Last time, the giveaway was so successful, they decided to sponsor another one for a gallon sized pail of coconut oil. This is a serious amount of coconut oil, but judging by how quickly we run through this at my house, it’d probably last a week. (Just kidding!) Just imagine how long it would last you!

I’ve loved coconut oil ever since I discovered all of it’s incredible benefits and uses. It’s so versatile and can be used to cook with, for beauty, and for health. Check out the many incredible uses for coconut oil or watch it here!

Here’s yet another use of coconut oil: you can use it to make your own safe and effective sunscreen! I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s on my “To Do List!”

Recent studies show the method of coconut oil preparation is directly related to it’s effectiveness and antioxidant content. So that means the coco oil you get from the health food store may not be as high quality as you think.

Tropical Traditions, however, is made by families in the Philippines using traditional methods, which means it’s quality and purity is preserved.

This can be yours....

To enter the giveaway, see below. There’s lots of ways to enter, and if you only want to use 1 or 2 of the methods, that’s ok too. No pressure!

If you just can’t wait for the giveaway to be over, just click here to order some coconut oil today. There’s free shipping right now on TT for a limited time only.

Best of luck to all my readers!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

This ingredient comes with a bit of confusion. It’s in many personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, cleansers, and more. It’s also commonly found in foods…but is it safe?

First, let’s take a look at what potassium sorbate really is. Here’s the definition from Wikipedia:

“Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, chemical formula C6H7KO2. Its primary use is as a food preservative (E number 202).[3] Potassium sorbate is effective in a variety of applications including food, wine, and personal care products.”

It ‘s a substance naturally found in berries but now for the most part is of chemical origin.

The primary function of PS is to inhibit mold and fungus while preserving the purity of the product. In my research, I found that PS is not strong enough to inhibit bacteria so it’s used in combination with other preservatives.

The Good

PS is considered a much safer preservative than parabens. We all know how parabens mimic hormones in the body, so avoiding products with parabens is a must.

It’s used in many natural products whose formulators want to avoid parabens, the more widespread preservative used in most commercial cosmetics.

PS has been found to be non-irritating (except to the most sensitive skin), non-sensitizing, and non-mutagenic.

There’s been no ill effects found from long term use…so far, seems pretty good, right? What’s the bad news?

The Bad

The Cosmetics Database rates it as low hazard, with slight concerns about its potential as a carcinogen, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.

The negative effects of potassium sorbate are hard to find.

Such limited data suggests this compound needs further study.

So Should You Avoid it?

It all depends on personal preference. If you are the sort of person who likes to avoid any synthetic ingredient in your cosmetics (like me) then I would say avoid it. Many of us make our own formulas and have no problems avoiding PS. However, if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to DIY and your favorite natural moisturizer has PS in it, don’t sweat it.

The most important thing I found in preparing this article is that more research is needed about potassium sorbate. I am the sort of person who errs on the side of caution. I will avoid it in my products and my food, for that matter! Any chance of toxicity is too big a risk for me. Check out the video below for a doctor’s take on PS.

Now it’s your turn!

Do you avoid potassium sorbate in your cosmetics and food? If so, why?

Do you have any useful info on potassium sorbate that I didn’t cover in this article?

Please share your thoughts using the Facebook Comments section below.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. Good news! The Real Purity/Toxic Beauty Blog sale has been extended through the month of May! Save 10% on all Real Purity cosmetics by using the coupon code “Robin” at checkout. Thanks, Real Purity! (Just click the link to browse, shop, and save!)

P.P.S. When you order with Real Purity, you also get a boatload of free samples! One of my favorite products is the Creme Supreme….it’s the best facial cream ever!

Are you getting the right vitamins and minerals for optimal health and beauty?

“You can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral [a nutrient] deficiency.” -Dr. Linus Pauling

Is a vitamin deficiency making you old and sick before your time?

Have you made the connection whatever you put into your mouth (or don’t put into your mouth) has a direct effect on your health and how quickly you age?

Five years ago, I wasn’t making this connection. I hadn’t made the switch to organic food and was still consuming a SAD (Standard American Diet) way of eating. I was so clueless I had no idea I needed to supplement my poor diet which consisted of processed foods with vitamins. I think if I had the hindsight to use vitamins at that time they probably would have been commercially made. If that were the case, I would have “peed” them right out as many of them are synthetic and pass through the body with no real benefit.

