin D it provides) are good for you. But too much sun exposure can have adverse effects on the health of your skin. Premature aging, dryness, sun spots and even skin cancer can result. But this time of year we are all itching for a bit of summer glow.
The chic and safe way to sun these days isn’t the natural way. In this case, fake is better. So, rather than laying in the sun or going to the tanning bed to get your bronze on, check out the safe, nontoxic tanning creams on the market.
(more…)
By Liz Thompson on February 12th, 2009
Organic cosmetics have their tried and true followers and their naysayers. Critics claim that because some organic cosmetics manufacturers are dishonest about the greenness of their products buying organic cosmetics may not be worth it. But let’s put things into proper perspective. One bad apple does not necessarily spoil the whole bunch.
One such critic recently called organic cosmetics a hoax and went on to say, “Although usually more expensive, organic foods can be better for you, so the same should be true for organic makeup right? Turns out, not so much.”
Not all organic cosmetics are created equally. This is a fact, as it is with many other consumables, like dairy products, meats and household cleaners. But does this mean we should lump all of these items in one basket and sum them up as worthless? Not by a long shot.
(more…)
By Liz Thompson on January 23rd, 2009
With everyone going green these days it is often hard for consumers to distinguish a product that is truly safe from one that is just making that claim. It is perfectly legal, and often practiced, to use terms like safe, natural and organic on a cosmetics product label. So how can you tell if you are buying a safe product?
First, “natural” simply means that one or more of a product’s ingredients have been derived from a natural source. This is really no big deal if it is also full of harmful chemical ingredients. And as for using “organic” on a cosmetics label; Organic = 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown, the remaining 5% may be non-organically produced ingredients, and Made with Organic Ingredients = must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, the remaining 30% may be non-organically produced ingredients. That remaining 5%-30% is the dangerous gray area where cosmetics manufacturers can use nearly any ingredient of there choosing. The U.S. government does restrict the use of certain ingredients, but they are not many. (more…)
