The Impossible Beauty of a Plastic Doll

Barbie! We all know her. Men and women alike. She's been around far too long, giving young girls an unhealthy perspective on beauty. In fact, as you'll read below in a special guest article, the specs for Ms. Barbie are impossible to find in the human anatomy (without some serious reconstructive surgery).

The other day, I revealed how researches discovered the chemical 1,4-Dioxane in organic beauty products. I also explained how almost all skin and hair products must contain preservatives.

Further, I promised that I'd soon be sending you the link to a new website on 100% natural beauty treatments that you can make at home with inexpensive "food" ingredients. At this new website you'll be able to download (for FREE) a load of material to help avoid premature aging, caring for your skin and hair naturally.

Well, I just heard from the Ayurvedic specialist running the site... They've added a lot more material to the free course. It's two weeks long with online video and audio. Dr. "H" will also be holding two free teleseminars.

It all starts April 13th. The link to the sign up form is at the end of this e-mail. I can't share the doctor's name, you'll find out when you click the link. Let me just say she is NOT one of the regular Ayurvedic "superstars" that you see on TV or at big seminars. Instead, she's a Western chiropractor who's been practicing Ayurveda in her clinic for the last 20 years. She's made numerous trips to India where Ayurveda originated. It's the oldest form of health care on the planet, easily dating back to 1,000 B.C. (many historians believe it's over 6,000 years ancient).

Anyway, to help you prepare for the free course, Dr. H sent the following short article to introduce you to the Ayurveda concept of beauty. This will probably interest more women than men, but as long as you've got skin on your body and some hair left on your head... I recommend you give it your full attention.

First... Why's a DOCTOR So Concerned With Beauty?

In her busy clinic in California, Dr. H specializes in chronic and life-threatening diseases. So why's she's busy helping people improve their complexion?

Actually, in the East, many doctors run clinics that offer services similar to North American beauty salons (except without all the chemicals).

You see, you need to understand that Ayurveda Medicine considers "beauty" and "health" as one and the same. Makes sense, doesn't it? The healthiest people are usually the most beautiful. Think about it... dry or blemished skin, endless bad hair days and ragged nails... all are signs of ill health any alternative doctor would look out for.

Okay, enough from me, here's a bit from Dr. H on the Western versus Eastern approach to beauty. It takes what we've talked about so far to another level. As you'll see, even if you are using ALL NATURAL ingredients, and even if those ingredients worked great for your neighbor, they still might not be right for you.

Why?

Well, everybody is different. And as you'll read, Ayurveda's speciality is figuring out those differences...

A Message from Dr. H...

Right now TV, magazines, and other deciders of beauty standards have programmed most people into accepting such a limiting opinion of what beauty is.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic, some 3,000 years old, comes from a time when we acknowledged a much broader definition of beauty.

Take for instance, an image you have grown up with: That pink plastic confection known as "Barbie." She's been around since 1959. Over a billion have been manufactured. Every two seconds, it is estimated, another is sold to some little girl. Barbie, despite her emaciated figure, shows no signs of disappearing soon.

If you don't take into account her polyester hair, Barbie stands 11 inches tall. Now, if she was 5'9" (as suggested by her accessories) her bust would measure 34.5 inches, her hips 30.5.

That may be the body-type of a plastic doll, but it serves a useless goal for us humans. Certainly not a model we should be growing up with.

Ayurveda throws out Barbie and all other childish standards aside (e.g. air brushed models, anorexic movie stars, etc.) Instead, Ayurveda offers you a personal "standard." What you might call your body-type or more specifically, your Beauty-Type. Nature has already put it within your reach and Ayurveda will help you achieve.

When you bring your Beauty-Type into the natural state of balance you were born with, then your inner beauty is able to manifest.

It's about reflecting the inner beauty of the inner you—no mask.

Just an honest portrayal of your unique expression in physical form.

Everybody has a unique Beauty-Type. It's impossible to manifest someone else's Beauty-Type. Such efforts will not only result in failure but also ill health.

I'm not just talking figuratively when I say your unique Beauty-Type...

The SCIENCE of Beautification

You see, in Ayurveda, there are three main Beauty-Types: Vata Beauties, Pitta Beauties and Kapha Beauties. Now, you're not merely one of the three. Everybody has a unique balance of the three. But when your natural balance becomes unbalanced, then you lose your natural state of attractiveness.

And we all want to be attractive. Don't kid yourself.

Yes, "inner" beauty is most important... but why turn down outer beauty? The more attractive you become, the better you feel about yourself. You can spend 50 years overcoming this mental disposition or you can spend five to ten minutes a day pampering yourself with a natural beauty care regimen.

When the Ayurvedic Beauty site goes live, I'll be walking you through an ecourse dedicated to helping you determine exactly what type of Ayurvedic Beauty you are... What your needs are... What kind of ingredients your skin, hair and nails needs to become radiant.

In short, you are a unique combination of the elements: air, fire, water, earth and ether. These are reflected in the classifications vata, pitta, kapha. Don't worry about it now, in a few days I'll be able to start walking you through it.

Why is knowing your Ayurvedic Beauty Type so important? Well, let me give you a classic example...

The Coconut Hype: Is It Really Good For YOUR Skin?

Lately, coconut oil has become a popular form of skin moisturizer in alternative health circles. Yes, fresh coconut oil is far, far better than 95% of what you'll find being sold off the shelf (even from health food stores). Just make sure when you open the jar that the coconut oil actually smells like coconut. That's how you know the oil is fresh.

That said... coconut oil isn't right for everyone or for every season.

That's right, your health and beauty needs change whether it's winter, spring, fall or summer.

If you have vata skin — meaning your skin is very dry and you tend to feel cold — coconut oil is not recommended Ayurvedically. Even if you have moist, warm skin, coconut oil is often not a good idea during the winter months. The winter is a very dry and cold time. Here's why...

Coconuts grow close to equator where the weather is hot year round. The oil it produces has a cooling effect on the body.

It is also a saturated fat, which means that it will decrease the amount of Vitamin D your skin can absorb. This is a protection mechanism to prevent people from getting too much sun.

Now, a warming oil, like sesame, is ideal for winter months or if you tend towards feeling cool. It will help heat your body. Also, being a polyunsaturated fat, it will help your skin absorb more vitamin D during the winter, when there isn't as much sun.

You Won't Feel Like a Tossed Salad Covered With Too Much Dressing

In case you fear you're going to smell like a coconut cream pie or an Asian stir fry, don't worry. There are specific essential oils that you need to add to these base oils. A few drops of aromatic essences, specific to your Beauty-Type, will hasten the positive effects you are seeking.

It's really not rocket science. Ayurveda is based on textures. If you are hot and dry, you need herbs, foods and other beauty applications that are cooling and moist. If you are too oily, you may not need an oil-based application at all — instead dry vegetable flour rubbed against the skin may be the solution.

I can't wait to start sharing all this with you. Until then, simply pay attention to how you feel when you apply different beauty products to your skin and hair. Just because it's healthy, natural and full of all these wonderful nutrients — doesn't mean it's right for YOUR body.

That's what our journey together will do: Help you discover what your unique beauty potentials are and the best way to go after them.

------------

There you go folks! That's just a sample of what Dr. H will be giving you when her site goes live in the next few days.

Keep in mind Ayurveda isn't like the modern blood-type or metabolic typing systems. Those systems consider only a limited number of variables, using but a few classifications. Ayurveda has 12 different Body- or Beauty-Type combinations you can fall into based on numerous variables ranging from eye colour to what type of dreams you have. Furthermore, it recognizes that life is dynamic and adjusts its beauty prescriptions to the season, your environment and your location on the planet.

It truly may be the most scientific approach to personal beauty care on the planet. Click on the link below to sign up for Dr. H's Discover Your Ayurvedic Beauty-Type ecourse. And it won't cost you a penny!

Stay tuned!

Here's the link for you to click so you can sign up.

"Organic" Beauty Products Found to Contain a Petro By-Product

Gasoline being used to make "all natural" face cream?

I have some breaking news to share with you, today. It may sound a little grim, at first. Don't worry, I offer a solution at the end of this email that you don't want to miss. So make sure you read the whole thing.

On March 14th, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) released a study showing that many "organic" and "natural" beauty care products contain 1,4-Dioxane. The manufacturers don't even list this carcinogenic contaminant on the labels. Independent researchers only discovered it when a reputable third-party lab performed its own tests on behalf of the OCA.

I'll share with you some of the brand names to watch out for in just a minute. First, I'd like to say...

The Word "Organic" is Becoming A Very Loose Term These Days

Why would "natural" beauty care products use these cancer-causing ingredients?

