Microdermabrasion beads deadly to Marine life

Well when considering label checking for ingredients it seems that we need to not only be concerned with our own personal safety but that too of our marine life neighbors. It turns out that the exfoliating ingredient in Olay's body wash, and similar big brand products, are tiny particles of polyethylene, which are a hazard to marine life
Plastic beads often used as exfoliants do not biodegrade. They are washed into rivers, and then the oceans, where they remain for a very long time. While superficially pretty (they are often referred to as "mermaid's tears") they amplify up food chains, and will kill any animal that ingests enough to block its digestive tract. How terrible is this? It’s all so senseless and I’m sure that most consumers are completely unaware of the hazards that these products pose. This is insanely irresponsible when you consider that sugar, salt, coffee all are excellent for the process of microdermabrasion.
So what can we do? Write the companies, boycott all synthetic exfoliants. Furthermore wean yourselves off of plastics altogether. Whole Foods has. The city of Seattle, Washington is presently considering a city ban on plastic bags.

Beauty Trends

After a period of price pressure, the cosmetics and toiletries industry witnessed healthy growth during the past year. Manufacturers and retailers placed more emphasis on generating value, inducing demand for and switches to more expensive or value-added products, creating an improvement in unit prices after the price war that emerged in late 2003. The introductions of new added-value products were well received by consumers, who showed a willingness to spend more for cosmetics and toiletries that provide extra value.

Consumers are increasingly aware about their image and willing to spend more money on products to improve their general appearance. Introductions in skin care, such as body lotions and facial care products with a “tanning” effect, were warmly received by consumers. These products are appreciated for their healthcare attributes as well as the extra positive effect they have on personal image.
Rapid growth of male grooming products continued last year and were largely driven by smaller ranges such as skin care. In addition to new innovative introductions in skin care specifically targeting men in body care products is also proving successful. Western men have a very open attitude towards male grooming products, paving the way for the rapid development of cosmetics and toiletries for men.

Large manufacturers with technologically-advanced formulas win share
The cosmetics and toiletries industry remains fairly concentrated among four larger multinationals including Unilever, L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Sara Lee. L’Oréal consolidated its position as industry leader with more mass products that incorporate features often previously only found in premium cosmetics and toiletries, often presenting products with a luxury appeal. Manufacturers have begun introducing more frequent and innovative products in order to stimulate curiosity and build demand. They have also begun combating the competitive nature of private label present in most ranges with products that aim to emulate quality and a multitude of attributes..

Rising trend towards natural ingredients
Although natural cosmetics and toiletries remained niche they are experiencing a surge in popularity fuelled by common consumer concerns such as allergies and skin conditions. Despite being available in health food stores and through independent suppliers for decades some natural cosmetics and toiletries products are growing in importance and building a consumer base through intensified promotion and expanded distribution into more mainstream marketing areas.


Fitness tops list of New Year's resolutions in Dubai
According to a survey conducted by the newspaper Gulf News, the top New Year's resolution in Dubai for 2009 was to get fit, cited by over a third (37%) of respondents. Other popular resolutions for consumers included quitting smoking (9%).

According to a Nielsen survey of over 5,000 Egyptian consumers, 30% of them enjoy trying new products. Moreover, this group will often act as 'evangelists,' telling others of the existence of these products, belying the cliché of the Middle Eastern consumer as innately conservative. Nonetheless, 47% of respondents said they would not “go out of their way” to try new products, while the remaining 23% were even more set in their ways: they know what they like and tend not to bother trying to keep up with the latest product innovations

So it makes you look good but is it good for you?

As it turns out many of the ingredients that are used in beauty products to help us look good aren't exactly good for us. The ingredients in cosmetics and make-up are not subjected to stringent pre market evaluations and processes. Cosmetic and make-up companies are also not required to submit any information on the harmful effects of chemicals used in their makeup formulations. This situation creates a system where virtually any make-up product, regardless of safety, can be sold to the public.

Look for natural ingredients in products. This means reading the labels carefully to not only avoid potentially hazardous chemicals but also avoiding dyes, tars and even possibly synthetic fragrances.


Ingredients commonly found in cosmetic preparations that may pose potential hazards to users

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  Petrolatum is used in many cosmetics simply because it is cheap. The problem is not only is it an inferior product but it causes the skin to become photo sensitive, it clogs pores, and it causes skin to eventually become dry and irritated with continued use. The very problems that this chemical is used in cosmetics to address, dry skin ointments, lip balms, moisturizers, are the very problems that it exacerbates. Propylene Glycol — Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.
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  Proylene Glycol(MSDS) Called a humectant in cosmetics, it is really "industrial anti-freeze" and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Tests show it can be a strong skin irritant. This ingredient is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, lotions and beauty creams. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
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  Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
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  Talc Many scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.
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  PVP/VA Copolymer is a petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs.
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  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate a synthetic substance used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It is often passed off as a natural ingredient by stating that it is derived from coconut however, this chemical causes irritations, rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions
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  Stearalkonium Chloride is often used in chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Originally used as fabric softener by the textile industry it’s inexpensive cost and ability to soften made it a popular substitute in the cosmetic industry as an alternative to higher priced softeners such as proteins, herbs, and oils. The b\problem is that this chemical is known to cause allergic reactions and is toxic..
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  Synthetic colors along with hair dyes should be avoided at all cost. Labeled as FD &C or D & C and followed by a number, these chemical synthetic agents are suspected of being carcinogenic.
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  Synthetic Fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. With such a large number of possible chemicals regulations stipulate merely listing “fragrance” on the label. This makes it virtually impossible to pinpoint any allergic reaction to a specific chemical that a fragrance may contain. Some problems associated with fragrance sensitivities are headaches, vomiting, nausea, skin irritation, dizziness, and hyper pigmentation. 10. Triethanolamine is used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which in turns it into a cleanser. Commonly known as TEA, Triethanolamine causes allergic reactions such as eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and is potentially toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
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  Kohl The FDA has issued an alert for Eye Makeup products such as kohl, kajal, al-kahl, or surma, typically applied as Eyeliner. These traditional Eye Makeup products often contain lead and are not permitted in any cosmetic or personal care product in the U.S.
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  Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea — these are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined with other preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10°. These chemicals are toxic.
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  Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben — Used as preservatives to prevent microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Known to be toxic and cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.
  

THE TREND TOWARD NATURAL

Monday, March 16, 2009


As society returns to responsible and ecologically sound lifestyles we are finding that the practical benefits of obtaining all that we can from natural sources for our needs including health and beauty products are prudent. People are also finding that many secrets of old that have long existed in nature far exceed in performance many synthetic and chemically laden products that had replaced their natural based counterparts during the last century. Natural based cosmetics and skincare have become preferred among the majority of women and men not only because of the lack of negative side effects but simply because of their excellent effectiveness.At one time complicated chemicals on food labels and cosmetic labels went unchallenged. Not so today. Our expectations of healthy ingredients for that which goes in the body and is used on the body are high. Not only do we want our foods as chemical free and preservative free as possible but more and more we are insisting that our soap, skincare, and makeup be the same. Simply said, the growing trend in beauty is if it isn't safe to put in your mouth than it likely isn't safe to put on your skin.

Posted by ALL ABOUT BEAUTY at 10:35 PM 1 comments