Flipping the page over on my calendar to reveal the new month reminded me that we are "officially" in the holiday season. Although I am sure most people consider Thanksgiving the launch point or Black Friday.
I beg to differ.
I did have a holiday identity crisis yesterday however. I made a mad dash to the grocery store to pick up some last minute Halloween candy as it seemed my hubby helped himself to the trick or treat stash. I found myself dumbstruck as I entered the "Holiday" candy section, where there at the end cap were candy canes, peppermint striped Hershey's kisses and Lifesavers storybook sets. It really threw me off.....I was even briefly tempted..... candy canes or fun sized Snickers??? Couldn't they have waited even a day? I mean really, our holidays on a consumer level are now completely melding together. I find that once we get past the 4th of July we are all sunk. The stores start cramming back to school and Halloween down our throats. We haven't even unpacked our picnic basket yet and we are expected to hurry up and grab the Elmer's, Pee Chee's, and a Zombie costume.
Seriously, I am hoping that I am not the only one who is disturbed by this.
While I sit here and complain about this, I realize that I am part of the problem. I buy the trick or treat candy, mail the letters to Santa, and buy stocking stuffers that nobody really needed. It is all conditioning and it probably started as soon as we were born. Just think about all the must haves for baby nowadays. Essentially, we are taught to replace the reason for the season with a shopping extravaganza......not to mention a frenzy to make everything perfect or at least die trying.
It is no small wonder that the holidays are at the top of the list of things that cause stress....along with not enough money or time, and the pressure to give gifts.
With this crazy economy I would venture to guess that stress this season will be at an all time high.
I am reminded of a video called The Story of Stuff.......it pretty much says it all.
I am going to try something new this year.....buy smarter. I am not saying that I am not going to indulge my kids in holiday joys. Instead, I am going to buy local and turn the consumption volume down....and revive tradition rather than gratuitous splurging. In other words, in years past, I have gone a little over board. It is not just an economic decision. I truly wonder what we are teaching our kids if most of their wish list shows up Christmas morning from Santa and under the tree from Mommy and Daddy. Last year my daughter received from her Nana and Papa almost the complete CSI investigation and scientific equipment set and to date she has only played with it a handful of times. The set is currently sitting on a shelf in the linen closet with many stray pieces scattered throughout the house. This is only one example of many other toys that have been abandoned in our home. All of which were a MUST HAVE at one point in my kids wish list history. So this year we are going to assist our kids in crafting their wish lists. Be thoughtful, we are going to tell them.....because you will get to pick 10 items for each list. Of which only a couple items will be chosen, so make your selections wisely. (I will update how that worked after Christmas.)
Another way I am changing up our holiday style is to volunteer. I am looking at the Food Bank and caroling at an Assisted Care home. Whatever we decide on, it will be for the simple act of doing something for someone else. The best part is that it does not have to be gift wrapped or sent UPS. A great lesson to teach my kids.....and perhaps some adults in my life. There are so many charities that need help especially this time of year. The Holiday Project is a good place to start, there are Food Banks in most major cities or simply type into Google "holiday volunteering".
I am looking forward to re-visiting old traditions like baking goodies and giving them to the neighbors and mail person. Singing Christmas Carols, going to church, Christmas pageants, tree lighting ceremonies and reading the Charles Dickens classic. I am especially looking forward to sneaking in some new traditions too.
Stay tuned.....
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Buy and Support Locally.....
This should not be a NEW catch phrase, Buy local....Support local., It is a sentiment that we should have never lost track of to begin with. We as consumers are to blame. Who doesn't like to get a great bargain or get a lot of bang for your buck? The sky rocketing prices for almost everything you buy or consume has me wondering will there ever be an end to it? The way our whole economic structure is based, it is hard to charge low prices for things that are made in the USA. Why, to put it simply....regulations, taxation and labor. Our government has seen to it that it is cheaper for companies to out source everything from customer support call centers to the production of kids toys, produce and even the gum that we chew. The United States is the World's largest importer and not surprisingly, China is the World's largest exporter. The trouble is that we have structured our whole economic system such that it relies on foreign production and importation. There are so many statistics I could spout off here, but really, in the end, its not the stats that will make a difference. What will make all the difference is choosing to support local business and bring back the demand for local jobs and local supply.
