Must Read Consumer Report: What's unnatural about 'natural' cosmetics
Aug 4, 2014
CONSUMER REPORTS -- Sales of cosmetics and personal care products labeled “natural” have soared recently. But, “natural” on the package does not necessarily mean natural inside. According to a year-long investigation by Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine, many body care products with potentially harmful ingredients, such as coal tar color, triclosan, and chemicals that release formaldehyde. Prolonged use of these ingredients might pose an increased risk of cancer or other health issues.
For instance, Naturtint hair color says it’s made “with ingredients of Natural Origin”, but it contains a petroleum-derived coal-tar color—p-phenylenediamine—plus hydrogen peroxide. That combination might be carcinogenic based on preliminary animal studies.
Unscented Arm and Hammer deodorant, which says it has “natural” deodorizers, contains triclosan, an antibacterial. It might contribute to bacterial resistance and animal studies show it’s a potential hormone disruptor that may affect reproductive and developmental health.
Checking body washes that claim to be “natural” and “nourishing,” there are ingredients like quaternium 15 and DMDM Hydantoin. When combined with water, they can release formaldehyde, which is a human carcinogen if it’s inhaled.
Fortunately, some manufacturers and retailers are taking steps to reduce or eliminate potentially risky ingredients from their personal care products.
The best label to look for in beauty products is USDA Organic. Another option, if you shop at Whole Foods, look for its “Premium Body Care” seal. Those products are certified free of more than 400 risky ingredients.
Besides the word “natural,” Consumer Reports says when looking for cosmetics, don’t put much weight into the claims “dermatologist tested” or “hypoallergenic”. They aren’t independently verified.
Gluten-free Facials and Skin Care * Kasia Makes National News
A little "Food for Thought" on Gluten-freeFacials and Skin Care
After a long day of work with my incredible clients and great team, I sit down at the front desk and flush through legging emails and close out the day's books. This week I linked to a favorite industry magazine new release for July. As I started to read the first article I clicked on (naturally I was pulled towards the "Gluten and Skin" article). After I got 3/4 down to the article, I was DELIGHTED and SURPRISED to see that our company was noted as a top "Gluten Free Spa/Skin Care" resource and service provider!
You can see the article here - or find the quick read below.
What are your thoughts on gluten and skin care?
Gluten-free Friendly Skin Care
They may sound like rather sobering names: Cyclodextrin, Avena Sativa, Triticum Vulgare Starch, and for some, these are just that—scary. Yet these are in fact products of common foods, bread, pizza and pasta that many of us crave. But they have also become the culprits of one of the latest afflictions worldwide—gluten intolerance.
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and a hybrid of rye and wheat (triticale). While for many people these are simple nutrients, for others they can wreak havoc in their lives, compelling the body to attack and destroy itself little by little. Why do these foods matter to you as a skin care professional? Because gluten sensitivity is not only a matter of what people put in their mouths, but also what they put on their skin—it turns out that grains where gluten is found are commonly used for cosmetics, lotions and other beauty products.
The spread of the gluten ban
More and more people are now finding that they have some sensitivity to gluten and are opting for a gluten-free diet, while others are ridding gluten from their lives completely. That may mean no more salon or spa treatments, especially facials—because the products come so close to the mouth—or purchase of beauty products, unless these are clearly gluten-free. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, the main organization that brings attention to the gluten intolerant disease known as celiac disease—gluten causes the immune system to damage the small intestine and prevent proper absorption of essential nutrients—one in 133 Americans suffers from the condition.
“Conventional medical wisdom is that there is no risk to celiacs unless the patient gets the product in their mouth or an open sore,” says Dr. Ron Hoggan, editor of the Journal of Gluten Sensitivity. “Yet my daughter tried a cream that contained oats and developed a rash that stayed until she stopped using it.”