Simple answer: Most beauty-care products include harsh ingredients that damage your skin. By using Ethylene Oxide (a petro-chemical) they can remove the abrasiveness -- leaving behind the deadly 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product.

1,4-Dioxane doesn't just cause cancer. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency it can seriously damage your kidneys, lungs and nervous system.

It's hardly what you'd expect to find in organic and natural beauty products. Some of the brand names you may recognize, including: JASON Pure Natural & Organic, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Kiss My Face, Nature's Gate Organics. I'll give you a link to the full report at the end of this email.

Just Imagine What NON-Organic Cosmetics Contain...

We are seeing the same situation in the beauty "care" industry as we've seen with food products. If you're at all health-conscious, you realize that the only way to ensure a good meal these days is to make it from scratch.

So why aren't people using the same approach for beauty care products?

Are we Brainwashed to Think Beauty Only Comes From a Bottle?

Why have cleansers, shampoos and moisturizers been made so complicated, that the only way we think we can get our daily dose is out of a bottle?

Most beauty care products -- even the ones using 100% organic ingredients — are not necessarily natural for your skin.

Alcohol, for example, is often used — this is a drying agent, plain and simple. Why is it there? It's used to preserve the ingredients from spoilage. Otherwise, how could you have these "natural" ingredients sitting in moisture?

Refined oils, emulsifiers and harsh cleansing agents are other common ingredients. They all damage your skin and hair in the name of "beauty."

Sure, they provide some short-term results. Yet who hasn't experienced those dry winter months where you are constantly whipping out the moisturizer to keep the skin on your hands from cracking?

Vice versa, if you're the oily type, you know what it's like to be constantly fighting blemishes and acne. Ironically, the same cream you use to get rid of it is actually congesting your pores and making it worse. Your skin is also meant to detoxify. But it can't do so if you are plastering yourself with grease.

In order to stop natural ingredients from spoiling, they must be refined, made into artificial counterparts or mixed with preservatives. That's just how it is.

That's how you get ketchup to last for months, without going bad.

You see, it's already bad.

As With Food So With Beauty Care

Same goes for beauty care products. Anything natural wouldn't do well being left in a warm bathroom for a month.

Which brings up the question... if you're not into feeding your mouth processed food, why are you feeding your skin processed food? Your skin absorbs whatever you apply. All that goop people put on their skin gets fed directly into their bloodstream, nervous system, joint tissue, vital organs... their brains.

That's why it's so important to learn how to make your own beauty care formulas. It's not that hard. You don't need all those ingredients you can't pronounce from the fine print on the labels.

You can actually make all your own beauty care products, in minutes, mixing together fresh base oils, essential oils, spices, herbs and other food products. Fresh, is the key word here.

How to Experience Beauty Naturally and Effortlessly

In a few days I'm going to send you the link to a new website by a natural health doctor in California. She specializes in homemade natural care products. She has Ayurvedic recipes dating back 3,000 years, from ancient India’s storehouse of Ayurvedic wisdom.

The site's not quite ready, so I can't give you the link right now. When it does go up, however, I'll let you know. You'll immediately be able to go over and read an article by this Ayurvedic expert explaining the little known link between health and beauty. Then, you can opt-in, for free, to receive an Anti-Aging Report that reveals Ayurvedic methods to naturally avoid premature aging.

What's more...

You'll be instantly "enrolled" (again at no charge) in a TWO-week ecourse on how to discover your own natural state of beauty from an Ayurvedic standpoint. It'll include audiovisual presentations and two live teleseminars with the doctor.

All coming to you very soon. So stay tuned for future emails about Ayurvedic beauty secrets.

All the best,

P.S. You can read the full report from the OCA on toxic chemicals being used in natural beauty products by clicking the link below. It includes a list of brands found to be using 1,4-Dioxane...

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneAlert080314.pdf

Tamanu Nut Oil

"Tamanu nut oil has been used by the indigenous people of the Philippines and Southeast Asia for at least a few hundred years."

This exotic oil has a multitude of healing properties.

"Tamanu nut oil possesses the ability to promote the growth of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and growth of new skin.... In Pacific Island folk medicine this oil is applied liberally to every kind of skin malady imaginable such as cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, acne, psoriasis, diabetic ulcers, sunburn, dry and/or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, and herpes sores such as cold sores and genital sores. It can eliminate or greatly reduce scarring from acne, burns and other skin trauma..."

Read the entire article on this Exotic Healing Nut Oil.

Tanamu nut oil can be found in Ambrosia Essence by Miessence. When used daily it will revive and restore your complexion. It can be used on its own as a treatment or as a serum, over Skin Conditioner and Moisturiser for a super-intense nourishing booster. Day and/or night.

Lead in Your Lipstick

A new independent study has found lead in lipstick at unsafe amounts and it isn't listed on the label. The worst part of this is that there is no way of knowing whether a brand will contain lead without having it tested in a laboratory.

Some of the sources of lead in lipstick can be from ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sunscreen ingredients used in commercial brands as well as some of the more natural brands. Other sources of lead include ozokerite (mineral wax or paraffin) and petroleum-based ingredients (petrolatum, mineral oil).

Although the study listed name brands with varying amounts of lead, only one natural brand was tested, Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer.

See the list of brands tested.

Just because a brand of lipstick rated low for lead in this study, it doesn't mean that that product is a healthy lipstick to use. There are other harmful ingredients that may be in these lipstick cosmetics. To determine if a lipstick is really healthy to use, you need to look at the complete list of ingredients.

Check out healthy cosmetics here.

Are Your Personal Care Products Releasing Toxic Gases?

I opened the cabinet door and there was a strong odor of ammonia gas. I couldn't figure out what could be causing it. I'd been looking in there over and over again for weeks trying to figure out what was causing this toxic smell.

I had some old containers from vitamin samples which had been thrown out long ago. I was saving the containers. Some day I'd wash them and reuse them. Were they the problem? I threw them all out.

It didn't change a thing.

I had some really neat-looking empty plastic bottles from healthy, natural soap and lotion I was saving to reuse later. Were they the problem? I threw them all out.

Nothing changed.

I had an old homeopathic kit that I bought 15 or 20 years ago and never used. I couldn't imagine that this could be the problem, but I was running out of things that might cause this terrible toxic odor. So I threw it out.

I was right. It was not the problem.

I had some soap, lotion and shampoo that I used when I explained about the toxic ingredients on product labels. I didn't have them that long, maybe a year or so. They did have a perfumy scent that was common in most of the personal care products on the market with synthetic chemical ingredients. But I never figured that the ammonia odor would be coming from them. But they were the last things in that cabinet that could be possibly giving off an odor. So I threw them out.

The next day I opened the cabinet door, and by George, the odor was gone!

Now, I'm sure that the only reason I detected the odor is because the products were stored in a closed cabinet and the odors were trapped in a small space and were allowed to mix. Only one of the products contained ingredients from ammonia compunds, one of which was ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Ammonia is toxic if inhaled. It's classified as hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It can cause permanent damage.

How many products are you using with harmful chemicals that are giving off toxic odors and you're breathing in these vapors day in and day out - including perfumes? Worse yet, you're using these chemicals directly on your skin. They're getting absorbed into your bloodstream and they ARE adversely affecting your health.

Find out how to protect yourself from the harmful chemicals in your cosmetics and personal care products.

Choose some healthy products here.

Healthy Sunscreen and Bug Sprays

This may be nearing the end of summer, but if you use sunscreen, there is a new product on the market from a company that is committed to producing only healthy products. With Reflect Outdoor Balm from Miessence, you can feel confident that this product does not contain any harmful chemicals that are abundant in most of the commercial sunscreens.

Most bug sprays contain harmful chemicals. If you need something to keep the bugs away, why not get a chemical-free and safe product. Buzz Free Zone will protect you without any nasty chemical ingredients.

Find more healthy skin care and personal care products here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #59

Cosmetic and Personal Care Product Ingredients

S       Abies alba – see fir oil.
S       Abies sibirica – see fir oil.
X       4-ABP – synthetic; carcinogenic contaminant in some hair dyes; IARC Group 1.
C       Acetic ether – synthetic solvent; see ethyl acetate.
XA       Acetone – synthetic solvent; petroleum derivative; eye, nose, throat and skin irritant; may cause light headedness, nausea, coma, nail splitting, peeling and brittleness; lung irritant if inhaled; narcotic in large amounts; neurotoxin; has caused liver, kidney, and nerve damage in lab animals; extremely toxic.