So how do I go about buying local you may ask?? Lets start with food. It may seem that it is not actually that easy of a task considering a large amount of our produce for instance, comes from other countries such as Mexico and Canada. At least they are on the same continent but alas, they are not local. Rather, pay a visit to your local farmer's markets. In the immediate area that I live in, there are numerous Farmer's markets held every weekend from early May to the end of October. There are a few indoor markets that go all year. You can also seek out food co-ops in your area. A food co-op is a great option because it is not run by shareholders but rather by it's members. It cuts out the corporate red tape if you may. The food is usually natural and often organic. Speaking of organic, another great option we have in my area is a produce delivery service called Organics to You. They literally deliver fresh organic produce to your front door. They source their produce from local farms....can't get much more fresh and sustainable than that.
Eat out much?? Go to locally owned non-chain restaurants. Not only are you supporting the small business owner, but you are contributing to that business employing at least a handful of people, if not more. A lot of local restaurants also buy their produce from local resources, that Farm to Table concept and thereby continuing the flow.
Shopping at locally owned boutiques is also a great way to feed into the local economy. Whether we are talking clothing, accessories, shoes, furniture or art, you can buy those things in places other than a box store. Let's face it, in this economy a lot of us are really taming our shopping habits anyway. I for one have bought very little in the way of unnecessary items this year. In other words, my shoe collection has remained the same for the better part of the year. However, when I do need to shop, I now am feel obliged to hit up locally owned boutiques **BONUS** hit up a locally owned boutique that features local artisans and designers. Once again, this keeps to the "pay it forward" mentality....which I love!!
Getting the idea??
You can start taking inventory of your services too. Make sure that when you are receiving service that you are supporting the local economy whenever possible. I am currently considering switching my banking to a FDIC insured credit union or locally owned bank.Go to a locally owned auto service for your oil change instead of those chains.....or get your office or home cleaned by a locally owned company instead of a franchise. Now for some of you who might read this and take offense to my mentioning small businesses who are part of major franchises.....sorry but you are actually part of the problem.
Get your coffee from an independent coffee shop instead of supporting the corporately owned java joints. There are so many quaint little coffee shops, carts, and drive through huts that there is no reason not to go local.
Here is a challenge for the upcoming holiday season.....shop til you drop local. Consider buying hand made toys instead of plastic ones stamped with Made in (you fill in the blank). Go to your local Saturday markets or holiday bazaars. There are usually some fabulous sources to tap into local artisans.
The point I am trying to make is simple, support local and reap the benefits...maybe not in an obvious way but for me, just knowing that I can make a small difference locally is all the proof I need.
It is really easy to find the resources....just Google it. If you need some help or referrals, message me!
So how do I go about buying local you may ask?? Lets start with food. It may seem that it is not actually that easy of a task considering a large amount of our produce for instance, comes from other countries such as Mexico and Canada. At least they are on the same continent but alas, they are not local. Rather, pay a visit to your local farmer's markets. In the immediate area that I live in, there are numerous Farmer's markets held every weekend from early May to the end of October. There are a few indoor markets that go all year. You can also seek out food co-ops in your area. A food co-op is a great option because it is not run by shareholders but rather by it's members. It cuts out the corporate red tape if you may. The food is usually natural and often organic. Speaking of organic, another great option we have in my area is a produce delivery service called Organics to You. They literally deliver fresh organic produce to your front door. They source their produce from local farms....can't get much more fresh and sustainable than that.
Eat out much?? Go to locally owned non-chain restaurants. Not only are you supporting the small business owner, but you are contributing to that business employing at least a handful of people, if not more. A lot of local restaurants also buy their produce from local resources, that Farm to Table concept and thereby continuing the flow.
