15 Super Women Uses for Jojoba Oil

15 Super Women Uses for Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is by far one ne of my favorite body products of all time; it’s incredible versitale for the whole family.

Here’s some tips I’ve found on getting the most out of your Jojoba Oil…

1. Cuticle Oil – rub a drop on your hands and cuticles at least once per day. Option: Add a drop of Tea Tree Oil to your jojoba for a quick, all-natural anti-fungal nail treatment.
2. Body Lotion – easy enough… just remember that a little goes a long way. You won’t need the dollop size you normally use with a traditional lotion. Jojoba sinks in super quickly and spreads across your skin easily. For even more fun or a special occasion, mix some cosmetic grade glitter with the oil and apply to your legs, arms and chest.
3. Face Moisturizer – 1 to 2 drops is perfect for your face. Use after moisturizing. And… it’s PERFECT to apply under mineral makeup. You’ll look radiant and your minerals will perform so much better!
4. Lip Oil – it’s light, natural and absorbs quickly removing all traces of flakes and the anti-oxidants will help keep aging at bay. Create your own unique lip oil in a small glass jar: add a few drops of your favorite flavoring (check the bakery aisle at your grocery) such as eucalyptus for minty freshness, strawberry or citrus oil for fruity flavor!
5. Tame Flyaways – When you finish rubbing the jojoba into your nails and cuticles, rub your palms across the top of your hair to tame hair frizz!
6. Makeup Remover – Mix half water and half jojoba in a small container (your free sample shampoo bottles will work perfectly for this). Shake before use, squeeze a bit onto a cotton pad and use to quickly and gently remove your eye makeup. As a bonus, the jojoba conditions eye lashes!
7. Scalp Massage – or scalp treatment. Rub the oil into your scalp before bedtime and wash out in the morning.
8. Quick Hot Oil Hair Treatment – Rub about 1 teaspoon of warmed oil through your hair when you first get into the shower. Let it sit while you shower. Rinse at the end of your shower, shampoo and condition as usual.
9. Deep Hot Oil Treatment – Rub 1 tsp to 1 tablespoon of jojoba through your hair. Cover your head with a plastic shower cap or saran wrap. Let sit for 1-2 hours. Shampoo out and condition normally.
10. Carrier Oil – White jojoba oil has anti-oxidant properties on its own; but it can also be applied overtop your other skin care treatments to ‘carry’ their active ingredients deep into your pores and skin.
11. Split End Treatment – Add a drop or two of oil on ends of your hair as a split end treatment. Apply before blow drying or heat styling for protection.
12. Added Moisture – Need more moisture during the winter or in a dry climate? Mix a few drops of jojoba to your normal body or face lotion application.
13. Quick Hair Condition – Add 2-3 drops to your normal dose of hair conditioner. Mix in the palm of your hand, apply, and leave in while your shower. Rinse and you’ll have moisturized, shiny hair!
14. Before Sunless Tanner – Apply lightly to elbows, knees, soles of feet, heels and palms to prevent extra sunless tanner from soaking into these porous areas.
15. Before Swimming – Run 3-4 drops through your hair before diving in the pool or ocean. The oil will help close your hair cuticle and prevent harmful chemicals from stripping your color, and drying your locks.
16. Scent!  Add Kasia Apothecary Essential oils for a natural and therapeutic body oil!

Kasia Organic Salon retails Organic and Pesticide Free  Jojoba Oil: We love Jojoba because it is Nature’s best moisturizer absorbs quickly into your skin with no residue. Reference: BionicBeauty

Absorb or Reflect? A Sunscreen Saftey Basic.

What is a sunscreen?

At a very basic level, sunscreen is anything which helps protect the skin against the harmful rays of the sun. This includes clothing, sunglasses, parasols and preparations specifically formulated to be applied to the skin. Most of us tend to use this term  of sunscreen when we talk about sun protection products.

The key ingredients of a sun protection product are around the filters of UV.

What are the different types of UV filters?

All UV filters are chemical substances which act as sunscreens. They typically fall into two main categories: synthetic or organic filters, such as the cinnamates, which absorb UV light; and mineral or inorganic filters, such as titanium dioxide, which mainly reflect UV light. Frequently, both types are used in combination for optimum effect in a product.

