Parabens: Are they in your anti-aging cream?

"Hey Informed Beauty!" There is a potentially dangerous chemical that may be lurking in your anti-aging cream. In fact, it's hard to find lotions, cosmetics, sun block, and many other beauty products that don't contain this chemical.

 

What is this harmful chemical?  

Parabens. Not only are parabens toxic, but they can also actually speed up the aging process in the skin.

Parabens are a group of chemicals included in the manufacturing of anti-aging cream and other beauty products because they help to inhibit bacteria growth in the product, thus lengthening their shelf life. If the list of ingredients on your anti-aging cream includes the terms propylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben, your cream has parabens.

Although these chemicals do have a preservative effect on the anti-aging cream, they have the opposite effect on your skin and body causing premature aging and sagging of your skin.

The first concern with parabens is that they are absorbed by the skin into the body. For instance, when you apply an anti-aging product containing parabens, the parabens are absorbed into your skin and accumulate in your body tissues.

The breast tissue is of most concern since the majority of the people using cosmetics and anti-aging products are women. Although no firm connections have been made, an article in the May 2004 issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology indicates parabens were found in each of 20 samples taken from human breast tumors. This is especially alarming since the parabens can mimic estrogen, a hormone that drives the growth of breast tumors in humans as stated in the article.

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Many skin care products say they moisten the skin, but they really only hover on the skin's surface. They can also be full of irritants that strip the skin of vital nutrients below the surface depleting it of everything it needs for function healthfully and stay soft and balanced.

Kasia™ Skin Care was formulated to penetrate the skin with vitamins and organic ingredients that nourish, moisturize, protect and balance your skin. Each ingredient supports the health of your skin and helps protect it from environmental damage.

 Special Expires May 1, 2012

Your deodorant could be doing a lot more than just covering up 'BO'

Chemicals in both men's and women's antiperspirants and deodorants could be doing a lot more than just covering up BO.

All the potential risks associated with chemicals in cosmetics make natural deodorants a lot more appealing.....

The next time you reach for that stick of roll-on deodorant, consider this: A recent study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that chemicals commonly used in deodorants were showing up in breast-cancer tumors, leading the authors to suspect that they may play some role in the development of the disease. Those same chemicals have been linked to sperm damage in men, and because of evidence that they can be absorbed through your skin, there's more reason than ever to ditch the plastic tube.

The chemicals in question are the preservatives parabens, which are added to personal care products and some processed foods to prevent bacterial growth. Though they aren't as well researched as chemicals like BPA, "parabens are estrogenic," says Lynn Carroll, PhD, senior scientist at The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, a nonprofit that researches hormone-mimicking chemicals. And they build up in breast milk. "That is concerning because whoever's eating the breast milk gets a dose, and those children are at a very vulnerable stage in their development."

Too much estrogen in your system can be responsible not just for breast cancer, but for other dangerous conditions such as malignant melanoma (ironic, considering that parabens are commonly used in sunscreens) and male reproductive disorders. A November 2010 study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that parabens can damage sperm in mice.

In this most recent study, researchers from the University of Reading, in the UK, collected 160 samples of breast tissue taken from women who'd had mastectomies and tested them for the presence of five different parabens. At least one form of paraben was present in 99 percent of the tissue samples, and all five were present in 60 percent of the samples. What was concerning, the authors added, was that one paraben, propylparaben, existed in much higher levels in the axilla region of the breast, the area closest to the armpit, which is the area where, according to the authors, a high percentage of tumors are found.

"Informed Beauty"  Kasia TOP SELLER

Pure-odorant Deodorant * Certified Organic

Made with a pure blend of hemp oil, aloe vera and mineral salts that softens skin and eliminates odor-causing bacteria for up to 24 hours!

NO aluminum, alcohol, parabens or proplyene glycol — NO residue.

Scented with organic essential oils.

• Effective using hemp oil and mineral salts that eliminate odor-causing bacteria
• Soothing and healing aloe vera to softens the skin
• No aluminum chlorhydrate and no alcohol
• No tingly irritation and no staining
• We’re sure –  it leaves no white residue
• Hypoallergenic
• No harmful propellants, pit and ozone friendly
• No animal testing, just on hunks No pore clogging, breathe!

Resource: www.rodale.com - Emily Main

The Cocktail of a Chemical: Informed Beauty Guide.

We tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body,and every day we apply a chemical cocktail of substances in ignorant bliss, there is continual studies suggesting that up to 60% of anything applied topically can be absorbed into our bodies. As the average woman uses up to 10-14 different skincare and cosmetic products each day, this calculates a high level of different chemicals each year seeping into our systems.

So why does this matter?

With many of the synthetic ingredients used in everyday skin care being potentially toxic to humans, you may like to reconsider some of the following:

Petrochemical derived ingredients (such as mineral oil) are extensively used in skin care as they help prevent water loss. While this may seem beneficial, they actually prevent the skin from breathing by forming an occlusive barrier, disrupting the skins normal functioning.

Parabens (a common preservative) have demonstrated oestrogen mimicking activity which disrupts the body's normal hormonal balance. In addition, parabens have also been shown to cause abnormalities in cell reproduction, an issue also associated with cancerous cells.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) (a foaming agent) used in toothpaste, shampoo and foaming cleansers. Numerous trials showed that SLS can increase transdermal water loss causing the skin to become dehydrated and cause skin irritation.

Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in the production of various substances such as plastics, beauty products and artificial fragrances. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both men and women leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Specifically it targets the testes in men and breast tissue in women.

Parfum and synthetic fragrances are the most common cause of adverse skin reactions. Propylene glycol is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Finding safe and natural products can often be confusing - at Kasia Organic Salon, we have removed any guessing game from your "Beautiful Health" hair, skin, and service needs.

Ultimately, what you use on your hair or skin is an individual choice, and issues such as skincare goals, sensitivities or allergies, and personal values need to be taken into consideration. If you do choose to avoid ingredients such as those above the best way to do so is by reading product labels and making an informed decision. But if reading packages is not your style, it's usually safe to say that organic ingredients are best.

Kasia Organic Salon continues to launch options that are safe for you and your family.  Drop us a line or stop in for a consultation and learn more about our Ammonia Free Hair Color, Smoothing treatments, Medical Grade Facials, and more! 

Article Source: Ananda Mahoney

Your Hormones and the Masquerade of Parabens

Parabens inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds and have been used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and sunscreens for years. The main reason for use of parabens is because they allow these products to survive for months, or years, during shipping and on store shelves. Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. The only ingredient used more frequently is water. Parabens were the cosmetic industry's prized preservatives. (Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens) They were stated for years to be harmless and safe. Just recently we have been presented with evidence through many study's that this states otherwise.

In these studies, parabens have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests - meaning that they mimic our body’s natural estrogen and may interfere with our endocrine systems (making them disruptors).

Our hormones govern the way our glands and organs function including the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, and pancreas to the ovaries and testes.

So how does this really affect us?

To begin - the endocrine system is made up of glands and receptors.... glands that secrete and/or make hormones and receptor sites that "read" and react to hormones.  Hormones themselves are the little chemical messengers that run around in our bodies transporting signals and instructions from one cell to another.

Delivery:

The gland writes the instructions, the receptor reads the instructions, and the hormones are the postmen.

Endocrine hormones are carried directly through the bloodstream to different parts of the body and orchestrated by the master conductor- the hypothalamus in the brain. (The hypothalamus is the “pentagon” of hormone production in your body.) The messages are sent through a hierarchical system - getting passed along through the body and when they reach their final destination they offer an important message for the cell when they arrive. These messages can be anything from growth and production regulation, activation of the immune system, metabolism regulation, reproductive cycle cues to mood messages and more.

Therefore, the messages should get to the cells that they need to direct without the blockades and barricades and masquerades that nasty little hormone disruptors provide.

The theory of endocrine disruptors is that a variety of synthetic chemical compounds that we are bombarded with everyday absorb into the body, then mimic or block natural hormones and disrupt our body's normal functions.

(As if someone else is posing as the postman, and tricks our bodies into thinking that they are receiving authentic messages - but they are not. By acting on these fraudulent messages, a whole array of problems can ensue.)

This is a somewhat a new theory and difficult to prove or disprove because chances are we could be exposed to literally thousands of endocrine disruptors on a daily basis. Plastics from our water bottle or hairspray, pesticides on our food, and fillers in our everyday cosmetics - the list goes on.  It’s time that we recognize the lies and clarify  which are the bad hormone copycats from the really bad perpetrators in our lifestyle. This external chemical exposure is residual and little by little these chemicals build up in our bodies.