Shopping at locally owned boutiques is also a great way to feed into the local economy. Whether we are talking clothing, accessories, shoes, furniture or art, you can buy those things in places other than a box store. Let's face it, in this economy a lot of us are really taming our shopping habits anyway. I for one have bought very little in the way of unnecessary items this year. In other words, my shoe collection has remained the same for the better part of the year. However, when I do need to shop, I now am feel obliged to hit up locally owned boutiques **BONUS** hit up a locally owned boutique that features local artisans and designers. Once again, this keeps to the "pay it forward" mentality....which I love!!
Getting the idea??
You can start taking inventory of your services too. Make sure that when you are receiving service that you are supporting the local economy whenever possible. I am currently considering switching my banking to a FDIC insured credit union or locally owned bank.Go to a locally owned auto service for your oil change instead of those chains.....or get your office or home cleaned by a locally owned company instead of a franchise. Now for some of you who might read this and take offense to my mentioning small businesses who are part of major franchises.....sorry but you are actually part of the problem.
Get your coffee from an independent coffee shop instead of supporting the corporately owned java joints. There are so many quaint little coffee shops, carts, and drive through huts that there is no reason not to go local.
Here is a challenge for the upcoming holiday season.....shop til you drop local. Consider buying hand made toys instead of plastic ones stamped with Made in (you fill in the blank). Go to your local Saturday markets or holiday bazaars. There are usually some fabulous sources to tap into local artisans.
The point I am trying to make is simple, support local and reap the benefits...maybe not in an obvious way but for me, just knowing that I can make a small difference locally is all the proof I need.
It is really easy to find the resources....just Google it. If you need some help or referrals, message me!
Monday, October 17, 2011
The DIRTY DOZEN (baker's dozen)......chemicals to avoid in your health and beauty care.
This is my list of ingredients I am going out of my way to avoid. I no longer use products containing these ingredients. I have gone through my cupboards, drawers and cosmetics graveyard and disposed of each and every item that had these harmful ingredients. Its no small wonder that so many people have sensitive skin, Rosacea, Eczema, or even worse, cancer. It can't be just what we are eating or that we are licking lead on the walls. No, there is more to it. If you think about it, our skin is our largest organ. The sole purpose of our skin is to bring in Oxygen and to purge out the impurities and toxins. We absorb everything that is put on our skin unless it is Mineral Oil, which our skin can't absorb. Think about this, we now have the nicotine patch, birth control and other types of external delivery of medicines and therapeutics meant to be absorbed. This is why it is so important to think about what we are putting on our skin....our inside health seriously depends on it.
To start with, I think it is worth mentioning that the grade of products I previously used ranged from low cost to what I thought of as 'high end" department store brands. After a lot of research, I have found out that 98% of the products available to us contain quite a few of the ingredients listed below. It is not price point based either. The fillers and chemicals make it cheaper to produce therefore more profitable for the manufacturer. I also think knowing just where your products are actually manufactured is ever bit as important as what is in them. Unfortunately, products made in other countries have been found to contain all sorts of "other" toxins that were never meant to be there....sort of the drawback to lax quality control and lead based storage systems.
The following are the 13 ingredients that you should avoid.....in no particular order.
1. Talc
Most recognized uses are in baby powder, body powders and face powder. It increases the risks of ovarian cancer and is part of the asbestos family.Carcinogenic when inhaled and also may result in fallopian tube fibrosis. Also Found in blush, condoms, and feminine powders.
Most recognized uses are in baby powder, body powders and face powder. It increases the risks of ovarian cancer and is part of the asbestos family.Carcinogenic when inhaled and also may result in fallopian tube fibrosis. Also Found in blush, condoms, and feminine powders.
2. Phthaltes
Mimics Hormones; teratogen (causes fetal damage); Fragrance fixative; ingredient plasticizer, used to make plastics soft; Dibutyl phthalate is one of several different common phthalates that are routinely NOT listed on labels because they are part of proprietary fragrances. It accumulates in the body; proven damage to liver, lungs, kidneys and reproductive systems. Appears in vinyl flooring, plastic wallpaper, perfume, hair spray, deodorant, nail polish, hair gel, mousse, body and hand lotion. Look for it in children’s toys, as; DEHP, BBP and DBP.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a commonly used surfactant that is used in shampoos, body wash, hand soap, and just about anything that suds. It is a harsh irritant, may cause hair thinning, can build up in the heart, liver, lungs and brain. It also contributes to yest infections, cataracts and improper eye development in children under 6. Also listed as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium myreth sulfate.