How do sunscreens work? The main component of a sunscreen product is the UV filter or filters. Their job is to stop ultraviolet light from reaching the skin. UV filters can do this in one of two ways: they can either absorb the UV-light by “soaking it up”; or they can scatter it and reflect it away from the skin (how Kasia Good Day Sunshine is composed). Consequently, there are two different types of UV filter and these are:

Absorbed Light

Absorber filters (or organic filters) Absorber type UV filters work by absorbing ultraviolet light much like a sponge soaks up water. Each tiny sunscreen “sponge” soaks up ultraviolet light, and then releases it back out after converting it into lower energy and less dangerous infrared light. These filters can be thought of as “energy converters”, converting dangerous ultraviolet light into safer infrared warmth.

Reflected Light

Reflector filters (mineral or inorganic filters) Unlike the absorber-type UV filters, reflectors tend to be less specific about the type of UV-light they reflect and tend to protect against both UVA and UVB. These sun filters act in a different way. Instead of soaking up the UV rays in the way that the absorber sun filters do, these materials reflect and scatter the UV light away from the skin without changing it to anything else. They can be thought of as thousands of tiny mirrors each reflecting UV light away from the skin. reflected light.  This is the Kasia "Informed Beauty" suggested route of purchasing sunscreens for you and your family.

What should you consider when 'out and about?'

The basic precautions against the harmful effects of the sun are:

• the best use of a sunscreen is a physical block
• wear appropriate clothes
• seek shade
• be aware of reflected sunlight (from water, snow, sand etc)
• avoid direct sun particularly during the hottest four hours of the day (11.00am to 4.00pm).
• reapply sunscreen liberally and often

Learn more about your options at Kasia Organic Salon.

We provide Good Day Sunshine, a highly  integrative sunscreen rated as a TOP 10 on EWG's safest Sunscreen List. Everyday wear such as our beautiful line of mineral makeup is an option that is sure to protect your face sun or snow all year around.  Last but not least, Kasia Honey Dip Sunless tanning lotion smells like fresh cocoanut and gives your skin the perfect warmth and glow you are looking for.

Reference: CTPA

French backs ban on plastic chemicals and parabens

French parliament backs ban on plastic chemicals and parabens in cosmetics

By Andrew McDougall, 06-May-2011

Phthalate chemicals used in plastics and paraben preservatives in cosmetic manufacturing could be banned following a vote from the French National Assembly.

French parliament voted through the first reading to ban the plasticizers by centre-right Nouveau Centre grouping, which is led by former defence minister Hervé Morin, despite opposition by President Sarkozy’s UMP and the government.

The French National Assembly vote to ban phthalate chemicals was based on their endocrine disrupting properties which are mainly used as plasticizers to enhance flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics and parabens which are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics formulations.

When the bill was first proposed Health Minister Xavier Bertrand suggested waiting until next year for the new scientific test results, before making a decision.

Not certain to become law

The proposal, which was passed by 236 votes to 222 was greeted well in parliament although it is not certain to become law as the government is not bound to pass it to the Senat, France's upper parliamentary house for further consideration.

Environmental campaigners have also cheered the vote, with researcher André Cicolella telling French daily Le Parisien: "It's an excellent decision and shows MPs have been conscious of the importance of the situation and resisted the chemical lobby."

Phthalates are chemical compounds used in plastic wrapping, adhesives, paints, and cosmetics products like nail varnishes, hair lacquer and perfume.

The problem arises as the plastics break down and get released in the atmosphere, with various tests in the US detecting phthalates in the human bloodstream.

The problem here is that they are hormone-disrupting chemicals related to obesity and also act as estrogen-mimicking substances hence affecting male reproductive process.

As they are common ingredients in personal care products and plastics applications the French parliament took the decision to investigate their use.

Parabens – safe or dangerous?

Parabens are preservatives used in many types of formulas and cosmetic applications such as shampoos, commercial moisturisers, shaving gels, rub-on gels and toothpaste, and according to a study carried out by the University of Reading, are associated to breast cancer and thought to mimic oestrogen.

According to reports in French-English Newspaper The Connexion various cosmetics companies have now withdrawn the use of chemicals in products.

In Denmark, the use of parabens has been banned from use in children’s personal care products.

However, last year The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released its opinion on the use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetics products, stating they are safe to use as cosmetics preservatives although use levels for some of the compounds in the family should be reduced.

