Herbal facial mask is an excellent formula for skin nourishment. Such herbal face packs are widely used to treat patchy and pigmented facial skin. Herbal facial masks are adept at controlling melanin production. Some herbal facial masks act as effective cleansers. They help to remove all the dirt and contaminants that have embedded deep down into the innermost layers of the skin.

Chamomile extracts, diamond ash, rosemary, turmeric, sandalwood, comfrey leaves, neem, Aloe Vera, calendula, fuller’s earth and mint are the most common herbs known to work well on lifeless skin.

There is worth in spending money on herbal facial masks. These herbal masks are chemical-free and treat the facial skin very gently. There are many different types of herbal masks. You may browse through the herbal store shelf to identify the most appropriate one. Before making the final decision, go through the constituents that make up the mask. Make sure that the product that you are considering to purchase is actually what it proclaims to be.

A facial pack is very easy to wear. Before wearing the mask, clean the facial skin thoroughly with a good quality facial cleanser. A thick layer of facial mask must be applied all over the facial skin and neck. Post the application; gently massage the facial skin in circular upward motion. Allow the paste to dry up for approximately 20 minutes. Moisturize the facial skin. Your skin will feel fresh and smooth!

Herbal facial masks are purely herbal and they do not contain any preservatives or chemicals which help in keeping your skin healthy and lustrous. It refines appearance of enlarged pores, purifies your skin, removes black heads and minimizes sun, acne and pregnancy spots. Herbal mask is such a great agent which will not only increase your skin’s resilience but also give you a feeling of firmness and freshness.

Herbal facial mask works as a magic and it gets you going with its immediate and long lasting results. Herbal facial mask reduces large pores, moisturizes skin, reduces oiliness, heals blemishes, and reduces irritation, cleanse, tone and ultimately leave you with a soothing skin. These masks improves the texture and sheen of your skin effectively without and side effects.

It completely depends on your skin type and the sensitivity of your skin. It is generally recommended to give yourself a facial mask once a week to keep your skin cleansed, toned and refreshed.

Facial skin care is vital in every changing season and only an herbal facial mask can help you meet such needs. So just grab one for the prevailing season according to your skin type.

Most dermatologist and skin experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. This does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.  Your daily routine can be performed in as little as five to ten minutes.

Four Simple Steps

* Cleanse
* Tone / Treat
* Moisturize
* Protect

A typical skin care routine includes the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning / treating (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection.

Optimize for your skin type
The steps of the basic routine should be adjusted to fit your skin type. Your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. Skin tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Menopause often brings about a change from oily or normal to dry skin. Conversely, a shift from a low-fat diet to that rich in certain fats (particularly essential fatty acids) may turn dry skin to normal. Skin pigmentation affects the degree to which you need sun protection. While sun damages any skin, the damage is far less in dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair skinned people need to be particularly meticulous about sun protection by minimizing sun exposure, choosing an effective sunscreen and applying it frequently and consistently.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to use your routine once in the morning and again before you sleep. Those with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once a day washing/cleansing while moisturizing two or more times a day. Exfoliation, to remove excess oils and prevent acne or blackheads, is also recommended in some cases, but exercise caution as daily exfoliation may be excessive and can lead to chronic irritation. Exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Younger skin, like that in your 20’s and 30’s will have a fast natural epidermal turnover may need little to no exfoliation.

Cleansing
Cleaning facial skin is even more important than cleaning your body. Your face, unlike your body, is exposed to elements all day long. Dirt, pollution and oil from hands all accumulate on the epidermal layer and can clog pores and cause acne eruptions or inflammation. Like all skin care products, the best cleanser for you will be determined by your skin type. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from an oil-free gel cleanser or one containing salicylic acid. Mature or dry skin will do best with a cream cleanser to help retain moisture. Once your face and neck are cleansed, rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin lightly with a towel.