4. Mineral Oil
Blocks pores, sits on top of skin, prohibits skin from breathing. Made from crude oil and known to contain carcinogens and are reproductive system disruptors as well as can attribute to skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Typically found in lotions, baby oil, lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, creams, shampoo, conditioner, to name a few.
5. Propylene Glycol.
Is shown to cause dermatitis (eczema) kidney and liver abnormalities and may inhibit skin cell growth and irritating to the skin. Found in shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, cosmetics, baby wipes and toothpaste. But guess what, it is also used in anti-freeze and hydraulic fluids as well as de-icer, laundry detergents, tobacco and floor waxes. It is absorbed into the skin so quickly that factory workers are warned to avoid contact. Apparently it is a wetting agent so that is why it is used in our personal care products, it helps prolong the shelf life by keeping the products moist longer. No way do I want to use anti-freeze on my hair!
6. Parabens
One of the most commonly used preservatives in the health and beauty industry. Preliminary studies show it linked to being an endocrine system disruptor, mimics estrogen, has been shown to be present in breast cancer patients. These common alternatives to parabens release carcinogenic formaldehyde:
quarternium 15
diazolindinyl urea
dmdm hydratoin
sodium hyroxy methyl glycinate
benzyl alcohol
2-bromo-2nitropane-1, 3-diol
7.Tricolsan
Found in a lot of antimicrobial soaps and toothpaste products, it can react with chlorine in the tap water to create Chloroform. This is a toxic chemical that can give you cancer. If you breathe enough chloroform, you will die. When you wash your hands with antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are getting the fumes emitted from this chemical reaction. This also applies to using antibacterial hand sanitizer too. Try something of a more natural base like Clean Well products.
Mimics Hormones; teratogen (causes fetal damage); Fragrance fixative; ingredient plasticizer, used to make plastics soft; Dibutyl phthalate is one of several different common phthalates that are routinely NOT listed on labels because they are part of proprietary fragrances. It accumulates in the body; proven damage to liver, lungs, kidneys and reproductive systems. Appears in vinyl flooring, plastic wallpaper, perfume, hair spray, deodorant, nail polish, hair gel, mousse, body and hand lotion. Look for it in children’s toys, as; DEHP, BBP and DBP.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a commonly used surfactant that is used in shampoos, body wash, hand soap, and just about anything that suds. It is a harsh irritant, may cause hair thinning, can build up in the heart, liver, lungs and brain. It also contributes to yest infections, cataracts and improper eye development in children under 6. Also listed as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium myreth sulfate.
4. Mineral Oil
Blocks pores, sits on top of skin, prohibits skin from breathing. Made from crude oil and known to contain carcinogens and are reproductive system disruptors as well as can attribute to skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Typically found in lotions, baby oil, lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, creams, shampoo, conditioner, to name a few.
5. Propylene Glycol.
Is shown to cause dermatitis (eczema) kidney and liver abnormalities and may inhibit skin cell growth and irritating to the skin. Found in shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, cosmetics, baby wipes and toothpaste. But guess what, it is also used in anti-freeze and hydraulic fluids as well as de-icer, laundry detergents, tobacco and floor waxes. It is absorbed into the skin so quickly that factory workers are warned to avoid contact. Apparently it is a wetting agent so that is why it is used in our personal care products, it helps prolong the shelf life by keeping the products moist longer. No way do I want to use anti-freeze on my hair!
6. Parabens
One of the most commonly used preservatives in the health and beauty industry. Preliminary studies show it linked to being an endocrine system disruptor, mimics estrogen, has been shown to be present in breast cancer patients. These common alternatives to parabens release carcinogenic formaldehyde:
quarternium 15
diazolindinyl urea
dmdm hydratoin
sodium hyroxy methyl glycinate
benzyl alcohol
2-bromo-2nitropane-1, 3-diol
7.Tricolsan
Found in a lot of antimicrobial soaps and toothpaste products, it can react with chlorine in the tap water to create Chloroform. This is a toxic chemical that can give you cancer. If you breathe enough chloroform, you will die. When you wash your hands with antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are getting the fumes emitted from this chemical reaction. This also applies to using antibacterial hand sanitizer too. Try something of a more natural base like Clean Well products.