Salons and spas that offer gluten-free treatments
FACES Mobile Spa in San Francisco, CA Gluten-free Sensi-Facial with consultation for those with gluten sensitivity or allergy Facial (60 min, $110; 90 min, $145) Back Facial (60 min, $125; 90 min, $165)
Atmosphere Day Spa in Baltimore, MD Passion Facial Peel to clean, purify and protect (30 min, $75)
Kasia Organic Salon in Minneapolis, MN Skin Brightener Mask to treat sensitive skin and rosacea (60 min, $85)
Clinical Aesthetician for Hormone & Anti-Aging Center in Albuquerque, NM Gluten-Free Facial to soothe sensitive skin (60 min, $95)
On demand gluten-free beauty
While experts are still debating whether gluten can indeed be absorbed through the skin—some argue that gluten molecules are too large—gluten intolerance has been reported to cause rashes, inflammation and blisters on the skin. Yet what truly matters is what the client wants, and if no gluten becomes their new motto, then offering gluten-free treatments on your menu and gluten-free products in your retail area are certainly worth considering.
The face is the area of most concern, since products applied on it can easily come into contact with the mouth; therefore gluten-free facials will be among the treatments more sought after by this new and seemingly increasing segment of the population. Liliana Aranda of FACES Mobile Spa in San Francisco, CA, is gluten sensitive and offers strictly gluten-free facials and treatments. “The positive response was overwhelming,” she says. Her treatments focus on soothing inflammation and bringing moisture. She says that her protocol can be altered to include a firming mask, and that she is working on adding acne and facials to cater to men’s specific needs. If gluten-free products are soothing to the skin, they can also be cosmeceutical and help with anti-aging treatments as well.
Skin care assessments are crucial for finding out about allergies in general and sensitivity to gluten and soy—clients with some sort of health issue may react unexpectedly due to diet or medications. This is helpful to determine the right facial and products to address their skin concerns, but it can also give you an idea of how many of your regular guests would benefit and appreciate the addition of treatments that cater to their specific needs.
Ingredients to watch for
Wheat and oat derivatives are common in skin care retail and professional grades—barley is sometimes used and rye is rarely used. Oats are gluten-free, but can be contaminated with wheat during processing. Lactic acid is an interesting ingredient because most celiac sources list it as gluten-free, yet some forms are wheat derived. A good tip to remember is that just because a product does not list the buzzwords (wheat, barley, rye, etc.), it does not mean the product is gluten-free.
Some skin care companies now offer gluten-free labels, and verifying those with product manufacturers can be worth your while as well.
Gluten-free friendly
If gluten can be harmful to some, gluten-free can be beneficial to all, so keep that in mind when marketing your latest gluten-free treatments. Market your new services to local doctors and support groups and watch as your clientele expands. Aranda says that word of mouth has been a strong tool, then adds, “my next step beyond social media is to promote my protocol via doctors and nutritional experts with whom I have connected over the last few months.”
Kris Campbell is CEO and a formulator for Tecniche, a skin care line dedicated to sensitive skin. She is a certified oncology esthetician, and works with Morag Currin to address the skin concerns of clients who are undergoing cancer treatments. Campbell trains professionals, writes for trade publications and speaks at industry events about conditions faced by people with health challenged skin.
Enjoy this Incredible Summer Recipe with our new STRAWBERRY LEMONADE - GREEN TEA!
The deck and patio season is here! This busy time coincides with the herald of the first days of summer and the conclusion of another school year.
Many of you are familiar with our Small Batch - Fair Trade Loose - Leaf Teas - as you sip away while you enjoy your hair and skin services by our beautiful health expert team. In celebration of summer, we'll have a whole new tea CREATION for you to enjoy! This is also an incredible tea to impress your friends and family for special gatherings all summer long!
Introducing our new STRAWBERRY LEMONADE GREEN TEA!
What you need:
- 5 small bags of our small batch Strawberry Lemonade Green Tea
- 3-4 lemons
- lots of fresh strawberries
- 10 fresh mint leaves (optional)
- ice
What you do:
- Steep green tea in 1 cup boiling water 5 minutes and let "rest" for another 5 minutes
- Add 5 cups ice cold water to tea. (you may add slushed ice for a punch or
smoothie effect) - Squeeze juice from lemons (leave the seeds if you like) and stir in with tea.
- Cold water + ice option: Blend in whole strawberries with fresh squeezed lemons, tea, and water.
- Iced option: In a blender, blend fresh strawberries and create a thick puree.
- Stir strawberry puree into the green tea-lemonade mixture.
- Add fresh mint leaves (optional).
- Serve in cups with ice.