Toning / Treating
Toning can consist of using a store-bought toner, astringent or simple Witch Hazel. Toning or treating will balance the ph level of the skin and remove any residual dirt or oil not picked up from your cleanser. For those over the age of thirty, adding a well-selected treatment or two with scientifically proven active ingredients can further improve your results. Treatment can mean anything from skin rejuvenation products, skin discoloration items and oil absorbing agents to applying medicines for acne or eczema. If you suffer from multiple skin conditions, select an initial treatment aimed at the broadest improvement and then fine tune things from there.
Be aware of applying products to un-cleansed skin as the penetration of active ingredients will be greatly reduced. If you cleanse, moisturize and then apply advanced products, the penetration of active ingredients may still be reduced because the moisturizer has blocked some the entryways.

Moisturize
Moisturizers are essential to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. Hydrated skin will show fewer lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Even if you have oily or acne prone skin, you may still need some hydration. Look for gel-based moisturizers or lightweight formulations. Many medications and treatments appropriate for dealing with acne or oily skin automatically are drying. Don’t make the mistake of drastically drying out your skin until it is a challenge to repair. During the fall and winter months your skin may be even more vulnerable thanks to reduced humidity from indoor heating and excessive hot showers or baths.

Apply your moisturizer when your skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Since many active treatments have moisturizing ingredients, you may be able to skip a separate moisturizer. If you feel that you need additional moisturizing, wait a few minutes for the active treatments to absorb, and then apply your favorite moisturizer over it.

Protect
Wearing sunscreen or sun protection EVERY DAY is the proven best way to block harmful UV rays and diminish formation of wrinkles, skin discolorations and to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. A good UVA+UVB sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer or other treatments as a final step of your routine whenever sun exposure is expected.  Sunscreens come in a wide variety of bases, from those meant for oily skin to hydrating versions. Those with sensitivities to chemical sunscreens can choose natural Zinc Oxide formulations. Protective clothing can also now be improved thanks to new laundry treatments with UV protectant for widespread areas of the body mistakenly thought to be protected by your clothing.

Some skin care products or cosmetics contain added UV blockers, but they may not be enough, using a separate, specially formulated sunscreen is proven to be more effective.

And that’s it! Cleanse, Tone / Treat, Moisturize and Protect. Use these four simple steps to achieve beautiful, healthy skin. For a lifetime of skin care that can help leave your skin looking its very best, see your healthy skin as a clean canvass upon which to paint any improvements.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare

The frequency of herbal mask usage depends on the strength of its ingredients. It also depends on the skin type. Just like an herbal facial, an herbal facial steam is highly useful. Herbal steam composition is really easy to make. All you need to do is get hold of some herbs (the ones that are suitable for your skin type) and put them in boiling water. This herb immersed water does a lot good to the skin.

Sweet yarrow facial mask is a highly nourishing skin mask. Yarrow leaves are truly equipped with beauty properties. Yarrow leaves, yogurt and honey together make for a truly rejuvenating facial mask. Similarly, rosemary, jojoba and avocado are very helpful in treating sun damage. Chamomile is another wondrous herb. You can mix chamomile flowers with citrus fruit juice to make a truly soothing facial mask. Likewise lemongrass, French clay, honey and sage leaf may be blend together into a thick mixture. This mask helps to revitalize the facial skin. Lavender, flaxseed, oatmeal and rosemary also enhance inner beauty.

Lavender flowers, dandelion leaf and lemongrass are the three herbs that can considerably help to reduce oiliness. Likewise elder flowers, yarrow flowers, nettle leaf, rosemary, peppermint leaf, horsetail, chamomile and comfrey root are helpful in skin cleansing and toning. To open up blocked pores you may as well try lavender flowers, coltsfoot leaf and peppermint. The same set of herbs may also be used to moisturize facial skin. There is another valuable herb called lady’s mantle. The herb is known to work magically on irritation, itchiness and deep blemishes.

If your motivation for good skin care is to look more youthful, than taking proper care of your skin will have the added bonus of creating a healthier body.  If you wish to reduce acne breakouts, then a slight modification of diet might be necessary as well. Whatever your desired skin result, your overall health will be much improved by following a few easy steps.