Eat Your Sunscreen

"Thank you to Jimm Harrison for this great article!Enjoy the read and don't forget your Sun Block Informed Beauty!"

When planning your dinner meal this evening, don’t forget to include a side dish of sunscreen. May seem odd, but, seriously, this is a good idea. No, I’m not talking about strange creams in a tube or jar. I’m talking about spinach and broccoli and tomatoes and deeply colored and tasty foods that are likely already part of your menu. And what about a sunscreen for dessert? Well, chocolate with berries of course!

Botanical UV Protection

There has been a lot of interest lately in the use of botanicals and their ability to quench free radicals and protect cells from the damage caused by over exposure to the sun. In a recent presentation at the 7th Scientific Wholistic Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco, California, I documented a full array of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have been well researched with positive results in protecting cells from sun and tanning booths. Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) induced caused by the sun and tanning booths can cause photoaging, erythema (sunburn), basal and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

I was blown away by the amount of evidence available supporting the UV protection that can be provided by the foods and herbs we could and should be eating or supplementing with everyday.

The main reason these botanicals provide such potent UV protection is due to their powerful antioxidant action. Yet another reason to be sure you are getting ample amounts of highly antioxidant foods into your diet. Antioxidants protect against the damaging free radicals produced by UVR, which cause damage to cells, affecting the DNA.

Today’s Sunscreens

Over the counter sunscreen use is the most widespread approach to protection from sun damage, skin cancer and photoaging. Though useful, sunscreens are not adequate and fail in the prevention of solar UV induced skin cancer and photoaging, according to a 2007 article in Life Extension magazine. This may be due to improper use, incomplete spectral protection and potential toxicity. Common sunscreens are designed to protect against sun damage by either reflecting or scattering UV rays or by absorbing the UV rays.

Recently in a 2009 SOFW journal, questions have been raised regarding the safety of sunscreens to humans and their harmful effect on the environment and aquatic life. The use of sunscreens, coupled with the some people’s fear of the sun, is related to deficiencies of the necessary nutrient vitamin D.

Commercially available sun protection may not be the best that we can do. According to a 2006 journal of Experimental Dermatology, there are novel strategies that have been presented to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer and delay the process of photoaging by way of prevention with the use of botanical antioxidants that are present in the common diet. Antioxidants are capable of preventing UVR-induced skin cancers through their capability to quench free radicals and inhibit many UVR-induced cell-damaging effects, as stated by a 2003 journal on photo chemo prevention of skin cancer.

Botanical antioxidants are growing in popularity as many mainstream makers of sunscreens are now using them in their products in combination with traditional sunscreens, though they give little acknowledgement of the botanicals as sun protective agents.

It is still recommended for you to use sunscreen even with these cautions. But there are also additional food based measures you can take to protect your youthful skin.

Sunscreen for Dinner

To benefit using the added protection from sun damage that botanicals provide you will need to eat large amounts of the active botanical compounds found in the food. It’s these active compounds that provide the variety of color to foods and gives evidence to the high-powered antioxidant value. The beneficial compound families, and some foods that contain them, are:

• Carotenoids ~ carrots, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn, egg yolks, melons, blueberries and purple berries
• Flavonoids ~ grapes, apple, berries, green and black tea, black-eyed peas, broccoli, ginger, turmeric
• Polyphenols ~ grapes, red wine, berries, green and black tea, chocolate, olive oil, peanuts

The average recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is 3-4 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of vegetables a day. That’s a simple guideline, when in doubt; eat more, within reason of course. Spice up that meal as well with ginger, basil, turmeric and other richly fragrant herbs and spices. Be sure you are eating the freshest whole foods, and organic whenever possible. Also, cooking depletes the nutrients, so never over cook, instead, lightly steam for 3 to 4 minutes. Juicing is a great way to get a high concentration of botanical nutrients. Antioxidant supplements are recommended for added benefit. The best are those that are the concentrated food extracts, such as the supercritical extracts or tinctures.

The foods, and their compounds, need to be consumed for a period of time before they will actually provide adequate protection. So don’t think after eating a grape you’re all set to go. Most studies showed a period of 10 to 12 weeks before the botanicals offered the sun protection.

This is also not a replacement for sunscreen.