Preparation Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 5
We look forward to serving you soon! xoxo
Your Top 5 Summer Fashion Trends!
Hey beaute!
Have you gotten the itch to change out your wardrobe for spring and summer?! I know I have! Being a hair stylist, I am usually drawn to basic staples I can dress up with assessors...... My clients can testify that I am a "true artist" and need clothing that's conferrable and washable!
The turn of seasons creates new opportunity to change out our colors both with clothing, hair, and makeup. Be inspired by pulling some of these great SPRING and SUMMER TRENDS together that are unique for you!
THE TREND:
Chiffon & Lace Overlays and Cut-outs
The color: Seaweed
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THE TREND:
Crop Tops, Exposed Shoulders & Structure
The Color: Summer White
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THE TREND:
Fuller, longer, flowing silhouettes
The Color: Blush
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THE TREND:
Bold Accessories, Bejeweled Shoes
& Hand Bags
The Colors: True Blue & Sunny Yellow
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THE TREND:
Makeup: Natural, Smoky or Bold
We hope your are inspired! Contact our team today to refresh your skin, makeup color matching, and fabulous lifted and hi lighted hair color! Schedule@Kasiaorganicsalon.com
Thank you Jill Swanson/Guest Reference
Top 2 Spring Hair Trends from Oscar Night
Based on the runway, it looks like we’re going to see a lot of short hair over the coming months. If you you are not ready to actually pull the trigger, it's time to start inching towards a new style for Spring and Summer! Take a look at photos of Jennifer Lawrence, Portia de Rossi, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong’o, all of whom sported stunning, cropped looks.
Accessorize! Headbands are going to be big, big, big. Lupita’s version was sparkling (likely with real gems)…but headbands are an easy way to add interest to the hair…particularly a short ‘do that has limited options for styling.
Check out our Pinterest page for the updated looks, trends and inspiration!
So Beaute' - Did you watch the Oscars? Did you learn anything new? Any inspirations from the runway? Do share!
Download: Beautiful Health Mobile APP - smart, stylish, and instant savings!
Our new Kasia iPhone and Android app makes it easy to get instant access our exclusive deals, track last minute openings and schedule appointments via email--all in real time. But there’s more! You can also give us feedback on your service and be rewarded, find our location and link to our social web updates!
Download the app, refer and share with a friend, and receive a discount on your next service!
General Features:
-Browse our hair and skin services.
-Receive updates on "what's new" and last minute specials.
-Quick contact features, including single-click calling, e-mail, and directions.
-Stay informed of the latest trends and women’s health news on our Blog.
-View inspiring photos for your new look!
-Share our app with friends, refer them in for a service, and both will receive $10 OFF your next service.
-Connect to us on Facebook & Twitter….and much more!
Follow the LINK to the APP store now!
IPhone or Android Google Play
We continue to update our new App. Please let us know if you encounter any bugs!
Kasia mention in Start Tribune "Green Movement" article with Intelligent Nutrients and Horst
Below is a nice write up in the Star Tribune - with Kasia Organic Salon - interjected.
May we be as big as IN someday. ....
We are thankful to be able to share our thoughts of the current organic market in a recent Star Tribune article hosting Intelligent Nutrients. I started my career with Horst/Aveda, have spent 4 days with him at his retreat center being inspired to think outside the box, and now share the marketplace and creations with him. Intelligent Nutrients is now hitting a stride. It has not been an easy ride for Horst, as he is still trying to get IN out in the marketplace to the 'average consumer.'
Cool Facts: Both Horst and I use the same suppliers for our organic + cold pressedoils in our skin care lines. Horst started IN in 2004/2005 and launched in 2009. He sold Aveda in 1997 for $300 million.
In the meantime.... "Kasia" will continue to step into it's larger purpose with our incredible - growing team and "beautiful health" culture.
Read the article HERE
Intelligent Nutrients expands, riding wave of green consumers
Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher’s line of organic beauty products is hitting its stride.
The green movement is also catching on with consumers.
Kuehl, who sells her own line of all-natural products at Kasia Organic Salon, said she has seen her customer base grow from hard-core environmentalists to a larger group, especially moms-to-be and others concerned about chemicals in their hair products.
“When I started out, it was the greenies,” she said. “Now it has gone mainstream.”