What were the effects of my poor micronutrient diet?

I was overweight, sluggish, with dull hair and lackluster skin.

Only when I realized the importance of real food and quality supplements did I take control of my health, lose weight, and regain healthy hair and skin.

Most people in this country are malnourished, despite the obesity epidemic! Vitamin deficiency is on the rise and the effects can be devastating. MS, cancer, and other serious health problems are attributed to vitamin deficiency.

Aging is a natural part of life, but if you’re deficient in a vitamin, you can experience accelerated aging.

If your diet is low in antioxidants, it will cause you to age at a quicker rate than those who get the Recommended Daily Allowance or RDA of vitamins and minerals.

Studies have even shown with proper supplementation, you can reverse aging and regain a healthier state. In one study, older rats were given Alpha Lipoic Acid and L-Carnitine. This in turn lowered their oxidant levels to that of young rats! Perhaps through this research we’ve found the fountain of youth!

Here are some of the most common micronutrient deficiencies and the ailments they are linked to:

• Vitamin D- MS, hypertension, obesity

• Vitamin K – Osteoporosis, excessive bleeding

• Iron - Chronic fatigue, headaches, dizziness

• Zinc – Impaired immune function

• Vitamin B12 and B6 – Depression, dementia, skin problems

What makes this worse is even if you eat mostly whole foods, the soil of today is depleted. This means much of the food you’re eating is already vitamin and mineral deficient. Poor farming practices and pesticide use contribute to this. This is why its even more important to eat organically, whenever possible. It’s been proven that organic food contains more nutrients than conventional foods.

Here’s a few more things that can deplete your micronutrient intake:

• Excessive exercise

• Dieting

• Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs

Recently, I listened to an enlightening podcast from The Underground Wellness Show. In it, Sean Croxton interviewed the authors of Naked Calories: How Micronutrients Can Maximize Weight Loss, Prevent Disease, and Enhance Your Life. It just so happened I downloaded this podcast on the morning I was going to write this post. It was fate! The book is primarily about how micronutrient imbalance contributes to disease. I’d highly recommend reading this book if you’re experiencing symptoms of accelerated aging and disease.

So how do you know which vitamin or mineral you’re deficient in and how much of it to take? This can be really confusing! You don’t want to spend big money on supplements and pee it out, do you?

This is where a wonderful tool I’ve spoken of before on the blog comes in. You can use Biomeridian Assessment to have your vitamin levels tested. This is an accurate and non-invasive way to see where you stand. Five years ago when I started my organic journey, I met Andrea, a certified Biomeridian practitioner. She was able to test the energies in my body and let me know what my deficiencies were. Most people are lacking in iodine and I was one of them! In addition, she found I needed to take a whole food multivitamin and magnesium and potassium.

Another perk is that she can test a particular brand to see if it works with your body. This means no more spending money on low quality supplements which provide no benefits. It’s really a magical test which I highly recommend to anyone. It can truly change your life and your health! If you’re in the South Florida area, contact Andrea Mandel at (954)474-4829 or find her on Facebook.

At this point, you may be thinking…”Do I suffer from a vitamin deficiency?” If you are experiencing any of the symptoms I related above, I would definitely locate a Biomeridian practitioner in your area and get yourself checked out. It can be as simple as a one hour test to start looking and feeling better fast.

Now it’s your turn!

How do you maintain adequate micronutrient levels? Do you believe the heath of your skin relies just as much on what you ingest as what you put on it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. Don’t forget about the special offer just for TBB readers! It’s now been extended to 10% off on ALL Products on the Real Purity site! Just remember to get the deal, enter code “Robin” at checkout. It’s for a limited time only, so get in on it now and get yourself some holistic, safe skincare which can compliment your healthy diet!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

For those of you who are regulars here at TBB, you know how much I love Real Purity!

I have partnered with Real Purity for an exclusive discount just for you, my lovely readers!

We all know going organic and natural with our cosmetics can be difficult, since you’re paying more for quality products and ingredients.

To make this easier for you, Real Purity has provided me with a special discount code so you can save 10% off selected products! I know that might not seem like a lot, but when you add it up, every penny saved counts, right?

For a limited time only....

Real Purity has been creating quality cosmetics for 25 years and in celebration,  you get to save 10% on the following products:

• Anti-Aging Creme

• Deodorant

• Eye Shadows

• Lipsticks

• Blushes

• Herbal Insect Repellant

Simply enter code: “Robin” at checkout and your discount will automatically be applied!