Food on the Body

Extracts from these same foods can be used topically to help provide antioxidant protection from sun damage. This, again, is not yet a sunscreen replacement. I think within time, and provided regulations and corporate considerations are made, botanicals will be available as natural full spectrum sunscreen. But for now, let’s look at what you can do on your own. All of the above mentioned foods and their extracted compounds are finding their way into skin and body care products. The more natural color you see in products containing them, the more benefit you get from these compounds.

Here is a list of topical ingredients to look for in your skin care formulas:

• Olive oil ~ this is an ideal preventative lotion on its own. Use olive oil daily and under your sunscreen for beautiful, healthy skin.
• Shea Butter ~ provides a good emollient and moisturizing effect, with UV protection, to lotions and creams.
• Astaxanthin ~ a red algae (Haematococcus pluvialis) supercritical extract that is well documented for its powerful antioxidant action and UV protective quality. It’s a deep red, orange color and difficult to put into skin care, but worth it.
• Vitamin E mix ~ Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant and is now known to protect from sun damage. A good mix will contain the naturally extracted tocopherol and tocotrienol forms of vitamin E.

You’re on Your Way to Better Skin and Health

There are many more botanicals and extracts that could be listed here. The information provided should give you a pretty good start to your botanical sun protection regimen. If you do the types and amounts of food recommended here, not only will you be providing added protection from skin damage, but will also be increasing your overall health and beauty.

Jimm Harrison’s innovative and distinctive approach to beauty and health is the culmination of years of in-depth research on natural and nutritional beauty principles. He is a Holistic Beauty Scientist, educator and developer of organic and nutrient rich skin care products. Jimm is the author of Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics.

What you need to know! May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Month

May starts National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month campaign. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with over one million people diagnosed each year!

Everyone looks forward to the sun returning in the summer, especially for those of us in the upper and midwest climates when the snow melts, school is out, the kids return home, barbecues start up, and we gravitate outside.

But it's also crucial that we pay attention to our bodies and the sun.  Yes, absolutely we need that 15 minutes of sun a day to absorb enough vitamin D, but too much sun can have adverse consequences, like skin cancer, the most dangerous of which is melanoma. A cancer that occurs in melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color, melanoma represents about 3% of all skin cancers. However, it has the highest death rate of all types and is more likely to metastasize (spread).

The Facts You Should Know

Although melanoma accounts for only about 4 to 5 percent of all skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer-related deaths. However, if detected and treated in its earliest stages, melanoma is often curable.

In men, melanoma is most often found on the area between the shoulders and hips or on the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs.

The chance of developing melanoma increases with age, yet it is still one of the most common cancers in young adults.

Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, and more than 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 65,000 are melanoma, a cancer that claims nearly 11,000 lives each year.

Fast Facts About Skin Cancer

• Skin cancer and melanoma account for about 50% of all types of cancers diagnosed combined.
• Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer.
• More than 90% of skin cancer is causes by excessive exposure to the sun.
• Each hour, 1 person dies from skin cancer.

Skin Cancer and Melanoma Basics

Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer. Although serious, non-melanomas are much less life threatening and easier to treat.

Melanoma accounts for 4% od skin cancer cases diagnosed. It is estimated that 62,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2006. Almost 8,000 are expected to die of melanoma this year.

There are two common types of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

• A small lump (spot or mole) that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture.
• A red lump (spot or mole) that is firm
• A sore or spot that bleeds or become crusty. Also look for sores that don't heal.
• Rough and scaly patches on the skin.
• Flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown.
• Any new growth that is suspicious

If you suspect that a lump, spot, or mole may be suspicious of skin cancer, see your doctor. When detected early, it is highly treatable.

The ABCs of early melanoma detection

Melanoma appears most frequently on the trunk area in fair-skinned men and on the lower leg in fair-skinned women. In dark-skinned people, melanoma appears most frequently on the palms, the soles of the feet and the skin under nails. If caught early, melanoma is potentially curable.

Be aware of change and new growths on your body. The ABCs of melanoma provide a good guideline:

•    Asymmetry of lesion: Are the sides of the lesion different? •    Border irregularity: Are the edges notched as opposed to smooth? •    Color variation: Is the lesion a mixture of black, blue, red and white? •    Diameter: Is the diameter greater than six millimeters? (Most melanomas are larger than the head of a pencil.) •    Evolution: Is the lesion growing in width or height? •    Feeling: Has the sensation around a mole or spot changed?