Endocrine disruptors are stored in a body's fatty tissues and do not get flushed out with water, thus they accumulate over the years. It is now recognized that the dramatic increases of breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and thyroid cancer have been linked to exposure to environmental estrogens. In the past twenty-five years in the US, alone, thyroid cancer has increased more than 45%, with more women being affected than men, and has become the number one cancer in children under age twenty, many of whom suffered from fetal endocrine disruption exposures.

Recent reports from Britain show that parabens have been found in breast tumors and that they may be linked to breast cancer. The breastcancerfund.org states that parabens are weak estrogen mimickers - but more importantly, that they can increase the expression of certain genes that are directly linked to breast cancer. Yikes!

Please grab your ingredient top 10 to avoid, and bring awareness to this growing conundrum of hormone perpetrators, and the better investment for you and your “Beautiful Health.”   The serious health implications mean that taking this issue seriously can have a profound impact on your health in the future!

Reference: Homemade Organics

References to learn more in-depth:

http://alternativemedicinebreastcysts.com/xenoestrogens.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/027063_products_chemicals_fragrance.html#ixzz1FpXNpc6h

The vicious cycle of Silica + SLS and your hair!

Are you experiencing dry hair?  Limp with excess frizz?Do your hair products contain Silica or sodium laurel sulphate (SLS)  ?

Does this sound familiar?  The cycle of hair washing goes like this........

• we shampoo our hair because it is dirty
• the SLS in the shampoo strips the hair and scalp of natural oils so both are dry and hair is flyaway or frizzy
• we use conditioner with silica to reduce the frizziness created by the SLS
• the silica builds up on our hair leaving it feeling a bit flat and dull looking
• and start all over again, never getting the results we want so change products always looking for something that will give us healthy, shiny hair

Well this is the  story of many of our new clients anyway!  When you invest in a good natural or organic shampoo & conditioner for at least a month, it can take time to really see results when moving away from SLS and silica. Regardless, do yourself a favor and ditch the sodium laurel sulphate.

The Kasia Team suggests:

Kasia Spicy Citrus Shampoo and Weigh-less Organic Conditioner

Free of petrochemicals, parabens, synthetics, and colors. Ideal for colored hair and suitable for all hair types.  We use simple “beautiful health” ingredients you can trust with your hair and body and safe for the whole family.

Top 10 Toxic Ingredients for the Informed Beauty!

Hey Informed Beauty! You may not be aware of is that those same products you use to enhance your God given beauty may be causing serious effects on your health.

These are just a few of the top potentially toxic ingredients that can be found in your every day cosmetics.

1. DEA, TEA, Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine:Emulsifier and/or foaming agent.  Skin sensitizer, can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds in the skin or body after absorption if mixed with nitrosating agents.  A respiratory toxin, neurotoxicity hazard and immunotoxicity hazard.

2. Dibutyl Phthalate, DBP: Possible reproductive or developmental toxin, potential endocrine disruptor, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, kidney toxicant, and neurotoxin. The European Union has found it to be dangerous for the environment, very toxic to aquatic organisms and has banned it from use in cosmetics. The EPA Water Quality Standards Database states it is a priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act and a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act.

3. Formaldehyde, Formalin: EWG lists it as a known human carcinogen, skin and lung sensitizer, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant and neurotoxin.

4. Parabens, alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens: Widely used as a preservative in cosmetics.  Have been assessed as hormonally active, possible endocrine disruptor, skin sensitizer and skin or sense organ toxicant. Recents scientific studies in the U.K. found a strong link between parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women, Researchers found a high concentration of paragons in tumors tested.

5. Petrolatum, petroleum jelly: Emollient or lubricant.  Potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems. The European Union has banned petrolatum from use in cosmetics.

6. Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol. Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol):  Used as humectants (to retain moisture).  Penetration enhancer, which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.  Suspected respiratory toxin, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity hazard.

7. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium: Used as a surfactant (makes it foamy).  Penetration enhancer.

8. Talc, Talcum: potentially contaminated with harmful impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems and a respiratory toxicant. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-four  fold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.

9. 1,4-dioxane: A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. May exert its effects through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion.

10. Isopropyl Alcohol: Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and also strips the skin of its natural acid promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature aging of skin.

Next time you go shopping for cosmetics or skin care products PRINT and POCKET our TOP TEN CARD in your purse, and please......take a few moments to read the labels.

Resource: http://www.naturalcosmeticnews.com/category-2/top-10-potentially-toxic-ingredients-in-cosmetics/

Your Questions Answered about Ammonia Free Color

Does Hair Color Really Cause Cancer?