Your everyday decisions shape how healthy you and your skin will be – it is that simple.

Here are some simple tips for basic skin care and a healthier body:

• Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe
• Give your skin plenty of moisture to keep it looking young and healthy
• Feed the skin key nutrients that it requires to rejuvenate and repair itself repeatedly
• Rid only the top layer of dead cells to promote rapid birth of new cells
• Protect against outside elements to prevent deterioration and/or damage
• Live a healthy life style

Skin is a living, breathing organ that regularly moves thousands of layers of skin cells each day. The skin is comprised of three layers – the subcutaneous layer  – where fat cells are produced;  the dermis – where you can find sweat glands, nerve endings and hair follicles, and the epidermis – the final outer layer of skin where pores and oil glands reside.

When new skin cells are ready, they start moving toward the epidermis. This trip takes about 2 weeks to a month. As newer cells continue to move up, older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin.  So what you really see on the surface of your skin are dead skin cells.

Keeping your skin properly cleansed and moisturized is vital to healthy, glowing skin. It is the basic of all skincare routines. Be sure to choose a cleanser and moisturizer best suited for your skin type. If you aren’t sure what that is, ask your friendly pharmacist or dermatologist for help. You skin can be acne-prone, oily, dry or a combination of the two. There are hundreds of specialized products out there to suite every skin type.

Feeding the skin means feeding the body. A good skin care regime will always include a healthy diet full of nutrients and vitamins. Whole, organic foods are best if you can get them. Leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains will keep your skin in top shape. Try to avoid junk foods or processed foods as much as possible. These foods rarely contain any real nutrition and can actually overload your skin with sugars and toxins to process.

A weekly light-exfoliation or facial scrub will do much to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal newer, healthier skin underneath. You can use a soft facial brush found in cosmetic counters, a rough washcloth or a light scrubbing pad as well as pre-packaged facial scrubs or facial masks.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vital Vitamin D, excessive sun exposure is very harmful to the skin. Without protection from the sun’s rays, more than 10 minutes of exposure each day can cause freckles, age spots, and spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, loose skin, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer. If you must go outside, be sure to wear a good UV-blocking sunscreen like Zinc Oxide or wear protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves.

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE

Although you have no control over intrinsic factors of aging, such as genetics, you are largely in control of the extrinsic factors.  This is where you can make life-altering choices.

Don’t Smoke. You cannot have truly vital skin if you smoke, period.  Smoking depletes your body of essential vitamins, which means you can’t have a healthy body either. If you do smoke, try your best to quit. Plenty has been reported and verified on the dangers of smoking and there are now numerous programs, patches and nicotine replacement therapies that can help you quit.

Exercise: Exercise gives you vitality. If you want fresh and youthful skin, physical activity is a must. It not only tones your muscles, but it increases blood flow to all areas of your body, especially your skin. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels, increases levels of oxygen circulating throughout the body, promoting rejuvenation and repair.

Avoid or Moderate Alcohol: Overindulgence of alcohol causes a decrease in the body’s level of vitamin A. This is a very important antioxidant vitamin that supports body and skin health. Alcohol also dilates small blood vessels in the skin’s surface, creating blemishes and red blotches. Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate acne-rosacea. Due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol, skin wrinkles can occur after an extended period of alcohol abuse because the water in the body and skin is continually evaporated.

Reduce Stress: A good skin care routine and way of life can include meditation, yoga, relaxation, saunas, regular steams, exercise and most importantly, self love.

Get Plenty of Rest:  Lack of sleep shows up on the face in forms of dark circles, baggy eyes, and saggy skin. Research has shown that most adults function best with eight to nine hours of sleep each night. While we sleep, our skin gets a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your skin truly does need its “beauty sleep.”

You’ve only got ONE body. Healthy choices that you CAN make every day will have tremendous effect on the quality of your life and health. The body has amazing repair capabilities, and once you stop or reduce toxic behaviors, it will be better able to heal itself.  Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your skincare routine.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare

Who would want to put acid on their face?