Note 1: The codes to the left of each additives indicate the safety of the additive when used for intended purposed in cosmetics and toiletries.

*       GRAS - Generally Recognized As Safe by the FDA.

o       FDA approved colorant

†       CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Expert Panel considers this ingredient safe

S       There is no known toxicity. The additive appears to be safe.

A       The additive may cause allergic reactions.

C       Caution is advised. The additive may be unsafe, poorly tested, or used in too many products we use on a regular basis.

C1       Caution is advised for certain groups in the population, such as pregnant women, infants, persons with high blood pressure, kidney problems, etc.

X       The additive is unsafe or very poorly tested.

Note 2: IARC Groups are the International Agency for Research on Cancer ratings for the cancer-causing ability of different chemicals. Group 1 chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans. IARC Groups 1-4 are defined on page 44 in Dying To Look Good.

Make sure you choose safe cosmetics and personal care products for yourself and your family. You can have the safety ratings of all 1300 ingredients listed in Dying To Look Good right at your fingetips, while you shop, when you get your personal copy of Dying To Look Good. Don't risk your health for one more day. Get your copy now, print edition or e-book.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #58

Natural vs. Synthetic
There are no standard definitions within the cosmetic and personal care product industry for natural or synthetic. However, the National Organic Program (NOP) does have definitions that are accepted within the organic food industry.

Since many people are interested in knowing if the ingredients in their products are natural or synthetic, the NOP definitions were used to define the ingredients in the Cosmetic Ingredient List as natural or synthetic:

Nonsynthetic (natural)
"A substance that is derived from mineral, plant, or animal matter and does not undergo a synthetic process as defined in section 6502(21) of the Act (7 U.S.C. 6502(21)). For the purposes of this part, nonsynthetic is used as a synonym for natural as the term is used in the Act."

Synthetic
"A substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources, except that such term shall not apply to substances created by naturally occurring biological processes."

You can find out if the ingredients in your skin care products contain natural or synthetic ingredients in the book Dying To Look Good.

Find cosmetics and personal care products with natural ingredients in Dying To Look Good and on DyingToLookGood.com

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #57

Cosmetic complaints
The FDA maintains the Cosmetic Adverse Reaction Monitoring Database to keep track of adverse reactions to cosmetics. The FDA estimates, however, that it receives only a small percentage of complaints about cosmetics filed by consumers. Poison control centers, manufacturers and distributors, and state and local agencies are more likely to receive complaints of adverse reactions to cosmetics.

The most common complaints reported to the FDA in 1999 were related to dermatitis, fragrance sensitivity, nervous system reactions, pain, respiratory system reactions, and tissue damage.

If you experience adverse reactions to cosmetics, you can contact the FDA:

• by phone: 301-436-2405
• by e-mail: CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov
• call the nearest FDA district office found in the blue pages of your phone book

Note: It is very unlikely that you'll need to file a complaint if you use the information in Dying To Look Good to choose healthy products.

Healthy Skin Care

Your skin is like a sponge. It absorbs a great deal of what you put on it, directly into your bloodstream.

When you eat, the food you put into your body is filtered through your liver and some of the toxic effect is reduced.

That's not the case with skin care products. There is no filter to reduce the toxic effects as there is when you eat. Many skin care products contain harmful chemicals that go directly into your bloodstream. Some cause cancer.

How do you determine which skin care products are healthy to use and which are not?

You have several choices.

You could learn to read and interpret labels so you know exactly what each ingredient is that's listed on the label.

You could shop for products that have been screened by an expert and determined to be healthy.

Or you can learn how to make your own.

Finding healthy skin care products isn't hard if you have the right resources. It just takes a little conscious effort and a commitment to your good health.

Check out our healthy Product of the Month. Come back every month to discover a new healthy product.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #56

Most companies using parabens, maintain that they are nontoxic and safe. But while they may be relatively nontoxic, according to Peter Eckhart, M.D., "The new theory that has been espoused since 1991 is that these xenoestrogens are causing many female problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breast disease, premenstrual syndrome, and most recently menstrual cramps."

While it's true that xenoestrogens build up in the fatty tissues of the body and may remain there for decades, the first step in eliminating them from your body is through avoidance of the chemicals, not only in personal care products, but also in food and in your environment. The chemicals listed above are only a partial list of endocrine disrupters. The complete list and additional information can be obtained from www.womhoo.com.

Find out about all the other harmful chemicals that you may be putting on your skin every day that are being absorbed into your bloodstream and affecting your health.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #55

Xenoestrogens in Your Personal Care Products Continued...

The xenoestrogens most commonly found in personal care products are the parabens:

• butylparaben
  
• ethylparaben
  
• methylparaben
  
• proplyparaben

Other xenoestrogens, used mostly in sunscreens, facial cosmetics and lipsticks include:

• octyl-methoxycinnamate
  
• octyl-dimethyl-PABA
  
• benzophenone-3
  
• homosalate
  
• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)

These five chemicals not only demonstrated strong estrogenic effects, but also caused increased growth of cancer cells in a Swiss study.

More next time...

Xenoestrogens are not the only harmful ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. Make sure your personal care products are safe.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #54

Xenoestrogens in Your Personal Care Products

Xenoestrogens are endocrine disrupters. They are chemicals that mimic estrogen in your body and interfere with the normal functioning of your hormones.

Endocrine disrupters are found in a great many personal care products on the market, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sunscreens, and cosmetics as well as baby products.

Estrogen mimicking chemicals have been implicated in early puberty in girls, development of breast cancer, some association with vaginal and cervical cancer, and endometriosis. In males, they have been associated with reproductive disorders, including decreased sperm count, increase in testicular cancer, hypospadias and cryptorchidism, and possibly benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer.

Women exposed to xenoestrogens during pregnancy may have children with reproductive disorders, sometimes not apparent till puberty. This exposure may also adversely affect the children’s intelligence and behavior, as well as their immune system.

More next time...

Get your own copy of this extrememly valuable reference. Your health depends upon it!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #53

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Safety

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are typically used in sunscreen products and cosmetics and have been generally considered safe.

However, studies show that cellular damage from titanium dioxide, occurs with exposure to sunlight, and depends upon the type of titanium dioxide and the size of the particles. Cellular damage has been shown to occur when the particle size is smaller than the size of the cell. The smallest particles, the micronized or nanoparticles, are the most injurious. Some say that the large particles are less harmful, yet others say they’re safe.

According to Lori Stryker of the Organic Makeup Company, who has done considerable research into the safety of titanium dioxide in its various forms, “if the particle size is too large for the cell membrane to allow it passage internally, then the danger of intracellular mutation is not there.” Still, there are those who say that even the larger particles can pass through the skin to some degree, and are just less absorbable than the small particles. They suggest that even the larger particles may contribute some harm.

Obviously, the safety of the larger particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide is not well established and agreed upon within the scientific community. There is clearly a need for more research into the mechanism of how the larger sized particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide affect the skin and the cells beneath the skin when exposed to the sun.

Cautions regarding micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are discussed on page 31.

Next time... Xenoestrogens in Your Personal Care Products

Get your own copy of this handy reference and make sure you protect yourself from harmful chemicals in the skin care products you use.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #52

Sunscreens Continued...

Here are some tips on how to enjoy the sun safely without the hazards of sunscreen:

• Start out with 10 minutes of exposure a day and gradually increase your sun time.
  
• Limit time in the sun to morning before 10 a.m. or afternoon after 2 p.m. when the sun is not at its hottest.
  
• Cover up when outdoors during the sun’s hottest times and when you’ve already had your quota of sun for the day.
  
• Avoid getting sunburned.

Eat a healthy balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats. Most people eat far too much omega 6’s and not enough omega 3’s. Research has shown omega 3's to be preventive against melanoma if eaten in the proper one-to-one balance with omega 6's. Omega 3 fats can be found in fish oils and flaxseed. You also need healthy saturated fats, like real butter or coconut oil, to utilize omega 3's.

"The Truth About Sunscreens," on the Terressentials web site, states that "sunscreens give users a false sense of security in that while they effectively prevent sunburn, they do little or nothing to prevent skin cancer or the accelerated aging of the skin caused by sunlight."

It further states that "There is a substantial body of evidence that shows that there is an increase in cancer when sunscreen products are used. We've done a lot of research into sunscreens. The bottom line is this: we have found no sunscreen ingredients which we consider to be safe."

Next time, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Safety

Have all this information and more at your fingertips, when you need it.

MSG in Your Personal Care Products

Important! Read this before you buy any cosmetics or personal care products that contain protein or amino acids!