What’s also really cool about Real Purity (besides the fact that their products are formulated by a naturopath to be safe and holistic) is that they send you tons of freebies with every order. They could be lipstick, eyeshadow, or skin care samples…which is great so you can try them before you buy them!

But this special discount code won’t last…it’s only good through May 15, so start shopping now!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. If you want to check out some of the reviews I’ve done in the past on Real Purity cosmetics, click on the links below:

What’s the Best Deodorant For Women?

You Get What You Pay For

Real Purity Organic Skin Care Product Review

Disclaimer: I will receive an affiliate commission if you choose to purchase the above stated cosmetics from Real Purity and enter “Robin” into the coupon code box at checkout.

I’m a pretty savvy organic shopper, so I thought I knew all the best places to buy natural products online. I discovered this shop through my daily Organic Deals & Coupons newsletter. By the way, if you’re not subscribed to this, I totally recommend it. It’s a great blog that gives you sales and deals on everything natural and organic! One day they sent an email about Abe’s Market. They linked to a deal (sort of like a Groupon) on a site for a gift certificate for $25 for $15. That’s like getting $10 worth of products for free! Needless to say, I jumped on it!

I wanted to share this site with you as I know buying organic, especially beauty and personal care products, can get expensive and Abe’s Market has excellent prices. Not only do they sell cosmetics, but they also sell other natural products for the whole family and pets.

The site is pretty sweet looking too, which makes it a pleasure to shop online. They’re always having sales, so if you sign up for their newsletter, you get first dibs! I love it when they have free shipping, which is often. That’s when I stock up on Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. They are my secret indulgence. Please don’t tell!

They also feature a variety of sellers, many of whom are smaller, independent brands, who I love to support. They give you the background story about how these businesses began (love that!)

Another great thing Abe’s Market does is they sponsor giveaways! On their Facebook page, they always have a giveaway going on for cool natural products.

Since we are primarily concerned with beauty products on my blog (and anyway, isn’t that the most important thing?), here’s a few highlights of the best natural products they carry:

• Peacekeep Cause-Metics Lip Glosses- I bought the color called “Stillness.” It’s a gorgeous neutral peachy-beige with slight sparkle. I adore it! It’s $9.95, which is a pretty good price for a natural lip gloss.

• Keeki Pure & Simple- A while back, I tested out their water-based nail polish, which are terrific. Abe’s also sells their line of lip balms.

• Golden Earth- This is a natural perfume line which I happened to review last year…at only $20 a bottle, this is a pretty sweet deal!

• Blissoma- Another brand they carry which I reviewed a few years ago. Blissoma is a fabulous line created by a woman who really knows how to formulate natural skin care!

Here’s a few more Abe’s Market perks:

• You can sample any 3 products for just $2 (pretty cool)

• You can get a discount simply by sharing your cart or a product page with a friend!

• You can buy chocolate in BULK (what more needs to be said here?)

• As I mentioned before, they have FREE shipping deals all the time

And here’s another PERK!

Place an order at Abe’s Market, enter code “TBB” at checkout and automatically get 10% off your order! But hurry, this is through the end of the month only!

A few weeks ago, they even had a common last name sale. If your last name was one of the most common ones they provided, all you had to do was enter it into the coupon code box and you’d get 20% off! Isn’t that cool?

I could go on and on…instead why don’t you take a minute to explore what Abe’s Market has to offer, then come back to this post and leave a comment on what you thought of the site.

Ok, are you back yet? Impressed? I know I am.  I know you’re dying to go back to the Abe’s Market site and shop some more. I won’t hold you back! Just remember it was me who sent you to the greatest organic market online!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Disclaimer: If you decide to purchase any of the products from Abe’s Market through my links, I will make an affiliate commission which will contribute toward my Toxic Beauty fund (which will probably go right back to Abe’s Market when I place my next order!)

Remember back in the 80s when we used to think VO5 was the best hair oil? I remember those days of pouffy hair and dousing my locks with toxic chemicals…but those days are gone and most of us (hopefully) have moved on to a safer haircare regimen (and smaller hair!)

I’ve been a huge fan of coconut oil for a few years now, ever since I found out it was so incredibly good for you. Back in the day, coconut oil was portrayed as an unhealthy, saturated fat, but those of us “in the know” realize how truly miraculous this oil is.