These recommendations serve as a guide. Promptly show your doctor any suspicious skin area, non-healing sore or change in a mole or freckle. If exam results suggest cancer, more extensive diagnostic tests should be conducted.

Natural and Free from Harmful Chemicals

Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen, developed by local natural health and beauty care leader Kassie Kuehl, is a chemical-free sunscreen optimal for sensitive or traumatized skin and safe for children.

“Losing my 24 year old brother to skin cancer, I have grown well aware of the many underlying potential causes,” Kuehl said. “Unlike chemical sunscreens, I love that nature can provide remarkable ingredients that reflect and scatter away both UVA and UVB rays from your body by forming a physical barrier, without irritating or clogging your pores.”

Additional key benefits that set Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen apart from commercialized sunscreens:

* True broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

* Safe for toddlers and children

* Non-chemical sunscreen

* Moisturizing and healing properties

* PABA-free and fragrance-free

* Light and smooth formulation ideal for daily use and can be applied under makeup

* Formulated for skin sensitive to traditional sunblocks and post-treatment patients

* Formulation of  5% zinc and 5% titanium

Why add the ingredients of GREEN TEA?

Numerous studies now show that green tea is a powerful antioxidant, especially used on the skin.  When applied topically,   green tea is highly capable of   assisting in skin damage reduction and sun radiation.  In short, green tea helps protect your skin’s cells by providing antioxidant protection.

* FREE of chemical laden fragrances…NON-zero….zilch.

* FREE of parabens (harsh chemical or any harsh preservatives)..

* FREE of Xenoestrogens!

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5%   &   Zinc Oxide 5%

Learn more about our non-scented, non greasy, easy to use physical sunblock HERE!!

Reference:  Cancerwise.com and cancerabout.com

Hair and essential oils? Here's a quick guide!

Essential oils are gentle and natural and do not strip your skin or hair of it's natural protection. The condition of your hair is affected when you are under stress, tense or not eating properly. Essential oils are able to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft and follicle and aid the growth of healthy, shining hair. And there are even essential oils that encourage new hair growth as seen below.  One can add them to their shampoo, or do a scalp massage at night combined with Jojoba Oil.

Essential Oils for Hair Care:

Normal hair: Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Dry hair: Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Oily Hair: Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Scalp conditions (dandruff, sensitive skin, itchiness, inflammation, dermatitis): Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang.

Hair loss/thinning: Basil, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Find Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils HERE!

Herbs for Hair Care:

Normal hair: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lavender, Linden flowers, Nettle, Parsley leaf, Rosemary, Sage, Watercress.

Dry hair and scalp: Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey leaf, Elder flowers, Horsetail, Lavender, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Parsley leaf, Sage.

Oily hair and scalp: Bay leaf, Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Horsetail, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Lemon peel, Lemongrass, Nettle, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Witch Hazel bark, Yarrow leaf and flower.

Scalp conditions (dandruff, sensitive skin, inflammation, itchiness, dermatitis): Burdock root, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey leaf, Eucalyptus, Horsetail, Lavender, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Hair loss/thinning: Basil, Nettle, Rosemary, Sage.

Golden highlights: Calendula, Chamomile, Lemon, Sunflower petals.

Dark highlights: Black Tea, Black Walnut hulls (crushed or chopped), Comfrey root, Nettle, Rosemary, Sage.

Red highlights: Calendula, Henna, Hibiscus flowers, Red Clover flowers, Rose hips, Red Rose petals.

Reference:  Mountain Rose

Extracts from 'Toxic Beauty' Environmental or Genetic?

Environmental or Genetic?

Studies have shown that environmental factors play a huge part in the onset of cancer, with only around five per cent being genetically predisposed.³ Environmental factors from this perspective can incorporate anything that people are exposed to, such as substances consumed, smoking, natural and medical forms of radiation, including exposure to the sun, workplace exposures, drugs, social and economic factors and substances existing in the air, water and soil.⁴ In addition, aging, alcohol, infections, hormonal factors, pollution, lack of exercise, sexual behaviour that elevates exposure to particular viruses and consumer products are all implicated in various types of cancers, to different degrees.