8. Toulene
Poisonous to humans, can cause hallucinations, bone marrow changes, may cause liver and kidney damage and birth defects, endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen linked to brain cancer. Irritates respiratory tract. Found in nail polish and cleaning products. So much for that manicure! I recommend Zoya nail products....they do not have toulene, formaldehyde, or Phthalates in them.
9. Collagen and Elastin
Derived from animal skins and ground-up chicken feet. Both of these ingredients form films that may suffocate and over-moisturize the skin. Many of the hyped ingredients found in most cosmetic brands cannot penetrate the skin because of their high-molecular weight, so they are of little benefit. For example: procollagen, collagen, elastin, cross-linked elastin, and hyaluronic acids... .....Other virtually useless ingredients are insoluble oil-based Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Placental Extracts, and Royal Bee Jelly.
10. 1,4-Dioxane
The carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane in widely found in lots of baby products, shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care and household cleaning products using the word “organic” or “natural” on the product label or ingredient list. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) defines 1,4-Dioxane as a clear liquid that easily dissolves in water and is used primarily as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals or in various other uses that take advantage of its solvent properties. 1,4-Dioxane can be a trace contaminant in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos which contain ethoxylated ingredients. Ethoxylation involves using the cancer-causing petrochemical ethylene oxide, which generates 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product. 1,4-dioxane is not listed with other ingredients on product labels, because it is formed as a ‘by-product’ of the ethoxylation process and is considered a ‘contaminant,’ rather than an ingredient. So, what this means is that you avoid products that end with myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth or any other “eth”; also skip PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or oxynol.
11. Animal Byproducts
Animal byproducts found in our cosmetics are the results of the industry buying rendered animal fat from Rendering plants. The rendering plants process the bodies of millions of tons of dead animals every year, breaking down decaying flesh and bones. The biggest provider of rendered animals is slaughterhouses, which is the left over parts of the animals that we don't eat. The bodies of animals who are euthanized in animal shelters and vets wind up at rendering plants too.....of course lets not forget that road kill and diseased animals contribute to this process as well. The rendering fat is found in many cosmetics like lipstick, lip gloss, lotions, creams, and so forth. The cosmetics industry is the largest consumer of the rendering fat, with the food industry coming in second. It is gross enough to think about cow brains on my lips but think about all of the chemicals used to euthanize an animal.....that is in the rendering. How about the diseased animals...or not to mention the growth hormones that were used in cattle and poultry....their remains have traces of that as well. All of this is going into a large container that cooks it all down and when the fat rises to the top, it is strained off and sold to the cosmetics manufacturers. Yuck.
By the way, there are many code names for dead cow brains (rendering fat) here is a link to PETA's website that lists the many names to look for on your labels.
12. DEA/TEA (Triethanolamine)
Chemical reactions between nitrites and DEA/ TEA occur during the manufacturing process and while products are stored in their containers. This reaction leads to the formation of nitrosamines. Most nitrosamines, including those formed from DEA or TEA, are carcinogenic.
It is found in conditioners, shaving cream, bubble bath, shower gel, and shampoo.
13. FD&C
Colour Pigments Synthetic colors are made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. Synthetic colors used to color a cosmetic and should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it. Since most cosmetics like lipstick and eye shadow are meant to be pigmented, there is technology that has been developed to make colorants that do not use harmful properties. Do the research.
This harmful ingredients list is not exhaustive and these ingredients may be found in numerous personal care products. The above list was my top 12, however, we should be concerned about it all!
Be sure to read your labels carefully!