It has hundreds of uses. Here’s a sampling of a few of them:

• Use as face and body moisturizer

• Take 3-4 tablespoons for daily energy and fat burning fuel

• Bake with it in place of unhealthy canola oil

• Safe oil for frying as it has a high heat point

• Use as a natural deodorant

Click here for even more uses!

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil Review

I was so thrilled to receive a jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to review. I’ve tried many brands of coconut oil before and I must say TT’s version is of the highest quality. It has a slightly coconuty, almost smoky flavor.

You really need to be careful of the coconut oil you purchase because not all companies take care with the production and manufacturing of the product as TT does. TT’s coconut oil come from family farms in the Phillippines using traditional methods passed down for generations. This is the sort of coconut oil I want to be using!

So after all these years of eating coconut oil, baking, and cooking with it, it never once dawned on me to use it on my hair. I’d done olive oil hair treatments before with incredible results, so I thought, why not give coconut oil a try?

If you decide to do a coco oil hair treatment, here are a few things to remember:

• Apply the coconut oil to your hair, paying special attention to the roots (I’ll tell you why in a minute)

• Apply the oil to dry hair

• Leave on for 30 minutes, an hour, or even overnight for some serious deep conditioning

• Cover hair with a shower cap or wrap your head in saran wrap to lock in heat to condition even more

• When rinsing, shampoo hair twice, then condition as normal

So why in the world would you want to slather coconut oil all over your head?

Here’s why coconut oil works wonders for your hair. It:

• Strengthens hair

• Protects against hair loss due to the anti-microbial lauric acid it contains

• Rejuvenates hair with it’s Vitamin E content

• Moisturizes and conditions

• Is anti-dandruff due to the high fatty acid content

• Is a wonderful styler – just use caution not to use too much (less is more)

Doesn’t it make your hair greasy?

The answer is no! When you rinse it all out, you will be left with soft, shiny, grease-free hair!

I did this treatment yesterday and my results were exactly as expected. I didn’t think my hair would look so healthy, but it did! This treatment is great for dry hair especially. You can still do this treatment if you have oily hair, I just wouldn’t apply all the way to your roots. You can do this treatment once to twice a week to reap all the beautiful hair benefits.

You have a few options to try Tropical Traditions Gold label Virgin Coconut Oil. You can choose to purchase it. TT is always having sales! Right now the 32 oz jar is buy 1 get 1 free for a total price of $40! One jar is $29.50.

 OR

If you’re the kind who likes to try before you buy, you can win a 32 oz. jar of your very own here!

It’s going to be very easy to sign up for a chance to win.

Here’s the details:

You get one entry for signing up for TT’s email newsletter (Mandatory entry)

You get 3 additional entries for following Toxic Beauty Blog on Facebook AND for being an active participant in the discussions on Toxic Beauty Blog’s Facebook page.

So let’s get this giveaway going NOW! The giveaway runs from now through April 9 at 12:01 am. If you are chosen as the winner, TT will send the coco oil directly to you and you will get to experience the best hair oil you’ve ever tried!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to all my lovely readers!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. Be sure to check out the video below on how TT discovered this magical oil and be sure to leave a comment on your favorite way to use coconut oil!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. In addition, if you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

One of the questions I get most from readers is, “What’s the best natural deodorant for women?” Many people think natural or organic deodorant don’t work- that because they lack chemical ingredients, they simply don’t do the job. Believing this, they say, “Oh, well.” and go back to using their toxic deodorants…claiming their desire to stay dry and odor-free is more important than their desire to use a safer deodorant.

I disagree with this way of thinking…no way in hell would you have caught me going back to Dove or Secret if Natural Brand A didn’t work…I’d keep trying until I found a brand that worked with my body chemistry.

It’s not cheap, either, playing trial and error with natural deodorants. They usually cost more than the drugstore brands. To me though, it’s worth it. Commercial deodorants carry too much risk and if you’re trying to go more natural with your personal care products, deodorant is the first thing you should switch over.

But with all the different brands out there carrying more expensive price tags, how do you know which one is best for you?

Before I reveal to you my deodorant superhero, I want to tell you a story. It’s not a pretty story and is a bit embarrassing too, but I am here to educate, so if I must embarrass myself, so be it.