MSG may be hidden in your cosmetics and personal care products. If you know you’re sensitive to MSG, you may be avoiding it in your food but still noticing MSG-type reactions and not know where they’re coming from.

Read more...

Sunscreens will be continued next time.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #51

Sunscreens Continued...

• Both chemical suncreens and physical sunblocks have been shown to cause the formation of free radicals with exposure to sunlight. Excess free radicals are known to cause cancer.
• A Swiss study showed that five commonly used chemicals in sunscreens were xenoestrogens, endocrine disrupters, and they actually increased the growth of cancer cells. See “Xenoestrogens in Your Personal Care Products,” page 39.
  
• Most, if not all, sunscreens include a hydrolyzed protein. All hydrolyzed proteins contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).
  
• Research has shown that excess omega-6 fats in the diet actually contribute to the occurrence of cancer, including melanoma.

More next time...

Get the rest of the information on Sunscreens RIGHT NOW... and even more information on how to protect yourself from harmful ingredients in all your cosmetics and personal care products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #50

Sunscreens

In our society, most people don’t question the need for sunscreens. It’s just accepted as the standard healthy practice when you plan to be out in the sun.

But beware! What’s generally accepted as true is not necessarily true!

Here are some facts to consider before lathering that sunscreen all over yourself and your children the next time you go out into the sun:

• Sunscreens will not safeguard you from melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer. They don’t filter or block the harmful melanoma-causing UVA rays; they only reduce sunburn risk.
  
• Sunscreens offer some protection against easily treatable basal cell carcinoma.
  
• Your body needs the UVB rays from the sun to produce vitamin D. Sunscreens, as low as SPF 8, block the UVB rays responsible for vitamin D synthesis.
  
• Sunscreens are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter drugs because they contain active ingredients, many of which are toxic.

More next time...

Learn how to protect yourself from harmful ingredients.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #49

Risks Associated with Permanent Makeup Continued...

Adverse effects associated with permanent makeup include:

• Peeling
  
• Cracking
  
• Blistering
  
• Swelling
  
• Granulomas
  
• Scarring
  
• Disfigurement

And, what are the long-term effects on your body of the pigments injected under your skin?

According to chemist John Bailey, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Colors and Cosmetics Program, "we can’t vouch for the safety of permanent eyelining because the procedure hasn't undergone any formal safety testing."

You can report adverse reactions to permanent makeup and tattoos by contacting:

Cosmetics Adverse Reaction Monitoring (CARM) System
Office of Cosmetics and Colors
HFS-106
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Food and Drug Administration
5100 Paint Branch Parkway
College Park, MD 20740-3835
(202) 401-9725.

Permanent makeup presents just one of many risks associated with using the cosmetics and personal care products on the market today. Learn more about what you need to know to protect your health when using the cosmetics and personal care products you buy.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #48

Risks Associated with Permanent Makeup

• Infections
  
• Allergic reactions
  
• Keloids
  
• Granulomas
  
• Dissatisfaction
  
• Removal problems

Allergic reactions may show up years later in the form of a rash or immune system reaction.

Dissatisfaction is a major problem with permanent makeup. If you don’t like the result, removing it can be difficult. If the person applying your permanent makeup makes a mistake, you can’t wash it off; you’re either stuck with it, or you have to go through a removal process. Removal often isn’t perfect and can leave scars. Over time, permanent makeup can fade or bleed. As your body changes, the appearance of your permanent makeup may change as well.

Continued next time...

Avoid the risks of permenent makeup. Shop for healthy cosmetics.

Learn more about ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #47

Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup is the process of infusing natural, mineral pigments under the skin’s surface. This micropigmentation, a kind of tattooing, is designed to last many years.

But the convenience has its risks. The pigments used can be toxic and cause adverse reactions. According to the FDA, there have been numerous reports of adverse reactions, associated with a considerable number of Premier ink shades.

The inks and pigments used in permanent makeup are classified as cosmetics and color additives, which are subject to FDA regulation. However, the FDA has not regulated their use and has left it up to local jurisdictions. The FDA is just starting to look into the safety issues.

The FDA has two lists of approved colors for cosmetic use,

• those subject to batch certification, which are the FD&C, D&C and Ext. D&C colors
  
• those exempt from batch certification

None of the approved colors are approved to be injected into the skin, as is done with permanent makeup.

Next time, "Risks Associated With Permanent Makeup"

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Healthy Baby Care Products

Most people think baby products on the market are gentle and safe, because after all, they're made for babies. Right?

Well, not exactly.

They're made for babies. That part is correct.

But safe...

Did you know that when the Environmental Working Group did their survey of 7500 personal care products in 2004, they found ingredients in baby products that

• may be linked to cancer
  
• are known to disrupt the endocrine system
  
• are skin sensitizers
  
• may be toxic to the immune system
  
• may cause reproductive harm
  
• are classified as penetration enhancers (they cause the body to absorb more of the product into the bloodstream)
  
• are highly toxic

So, just because a product label says it's safe and gentle doesn't meant that it's so.

So how do you find out for sure?

You read the list of ingredients, in the tiny print on the back of the label, that's so small that you frequently need a magnifying glass to see it.

If you're a chemist, you'll have no problem understanding what all that "Greek" means. If you're not, you can get Dying To Look Good to help you interpret what each ingredient is and whether it's safe or not.

You can also shop on DyingToLookGood.com. We make sure that the companies we list on that page offer safe and healthy products. If they don't you won't find them there.

You can also check out the DyingToLookGood.com Product of the Month. This month we feature healthy baby products.

You can be sure you're getting healthy products when you shop on DyingToLookGood.com or when you follow the advice in Dying To Look Good.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #46

MSG In Your Personal Care Products Continued...

MSG is hidden in many products, besides food, that you use every day, including:

• cosmetics and personal care products
  
• soaps
  
• shampoos
  
• conditioners
  
• cosmetics
  
• nutritional supplements
  
• medications
  
• vaccines

You can identify MSG in your personal care products by reading the label and looking for specific ingredients that are always or often sources of hidden MSG.

MSG is always in ingredients like

• hydrolyzed proteins
  
• amino acids
  
• yeast extract
  
• nayad (potent yeast extract)
  
• glutamic acid
  
• glutamates.

MSG may also be in or be the result of

• processed proteins
  
• enzymes
  
• carrageenan.

These are the most likely sources of MSG in your personal care products. For a complete list of ingredients containing MSG, see truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html.

For more information on hidden sources of MSG, see truthinlabeling.org/II.WhereIsMSG.html.

Next time Permanent Makeup...

Discover how Dying To Look Good can help you make sure the products you choose are free of MSG.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #45

MSG In Your Personal Care Products

MSG is short for monosodium glutamate, but it also applies to processed free glutamic acid (glutamic acid that has been freed from protein through a manufacturing process or fermentation). I’m sure you’re aware of MSG in food, the effects it can cause and the controversy surrounding its safety. But did you know that MSG could also be hidden in your cosmetics and personal care products?

When you use products on your skin that contain MSG, it’s absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

MSG is a neurotoxin, which means it crosses the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and excites nerve cells to death. Because it affects the brain directly, it can cause a wide variety of symptoms from asthma attacks, skin rashes, behavioral problems, depression and migraine headaches to epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

Even more frightening is that MSG is much more harmful to infants and children because, in some, their blood-brain barrier does not fully develop until as late as puberty. As a result, it’s a lot easier for neurotoxins to cross the blood-brain barrier in infants and children and cause more serious reactions than in adults. Even a fully developed blood-brain barrier is considered by neuroscientists to be leaky at best.

More next time...

Benefit now from all the health saving information packed into Dying To Look Good.

Learn more about Dying To Look Good.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #44

Micronized Minerals Continued...

Studies have shown that ultrafine particles can penetrate the skin, enter the cell and cause DNA damage. There is concern that this could possibly result in skin cancer. These studies have been done on titanium dioxide.

As of 2005, "The National Toxicology Program is developing a broad-based research program to address potential human health hazards associated with the manufacture and use of nanoscale materials," using existing testing methods and developing new methods to "adequately assess potential adverse human health effects."

Currently, the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research and the National Toxicology Program’s Center for Phototoxicology are conducting research "to examine the potential dermal toxicity of nanoscale materials." In this study they are investigating titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Based upon the studies being done and in development, it appears that not only are micronized minerals not well defined and not adequately tested, but also, the technology necessary to adequately test them for safety has not yet been completely developed.

Discover more health-saving information in Dying To Look Good.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #43

Micronized Minerals

Micronized minerals are emerging on the marketplace in natural cosmetics and sunscreens. Many companies promoting natural cosmetics are extolling the benefits of micronized minerals in their "all natural" make-up. Some cosmetic products are promoted as 100% pure micronized minerals.