An “Informed Beaute’s” right to know to Know

It is proven that hair dyes currently on the market may be hazardous to your health. Recent studies in toxicology have identified dangerous carcinogens and mutagens in certain types of coal tar hair dyes, and he European cosmetic regulatory body has confirmed the majority of hair dyes on the market, are linked to bladder cancer.

Recently, in 2008, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that hair dyes used in hair salons are very probable in the increase the risk of cancer. While results of the studies completed so far are inconsistent, many studies have shown an increased risk of bladder cancer, breast cancer and other health problems linked to the use of personal hair dye.

(Source: Cancer.gov http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/hair-dyes).

Is Your Hair Coloring Product Toxic?

Not only do  “other” hair coloring services strip away the natural moisture and oils from the hair and scalp, break down the hair shaft, but they also put your health at risk.

Kasia Organic Salon offers an alternative if you want to preserve your hair – and your health.

Toxic Compounds Found in Common Hair Coloring Products

Ammonia: A compound used in the chemical coloring process, ammonia can leave the hair looking dry, dull and brittle. Ammonia strips away the hair and scalp’s natural moisture and oils, and although it helps the synthetic color stick to the hair for longer, it is ultimately a toxic ingredient.

Say NO to Ammonia

* A strong irritant for skin, eyes and lungs.

* A suspected carcinogen.

Say NO to Ethanolamine (MEA)

* A toxicant for the immune, respiratory, reproductive, neurological & nervous systems.

* A carcinogen.

Resorcinol: A common ingredient found in synthetic hair coloring products, this compound can be absorbed through the skin. According to toxicology reports, short-term effects of resorcinol include irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and long-term effects include the formation of methaemoglobin in the blood.

Proven Health Risks Associated with Hair Dyes

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: The National Cancer Institute reports that 20 percent of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in women are the result of using permanent, chemical-laden hair coloring products on a regular basis

• Skin Allergies: Health line indicates that parabens such as propyl, methyl, butyl and ethyl – preservatives that are commonly used in hair color – are toxic and can cause an allergic reaction or other skin conditions.

• Bladder Cancer: A study published in the International Cancer Journal found that women who use permanent hair color may be more likely to develop bladder cancer than those that do not. COLIPHA, a European cosmetic regulatory body, has also confirmed that PPD found in hair dyes causes bladder cancer.

• Ovarian Cancer: The Harvard School of Public Health’s epidemiology department has found that women who undergo chemical hair processing more than five times per year are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer as women who never use hair dye.

• Cancer of the Immune System: The American Cancer Society reports that people who use hair dye for two decades or more were at an increased risk of dying from cancers of the immune system, as well as multiple myeloma.

• Swollen Eyelids or Rashes: Kathleen Davis, an integrative dermatologist in New York City reported allergens   can cause temporary swelling of the eyelids and rashes.

Allergic to Hair Color?

There are a growing number of phone calls coming into Kasia Organic Salon   in complaint of common allergic reactions to hair dyes such as skin rashes, contact dermatitis, swelling of the face and neck, and irritation of the eyes, and headaches.

If you have experienced allergic reactions while sitting in the styling chair, it’s a relief to know you do have other options, not having to settle for discomfort and rashes, when you should relax, and enjoy your coloring service/investments

Kasia offers a number of benefits for people with allergies and hair coloring is one that “we wise women” do not wish to give up, it’s too fun!

Disclaimer:  We always require a patch test, as this may not apply to everyone.

Ammonia Free & Long Lasting RESULTS?

There are several reasons to choose Ammonia Free color over chemical-laden lines available over the counter or at the hair salon.

Optimize your coloring results in avoiding chemicals that reduce the strength and integrity of your hair, increasing breakage, split ends, brittleness and fading.

YOUR RESULTS!

The Benefits of Kasia Salon Color Services

* Have a much more pleasurable experience at Kasia. No more: scalp stinging, itching, burning or marking.

* The colors have a strong, reduced-fade factor, since the cuticle (the outside layer of the hair) is largely returned to its original position.

* The hair has better shine and looks more natural.

* Excluding ethanolamine and other harmful ingredients.

* Achieve up to 5 levels of lift

* Unlimited possibilities with 60 shades

* Covers grey with uniform results

Hair Insurance!

Choosing the proper shampoos, conditioners and UV protected styling products will help prolong the life of color.  We Love Hamadi Organics

Receive $20 Dollars OFF when you book your first Hair Color Service at Kasia Organic Salon!