Dr Epstein points out that carcinogens taken in by mouth are absorbed from the intestines and transported to the liver, where they can be detoxified to different degrees, depending on the substance, but carcinogens absorbed through the skin reach can enter the bloodstream without this prior protective detoxification by the liver.

(EU/UK based data)  Push to Ban Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer

The evidence of Oestrogen

In the EU campaigners have urged MEPS to strengthen chemicals legislation, following a report suggesting that some chemicals may be associated with rising incidences of breast cancer. Professor Andreas Kortenkamp, head of the Centre for Toxicology at the University of London, has pointed to significant evidence that the rise in breast cancer is linked to environmental exposures to substances such as hormone disruptive chemicals that mimic oestrogen. In the report commissioned by the health and environmental alliance HEAL and Chem Trust, Professor Kortenkamp said,

“There is overwhelming evidence that oestrogens are strong determinants of breast cancer risks…Given that natural oestrogens and man-made oestrogens used as pharmaceuticals have a role in breast cancer, concerns arise about the potential contribution of industrial chemicals and pesticides with hormonal activity.”¹¹

Oestrogens are required for breast development but they also play a role in the development of breast cancer. Natural oestrogens act on the ‘end buds’ of the epithelial ducts in mammary glands to promote growth through elongation and branching of the duct system. This takes place initially during the foetal stage and then again at puberty and finally during pregnancy. It is this growth of the end buds that links oestrogens to breast cancer. Oestrogens cause an increase in cells that can be prone to cancerous growth. The breast is most susceptible to cancer causing influences during periods of growth, such as during puberty. In the womb, the mother’s oestrogen levels affect the number of end buds that develop in the foetus, with higher levels of oestrogen causing more end buds to grow, this effectively increases the cell pool from which cancer cells can be drawn.

Although Professor Kortenkamp acknowledges that numerous factors play a role in breast cancer, he continues, “There is a case for relinquishing the dominant view of breast cancer as a life-style and genetic disease and for reappraising the role of environmental factors, including chemical exposures. With UK breast cancer incidence at an all time high, risk reduction will not be achievable without considering preventable causes, particularly exposure to chemicals.”¹²

As well as prohibited industrial chemicals such as PCBs, still being detected in human tissues, there are a host of chemicals used in consumer products that have hormone disrupting properties, including phthalates, bisphenol A, UV filters, commonly used preservatives such as parabens, and numerous others. Many of these have been found to act in a similar way to the sex hormone oestradiol, although much higher concentrations are required to cause as pronounced effects. Environmental pollutants such as PCBS and certain pesticides do not act alone, but in combination with natural oestrogens and other hormonally active chemicals in a woman’s body, including chemicals released during the preparation of food, man-made chemicals including environmental pollutants (dioxins, pesticides, PCBs), synthetic cosmetic constituents (such as some synthetic fragrances, UV filters, antioxidants) and plant derived oestrogens present in some foods. Although the hormonal strength of these chemicals in much lower than natural or pharmaceutical oestrogens, research has shown that quite a significant number of chemicals can enhance the effects of natural oestrogens.¹³

Professor Kortenkamp presented evidence that whilst low levels of certain individual chemicals have no detectable impact on breast cancer, the combined additive effect of mixtures of these chemicals (even at low concentrations that would not usually present an observable effect), has a much greater impact. Testing a combination of 11 xenoestrogens (man-made chemicals that behave like oestrogen in the human body) on the actions of the hormone oestradiol, Professor Kortenkamp found that the combined effect of the xenoestrogens led to a dramatic enhancement of the hormone’s action, even when each agent was present at levels that do not individually generate measurable effects.¹⁴

Other research demonstrated than four organochlorines acted together to enhance the proliferation of human breast cancer cells, suggesting again that mixtures of certain chemicals produce a combined effect even when each agent is present at concentrations that individually produce insignificant effects. The combination effects of the mixture were stronger than the effects of the most potent individual component (thus the combined effects were synergistic).¹⁵

Many studies have found that the risk of cancer developing is elevated if exposure to carcinogens begins in infancy, rather than later on in life. Young children have a greater susceptibility to carcinogens because the cells rapidly divide during childhood and if they are rapidly dividing following exposure to a carcinogen, any genetic mutation that has occurred is more likely to be fixed.²³ There are various other reasons why babies, young infants and children are at greater risk. For instance, children take in more oxygen per kilogram of body weight than an adult and therefore more air pollutants, low molecular weight compounds can readily cross the placenta, newborn babies have more absorbative skin because it is not fully keratinised (therefore without one of the skin’s main protective barriers) until several days after the baby is born and various organs such as the lungs and brain are still developing. Children have different exposures, pathways of absorption, tissue distribution and responses to environmental exposures, and they also eliminate chemicals in different ways.²⁴ This all needs to be considered when looking at the potential adverse health effects of environmental exposures.

