The Truth Behind AVON

The Truth About Parabens

With the long list of ingredients on many of our beauty products, there may be one key ingredient that you want to pay more attention to: parabens.  Parabens are the preservative entity of the entire cosmetic industry. They're effective and cheap and help major companies 'bottom line' when it comes to business and budgets. Unfortunately, these cheap shortcuts may be compromising your health. As preservatives, parabens are common to most cosmetic products. There has been mounting evidence that parabens are carcinogenic and estrogenic with continued use. Parabens are estrogen mimickers that are easily absorbed into the skin. As we are learning, estrogen increases may be linked to breast cancer and other illnesses. Laboratory testing has created cancer cells with parabens, so they're rightly considered carcinogenic. Yikes!

So what are you using that could be aiding to later health risks? Deodorants and antiperspirants are some of the primary sources of parabens. It's also important to recognize that whatever you spread on your skin can be absorbed into your body and potentially cause serious damage over time. Certain shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are also to blame. 

So what is one to do? Lately it seems like everywhere we turn there is a new fear or a new chemical to avoid. Avoiding parabens and other harmful chemicals requires becoming an avid label reader. Beware that products boasting "all-natural" labels can still contain harmful chemicals, including parabens, so make sure to check the list of ingredients. All it takes is a quick read of the ingredients list and you can rest easy knowing your body isn't absorbing any of those harsh chemicals. 

Coconut Oil: Skin benefits for life

In case you haven't heard, coconut oil seems to be the topic of conversation when it comes to the latest super food trends. Found in many common foods, this versatile oil can be used as an ingredient to boost your metabolism and immune system, as a moisturizer for your skin, and a conditioner for many hair types. In many parts of the world, using coconut oil on your hair and skin has been an ancient practice and is still used today.

As far as skin care goes, coconut oil can be a great moisturizer. Commercial moisturizers contain lots of water, which makes you feel like your skin is being moisturized. But as soon as the water dries, your skin becomes dry again. Also, many commercial brands of moisturizers contain petroleum-based ingredients that can suffocate the skin. In contrast, coconut oil provides deep and real moisture. It helps strengthen underlying tissues and helps remove excessive dead cell on the skin's surface that makes your skin rough and flaky in texture. On your face, apply as you would your normal moisturizer. While it tends to have a greasier consistency at first, it's fantastic at absorbing quickly into skin. Remember: a little bit goes a long way. A spoonful is enough for your entire body. This previous summer, my father would slather the stuff all over his skin and use it as a natural sunscreen. According to our family dermotoligist, coconut oil has a natural spf of 7-10. Apparantly father knows best!

When purchasing your first jar of coconut oil, be sure to look for extra virgin coconut oil. A brand that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorized will do the trick. Organic will ensure 100 percent non-GMO, which is also preferable. You don’t have to refrigerate it after opening. Store it in the kitchen cuppard or a bathroom that doesn’t get too warm. Get ready to get hooked on this afforabale and reliable ancient remedy that has limitless benefits for your body; both inside and out!

Healthy Oils Brings Healthy Skin in the New Year

This month, we're talking about the reparative effects of organic oils in our Evening Eye Repair Serum for your skin.  Did you know that eating healthy oils will bring additional positive effects for the skin and body?  We are highlighting two specifically - Omega-3 fatty acids and Coconut oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids - and particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - are essential for healthy skin and hair. EPA helps regulate oil production in your skin. Having plenty of this essential fatty acid in your body keeps your skin hydrated and prevents it from drying and flaking. It can also protect and repair skin from UV damage by acting as antioxidant against harmful free radicals.

Omega-3s play an important role in weight loss by helping to burn calories before they become stored in our bodies, which means less extra weight carry. Ongoing research suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to directly influence important metabolic genes in our cells – genes that control how we synthesize glycogen and how we store and burn fat.

You can find Omega-3 fatty acids in cold water fatty fish (sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel), as well as walnuts, canola oil and flax seed. We personally like to add a high quality flax seed meal to our food for nutty tasted that is easy to digest.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
According to a study published recently in the medical journal Obesity Research, diets rich in coconut oil can potentially stimulate weight loss by increasing the metabolism, and may aid in the prevention of obesity. Most of what we consume in the United States consists of artery-clogging, 'long-chain' saturated fats derived from grain-fed animals. But the plant-based medium chain fatty acids (or medium chain triglycerides - MCT as they are known in scientific circles) tend to digest quickly, producing energy and stimulating the metabolism, thereby helping overweight people reduce their weight.

A number of studies have found that the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil are not readily converted into stored fats, nor can they be readily used by the body to make larger fat molecules. While you can cook with coconut oil (it has a high heat temperature).  We love to add tablespoon of coconut oil to a tropical fruit smoothie.

Whatever oils you use, make sure they are cold-pressed, extra virgin or direct from the source (mmm, seafood!), and always Be Natural!