- Acrylate
- acid orange 3
- Acrylate copolymers
- amorphous silicates
- Benzyl acetate
- blue 1,2,4
- bromonitrodioxane
- bronopol
- bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol)
- butyl benzylphthalate
- Butylated hydroxyanisole
- butylated hydroxytoluene
- Ceteareth-3
- chlorhexidine
- Choleth-24
- chrystalline silica
- coal tar dyes
- DEA
- DEA-Cocamide & Lauramide & Oleamidecondensates
- DEA-cocamide/lauramide condensates
- DEA-MEA/Acetame
- DEA-Sodium lauryl sulfate
- diaminoanisole
- diaminophenol
- diaminotoluene
- diazolidinyl urea
- Diethanolamide-cocamide, lauramide & oleamide condensates
- dioctyl adipate
- disperse blue 1
- disperse yellow 3
- DMDM-Hydantoin
- ethoxylated alcohols
- ethyl alcohol
- fluoride
- formaldehyde
- glutaral
- green 1,2,3
- hydroquinone
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- lanolin
- Laureth's
- Methacrylate copolymers
- vMetheneamine
- methylene chloride
- Morpholine
- nitrophenylenediamine
- Nonoxynol
- Oleth's
- Padimate-O (octyldimethyl para-amino benzoic acid)
- PEG's (polyethylene glycols)
- polyoxymethyleneurea
- Polysorbate 60
- Polysorbate 80
- polyvinyl acetate
- polyvinyl pyrrolidone
- p-phenylphenylenediamine
- pyrocatechol
- Pyroglutamic Acid
- Quaternium-15
- quaternium-26
- red 4,9,17,19,22,33,40
- saccharin
- Sodium/Hydroxynethylglycinate
- talc
- TEA
- vTEA-Sodium lauryl sulfate
- titanium dioxide
- Yellow 5,6,8
I don't use Baby Oil.....So why should I care about mineral oil??
So many of us don't realize that what we are using on the outside of our bodies are directly related to our health on the inside. While the FDA does not do much to regulate our health and beauty care, the general public trusts that they have our backs. It is scary to think that 98% of products available contain some sort of harmful ingredients. It is shocking really that in the US there are only a handful of ingredients that have been banned from use in our personal care products, however, the World Health Organization, has banned at least a couple thousand.
One such ingredient is mineral oil. First lets get this straight, there is not one trace mineral in "Mineral Oil". It derives its name from being a by-product from the petroleum industry. It is actually produced as a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral Oil is what is left over and since there is so much of it, manufacturers can buy it for very inexpensive thereby making it a cheap filler. Ironically, it costs more money to dispose of it. Mineral Oil is also commonly known as liquid paraffin, white oil and liquid petroleum. Mineral Oil is found in a wide variety of health and beauty products but the most commonly recognized are Baby Oil, Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) and Bag Balm (Petroleum Jelly). Mineral Oil is found in most lotions, creams, liquid soaps, lipstick, lip gloss, chap stick, shampoo, and conditioners, to name a few. Mineral Oil is also used for a variety of mechanical and industrial uses such as lubricants for machinery, the fluid used in hydraulic machines and heat transfer oil found in space heaters. It is also used by fire breathers.
So what makes mineral oil so harmful? The skins' main purpose is to serve as one big filter for your body and when products containing mineral oil is applied, it sits on top of the skin's surface and does not absorb into the skin and clogs the pores. This then slows the skin's purging process....it basically prohibits the skins ability to rid itself of the toxins from inside the body through the pores and is then unable to effectively take in oxygen. The structure of Mineral Oil is so large that your pores do not readily absorb it. Even if your product had other therapeutic properties, such as essential oils, vitamins, or other plant based oils, you are not too likely to get those benefits since the Mineral oil acts as a plastic wrap on your skin, other "good" attributes won't absorb either. Mineral Oil has also been linked to a variety forms of cancer, a neurotoxin and the second biggest contributor to the aging of skin, with the sun being the first. Mineral Oil also acts as a magnet so free radicals in the air, dirt and other toxins are also sitting on top of your skin.It has also been proven to exasperate skin conditions like Exzema, Rosacea and sensitive skin.