The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency program that evaluates agents of public health concern, produce a report on carcinogens (ROC), which currently contains 246 listings of known and reasonably anticipated human carcinogens.²⁵ Our households and other external environments play host to a variety of known and potential carcinogens. Some of those listed substances we may commonly encounter that are known or suspected of causing cancer, according to the U.S. National Toxicology Program, include:

• Tobacco
• Red and preserved meats
• Salt
• Salt-preserved foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• UV radiation from the sun
• Sunlamps or tanning beds
• Viruses and bacteria
• Ionising radiation - from sources such as radon
• Radioactive substances - released by atomic bombs or nuclear weapons, and x-rays
• Pesticides - such as ethylene oxide, DDT, amitrole, hexachlorobenzene, lead acetate and lindane
• Medical drugs - such as cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil used to treat cancer
• Oestrogens - long-term users of combined oestrogen and progesterone oral contraceptives may have an increased risk of early-onset breast cancers and liver cancer; tamoxifen may also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer
• Solvents - such as benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene
• Fibres
• Fine particles and dust - such as asbesto fibres, ceramic fibres, wood dust and silica dusts
• Dioxins
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• Metals - such as arsenic, beryllium compounds, cadmium metal and cadmium compounds, chromium, lead and nickel
• Diesel exhaust particles
• Toxicants from fungi
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzidine.

Known and potentially carcinogenic ingredients in cosmetics include among other things:

• Acetaldehyde
• Acrylates
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Coal tar
• Hydroquinone
• Synthetic musks (used in fragranced consumer products)
• Teflon
• Organic solvents (e.g. toluene, formaldehyde, xylene)
• Phthalates
• UV filters in sunscreens (e.g. padimate O, para-aminbenzoic acid (PABA), oxybenzone, avobenzone).
• Cosmetic grade lanolin
• Hair dyes
• Parabens
• Talc
• Silica
• Diethanolamine (common ingredients containing diethanolamine (DEA) include: cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA etc)
• Artificial colours

References and the rest of the article:  http://toxicbeauty.co.uk/blog/2009/07/21/toxic-beauty-extracts-cosmetics-and-cancer/

Spring into saving time and money with these Express Treatments!

Save Time and Money!

Everyone needs a break!  Clean up this spring with express services that offer a shorter, quicker and less expensive version of some of our staple treatments.

Enhance, nourish, and encourage your DNA, hair and skin in less time. Instead of forgoing your needed relaxation all together due to lack of time,  save time... money.... and catch deep breath with our  team....."auhhh."

NEW Express Keratin Treatment at Kasia!

Take a small bit of your time to go deep down to reconstruct your stressed, dry or damaged hair with protein, moisture, strength and shine.

Frizzy and dry hair needs a deep Conditioner for moisture teamed up with a  high concentrations of protein, amino acids and other essential nutrients in order to build and protect. The results are long lasting but not permanent. The more often you use it, the more beautiful your hair will be.

 

Express Keratin Treatment --

This professional, semi-permanent service creates smooth, shiny texture through a enriching, chemical free, and deposit-only process.  Results last 7 to 10 shampoos. It's the go-to solution if you are seeking a sleeker look without the commitment returns to its original texture.

**This $50 treatment lasts for two to three weeks and takes 45-60 minutes.   Add a treatment to your hair color (additional 15 minutes) and receive 20% OFF!

"Yo"...girl-on-the-go Organic Facial

For a much-needed glow, introduce your skin to a "girl-on-the-go" Organic Facial, a 30-minute Focus Facial customized to each of your own skin needs. The treatment uses custom masks and skin products and includes an express version of cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating without the time crunch.

**This facial will only set you back $55.  Add a brow wax to your Focus for 50% OFF!