The Paraben Factor

One of the biggest topics in cosmetics is the concern towards preservatives ie: Parabens.

Found in most of our skin care,make-up, shampoos, yes, and even baby products. The cosmetic counters have become more and more bombarded with confused women who seem to fear that our lipsticks and lotions contain cancer causing ingredients and are demanding paraben-free products.

Understandably, we want the healthiest for our skin and bodies, but it's time we took a closer look at what parabens are all about. Not all parabens are "bad".

Methyl Paraben, one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, having a broad spectrum of ant-microbial activity and is relatively nonirritating, and nonpoisonous. We need preservatives in most anything we put on our skin. Especially that which sits around the bathroom for more than three days. Unless your o.k. with tossing away a $250 eye cream, bacteria growth and other microbials caused by outside contaminants thrive in moist dark areas(jars). There is a need for parabens physically it seems as well as financially.

Then we have Benzoic Acid, a commonly used anti fungal preservative, which occurs in nature from cherry bark, raspberries, tea , anise, and cassia bark. Now because it is more "natural", more studies have shown that this ingredient is more likely to bring on asthma and eczema if a person is prone. This can make one think twice about the word "natural" when deciding what's healthier for them.
As temporary alternatives, in nature we can find helpful preservatives such as, caraway, cinnamon, clove, cumin, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood and thyme. Wonderfully delicious ingredients, who wouldn't want to include these within any spa experience,yet, it has been found that people can react adversely to these natural ingredients due to allergies and skin sensitivities. So skin care specialists should always take note.
Now there are many forms of parabens out there; natural, man made, and something in between. Knowing your own skin, keeping aware of it's sensitivities and your potential to reacting to certain ingredients, is the most important defense you have when approaching a cosmetic counter and preventing adverse reactions to your skin and personal health.
For more info on organic preservatives and hormone free preservatives visit www.specialchem4cosmetics.com.

Beauty Tip Tuesday - Feb 16, 2010

Product Knowledge 101:

Don't get "sold" by a cosmetic salesperson.
Who doesn't have drawers or boxes full of makeup and skincare you hardly touch?
Why is this?
Because you were told it would do something for you, yet failed to meet your expectations.

Two top requested recommendations in cosmetics:

Foundation & Mascara

Foundation:

Mineral makeup: Number One Myth...
Because it says "mineral" doesn't make it a miracle. Commonly used in much of today's powders and foundations, the minerals are mainly derived from mica, and zinc oxides. Finely ground to create a temporary "glow" to the skin. It's what happens in an hour that makes all the difference. What happens when our face introduces sebum to the mix? Separation, clogging, and discoloration in skin tone. None of these powders provide a nutrient to your skin so why mask your face with it?

From soy to sea, there's nothing better for me!

Finding a foundation created from soy(T.Le Clerc), or seaweed botanics(Sue Devitt Studio, Vincent Longo water canvas) are a whole other story. These prime ingredients synthesize with our skins natural, daily, needs and functions instead of conflicting. Creating a more smooth and flawless coverage as well as a "healthy" finish!

Mascara:

Mascara madness: From CG to D&G:
Mascara packaging, (like the toothbrush), shape shifts almost daily. What's inside has hardly changed since it was invented(via 1913; Maybelline). Our makeup pros have experienced dozens of mascaras from Serge Lutens $65 mascara to Cover Girls $8 LashBlast. The only big difference is scent and the shape of the comb. Fragrances are an issue for many in light of allergies, and since mascara is practically in the eye most companies are savvy to this concern. Search for conditioning ingredients such as vitamin E(tocopherol), bees wax, soy, or Argan which provide at least some nutrients to the lashes. Otherwise, all mascaras contain preservatives to kill bacteria and prolong the life of the product.(note: throw it away after 3 months or experience flaking, itchy eyes, or even worse an eye infection). As for the shape of the lash comb; they cater to the varied shapes and lengths of our lashes. If one needs length they may want a sleek, slim-toothed comb, and if one desires fullness, look for a thick bristled comb. Last but not least an essential tool all mascara wearers should possess, a needle-toothed lash separator(Chanel). To comb out any clumps as well as shape the direction of the lash. Here's to a more enlightened cosmetic experience!