In my research for this article, I ran across several bloggers that feel that Mineral Oil is just fine to use. In fact they deem it to be safe just because the FDA has said so. Further, they think that just because it has been refined several times that it is safe to use. I have to wonder what would drive anyone to willingly use the byproduct of gasoline on their baby after a bath or in sunscreen before a day at the beach? I for one would much rather use a plant based product.
I will refer to the precautionary principle and maybe you should ask yourself this, if Mineral Oil were so safe to use, how come there are over 90 different code names for it.....to fool the consumer by any chance?
For more information on mineral oil....see the below links.
Message me if you would like info on products I recommend.
Just a few of the names for mineral oil
Petrolatum
Paraffin
Clearteck
Drakeol
Hevyteck
Filtrawhite
Frigol
Kremol
Kaydol
Albline
Nujol
Paroleine
Saxol
Adepsine
Glymol
Lignite
Carnea 21
Ervol
Gloria
Hydrocarbon oil
Adepsine oil
Albolene
Cable Oil
Baby Oil
Peneteck
Primol
Triona B
Blandlube
Crystosol
Molol
Protopet
Bayol F
Crystol 325
Fonoline
Bayol 55
Kondremul
Neo-cultol
Parol
PenrecoPerfecta
Petrogalar
Primol 355
Primol D
Tech Pet F
Drakeol
Lignite Oil
Paraffin
Mineral Seal Oil
White Oil
http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Drugs/Mineral_Oil.htm
http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/SCN-Kimalaya.pdf
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dangers-of-mineral-oil.html
One such ingredient is mineral oil. First lets get this straight, there is not one trace mineral in "Mineral Oil". It derives its name from being a by-product from the petroleum industry. It is actually produced as a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral Oil is what is left over and since there is so much of it, manufacturers can buy it for very inexpensive thereby making it a cheap filler. Ironically, it costs more money to dispose of it. Mineral Oil is also commonly known as liquid paraffin, white oil and liquid petroleum. Mineral Oil is found in a wide variety of health and beauty products but the most commonly recognized are Baby Oil, Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) and Bag Balm (Petroleum Jelly). Mineral Oil is found in most lotions, creams, liquid soaps, lipstick, lip gloss, chap stick, shampoo, and conditioners, to name a few. Mineral Oil is also used for a variety of mechanical and industrial uses such as lubricants for machinery, the fluid used in hydraulic machines and heat transfer oil found in space heaters. It is also used by fire breathers.
So what makes mineral oil so harmful? The skins' main purpose is to serve as one big filter for your body and when products containing mineral oil is applied, it sits on top of the skin's surface and does not absorb into the skin and clogs the pores. This then slows the skin's purging process....it basically prohibits the skins ability to rid itself of the toxins from inside the body through the pores and is then unable to effectively take in oxygen. The structure of Mineral Oil is so large that your pores do not readily absorb it. Even if your product had other therapeutic properties, such as essential oils, vitamins, or other plant based oils, you are not too likely to get those benefits since the Mineral oil acts as a plastic wrap on your skin, other "good" attributes won't absorb either. Mineral Oil has also been linked to a variety forms of cancer, a neurotoxin and the second biggest contributor to the aging of skin, with the sun being the first. Mineral Oil also acts as a magnet so free radicals in the air, dirt and other toxins are also sitting on top of your skin.It has also been proven to exasperate skin conditions like Exzema, Rosacea and sensitive skin.
In my research for this article, I ran across several bloggers that feel that Mineral Oil is just fine to use. In fact they deem it to be safe just because the FDA has said so. Further, they think that just because it has been refined several times that it is safe to use. I have to wonder what would drive anyone to willingly use the byproduct of gasoline on their baby after a bath or in sunscreen before a day at the beach? I for one would much rather use a plant based product.
I will refer to the precautionary principle and maybe you should ask yourself this, if Mineral Oil were so safe to use, how come there are over 90 different code names for it.....to fool the consumer by any chance?
For more information on mineral oil....see the below links.
Message me if you would like info on products I recommend.