If you follow trends in skincare and skin products, you most likely have seen numerous references to ‘acids’ – names like, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid or Ascorbic Acid to name a few. While the term “acid” may seem harmful or irritating, when used in the proper products and in controlled amounts, it can actually heal and rejuvenate skin – much the same way the acid mantle protects it. The trick in proper skincare is to find the right balance between acid and alkaline maintenance of the skin.

You may not know exactly what these acids do for your skin and how they might help you. Understanding skincare ingredients is key to selecting the right products for your unique skin type and skin concerns.

Acids in Skincare Ingredients and How They Affect You

So, what are all these acid ingredients doing in your skincare and how are they beneficial?  Acids have become tremendously popular as anti-aging ingredients.  Let’s take a look at some of the more common or widely used acids in skincare today.

The Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

You may have heard the term “alpha hydroxy acid” whenever skin care is mentioned. Many skin care products today boast that they contain AHAs. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are naturally occurring acids, derived from the sugars in particular plants or fruits. Alpha hydroxy acid can include Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Malic and Tartaric. These acids, when used correctly, can help to smooth the skin, enhance the effects of other skin rejuvenation treatments, keep problem skin under control, attract moisture to the skin, even texture and complexion of skin and reverse some of the effects of UV damage.

AHAs in skincare products help break up the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, exfoliating the epidermis and leaving a silky texture. Removing this external barrier enables partner skincare ingredients to deeper penetrate the skin, making them more effective. Using an AHA product can benefit dull, lifeless or uneven skin tone. AHA products are also great for softening rough elbows, knees, hands and feet.

Each AHA is derived from a different source. While the following AHA derivatives all share a similar molecular structure, they each perform a different function.

Glycolic Acid

Made from natural fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs) glycolic acid helps rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old, sun-damaged surface skin cells. Due to its small molecular size, it retains an excellent capability to penetrate skin. Glycolic acid is most often used as a chemical peel in concentrations of 20 to 70% by dermatologists or at-home kits between 10 and 20%.

Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the stratum corneum to be exfoliated, exposing live skin cells. Glycolic acid will dramatically improve skin texture and appearance and may also reduce wrinkles, acne scaring and hyperpigmentation. By reducing the surface skin oils, it can also help remove blackheads and other skin impurities.

Citric Acid
A powerful anti-oxidant used for collagen building, and skin bleaching, citric acid exists in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. Lemons and limes have particularly high concentrations of the acid.  A skin rejuvenating AHA, Citric Acid, or Vitamin C, acts as an antioxidant as well as helps stimulate collagen fiber production within the dermis.  Citric acid has astringent and antioxidant properties, and is a natural preservative that helps to adjust the pH of skincare products. Citric acid can also bleach unwanted skin discolorations that accompany the aging process. Some pure Vitamin C powder formulations boast skin rejuvenation and antioxidant properties.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid comes from sour milk and is an ideal skin softener frequently used by dermatologists to cut through thick, rough skin. It works both as an exfoliator as well as helping to hold water within the skin. Lactic acid may be combined with other AHAs to boost product effectiveness.

Malic Acid

Malic acid, an alpha hydroxy fruit acid, is a natural skin exfoliator. It is commonly used in skin care products to rejuvenate and improve skin conditions. Mandelic acid and malic acid are two alpha hydroxy acids increasingly used in skin care formulations where harsher acids or chemicals may irritate sensitive skin types. Malic acid can be found in apples, grapes, pears and bananas.

AHAs are safe when used with caution and according to directions. The amount of AHA in the product and the pH are the determining factors of a product’s strength and irritation you may experience. Remember, this is still an acid and too much can cause redness, irritation or burns. Medical strength AHAs start at a concentration of 8%. This is the baseline of where truly effective results will be noticeable.

If you use an AHA, pay attention to any reactions you have, and stop using the product immediately if you have any irritation at all. Reintroduce it slowly at lower concentrations or stop using it completely. It may also increase sensitivity to the sun, which increases your chances of skin cancer, so always wear sunscreen, cover your skin, or avoid direct sunlight when possible.