I was 2 years into being the editor-in-chief of Toxic Beauty Blog and being such, I was privy to trying all sorts of natural cosmetics and providing reviews. One of the products I always was first in line to test was deodorant. I’m one of the people who thought finding an effective natural deodorant was impossible.

I was sent a natural deodorant with fantastic ingredients: Organic arrowroot powder, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic lemon essential oil, organic clove essential oil. Not only did it have wonderful ingredients, but was also 100% USDA certified organic! I thought I hit the jackpot and was excited to test it out.

I used it for about a week and noticed it wasn’t exactly meeting my expectations. One day my significant other and I went to buy a desk. We had to rent a truck to bring it back to our house. Oh yes, let me also tell you I live in a very hot and humid climate, which really puts your deodorant to work. Back to the story, we were driving in a U-haul truck when my boyfriend said, “What’s that smell?”

Horrifyingly, that smell was me. Yes, I will admit my funk. The deodorant did ok for the first few days, then completely quit on me. The B.O. monster had emerged. What a horrifying moment to have your boyfriend point out that you stink. I take pride in always smelling good! Which deodorant quit on me? It was Bubble and Bee’s Pit Putty….I just became their affiliate and I’m not trying to talk bad about them because I absolutely adore their other bath and body products, but their formula simply didn’t work with my body chemistry. It might not do the same for you and be the best deodorant you ever tried.

When I told Stephanie Greenwood, the B&B owner about my experience, she immediately sent me a different formula. It was also Pit Putty but in Spearmint and Tea Tree. I did better with this, but in the long run, it still didn’t do the job for me. By the way, a really good thing about Bubble and Bee is they have a deodorant chart so you can figure out which formula is right for you and if you buy one and it doesn’t work, they will provide you another or another or another….you get the picture. How many companies will do this for you, no questions asked? It’s rare. Read more about their unprecedented Satisfaction Guarantee:

“If the first deodorant you try from us doesn’t work for you, we’re happy to help you find a second, or even third one that does. Send us an e-mail to stephanie@bubbleandbee.com and tell us your issue. We have found that if one deodorant doesn’t work for you, another one will. So, the first thing we do is send you an alternate combination of bacteria-fighting essential oils or method of delivery (spray vs. stick) of your choice. All you pay is the shipping (which we don’t upcharge). If the replacement product doesn’t work for you, we repeat the process until you’re absolutely thrilled. We cannot offer a money-back return of an opened personal care item like deodorant. We will, however, send you a replacement to try. If you ordered more than one deodorant, we will accept any unopened / undamaged items and give you a refund excluding any shipping charges associated with the return.”

Amazing, huh?

Anyway, back to my story…after the Pit Putty debacle, I ended up going back to a deodorant I had found a few years back when I was browsing one of my favorite sites for organic and natural personal care products and cosmetics, Pure Complexions. It’s….Real Purity!

Those of you who’ve been reading this blog for a while know how passionate I am about Real Purity products. I’ve actually spoken with a relative of the founder and know how dedicated they are to providing safe products. Their deodorant comes in a roller bottle and is called Holisitc Deodorant.

Me and my favorite deodorant- Real Purity Holistic Formula!

What does holistic mean?

“RP deo” as I affectionately call it, is not only a product designed to keep you dry and non-odorous. It’s a product designed for your total body well-being. Using natural minerals and herbs, it actually allows your skin to “breathe” as it was meant to. The body sweats as a means of detoxification and if we load all these manufactured chemicals on our skin, it causes our bodies to become toxic.

“Any attempt to artificially prevent perspiration is very unhealthy because perspiration is the Maker’s method of safely cooling the body while excreting numerous toxins. Suppressing the natural sweat response in your underarms or other areas of the body blocks the body’s cleansing process and the natural flow of the lymphatic system. Interference in normal lymphatic function may increase the risk for breast cancer.”

This quote is from the book The Maker’s Diet, by Jordan S. Rubin, whose incredible self-healing led him to create the Garden of Life nutritional supplement company. I’m in the middle of this book now and it’s quite incredible! What he states has been proven by many other researchers. In addition, most deodorants and antiperspirants contain toxic chemicals linked to Alzhemier’s Disease, liver disease, and tumors.

What I really love about RP deo is that it fights odor while providing real body benefits at the same time. I can honestly say when I use this deodorant and wear a sleeveless shirt, I am not afraid to “Raise my hand!”