But beware! There are research studies that suggest caution when considering the use of micronized mineral cosmetics.

Micronized minerals, also known as ultrafine or nanoparticles, are mineral pigments where the size of the particles has been reduced. In general, particles are classified according to size as coarse, fine or ultrafine. Micronized particles, the ultrafine or nanoparticles, are 100 times smaller than coarse particles and 25 times smaller than fine particles, according to etcgroup.org.

According to the FDA, there is no official definition of "micronized," but they refer to these particles being less than 250 nanometers, and they also regard nanoscale titanium dioxide as "micronized titanium dioxide."

More next time...

Shop for mineral makeup from safe and healthy crushed minerals, not micronized.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #42

Hair Dyes Continued...

Here's the EWG's list of Top 10 Ingredients of Concern in Hair Dye based upon their research:

• P-phenylenediamine
  
• P-animophenol
  
• M-aminophenol
  
• Phenyl Methyl Pyrazolone
  
• 4-amino-2-hydroxytoluene
  
• 1-naphthol
  
• N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine
  
• O-aminophe+nol
  
• Lead acetate
  
• HC Red No. 3

*Excerpted and modified from "Shades of Risk" by Shelley Page, published in the Ottawa Citizen, April 18, 2005. Used with permission.

Next time Micronized Minerals...

Dying To Look Good contains a wealth of information to help you protect yourself from harmful ingredients. Learn more here...

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #41

Hair Dyes Continued...

In the summer of 2004, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 117 hair dyes. It found:

• 62 per cent of products contained ingredients that are known or probable carcinogens, including dyes derived from coal tar
  
  
• One product contained lead acetate, a known reproductive toxin
  
  
• 79 per cent of products contained ingredients that contained impurities linked to breast cancer
  
  
• 96 per cent of products contained penetration enhancers that increase exposures to carcinogens and other ingredients of concern
  
  
• 73 per cent of products contained ingredients that are known allergens.

More next time...

Have this and more vital information at your fingertips. Get your copy of Dying To Look Good.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #40

Hair Dyes Continued...

"Researchers from the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Medicine found in 2001 that women using permanent hair dye at least once a month more than double their risk of bladder cancer. If they used it monthly for more than 15 years, they tripled their risk. The risk of bladder cancer was highest among smokers who regularly used hair dyes."

In 2003 the FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research reported that it found a known carcinogen, 4-ABP, in eight of 11 hair dye products bought off the shelf at supermarkets and hair salons. It was not listed as a regular ingredient, but was likely a contaminant formed as a byproduct of the dye-making process according to the researchers.

More next time...

Take advantage of the DyingToLookGood.com November 2006 Product of the Month Special Offer. Get Dying To Look Good for 25% off!

Or check out other Dying To Look Good Special Offers.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #39

Hair Dyes Continued...
In 2004, a "study by Yale researcher Tongzhang Zheng found that long-term use of permanent hair dye, in dark colors, doubles a person's risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma"

"The EU watchdog, known as the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP), is worried about fatal allergies caused by hair dyes, as well as "new and improved" studies linking dyes to cancer. SCCNFP has strongly criticized hair-dye manufacturers for failing to prove hair dyes are safe and has ordered urgent research to be conducted on the health implications of permanent hair dyes or the product could face a ban. In the meantime, it has warned consumers not to use hair dyes, particularly dark dyes."

More next time...

Don't wait, you can have it all right now. Get the Dying To Look Good e-book!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #38

Hair Dyes

The industry maintains that "hair dyes are one of the most thoroughly studied consumer products on the market today" and they're safe. However, there is a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to an increased risk of bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with the use of permanent hair dyes, especially the darker colors.

Here are some facts about hair dyes reported in "Shades of Risk," by Shelley Page:

"A study published in the January/February 2005 issue of Public Health Reports, the official journal of the U.S. Public Health Service, found that the use of permanent hair dyes among men and women increases the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 50 per cent compared to those who don't use hair dye."

More next time...

Or, get all right now... Dying To Look Good e-book.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #37

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The safety of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is controversial. On the one hand, some companies are removing grapefruit seed extract from their products. On the other, some say it’s non-toxic and has no harmful side-effects.

Grapefruit seed extract has been used for many years as a safe alternative to chemical preservatives. However, a study done in 1999 in Germany on six samples of grapefruit seed extract showed contamination with benzethonium chloride in five of the six samples tested. Three of these five samples were also found to contain triclosan and methyl paraben. Each of these samples showed antimicrobial activity. The one sample that contained no preservatives showed no antimicrobial activity. This study concluded that the antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed extract was due to the chemical preservatives detected, not to the grapefruit seed extract.

Conversely, Nutribiotics, one of the major suppliers of grapefruit seed extract, states that their grapefruit seed extract products have been “proven clean” and effective by independent laboratory tests. They assert that grapefruit seed extract has been used safely for many years. It is “non-toxic, biodegradable, economical, with no harmful side-effects.”

So, when choosing products containing grapefruit seed extract, make sure the grapefruit seed extract in the products you choose comes from a reputable source with independent lab tests to verify safety and effectiveness. Quality, safety and effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract may vary among different brands.

Discover why you should avoid products with benzethonium chloride, triclosan and methylparaben.

Shop for healthy products.

What You Need to Know About Codex Alimentarius

This video is the best explanation I've seen and heard about Codex Alimentarius. It's a little long, but I recommend you take the time and watch it to the end.

View Video

Please take action. Sign the petition. YOUR HEALTH IS AT STAKE!

Contaminant in OTC Skin Remedies Linked to 34 Deaths

Diethylene glycol "which is used to keep glue and cosmetics moist" is being blamed for 34 deaths in Panama. It has contaminated skin remedies, like calamine lotion and rash ointments, and over-the-counter medications like cough syrup and antihistamine tablets.

Diethylene glycol is one of many harmful ingredients that are commonly used in products we consume or put on our skin. The industry typically has downplayed the adverse effects of these types of ingredients, saying there is no cause for concern, or that they're used in such small quantities that they're safe.

The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of ingredients that are being used in our foods and personal care products that should not be used. There IS cause for concern. The industry's not going to take them out, because they deny that they're harmful. That is, unless, consumers stop buying products containing the unsafe ingredients.

If you don't know what's harmful and what's safe, you can find out in Dying To Look Good. With that information, you'll be armed to read labels and know which ingredients should and should not be in the cosmetics and skin care products you use.

You vote with your dollars. When enough people stop using the products with the harmful ingredients, the industry will have to change and start producing products with safe and healthy ingredients. But as long as you continue to buy the products with the questionable and harmful ingredients, they'll continue to make them.

If you haven't started reading labels and checking to see if the ingredients are safe or not, now is the time to do so! Your health and your family's health is at stake.

If you're not a chemist and you don't know what to look for, all the information you need to decipher the chemical gobbledy-gook on the ingredients label is the the book, Dying To Look Good. Dying To Look Good also has a sibling for deciphering food labels, Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide...

Now is the time to take charge of your health. These two books make it really easy to get started.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #36

Cosmetics That Require a Warning on the Label Continued...

According to the Environmmental Working Group, of the 7500 products they tested, nearly one in 20 contained one or more ingredients that the CIR found did not have sufficient test data to support the ingredients' safe use in cosmetics. Under federal law, passed in 1995, if a cosmetic product's safety has not been established, the product’s label must read: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined."

The EWG did not find any warnings on the labels of the products whose ingredients contained insufficient data to support safety, based on a partial evaluation. Unless studies were done to provide the information needed for these ingredients to be classified as safe, "the manufacturers of these products may be in violation of federal law."

In their evaluations, the EWG also noted that the industry routinely ignores the recommendations of the CIR on the safe use of ingredients as determined by the panel.

Shop for products that have been determined to have only safe and healthy ingredients.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #35

Cosmetics That Require a Warning on the Label

The FDA requires warnings on the labels of products that are potentially hazardous, including:

• Aerosol products
  
  • Hairsprays
    
  • Deodorant
  
  
• Products in pressurized containers
  
  • Shaving cream
    
  • Foaming soaps
  
  
• Detergent bubble bath products
  
  
• Hair dyes containing coal tar colors
  
  
• Feminine deodorant sprays
  
  
• Shampoos, rinses and conditioners
  
  
• Hair straighteners and depilitories
  
  
• Nail builders (elongators, extenders, hardeners, and enamels)
  
  
• Any product that contains one or more ingredients that the CIR found had insufficient testing data to support the ingredients' safe use in cosmetics

Find out next time if the industry is meeting this requirement...