Amino Acids

Amino acid peptides comprise the latest entry into the skin rejuvenation scene. Amino acids are the chemical units or “building blocks” of the body that make up proteins.  Peptides consist of a small number of amino acids linked by a “peptide” bond. These bonds enhance cosmetic suitability and efficacy.

Collagen makes up 75% of our skin. As we age, the collagen- and elastin-producing cells known as fibroblasts, which keep skin tight and youthful, become less abundant and effective. One percent of the skin’s collagen is lost each year after the age of 40. This is where amino acid peptides come in, jump-starting lazy fibroblasts and encouraging new ones to return to the aging dermis.

Skincare treatments that contain amino acid peptides mimic the very end fragments that send out the distress signal to fibroblasts, chemically signaling skin to become firmer by stimulating collagen. Most amino acid peptides offer a non-irritating, non-drying, skin firming option for all skin types. And when formulated with other “friendly” anti-aging agents, can solve many of your skin rejuvenation needs.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

In cosmetics, the term beta hydroxy acid refers specifically to salicylic acid, which is used in some anti-aging creams and acne treatments. Beta hydroxy acids are simple organic acids found in nature or synthesized in the laboratory. They are somewhat different from alpha hydroxy acids in structure and mode of action. The difference here is called “lipid solubility,” aka a substance’s ability to dissolve in oil.

AHAs are water soluble, meaning they’re able to dissolve in water. BHAs, on the other hand, are lipid soluble, meaning they’re able to fully dissolve in oil (or fat).  This distinction makes BHAs better at penetrating pores. If you have oily skin, frequent blackheads or whiteheads, then products containing BHA will be your best choice. But if breakouts aren’t your big skin problem, and you’re looking for help dealing with sun damage or wrinkles, consider AHAs instead.

Alpha Lipoic Acid:

An antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell It is both fat- and water-soluble. Antioxidants are depleted as they attack free radicals, but evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again. In one small-scale study, high potency lipoic acid reduced mild-to-moderate wrinkles by up to 50 percent, whereas fine lines have almost disappeared. In another study, lipoic acid significantly improved the appearance of certain types of scars.

If further studies corroborate skin benefits of lipoic acid, it may become one of the mainstays of today’s anti-aging skin care. In fact, lipoic acid will be especially welcome in the family of proven wrinkle fighters because it is less irritating than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) and hydroxy acids. It can be used, albeit in lower concentrations, in delicate and wrinkle prone area around the eyes.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C):

Also known as ascorbic acid, this antioxidant is known to aid cell repair and help to stop free radicals. When use topically, it may help reduce lines and wrinkles, promote healing, aid in the development of collagen, and can even increase your natural sun protection factor (SPF) to decrease sun damage. It is also a free-radical fighting anti-oxidant. It is no wonder that Vitamin C is a primary ingredient used to combat wrinkles and aging skin. Ascorbic Acid (or Vitamin C), is an essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires it to form and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin.

Used as an antioxidant in its L-ascorbic acid form, it can also have skin lightening effects in certain preparations. Ascorbic acid helps produce collagen, a protein needed to develop and maintain healthy skin and blood vessels. Ascorbic acid also promotes the healing of cuts, abrasions and wounds and helps fight infections. The Vivoderm Anti-Aging Mask and Anti-Acne Mask both contain Ascorbic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin. Dry, damaged skin with a compromised lipid barrier will flake off more rapidly, resulting in excessive peeling. This can leave the surface of the skin more susceptible to bacterial infections and environmental damage. The added anti-irritation technologies and hyaluronic acid help heal the lipid barrier, improving the health of the skin and minimizing unnecessary, excessive peeling – without sacrificing results.

Sorbic Acid

Some acids may simply be included in your skincare as a preservative to keep the product fresh and to prevent spoiling. Not to be confused with Ascorbic Acid, Sorbic Acid is derived from the berries of the mountain ash tree and is an antimicrobial agent. Sorbic Acid has traditionally been used as a preservative for food and wine due to its ability to prevent spoilage caused by yeasts, fungi and molds, as well as some other bacteria. This unsaturated fatty acid is used primarily in the formulation of facial and eye makeup, skin care and hair products.

Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is the saturated fatty acid or waxy solid used as a hardening agent or lubricant. This acid helps make skincare creams and lotions “spreadable.” This ingredient can be derived from animals or vegetables. Stearic acid can be found in many vegetable fats, such as coconut or cocoa butter.

Even More Acids

As you can see there are many, many types of acids and acid derivatives to be used in skincare. Here are a few other acids you might encounter in your skincare regimens:

• Alum: a chemical compound, usually used in crystal or powder form, it has strong astringent properties and is found in aftershaves, toners, deodorants and depilatory waxes. It is also sometimes applied to cuts to prevent or treat infection.
• Cyclic Acid: A new term for Hyaluronic Acid, a strong hydrating complex that holds 1000 times the water in skin.
• Ellagic Acid: Present in many red fruits and berries. This naturally occurring ingredient helps to inhibit the formation of sun and age spots. Ellagic acid has antioxidant, anti-mutagen and anti-cancer properties.
• Kojic Acid: is primarily used to lighten freckles and other dark spots on the skin.
• Linoleic Acid: Research points to linoleic acid’s anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, and moisture retentive properties when applied topically on the skin. Often referred to it as Vitamin F, it can be found in most vegetable oils such as safflower and grape seed.
• Panthothenic Acid: helps to increase moisture content in the hair and skin.
• Poly Hydroxy Acid: PHAs are really AHAs that do not penetrate quite as deeply into the skin. Gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are two acids that lift tired, dead skin, but because their molecules are larger than the AHAs, they do not penetrate as deeply.
• Salicylic Acid: Made from the bark of the willow tree and classified as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), it is medically used as an exfolliant and debriding agent and cosmetically used in some chemical peels and to treat many skin disorders, such as acne, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis of the skin and scalp.

The Vivoderm Natural Skincare line uses the following acids:  Stearic Acid, Lactic Acid and Sorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). They can be found in these products:

Body Butter: Stearic Acid, Lactic Acid and Sorbic Acid

Zinc Cream: Stearic Acid  and Sorbic Acid

Anti-Acne Mask + Anti-Aging Mask: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C),

Facial Cleanser: Sorbic Acid

Intense Moisturizer: Stearic Acid and Sorbic Acid

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream: Stearic Acid and Sorbic Acid

Foot Cream: Stearic Acid and Sorbic Acid

Author: Rachelle Dupree

Vivoderm Marketing and Communications

Many consumers today have spent vast amounts of money to improve their appearance. Cosmetic surgery  and the topical skincare industry are multi-billion dollar businesses.  It’s a simple law of economics that the higher the demand, the more skincare manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace. When demand for cheap, readily available products is high, quality ingredients tend to take a backseat over inferior, more accessible ones.

Many skincare products are unfortunately rushed to market to meet this demand without any real consideration to research and development. Most of the budget may go into the marketing of the product. On the surface everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who may not even use the products themselves. But underneath the jar lid, one can typically find un-pronounceable ingredients chemically formulated to “imitate” their natural predecessor.

It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time. Some of the more controversial preservatives used in recent years are called PARABENS.

WHY ARE PARABENS BAD?

According to Wikipedia, “Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives.

Their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with their low cost, the long history of their use, and the inefficacy of natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract (GSE),[1] probably explains why parabens are so commonplace. They are becoming increasingly controversial, however, because they have been found in extremely low concentrations in breast cancer tumors (an average of 20 nanograms/g of tissue). [2] Parabens have also displayed the ability to weakly mimic estrogen (a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer).[2] No causal link between parabens and cancer has been established, however.[3]”

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?” reported that the chemical preservatives called parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)—displayed estrogenic activity in several tests.

This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. These disruptors interfere with your body´s endocrine system: your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid—virtually every system in your body. The EPA also stated that “continual introduction of these benzoates (parabens) into sewage treatment systems and directly to recreational waters from the skin leads to the question of risk to aquatic organisms.” Scientists in Europe found other endocrine-disrupting body care chemicals in the bodies of fish that humans are eating, and in human breast milk.