I just cannot say enough good things about this deodorant. For now, it only comes in a roll on, but RP has told me they currently have a deodorant stick and spray in the works. I can’t wait!

What about cost, you say?

Yes, it does cost $10 a bottle, but it’s so worth it. Pay a little more for your deodorant now and lower your risk of developing breast cancer or Alzheimer’s Disease from the toxic ingredients in regular deodorants. Like I always say, pay now or pay later.

The Bottom Line

I would definitely have to say the best natural deodorant for women (and men, for that matter, my boyfriend uses it too!) is Holistic Deodorant by Real Purity. I want to be completely honest here: if you purchase this product through my link, I will get a (small) commission. I make a whopping 10% off each order…this proves that my main goal is to help you find a safer deodorant alternative so you can reduce your and your family’s risk of horrible diseases down the road. I don’t think I’ll get rich off of selling a few deodorants, but if I help people along the way, the bit that I do make will be even sweeter.

Now I want to hear from you!

Are you a Real Purity deodorant fan, if not, are you ready to try the best and toss the rest?

What deodorants have you had success with?

And please, please share your embarrassing deodorant fail moments too, so I don’t feel so bad about mine.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Little Reggie (name has been changed to protect privacy) came to class each day with terrible welts and patches on his skin. After lunch, he’d itch and itch and no matter how many times I’d tell him to stop, he kept on itching. He’d cry too as the welts were painful, made worse by all the scratching he was doing. It broke my heart to see him in pain and it made me wonder…just what are the causes of eczema and how can it be treated naturally?

Eczema ranges in severity.

 What is Eczema?

Before we jump into the causes, just what exactly is eczema? Here is a simple definition from Dr. Melissa Conrad Stoppler:

“Eczema is a term for different types of skin inflammation (dermatitis). The symptoms of eczema commonly include itchy, reddened, dry skin.”

So basically, any form of rash can be considered eczema. It can range in severity from just a small patch of itchy rash to large areas of the body.

The most common areas of the body affected by eczema are the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Most everyone has experienced a skin rash at one time or another in their life that eventually goes away, but persistent rashes and skin lesions are considered chronic eczema.

What Causes Eczema?

Experts say eczema is hereditary, and that it’s more common among members of the same family. Others claim it’s caused by environmental or dietary factors. I tend to agree with the latter viewpoint as I’ve seen this up close.

My student had many food allergies and although his mother tried very hard to keep him away from certain foods, this was not always possible. When he returned from the lunch period, his itching was much worse and I tend to think it was because he ate the wrong foods at lunch. We’ll get more into the eczema/nutrition connection in a bit.

Some doctors say eczema is an outward reflection of inflammation within the body and is a result of a weakened immune system. Factors within the body which trigger eczema include poor nutrition and a body full of toxins.

The symptoms can also be worsened by environmental factors, such as when personal care products, detergents, and clothing come into close contact with the skin. I think most people develop some sort of rash when using conventional personal care products, because these types of toxic ingredients are harmful to both the skin and the inner body when they get absorbed.

When people get a rash or allergic reaction, they tend to not make the connection between the irritation and their skin products. In the past, I would get constant rashes under my arms from the deodorant I used and I never thought it was from my deodorant.

Much of the cases of eczema I believe can be completely avoided by switching to natural or organic skin products.

So what are the options in treating eczema and can it be cured?

There are different approaches to treating eczema, including both pharmaceutical and natural methods. An approach I would not recommend is to use medicated creams and prescription drugs. Such “remedies” only mask the symptoms, without seeking to treat the underlying causes. Both over the counter and RX drugs also come with a host of side effects you may encounter and it’s just not worth the risk.

So if medicated creams and drugs are out, what to do when you have an outbreak?

Here’s a few healthier options for topical relief:

• Apply a natural, soothing lotion, such as Calamine (a great one is Cal-Al by Aubrey Organics, which combines calamine and aloe) or a cream/gel containing calendula, which is an anti-inflammatory

• Use a healing balm such as Sweet Blessed Bee Magic, Badger Balm, or Hawaiian Healing Salve by Lanikai

• If you are sensitive to cremes with essential oils, use plain old organic, virgin coconut oil – it’s incredibly healing in so many ways

If you are afflicted with eczema, there are a few things you need to avoid such as:

• Over-bathing (when you do bathe, take short showers/baths in warm, not hot water)

• Allergic foods (some examples of allergic foods include wheat, dairy, corn, and rice)

• Scratching (I know, it’s hard not to!)

