As adults we know what is good for us.  And, of course, our job as parents is to look after our kids; teach them manners and respect, make sure they get enough exercise, eat a healthy diet.  But do we take as much notice of which personal care products they are using?

A study done by The Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2008 on adolescent exposure to chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products revealed some alarming statistics.  In 20 teen girls aged 14-19 16 chemicals from four chemical families were detected.  These chemicals – phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks – are linked to potential health concerns, including hormone disruption and cancer.

Most everyone by now has heard of parabens (widely used synthetic preservatives) and the harmful effects they can have on our health, including links to breast cancer.  This study by the EWG is the first to expose statistics for parabens in teens.  And the results are disturbing, with two types of parabens detected in each girl tested.

Couple this information with the fact that teenage girls typically use more products (girls=17, women=12 on average) each day than adult women, upping their exposure to harmful chemicals.

We can and should educate our girls, preferably pre-teen, to the dangers of toxic cosmetic and skin care products and guide them toward recognizing which ones are safe to use.

Face Boutique is new to the skin care scene.  Specifically designed for girls in their teens, the line is free from harmful chemical ingredients and non-irritating.  The products control sebum production, reduce breakouts, minimize pores and keep skin clear and healthy.  And the colorful retro packaging ups the cool quotient.

Lavera also makes a line for young adults and those with acne.  Young Faces Mint line for Oily and Problem Skin clears the skin of breakouts by balancing oil production and soothes and calms irritated skin.  The line includes five products made with mint, rosemary and citrus fruit and is certified by the BDIH.

You can also find a wide range of makeup products to suit our experimental younger set.  Sure, they will probably want to use what their friends are using, but once they start with safer products hopefully their friends will follow suit.  We need to think of using safe organic personal care and beauty products as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

This past Christmas I filled a cosmetic kit with lip balms, blusher, body lotion and even a water-based nail polish for my daughter that she absolutely loves.  She is already starting to recognize which products are good for her and which she should try to avoid…and she is only six.

Just when you want to look your best; dark circles, a sallow complexion and puffiness strike.  It is easy to get run down this time of year, with too much of a good thing everywhere you turn.  Lack of sleep and a little bit of stress don’t help things out either.  And all of this takes a toll on your skin.

By taking a few extra minutes each day to pamper your skin, plus sticking with a decent exercise routine and healthy diet whenever possible, you can get your radiance back in no time.

A healthy diet is essential in keeping you and your skin in top shape.  Eating organic as much as possible will help to limit your exposure to toxins and ward off acne and dryness.  Flax and fish oil capsules are not only good for cardiac health but are high in fatty acids that help to keep the skin moisturized.  Antioxidants fight free radicals, which cause premature aging, and can be found in green tea, pomegranate seeds and berries.  And be sure to up your water intake.

Exercise is another vital component to a glowing complexion.  An aerobic workout boosts blood flow and delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin.

Treating outbreaks is easier if you know what is causing them in the first place.  As Lula Braithwaite of LoveLula.com organic apothecary said in the September issue of The Saturday Express Magazine, “Spots on the forehead and nose can be a sign of poor digestion; for clearer skin take a psyllium husk supplement, drink plenty of water and cut down on bread and dairy products”.  Lula goes on to say that blemishes on the chin are more often caused by a hormonal imbalance, while those on the cheeks could indicate a kidney imbalance and may be aided by detox.

And last but not least, stress does more damage to our overall health than we care to believe.  Tension and anxiety, even in small doses, can cause pale, tired-looking skin, acne and other skin ailments.  Facial oils are effective remedies for soothing and healing stressed skin and tea tree oil in particular is a great spot treatment for blemishes.

Put these tips to use, along with a good nights sleep, and your skin will be fit and in peak condition. The rest of you won’t feel so bad either.