Or you can get the Dying To Look Good e-book and find out right now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #34

Cosmetics Classified as Drugs

Cosmetic or personal care products that claim to have a therapeutic benefit affecting body function or structure are also classified as drugs.

These products often can be identified by an "active ingredient" listed in the label. But not all products in this category always list an active ingredient. They are only required to list the active ingredient first, then the remaining inactive ingredients.

The typical type of cosmetic products also considered drugs include:

• Fluoride toothpaste
  
• Dandruff shampoo
  
• Sunscreens
  
• Cosmetics containing sunscreen

Next time... Cosmetics that Require a Warning on the Label.

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OR

Get Dying To Look Good and some Free Special bonuses too!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #33

Antibacterial Soaps Continued...

It has been suggested that antibacterial soaps should not be used on children because the chemicals are too harsh and drying for their skin. Using antibacterial soaps on your children does not protect them and help them to stay healthy. In fact, children need to come in contact with "germs" to help them to develop their immune system. Overuse of antibacterial agents has been linked to allergies and asthma.

And antibacterial agents do not kill viruses, the microorganisms responsible for colds and flu.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that the use of antibacterial soaps is not necessary on a daily basis. Washing with warm water and ordinary soap is sufficient.

More on antibacterial soaps here.

Experience the clean refreshing feeling from natural, handmade soaps.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #32

Antibacterial Soaps

Antibacterial soaps have been widely embraced as a way to "kill germs" and prevent illness. But not all bacteria are harmful. And not all "germs" are bacteria.

Some bacteria are beneficial and your body needs them. Antibacterial soaps cannot distinguish between harmful and helpful bacteria. It kills all bacteria. When the healthy bacteria that your body needs have been "washed away," it leaves you more susceptible to illness from harmful bacteria.

Recent studies show that triclosan, one of the most common antibacterial agents used in soaps, acts like an antibiotic in the way it kills bacteria and may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

To be continued...

Get the rest of this important information right now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #31

Acrylic Nails Continued...

Acrylic nails have been found to harbor bacteria, fungi and viruses. Significantly higher levels of these microorganisms have been detected on the hands of people with acrylic nails compared with those without.

Allergic reactions may occur when the chemicals come in contact with the skin surrounding the nails causing redness, swelling and itching to occur around the nail and even causing the nail to separate from the nail bed.

In addition, your nails are porous. Chemicals that come in contact with them can be absorbed through the nail bed into your bloodstream.

Next time ... Antibacterial Soaps

You can get your own copy of Dying To Look Good here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #30

Acrylic Nails

Artificial nails, even though they may look great, are in fact harmful to your health and the health of your nails.

The chemicals used to attach and remove acrylic nails are toxic. Ethyl methacrylate most commonly used to glue on acrylic nails, is an eye and skin irritant. Inhaling it can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. It can also cause asthma and allergic reactions.

Methyl methacrylate was banned in 1974 after it was proven harmful. It is still being used in some establishments "because it's cheap, effective and easy to get despite the ban," according to Evelyn Burgett, Cosmetology Inspector for the state of Tennessee.

More on acrylic nails next time...

Get your own personal copy of Dying To Look Good for handy reference.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #29

Special Topics Continued...

As of this writing, there is a proposed bill in California, which if passed, would require manufacturers to notify the state of any products they manufacture that contain ingredients linked to cancer or birth defects. EWG identified 155 products that would be affected if the bill passes. It passed the California Assembly's Health Committee on June 28, 2005 and was placed on the Suspense Calendar until after August 15.

According to EWG, “California’s bill also opens the door for national reform of loose standards for personal care products that essentially have industry lobbyists in control of determining if the ingredients their companies use are safe.” If this bill passes, it could be the first step in seeing safer cosmetics available to consumers.

You can follow the developments in this and other environmental safety issues at www.ewg.org.

Here’s a brief look at some topics, that you should be aware of, that are important to your health, including both products and ingredients.

Next time ... Acrylic Nails

Have all this information at your fingertips for your ready reference just when you need it.

Note: The California cosmetics bill became law in October 2005.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #28

Special Topics
There are some products on the market that people use, … just because everyone does, or because they make your face, skin, hands, hair or teeth look beautiful, or because the manufacturer, through their million dollar advertising campaigns has convinced you that you just can’t live without it. That it will make you more beautiful, sexier and will lure your perfect partner to you.

Until recently, most people didn’t even think about what’s in the product or if it’s even safe to put on their skin. They just thought about what it’s going to do for them, how it’s going to make them look or feel and how attractive it will make them to the opposite sex.

But that’s changing now. There’s a growing consciousness toward using safer and healthier products. And it’s turning out that a number of the products that people just took for granted because of what it “did for them,” are actually causing harm.

To be continued...

Get the rest of the story right now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #27

Safety Tips Continued...

• Throw away products in which there has been a change in color or odor.
  
  
• Do not use eye makeup if you have an eye infection. Discard all products you were using when you discovered the infection.
  
  
• Keep makeup out of sunlight.
  
  
• Close makeup containers tightly when not in use.
  
  
• Many aerosol products are flammable. Do not use near heat or while smoking. Do not inhale hairsprays and powders. They may cause lung damage.

Next time ... Special Topics

Find out more about Dying To Look Good here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #26

Safety Tips Continued...

• Be wary of testers at cosmetic counters. The product may be contaminated. If you must test before purchasing, insist on a new disposable applicator and that the salesperson clean the container opening with alcohol before applying to your skin.
  
  
• Never add liquid to a cosmetic product to restore its original consistency. This may cause bacterial contamination.
  
  
• Stop using a product if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it.

More next time...

Have Dying To Look Good at your fingertips so you can be sure you're using safe and healthy products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #25

Safety Tips

Here are a few tips to help you use your cosmetics and personal care products safely and protect yourself from harm associated with their misuse.

• Never apply makeup while driving. An accidental scratch to your eyeball can cause bacterial infection and result in serious injury, including blindness.
  
  
• Never share makeup, and certain personal care products, like toothpaste and deodorant.

More next time...

Get a copy of Dying To Look Good right now!

Triclosan Alert!

Triclosan, the antibacterial agent commonly found in antibacterial soaps, lotions, acne products, cosmetics and other personal care products is dangerous!

It is classified as a pesticide by the EPA and as a drug by the FDA.

The EPA considers it a major risk to human health and to the environment.

"Chemically triclosan is almost the same as some of the most toxic chemicals on earth: dioxins, PCB’s, and Agent Orange. Its manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects in the parts per trillion (one drop in 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools!)."

If you use any products containing triclosan, my advice to you is to stop using them immediately and throw them away. It's that dangerous.

Learn more about the safety of ingredients in your personal care products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #24

Buyer Beware Continued...

• And other ingredients – means that there are one or more ingredients that the manufacturer considers a trade secret and does not want to list on the label. According to the FDA, "the manufacturer must prove that the ingredient imparts some unique property to the product and that the ingredient is not well-known in the industry."

Next time ... safety tips for cosmetic use.

Get your personal copy of Dying To Look Good here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #23

Buyer Beware Continued...

• Shelf Life (Expiration Date) – gives the length of time a cosmetic product is good if handled and stored properly. Expiration dates are approximate, and in reality, a product may expire long before the expiration date.

More next time...

Find out how you can get your own personal copy today.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #22

Buyer Beware Continued...

• Noncomedogenic – implies that there are no pore-clogging ingredients that may cause acne in the product.
  
  
• Cruelty Free – suggests that there has been no animal testing of the product. In reality, the majority of cosmetic ingredients have been tested on animals at some point. A more accurate statement would be “no new animal testing,” if indeed this were the case.

More next time...

You can have this resource at your fingertips when you need to look up the information. It will even fit in a woman's purse so you can take it shopping with you.

Dying To Look Good Review

Dying To Look Good has been reviewed in Wise Traditions, the quarterly journal for the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Read the Review.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #21

Buyer Beware Continued...

• Fragrance Free – means that the product has no detectable odor. Fragrance ingredients may still be added to mask offensive odors from the materials used to make the product.

More next time...
Or, get the e-book and get it all right now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #20

Buyer Beware Continued...

• Alcohol Free – generally means the product does not contain ethyl alcohol (or grain alcohol). The product may contain fatty alcohols like cetyl, cetearyl, stearyl, or lanolin.

More next time...

Of course, you don't have to wait. You can have it all right now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #19

Buyer Beware Continued...

