Showing posts with label Safe products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safe products. Show all posts

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sunscreen & Hair dye

Sun Screen

I first want to mention that you Need Sun...but like all good things don't over-do it and let yourself Burn.  Recommended is 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight...best in the very early morning hours when the suns rays aren't so strong. Or early evening.  The sun is soo much stronger than it was thousands of years ago...so be smart about it. But the sun is a life source!  You get Vitamin D from it, and soo many people are Vitamin D deficient...you need it to absorb Calcium in your diet as well. 

EWG (Environmental Working Group) “recommended” list has added 23 of these new products. Among them some examples are:
·         Loving Naturals Clear Body Sunscreen, SPF 30+ (I currently own this)
·         Mexitan 100% all natural Sunscreen, SPF 50 (I currently own this...it's very thick white but protects very well)
·         Non-Toxic Naturals Untinted Sunscreen, SPF 30

The products they recommend offer broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB radiation and don’t contain harmful ingredients that can penetrate the skin, such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, a derivative of vitamin A.
After nearly 33 years of deliberation, the federal Food and Drug Administration has issued new sunscreen labeling rules. Unfortunately, they establish weak standards for UVA protection and do not address the use of hazardous ingredients.
Because the FDA has failed to offer good guidance to consumers on sunscreen safety, EWG has stepped in once again. Search our guide of more than 1,700 products and see how your favorite fares. 


Hair Dye

Saba Botanical of USA - $7.49 for 100g
This Lustrous Henna Botanical hair care is one from India that caught my attention called Vegetal Bio Color- http://www.vegetalindia.com/page.php?page=Vegetal%20USA   It nourishes and keeps hair healthy and has no chemicals included.  The only dilemma is that it is recommended to be used every 2 weeks to maintain the color, which is pretty often.  I would love to try this product sometime and give a review.  In the USA it’s sold at http://www.sababotanical.com/ as Lustrous Henna.

Vegetal bio color is a 100% natural hair dye, developed in collaboration with saba botanical of USA. This is a unique formulation not available anywhere in the world.

Presently it’s available in red, burgundy, brown, dark brown, mahogany and black

Benefits of Lustrous Henna
  • Both for men and women
  • PPD free, No Ammonia, No Peroxide.
  • Blocks UV so your hair doesn't become sun damaged
  • Strengthens your hair so it won't get split ends
  • Makes your hair glossy and shiny
  • Will give you most natural look.
  • Adheres to the hair beautifully
  • Looks more like your natural color
  • Since color fade gradually, do not create ugly white/gray lines with growth 
  • Conditions and protects your hair, instead of stripping your hair from the natural protein it needs to stay healthy and grow.
  • Does not penetrate in the hair shaft to cause them to dry, and become lifeless and brittle.
  • Covers any other color as it coats the hair.
  •  Lustrous Henna colors contain herbs that have therapeutic values, will heal not hurt, as opposed to chemical-based dyes that  have known to cause cancer and severe damage to vital organs as they penetrate into the skin.
  • Lustrous Henna contains herbs that are known to prevent hair loss, herbs that are known for anti-dandruff properties and to improve overall health of your hair
  • Beautifying qualities of henna have been established and admired for thousands of years. Famous beauties as Cleopatra and Nefertiti have beautified their skin and hair with henna.
  • Allergic reaction to pure henna is extremely rare.    


IF you do choose to use an at home hair dye that is not a natural alternative like henna I suggest that:
·         If it’s an option for you, go for non or semi-permanent hair dyes (unless they are made with all natural ingredients).  Most permanent hair dyes may damage and dry out hair not to mention the high levels of toxic chemicals.  Be sure to look for no-ammonia hair dyes. 
·         Dye your hair in a well ventilated room.  If you are in the bathroom open the window as wide as it will go and leave the door open.
·         READ the warning signs printed on the label (your first clue that it is toxic and should be handled with extreme care). 
·         ALWAYS wear gloves (as instructed) and to be extra safe you can wear a face mask (much like the ones you see manicurists wear).
·         TIP- Coat the skin at the edges of your hairline and ears with un-Petroleum (a non petroleum jelly) that can cause a barrier so no dye penetrates your skin.
·         Do Not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes!  There are reasons why the label will warn you against this…just don’t do it.
·         When complete put a plastic shower cap over your head to keep the fumes from roaming while you wait for the time to be up...read your label and go according to the directions.
·          When rinsing, always rinse your hair so the water does NOT run down your body.  If you are dying your hair alone, bend over forward and rinse hair with a removable spout if available. Or if you are getting in the shower just lean your head over the front or to the side away from your body until the water runs clear.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Nail Polish & Toothpaste

Apart from cosmetics, here are some other beauty products that offer healthier alternatives.


Nail Polish

PeaceKeeper- $8 – Natural nail polish, lipstick and lip balm
Rated by the Environmental Working Group as the Safest Paint-Based Natural Nail Polish!  The EWG Cosmetics Safety Database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.org) has independently rated their Eco-Smooth Nail Paints on a scale of 0.0 (for nontoxics like water) and 10 (for products with the highest toxicity). Their polishes are ranked a 3 and are the highest rated paint based non-FD&C nail polish. 



Toothpaste

Ever Considered What's in Your Toothpaste?
Have you ever stopped to read the list of ingredients on your tube of toothpaste?
You may be surprised to find out just how many harmful and toxic chemicals you are putting into your mouth every time you brush your teeth.