• Excess sweating (it makes the itching worse)

• Irritants, such as skin lotions, perfumes, and soaps)

The Eczema/Nutrition Connection

Even though I find some validity in the eczema/heredity link, I think the biggest factor with the potential to make it worse is diet. Reggie himself proved how his eczema worsened after he ate wheat and drank dairy at lunch. For me, I notice an increase in skin redness and itchiness if I eat a food I know I shouldn’t. If you know you’re sensitive to wheat, gluten, dairy, or other foods, it’s best to avoid those foods at all costs.

In addition, people’s eczema’s symptoms are worsened simply by a poor diet. If your diet is full of packaged, processed foods, your eczema will be worse, guaranteed. The best diet for someone with skin irritation is to eat whole foods, such as organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats, along with sources of healthy fats, such as coconut oil, fish, and nuts. The consumption of healthy fats is critical. The Eczema Natural Healing site says,

“…it has been scientifically proven through clinical research that individuals with eczema appear to have deficiencies in essential fatty acids.”

You may want to check out the book, The Skin Cure Diet: Heal Eczema From the Inside Out, available on Amazon.com.

In addition, those afflicted with eczema most likely have a buildup of toxins in their bodies, which may include pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, and drugs. The best defense against this is to do a thorough detoxification program, which may include juicing whole fruits and vegetables. One herbal detox program I’ve used in the past is made by Dr. Natura, which is a high quality brand only available online. It really works!

In summary, the best option on how to treat eczema is to look internally. Eat healthily and do a detox program and you should see improvements. If outbreaks still occur, you can use a natural cream which will provide immediate relief.

Now, I want to hear from you.

Have you been afflicted with this uncomfortable disorder before? If so, what treatment options did you choose? Do you feel as though eczema is more of a hereditary disorder, an environmental one, or one of nutritional deficiency?

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Should she be applying sunscreen?

Why use sunscreen…or why not to? Have I piqued your curiosity? You probably already know why people say you should use sunscreen, but have you ever thought about why you shouldn’t? Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear any sunscreen ever, but there are times when your body needs to stay sunscreen-free.

Recently on Facebook, I became involved in an interesting conversation in one of the groups I’m in. Somehow we got to talking about sunscreen and this person asked me if I used it daily, as “they” say you should. I guiltily replied….”No.” (And you know what’s funny, she said she didn’t either!)

It’s true. Every day when I get up, I just spritz my face, apply moisturizer, makeup, and then I’m out the door. I do not and have not ever used a daily sunscreen (or sun block) on my face. I am probably breaking one of the golden skin care rules, but sometimes you just gotta break the rules. Let’s cover a few of the reasons why they say you should wear sunscreen and then we’ll head over to the rebel side of thought on why you shouldn’t.

Why Use Sunscreen

You must protect your face before you head out into the harsh elements! This is what we’ve been taught for eons. Here’s some of the reasons, in theory, why you ought to use sunscreen:

1. Sun damage is the number one cause of skin cancer

2. Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging of the skin

3. Just twenty minutes of sun exposure can damage fair skin.

4. Sun damage is impossible to un-do. Once you’ve damaged your skin through over-exposure to UV rays, it’s damaged for life, and the effects are cumulative.

These come from the article “The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen” if you want to check it out.

These may sound like valid points but I tend to disagree. Here’s my take on each of these factors.

1. While the claim that sun damage is the number one cause of skin cancer may sound true, the real cause of most skin cancer is the toxic soup of chemicals in commercial sunscreens. Have you ever looked up the ingredients on Skin Deep’s Cosmetics Safety Database? Most sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, rate as high hazard on the database, which rates both ingredients and products on a scale from 0-10, 10 being most toxic. These ingredients are linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and allergies. The sun is being pinpointed as the bad guy when it’s actually the sunscreen causing the problems.

2. Is sun damage the number one cause of premature aging? I think it does play a role, especially if the sun is abused, but poor diet, heredity, and the use of toxic facial products also contribute to this. Yes, slathering that “antiaging moisturizer” you got from Walmart or even the high priced stuff from Macy’s cause you to age. It’s the weird chemicals at it again.