• Hypoallergenic – means that the manufacturer believes the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions. But there are no standards for classifying a product hypoallergenic. The manufacturer may actually test the product before classifying it hypoallergenic, or simply remove fragrances and call it hypoallergenic. The manufacturer is not required to prove this claim. Also, the terms "dermatologist-tested," "sensitivity tested," "allergy tested," or "nonirritating" do not guarantee they won't cause allergic reactions.

More next time...

Or get it all now!

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #18

Buyer Beware
The FDA's attempt at establishing official definitions for specific terms like "natural" and "hypoallergenic" were overturned in court. Consequently, companies can use these terms on cosmetic labels to mean anything they want. Mostly, the value of these terms lies in promoting cosmetic products to the consumer rather than any real medical meaning, according to dermatologists.

Beware of products claiming to be:

• Natural – suggests that the ingredients are derived from natural sources rather than being produced synthetically. However, there are no industry standards for what natural means. The product may contain all natural ingredients, just a few natural ingredients added to a synthetic product or even no natural ingredients at all.

More on this list tomorrow. But, you don't have to wait until tomorrow to get more of this list. You can have it all right now in the Dying To Look Good e-book.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #17

Continued from Excerpt #16 ...

The EWG further states that "for many of the ingredients the CIR has chosen to review, the cosmetic industry has failed to conduct even the most basic toxicity tests."... For more than half of the ingredients approved by the CIR, "the panel fails in whole to discuss any available data with respect to cancer and mutagenicity, birth defects, and other reproductive risks." ... The "CIR has chosen sensitization and the related effect of irritation as the basis for approximately 80% of its safety decisions, to the near total exclusion of other health impacts... It is clear from the review summaries published by the panel in the open scientific literature that basic safety data are often lacking."

The CIR is funded by CTFA.

Don't play Russian roulette with your health. Make sure you know how to tell if your personal care products are safe or not.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #16

Continued from Excerpt #15 ...

The CIR website states that they determine which ingredients to review based upon how widespread the use of the ingredient is and reports of adverse effects, toxicity predictions, potential for skin penetration, if banned in Japan or the European Union, etc. However, according to the Environmental Working Group, based upon their review of the ingredients in 7,500 products in 2004, "the CIR has failed to review one-third of the top 50 ingredients used in cosmetics," some of which pose "potential cancer risks." In addition, "of the 1175 ingredients that had been reviewed by the CIR at the time of EWG’s analysis, half of the ingredients are not used in cosmetics."

To be continued...

Take advantage of a special offer for Dying To Look Good here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #15

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), established in 1976 by CTFA, was the industry’s effort to provide an unbiased evaluation of the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Between 1976 and June 14, 2005, they completed safety assessments, for 1269 ingredients. This represents only 10% of the more than 12,000 ingredients listed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary.

New cosmetic ingredients are coming onto the market faster than they can be reviewed. The 2004 edition of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary listed over 1400 more ingredients than were listed in the 2002 edition. In just two years more ingredients were added to the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary than the CIR has reviewed in 29 years.

More next time...

Get instant access to the rest of this article and all of Dying To Look Good here.

Bar Soap at its Best

Most people don't give a second thought to what's in a bar of soap, let alone that it might just have ingredients that could harm them or their loved ones. Like all other personal care products, a bar of soap can have toxic chemicals that can do harm when absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream. Yes this does happen!

Now, you can have your soap and lather in it too - the healthy way, and it doesn't have to be boring because it's healthy and safe for you.

If you don't believe me, you can check the ingredients in your bar of soap in Dying To Look Good to see how safe the ingredients really are.

Healthy, Natural, Organic Skin Care

There are so many products on the market that claim to be all natural, organic and healthy for you, but are far from it. The reason that these companies get away with that kind of marketing is because ... they can. The cosmetic and personal care industry is the least regulated and they take advantage of the consumer ... big time.

Here's one skin care product line that is truly natural, organic and healthy for you! Why not give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from misleading marketing of unhealthy products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #14

Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) is an industry organization supporting creative freedom in product development and self-regulation within the personal care product sector. It is the industry lobby at various government levels.

The CTFA International Buyers' Guide 2004 edition lists over 12,000 cosmetic chemicals according to INCI names cross-referencing them to more than 55,000 trade and technical names.

INCI, International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient, standardizes the terminology for cosmetic chemical ingredients in the U.S., Europe, Japan and other countries throughout the world. Manufacturers use this guide to choose their ingredients for the cosmetics they produce. Most of the chemicals have not been tested for short-term or long-term toxic effects or for systemic effects. Many are contaminated with toxic by-products from manufacturing. Many are toxic themselves.

Learn how to determine which ingredients are safe and which are not so you can protect yourself and your family.

Healthy Mineral Makeup

A great deal of the makeup on the market today contains harmful ingredients. Some of these ingredients cause cancer.

If you're conscious about healthy cosmetics, you've probably already heard of mineral makeup as a safe alternative. However, not all mineral makeup is healthy.

Many of the mineral makeups are made from micronized minerals. Micronized minerals can be absorbed into the cell and damage the DNA. According to the National Center for Toxicological Research, these minerals have not been adequately tested, AND the technology to adequately test them does not even exist yet.

Healthy mineral makeup is made from crushed minerals. These minerals cannot be absorbed and will not damage your cells.

Learn more about crushed mineral makeup and how you can get yours today.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #13

The requirement to list cosmetic and personal care product ingredients on the label applies to retail products sold for home use. Products produced for use in salons, labeled "For Professional Use Only" and cosmetic and personal care product samples do not require the ingredients to be listed on the label. However, these products do require the name of the distributor, the quantity, and all necessary warning statements.

Find healthy skin care products here.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #12

According to EWG, "The regulatory vacuum in the U.S. gives cosmetic companies tremendous leeway in selecting ingredients, while it transfers potentially significant and largely unnecessary health risks to the users of the products."

Here's how to avoid these health risks when you choose the products you use.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #11

The FDA can make suggestions or recommendations to manufacturers about cosmetic products or their ingredients, but the manufacturers do not have to comply. The FDA must first prove in a court of law that a product is harmful, improperly labeled, or violates the law if it wants to remove a cosmetic product from the market.

Shop for truly safe and healthy cosmetics and personal care products.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #10

According to John Bailey, Ph.D., director of the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "Consumers believe that 'if it's on the market, it can't hurt me,' and this belief is sometimes wrong."

Make sure the products you buy don't hurt you.

Brand New Healthy Deodorant

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In a recent study, 84% of users found this NEW FORMULA as effective as conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.

WHY EXPOSE YOURSELF TO CHEMICALS EVERYDAY IF YOU DONT HAVE TO?

Try some today and get a 10% discount. Click here to get your discount code, then click through to the Terra Naturals website and click on the top link, Terra Naturals Super Sport.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #9

Hair coloring products are among the most poorly regulated consumer products. There is no requirement to place a warning on the label of hair coloring products to inform consumers that these products cause cancer. Although the industry maintains that hair dyes are safe, there is a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to an increased risk of bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with the use of permanent hair dyes.

If you just can't live with your natural hair color, find out which hair coloring products are safe in DYING TO LOOK GOOD.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #8

Cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers are not required to prove the claims they make about their products or to test their products for safety. However, if the product's safety has not been established, the product requires the label to state: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined." According to EWG in their evaluation, they did not find a single product with this warning on the label.

Note: The absence of the warning from all labels does not mean that the industry is doing their job and proving their products are safe. They are just ignoring the requirement to place the warning on the label. You can find out why this is the case in Dying To Look Good.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #7

... the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requires cosmetic manufacturers to list the ingredients on the label of every cosmetic and personal care product sold directly to consumers in descending order of quantity. In other words, the ingredient present in largest quantity appears first on the label and the ingredient present in the smallest quantity appears last.

Protect your health. Start reading labels on your cosmetics and personal care products and choose products with only safe ingredients.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #6

The cosmetics industry is very poorly regulated. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act does not require cosmetics and personal care products or their ingredients to be approved before they are marketed and sold to consumers. FDA regulations start after they are already in the marketplace. So, except for color additives and a few ingredients, which are banned, manufacturers may use whatever ingredients they choose in the cosmetics and personal care products they produce without approval from the FDA.

Learn how to make sure the products you choose contain safe and healthy ingredients.

Healthy Skin Care Products

A lot of skin care products on the market claim to be all natural and contain healthy ingredients, but if you read the ingredients list, you'll find that's not the case. Most will contain at least one or two objectionable ingredients, usually more.

It's very frustrating and disheartening for you, the consumer when you're making a conserted effort to avoid harmful ingredients and choose healthy products. Even many companies who have signed the Compact for Global Production of Safe and Healthy Beauty Products use ingredients in their products that are undesirable.