Have you ever read the directions and warnings?  Most will tell you to use a pea size (not the pea pod size you see in commercials) and they say if swallowed the recommended serving size (pea size) to call poison control...that's not very comforting! 

Here are some common toothpaste ingredients you will find in regular (commercial) brands:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) - SLS is used to create the foaming action you may expect when brushing your teeth. You'll find it in other cosmetic products (e.g., shampoo, body washes, etc) as well. SLS is a problem because it can damage your cells. It can leave you with canker sores and other skin problems.

Sodium laureth sulfate - This ingredient is known to be an irritant.

Fluoride - This ingredient may be linked to cancer. Some scientists think that it can actually be damaging to your teeth over time.

Petroleum dyes such as FD & C Blue No. 1 - This artificial dye may cause allergic reactions and possibly tumors

Common toothpaste ingredients also include artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
The purpose of toothpaste is to clean your teeth and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. You don't need to rely on commercial brands to do that. There are a lot of great natural alternatives available. Here are some natural choices.



The top choices at an affordable price that I have found are:

 Coral White White- $6.79 at vitaminShoppe.com

Coral White® toothpaste, the World's only natural toothpaste, is formulated with Eco-Safe™ ionic coral minerals from above the sea. Coral White® is perhaps the cleanest and most effective toothpaste available and it is priced to sell. Coral White contains: No Fluoride, No Artificial Flavors or Colors, No Preservatives, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and No Glycerin or Gluten. 
The Mint one is my favorite…it reminds me of getting my teeth polished at the dentist when I go for my bi-annual checkup and cleaning.  So if you want a paste, this is the healthiest one I have found so far. 
Eco-Dent (formerly Merflaun) Toothpowder- $5.95 http://www.toothpowder.net/Eco-Dent-Tooth-Powder
Another great alternative is in a powder form.  It’s very economical, as you can get 200 brushes from one bottle at a very affordable price.  I own both the Anise Daily Care and the Dazzling Mint Extra Brite.

Nature's Answer PerioBrite® Toothpaste Cool Mint Description- $3.64 at vitacost.com
  • All Natural
  • Dentist Formulated
  • Promotes Healthy Teeth & Gums
  • Cool Mint
  • Natural Whitening Toothpaste with CoQ10 & Folic Acid
  • Preservatives & Fluoride Free
  • Relieves Dry Mouth
  • Naturally Whitens & Brightens
  • Great for Sensitive Teeth
  • Ideal Dry Mouth Relief
  • Suitable for Entire Family
 Daily brushing helps promote healthy teeth and gums. PerioBrite, a low abrasive toothpaste, does more than clean teeth - it supports periodontal health. Dentist formulated PerioBrite contains soothing herbs well-known for their cleansing action, while CoQ10, Folic Acid, Oregano, Cinnamon and Clove promote tissue and gum health. As part of an oral health program, PerioBrite naturally whitens teeth while leaving your breath fresh and clean, energizing your whole mouth with a cool, sparkling minty-fresh sensation.  Free Of Preservatives, fluoride, alcohol, synthetic solvents, sodium-lauryl-sulfate, artificial sweeteners, colors, and dyes.

However it does contain glycerin that coats the teeth making a barrier so your saliva can’t naturally rejuvenate your teeth as nature intended (saliva contains components that can directly attack bacteria which cause decay, and it is also rich in calcium and phosphates that help to remineralise tooth enamel), and it prevents calcium and other essential minerals from getting to your teeth (which is why dentists don’t recommend brushing your teeth immediately after eating sugar).
So though natural toothpastes are a whole lot better than regular toothpaste, they are not the most ideal solution if they contain glycerin.
Current research shows that your teeth can regenerate. If your teeth are coated with glycerin though, they won't be able to re-mineralize and regenerate. (See research by Dr. Gerard F. Judd, PhD).

*Tooth Soap - this is another alternative (but expensive) to commercial toothpaste. Tooth Soap is a natural and organic soap that is made specifically for your teeth. It's made with simple ingredients and contains essential oils that promote healthy gums. It doesn't contain fluoride or SLS.

And it doesn't coat your teeth, so your teeth will be able to remineralize more easily.
*    Tooth Soap® Removes oils, residue and other contaminants from teeth …
*    Therapeutic essential oils nourish gums. …
*    Made with organic whole foods, natural and wildcrafted sustainable ingredients and No Palm Oil …
*    Manufactured in the USA in a gluten free facility …
*    Kosher certified Star-K …
*    Economical and saves you money at the dentist because check ups will be better …
*    Can be used with braces and on dentures …
*    Recommended by dentists and endorsed by many health experts …

Unfortunately it’s very expensive as a toothpaste alternative…for an ounce of the whip, or 2 oz in liquid it’s $24.95! Suitable for the rich and very health conscious.  So for a healthier step up just make sure your toothpaste doesn’t include sodium-lauryl-sulfate, fluoride, synthetic solvents, artificial sweeteners, colors, dyes and glycerin.  The Coral White and eco-dent are great healthy alternatives.

Teeth whitening system

TheraBrite PLUS whitening system- 49.95 on amazon http://www.therabreath.com/productdetail.asp?cat=6&pid=134
The TheraBrite PLUS whitening system claims to be the most effective home whitening available. The Thermoplastic mouthguards mold to the contours of your teeth and gums, while the 21%+ carbamide peroxide gel delivers the fastest home whitening available. Have a whiter, brighter smile in just 5 days. 

Ingredients:   21% Carbamide Peroxide(Glycol based), Natural Mint Flavoring, SOS (non-sugar) sweetener, no Glycerin, no artificial flavors or colors