Just a few of the names for mineral oil
Petrolatum
Paraffin
Clearteck
Drakeol
Hevyteck
Filtrawhite
Frigol
Kremol
Kaydol
Albline
Nujol
Paroleine
Saxol
Adepsine
Glymol
Lignite
Carnea 21
Ervol
Gloria
Hydrocarbon oil
Adepsine oil
Albolene
Cable Oil
Baby Oil
Peneteck
Primol
Triona B
Blandlube
Crystosol
Molol
Protopet
Bayol F
Crystol 325
Fonoline
Bayol 55
Kondremul
Neo-cultol
Parol
PenrecoPerfecta
Petrogalar
Primol 355
Primol D
Tech Pet F
Drakeol
Lignite Oil
Paraffin
Mineral Seal Oil
White Oil
http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Drugs/Mineral_Oil.htm
http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/SCN-Kimalaya.pdf
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dangers-of-mineral-oil.html
No Paraben is not related to Paraffin.
Most consumers have never heard of Paraben. In fact, some people seem to think it is in some way related to paraffin which is wax. Though most people have simply never heard of Paraben....I think the paraffin reference comes from lack of exposure to the term.
Paraben is actually the most widely used preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This toxic ingredient is found in cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizers to name a few. The marketplace is riddled with products that contain some form of paraben. It is overwhelming to think that 98% of our health and beauty products contain this type of preservative. By the way, products containing Paraben are found in all price points in stores ranging from Target or Wal-mart to Nordstrom or Sephora.
So just what makes paraben a toxic ingredient? While the jury may still be out on whether Paraben is in fact bad, I always err on the side of caution and have adopted the precautionary principle in many aspects of my life. This principle certainly applies to personal care products.
Numerous studies have shown that Paraben is directly linked to cancer....specifically breast cancer because it will mimic Estrogen. In some studies it has also been shown to cause skin reactions like contact dermatitis(exzema) and rosacea. There is also evidence that when Methylparaben is applied to the skin before sun exposure the UVB will react and cause skin aging and DNA damage. It is suspected to also be an Endocrine System disruptor which means it interferes with the hormonal system that can cause tumors, birth defects and other developmental disorders. These are just a few effects of paraben. While some studies have shown to be inconclusive, there is still reason to take notice. Why tempt fate?? I would certainly rather use products that do not include ingredients that have been linked to skin irritations and potentially contributors to cancer.
As mentioned before, Paraben can be found in numerous products. The five most common names you will find on labels are ButylParaben, EthylParaben, HeptylParaben, MethylParaben, and PropylParaben. Be sure to look at your current products and see for yourself. Send me an email or comment if you would like some great suggestions on brands that you can use to replace your existing products!
Paraben is actually the most widely used preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This toxic ingredient is found in cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizers to name a few. The marketplace is riddled with products that contain some form of paraben. It is overwhelming to think that 98% of our health and beauty products contain this type of preservative. By the way, products containing Paraben are found in all price points in stores ranging from Target or Wal-mart to Nordstrom or Sephora.
So just what makes paraben a toxic ingredient? While the jury may still be out on whether Paraben is in fact bad, I always err on the side of caution and have adopted the precautionary principle in many aspects of my life. This principle certainly applies to personal care products.
Numerous studies have shown that Paraben is directly linked to cancer....specifically breast cancer because it will mimic Estrogen. In some studies it has also been shown to cause skin reactions like contact dermatitis(exzema) and rosacea. There is also evidence that when Methylparaben is applied to the skin before sun exposure the UVB will react and cause skin aging and DNA damage. It is suspected to also be an Endocrine System disruptor which means it interferes with the hormonal system that can cause tumors, birth defects and other developmental disorders. These are just a few effects of paraben. While some studies have shown to be inconclusive, there is still reason to take notice. Why tempt fate?? I would certainly rather use products that do not include ingredients that have been linked to skin irritations and potentially contributors to cancer.
As mentioned before, Paraben can be found in numerous products. The five most common names you will find on labels are ButylParaben, EthylParaben, HeptylParaben, MethylParaben, and PropylParaben. Be sure to look at your current products and see for yourself. Send me an email or comment if you would like some great suggestions on brands that you can use to replace your existing products!
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