So how are you supposed to be able to confidently choose healthy cosmetics and skin care products? Even buying your products in a health food store does not guarantee that the ingredients will be safe and healthy.

Well, I've made it easy for you. In Dying To Look Good, I list 1300 ingredients commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products and rate them according to safety, and I also list 750 products that I have personally evaluated for safety. And to make it even easier for you, on DyingToLookGood.com, I have links to healthy products that you can feel confident that they contain safe and healthy ingredients. One of my favorite product lines is Deep Steep. Click the link and you'll even get a discount on your purchase.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #5

Continued from Excerpt #4 ...

• "Fifty-four products violate recommendations for safe use set by the industry's self-regulating Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) board."
• And nearly all the products (99.6%) "contain one or more ingredients never assessed for potential health impacts by the CIR."

Read more in Dying To Look Good. Find healthy products online and in the book.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #4

Continued from Excerpt #3...

• "Fifty-five percent of all products assessed contain 'penetration enhancers,' ingredients that can increase a product's penetration through the skin and into the bloodstream, increasing consumers' exposures to other ingredients as well." Fifty of these products also contained "penetration enhancers in combination with known or probable human carcinogens."
• "Nearly 70 percent of all products contain ingredients that can be comtaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other health problems."
• ...

To be continued ...

Learn how to protect yourself from harmful ingredients. Shop for healthy products that you can feel confident contain only safe and healthy ingredients.

Dying To Look Good Excerpt #3

In 2004, the Environmental Working Group evaluated the ingredients in 7,500 personal care products for safety. They found that:

• "One of every 120 products on the market contains ingredients certified by government authorities as known or probable human carcinogens, including shampoos, lotions, make-up foundations, and lip balms."
• "Seventy-one hair dye products contain ingredients derived from carcinogenic coal tar."
• ...

To be continued ...

Learn more right now and choose safe and healthy products here.

Healthy Deodorant

A great many deodorants on the market contain harmful ingredients that can be absorbed from your armpits directly into your blood stream. Are you risking your health with your undearm protection? Discover which ingredients to avoid in your deodorant so you can protect yourself.

To make absolutely sure that your deodorant does not have any harmful ingredients, and in fact has ingredients that are therapeutic and heal, I've arranged for you to get to try a truly healthy deodorant, with no hidden harmful ingredients at a 10% discount.

Excerpts from Dying To Look Good #2

"Many of the ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products are toxic, even though they may not cause any reactions on the skin. Some cause cancer. Some of the most commonly used ingredients combine with other ingredients to form cancer-causing substances."

Read more in Dying To Look Good. Learn how to get your copy here.

Excerpts from Dying To Look Good #1

"Your health is affected not only by what you put into your body in terms of food, drink, drugs and nutritional supplements, but also by what you put on your body. Your skin is not an impenetrable barrier as was thought years ago. We now know that all chemicals that come in contact with the skin can penetrate the skin in varying degrees. Many of the chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin have been detected in the bloodstream."

Learn more about Dying To Look Good and how you can benefit from the extensive research that went into this book.

Your Deodorant – Is There Danger Lurking Within?

You just got out of the shower and reached for your favorite deodorant. You like it because it smells nice and it keeps your underarms dry and odor free. You've used it for a long time. But did you ever read the ingredients on the label and wonder about the safety of the almost unpronounceable chemicals listed in the too tiny to read print?

If not, you're like most people. You don't expect to find products on store shelves that contain harmful ingredients. But beware. The ingredients in many deodorant products could endanger your health.

Certainly, you've heard in the news recently about the possible association with deodorants and breast cancer. Maybe you've even heard about the possibility that aluminum in deodorants may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. And you may or may not know about ingredients which act like estrogen and can upset your hormonal balance.

Perhaps you've heard all these things and just shrugged them off. After all how could companies sell these products if they're not safe? The manufacturers certainly must test the ingredients and the products before they put them on the market, right? Well, not exactly! The law does not require manufacturers to test their products for safety. In fact, except for colors and a few banned ingredients, manufacturers can use any raw material they want as an ingredient in your deodorant. Most of the ingredients used in deodorant and other personal care products have not been fully tested. Many have never been tested at all.

The industry, in an attempt to make it look like it's acting in the interest of consumer safety, formed the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1976 to evaluate the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products. However, in the 29 years up to June 2005, they performed safety assessments on only about 10% of the ingredients allowed in cosmetic and personal care products, including deodorants, and never evaluated one third of the 50 most commonly used ingredients.

But, you might add, the FDA wouldn't allow companies to sell unsafe products to the public, right? Well, in theory! While the FDA urges manufacturers to conduct the tests necessary to substantiate the safety of their products, the law does not require manufacturers to test their products for safety. The FDA doesn't approve deodorants and antiperspirants or any other cosmetic or skin care products before they reach the marketplace. The FDA can only have a product removed from the market if they can prove it harmful in a court of law.

So, what does this mean for you? Does it mean you should stop using deodorant? What can you do to protect yourself? Well, you have several options. You can discover the secret to reading ingredient labels and ascertaining ingredient safety, making yourself a master of choosing products without harmful ingredients. You can ask someone who knows to recommend a safe deodorant or antiperspirant. Or you can get adventuresome and learn how to make your own.

Now, it really isn't necessary to go to the time and trouble of making your own, unless of course you want to. You can find healthy deodorant products in stores or online if you know how to read labels and determine ingredient safety. Once an almost impossible task for the average person, but no more. Now you can easily master the art of label reading and interpretation with the book, Dying To Look Good. It gives you the keys to deciphering the safety of the ingredients on the label of your deodorant and other personal care products as well as providing names of healthy products and where you can buy them.

To discover which ingredients to watch out for in your deodorant and to find out my top recommendation for a healthy deodorant, read Deodorant - Top 7 Ingredients to Avoid.

© 2006 Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C., "The Ingredients Investigator" and author of Dying To Look Good, providing information on how to protect yourself from harmful ingredients in deodorant and other personal care products at DyingToLookGood.com.

This is a "Shareware" Article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including all links and this notice.

Deodorant - Top 7 Ingredients To Avoid

The first thing you must do whenever you buy deodorant or any product that goes on your skin or in your body is to read the ingredients. They’re usually in very tiny print on the back of the label. If you have trouble reading small print, carry a magnifying glass around with you so you can read before you buy. This is critical because what you put on your skin can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. And harmful ingredients in your blood can have potentially deadly effects on your body.

Here are 7 ingredients to avoid when choosing your deodorant:

Aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly or any aluminum compounds. Aluminum is absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the body. It has been suggested that there is an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl), are all derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Toluene is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. It is also harmful in contact with the skin. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to toluene may cause reproductive harm. Since 2000, 13 research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen in animals and in tissue culture. Estrogen is known to drive the growth of cancerous cells.

Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. It may kill healthy bacteria as well as harmful bacteria. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants. It is stored in body fat and is classified as a pesticide by the FDA.

Talc is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibers. The quantity of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is unregulated. If talc is listed on the label, there is no way of knowing whether or not it contains asbestiform fibers.

Propylene glycol absorbs quickly through the skin and is a penetration enhancer. It may cause delayed allergic reactions. NIOSH says propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and may cause kidney or liver damage. The EPA says it’s not fully investigated for carcinogenic potential.

Silica is a skin irritant. It may be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is a carcinogen.

Steareth-n (n may be any number like say 100), may be vegetable derived but is reacted with ethylene oxide (ethoxylated), a known human carcinogen.

Instead choose deodorants with ingredients like vegetable glycerin, natural preservatives like bioflavanoids and lichen, herbs or herbal extracts, de-ionized water or distilled water, green tea, aloe vera, baking soda and essential oils.

A word of caution: Plant extracts listed on labels can already contain parabens and propylene glycol. These do not have to be listed on the label. Very few herbs supplied to manufacturers are free of parabens or other synthetic preservatives unless they are extracted in vegetable glycerine. To make sure that the products you buy are healthy and free of these harmful chemicals, call the deodorant manufacturer and ask them for detailed information.

To receive 5 more important ingredients to avoid in your deodorant and learn about a truly healthy, chemical-free deodorant, click here.

Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. is "The Ingredients Investigator." She has been researching ingredient safety since 1991. She is the author of three books, including the new, second edition of DYING TO LOOK GOOD. To learn more about the safety of ingredients in your deodorant, visit DyingToLookGood.com.

This is a "Shareware" Article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including all links and this notice. Copyright © 2005 Christine Farlow.