Book Online!

Are your Skin Care Products Excelerating your Aging Process?

ReFRESH & Beat the holiday rush! Only one more week to go!  CALL NOW TO RESERVE your appointment TODAY! Call NOW to book an ammonia free color and haircut to ensure you look your beautiful best for your holiday party - and for those to "WOW" n' surprise family and friend visits too! Call Kassie @ (612) 386 4044 Are you excelerating your aging process with paraben laden products? There is a potentially dangerous chemical that may be lurking in your anti-aging cream. In fact, it’s hard to find lotions, cosmetics, sun block, and many other beauty products that don’t contain this chemical. What is this harmful chemical? Parabens. Not only are parabens toxic, but they can also actually speed up the aging process in the skin. Parabens are a group of chemicals included in the manufacturing of anti-aging cream and other beauty products because they help to inhibit bacteria growth in the product, thus lengthening their shelf life. If the list of ingredients on your anti-aging cream includes the terms propylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben, your cream has parabens. Although these chemicals do have a preservative effect on the anti-aging cream, they have the opposite effect on your skin and body causing premature aging and sagging of your skin. The first concern with parabens is that they are absorbed by the skin into the body. For instance, when you apply an anti-aging product containing parabens, the parabens are absorbed into your skin and accumulate in your body tissues. The breast tissue is of most concern since the majority of the people using cosmetics and anti-aging products are women. Although no firm connections have been made, an article in the May 2004 issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology indicates parabens were found in each of 20 samples taken from human breast tumors. This is especially alarming since the parabens can mimic estrogen, a hormone that drives the growth of breast tumors in humans as stated in the article. Another reason you should be concerned if parabens are included in your anti-aging product is that parabens can react with the sun’s UV rays in a way that may actually accelerate the aging process of skin. You buy and use an anti-aging product in hopes it will make you look younger. This may not always be the case for products including parabens as preservatives. Always check the list of ingredients on your anti-aging product to make sure there are no dangerous chemicals lurking there. What are parabens? Parabens are a large collection of synthetic chemical products found in most skin care and cosmetic products including moisturizers, shampoos, foundation, face powder, exfoliants, baby products… There are thousands of skin care products that contain parabens, the list is endless. The reason parabens are put into skin care products is they have an antibacterial effect and act as a preservative. So what? There are two problems. The first and most serious one is the potential for parabens to be absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream from where they can lodge in our fatty tissues. As women are the main users of these products, the breast tissue is of particular concern. Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen and can be absorbed by the breast tissue. In fact parabens, in their unconverted form, have been found in breast tumours. What’s the other problem with parabens? Anti aging products are bought by both men and women in the hope of preserving the appearance of their skin. The problem is that some parabens can react to the UV rays in sunlight to produce a substance that actually accelerates aging. No problems, you may think, I’ll just wear a sun block. Good idea, you should be wearing one anyway. Just check the label though because… guess what? That’s right, parabens are even found in certain sun protection products. How can I tell if there are parabens in the products I use? It’s very difficult because they go under so many different names! Some of the more recognisable ones are: Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Aseptoform Butyl and Benzoic acid. Parabens have many synonyms so without knowing all the names, which is virtually impossible, reading the label will only add to further confusion. It’s fairly safe to say if you see several long names you can’t pronounce on the back of a product, there’s a paraben lurking somewhere inside! Over 90% of skin care products, contain these chemicals. They are there because they are cheap and until recently, considered relatively safe. The FDA has requested cosmetic companies to test the various ingredients they use to manufacture their products (May 2005). While they are to be commended for this, the process is laboriously slow and ongoing. By: Dr Lynne Kavulich Limited Time Only......Happy Holiday SALE! Hurry! Save 30% All of December on the Kasia Organic Skincare System. System includes reFresh Face Cleanser · toBalance Face toner enMoist Moisturizing Cream · soPure Clarifying Mask, byNight Moisturingzing Serum (Offer expires Dec. 31, 2009) Many skin care products say they moisten the skin, but they really only stay on the skin’s surface. They can also be full of irritants that strip the skin of vital nutrients below the surface depleting it of everything it needs for function healthfully and stay soft and balanced. Kasia™ Organic Skin Care was formulated to penetrate the skin with vitamins and organic ingredients that nourish, moisturize, protect and balance your skin. Each ingredient supports the health of your skin and helps protect it from environmental damage.