Fall For A New Look

Seasonal foods aren't just for eating! Amp up your fall glow with a few of our favorite pumpkin, pomegranate, and other autumn-inspired ingredients. These rich, moisturizing formulas are the perfect defense against cool, dry November air. First, let's start with the face. Makeup is the quickest way to spice up your look this season. Therefore, it's time to restock your cosmetic bag, and we know just the products you'll need. Try different eyeshadows this season. Match up your eye color with a shadow that will enhance your color. For example, if you want you baby blues to pop try a terracotta eyeliner and light brown shadow. If you want to wow em' with your brown beauties, try purple shadow. Deep purples really enhance the brown tones in your eyes. No matter your eye color, with the right shadow shade it will surely pop! Reminder-make sure your mascara isn't more than six months old. Nasty little critters like to make their home on your lushes lashes. With a new season should come a new scent. So splurge on a scent you've been eyeing (or rather, smelling) at the mall. A little fall spice would be a nice transition from your late summer floral scent. Finally, don't forget your digits! We mean your finger nails! Who doesn't love bright pinks and corals? For fall, we've found a few options that will be more weather fitting. From jewel toned purple to brilliant teal, we're sure you will find something that will suit your style! So just because the temperature is cooling down doesn't mean your style has to. Have a little "me time" and treat yourself-you deserve it!

Are Colored Contacts Part of Your Halloween Costume?

Halloween is our biggest excuse to play dress-up and be as silly, horrifying, and over-the-top as we want. While some wear pre-made, out of the package costumes, others carefully craft their garments, and take accessories very seriously. From bullet wounds to zombie makeup and colored contact lenses, the devil is in the details for some of us. While decorative and colored contact lenses are primarily non-corrective, they are still considered medical devices by the FDA. They are not, as some might advertise, a “cosmetic,” which can freely be sold in stores or over the internet. But just like you need to be vigilant about using non-toxic body paint, you should also beware of non-prescription decorative or colored contact lenses. These lenses can transform your eyes into that of a cat, a werewolf, or a vampire, or make your brown eyes blue. But these lenses can do major harm if not fitted and used properly, even for a few short hours. Decorative contact lenses should be fitted and prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They are not, as the FDA describes them, “one size fits all.” For someone not used to wearing contacts, buying a pair that are a poor fit can cause eye damage; some of which could even be long-lasting or permanent. Damage can include, scratches to the cornea, corneal infection, conjunctivitis, decreased vision, and even blindness. Also, there are care procedures for these decorative lenses, just as there are for regular ones. Cleaning and disinfecting are among them, but also making sure they are removed daily is of utmost importance. Late-night Halloween parties mean you may roll into bed without removing the lenses, and you could wake up with them adhered to your eyeball and difficult to remove without causing harm-and pain! The FDA is aware that many places illegally sell decorative contact lenses to consumers without valid prescriptions for as little as $20. You should never buy lenses from street vendors, salons or beauty supply, stores, boutiques, flea markets, novelty stores, Halloween stores, convenience stores or the internet (unless the site requires a prescription). These are not authorized distributors of contact lenses, which are prescription devices by federal law. So if your costume calls for color contacts, there are a few simple steps that you can take in order to keep your eyes healthy. First, get an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist), even if you feel your vision is perfect. Get a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and an expiration date. Whether you go in person or shop online, buy the lenses from a seller that requires you to provide a prescription. Follow these simple steps and have spooky (yet safe) eyes this Halloween!

Customer Question "How Do I get rid of adult acne?"

Acne at any age can be embarrassing as well as troublesome. No one likes to go out in public with one facial blemish, let alone a lingering acne flare-up that just won't seem to go away. You've tried washing, exfoliating, moisturizing and creams. Over the counter products don't work and as much appeal as shelling out a small fortune on "as seen on tv" acne products...those teenagers on the ad's don't instill much confidence. After you've determined your unique skin type, it's time to begin the skin care treatment to get rid of that lingering acne once and for all. We have several products that you can try to hopefully balance out your breakouts. Try our AHA facial wash. It contains 10% glycolic acid to aid in fighting off those blemishes.

After you're left with a clean and refreshing feeling, give your skin a break. Try to not use harsh makeup or lotions containing many scents and perfumes. Many times, the products we use on an everyday basis are the culprit of our skin care woes. If you use makeup, try to use mineral base brands and don't clog up those freshly open pores. Keep it away from your T-zone and watch the clear up begin! After your skin has started to clear up, you could try a gentle exfoliating technique to get rid of those dead skin cells and really open your pores up. Often times, clogged pores cause blemishes and a quick and simple exfoliation routine could clear up days of worry! Your skin should be feeling pretty great right about now; and it is the perfect time to balance those pH levels. Balanced skin can protect your moisture levels and helps block oxidation. It is often an important step that is overlooked in a healthcare skin routine.

Hopefully with these tips and these basic starting products, you can begin to get some relief from those blemishes. No one should have to live with preventable acne!