Many organic and natural skincare practitioners claim organic herbal medicinal tinctures made from high quality organic herbs and organic grain alcohol are shelf-stable for around two to three years. These include foods considered by the FDA to be “self-preserving” and containing no preservatives, such as: honey, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and wine.
According to one organic website, a self-preserved 100% organic moisturizing body oil made from organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic peppermint oil and organic spearmint oil can have a shelf-life of up to 18 months. While this is HALF of its chemically-based brothers and sisters, some are finding those states to be more than palatable.

The Natural Skincare Authority lists, tea tree oil thyme essential oil, grapefruit seed extract, bitter orange extract among some of the alternatives to synthetic preservatives.  Contrary to popular myth the decaying process is natural and happens with or without preservatives. In reality, preservatives serve only to delay the inevitable. Skin care products (just like food) do not and should not last forever. If left for long enough they will deteriorate and go rancid.

Simple actions like storing your natural/organic products and recipes in the refrigerator will help extend their shelf life (naturally). Taking the time to understand what you are buying and spreading on and through your skin can result in a healthier, happier, longer-lasting you.

1. a b von Woedtke T, Schluter B, Pflegel P, Lindequist U, Julich WD (1999 June). “Aspects of the antimicrobial efficacy of grapefruit seed extract and its relation to preservative substances contained”. Pharmazie (Greifswald, Germany: Institute of Pharmacy, Ernst Moritz Arndt University,) 54 (6): 452–6. PMID 10399191.
2. a b c d Harvey PW, Everett DJ (2004). “Significance of the detection of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in human breast tumours”. Journal of Applied Toxicology 24 (1): 1–4. doi:10.1002/jat.957. PMID 14745840.
3.  Golden R, Gandy J, Vollmer G (2005). “A review of the endocrine activity of parabens and implications for potential risks to human health”. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 35 (5): 435–58. doi:10.1080/10408440490920104. PMID 16097138.

Herbal skin products have captured a great market share for themselves. No wonder herbal cosmetic concoctions are the most sought after of all cosmetic products. The all pervasive smog, dust, sunlight, chill and other similar environmental pollutants rip the skin of all its natural moisture. It is very important to restore the lost skin nutrients if youthful skin is desired.

Whole herbs are very difficult to find but herbal concoctions are relatively easier to trace and obtain. There are innumerable companies which deal in herbal skin products. Apparently you should not have a problem in locating a store that sells herbal cosmetics. Yes, you may however face a problem of selecting the best supplier.

Herbs have been put to cosmetic uses since centuries. In earlier times, herbs were in fact the only way to treat scalp ailments. The use of herbal extracts to treat acne is not new. The concept has been in prevalence since times immemorial. Likewise, herbs have been used from quite some while to make sagging skin taut. There are in fact many wondrous herbs that help in skin tightening. Jojoba, Manuka honey, Aloe Vera grape seed, avocadoes and primrose oil are especially helpful in tightening facial skin.

Don’t you think that using herbal applications in order to maintain the integrity of your skin is a harmless and effective way towards achieving beautiful skin? Herbal skin products really have no match. They are the safest to use, by far!

The secret of radiant skin is to get rid of the dead cells, grime, pollutants and clogged pores to eliminate infections causing bacteria  in a natural way so that no lose or damage is caused to the skin. There are many face masks made of extracts of herbs which can clean the pores exfoliate and at the same time tighten the skin to fight aging.   Some of the most important ingredients of an herbal face mask are Aloe Vera, rosemary, plant oils fresh fruits and vegetables.  Milk is an excellent natural conditioner. Most of the masks, scrubs and cleansers take away the oil and the water from the skin. The herbal masks are good at replenishing the skin with lost nutrients. Herbal clay mask works wonders. Most of the herbal face masks can be made at home. There are arrays of Herbal skin care products which are highly beneficial to the skin. The organic ingredients make the skin supple and soft.