3. Just twenty minutes of sun exposure can damage fair skin. So all you fair-skinned ladies better stay indoors and at that, you may want to lock yourself in a tower as well. Ok, being a fair skinned gal myself, I can understand this one, but our bodies NEED the sun and I will explain why in a little bit.

4. Sun damage is un-doable. You know the buzzer sound on the “Family Feud?” Insert that sound here. Again, the sun is painted as a bad guy. Of course if you stay in the sun without sunscreen for 8 hours at a time, you will have damage. But it’s not a lost cause. There are lots you can do if you have sun damage, such as exfoliation and use of antioxidant rich topical creams like Pure Radiance Silk Antioxidant Moisturizing Cream.

Is the sun a friend or foe?

Now let’s move on you to why you SHOULDN’T wear sunscreen.

When you apply sunscreen, you are blocking the vitamin D the sun gives you. Our body needs Vitamin D to function and can’t make Vitamin D on its own. So we’re stuck with getting it from the sun (the best way) or by using supplements. While the glowing ball in the sky is always portrayed as the villain, the sun actually has been proven to fight cancer. Dr. Al Sears, West Palm Beach anti aging doctor says,

“Your body needs exposure to the sun to produce vitamin D. An Anticancer Research study found that just by getting a little sunlight every day – about 20 minutes for fair-skinned people and two to four times that much for those with dark skin – could reduce the risk of 16 types of cancer.”

Read more from Dr. Sears here in his article: Why 75% of Americans Don’t Get Enough Vitamin D

Dr. Joseph Mercola expands on this further:

“The 15 to 30 minutes per day generally applies to fair-skinned, thin, younger individuals, with the more of the body exposed, the better. Darker-skinned individuals may require several hours per day. For those unable to derive sufficient vitamin D from solar UVB, artificial UVB lamps are a viable option, as are vitamin D supplements.”

Even former critics of the sun are now beginning to admit how valuable it is for us and our health.

But what about those of us who, even after reading this, still want to play on the safe side and apply our non-chemical sunscreen?

I don’t want you all to think I am completely anti-sunscreen. There are exceptions to every rule. Even though I don’t use a daily sunscreen, when I go to the beach and am in the sun for long periods, I make sure to use a safe, chemical-free sunscreen. But I usually don’t apply it for at least the first 15-20 minutes so my body can get the Vitamin D benefits. After that, I apply sunscreen and sit under an umbrella for part of the time.

What does Dr. Mercola think about the use of sunscreen?

 

“The use of sunscreens is good at the beginning of the sunny season if one spends much time out of doors and also for those with fair skin in very sunny climates. The tan that develops with sun exposure is nature’s way of protecting against too much UV radiation. However, constant application of sunscreens reduces the photoproduction of vitamin D”

Do you agree with Dr. Mercola? I do… if you’re going to be outdoors often, you should protect your skin after 15-20 minutes of naked sun exposure. (When I say “naked” I mean without sunscreen!)

My Top Sunscreen Picks

If you’re one of those die-hard sunscreen fans, just make sure it’s a safe sunscreen. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Keys Solar Rx  (Click on the link to read my review.)

• Badger

• Solis

• Aubrey Organics

The Bottom Line

So to sum up….why use sunscreen? To make sure you don’t get burned to a crisp when you’re out in sun for long periods…Why not to use sunscreen? So your body can reap the Vitamin D benefits the sun has to offer.

So what are your thoughts on sunscreen? Do you use it daily under makeup or do you skip it like me? Do you think the sun is damaging or do you believe it’s really our friend?

Leave your comments below (I love to converse with you!) and please Like, Tweet, Google +, and Stumble this post if you feel like it.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. Some of the links are affiliate links, so if you purchase any of the products through them, I will make a few bucks which will contribute toward my Toxic Beauty fund.

What are Nano-Nano particles?

by guest blogger Amber Evans 

What are nanoparticles and why should they concern me?

The scientific definition of a nanoparticle is: a piece of material so small that its size is measured in nanometers or billionths of a meter.  In layman’s terms, it’s simply a super-tiny particle of matter. Their minute size is exactly what’s cause for concern. Let’s explore this further…

What’s the big deal about nanoparticles (NPs)?

The reason they’re getting so much press right now is because the medical industry (including biological engineering) is enamored with the research possibilities.

Nanoparticles are thought to possibly be the next step in improving digital imaging and cancer detection, according to Radiological Society of North America. “Nanoparticles hold the promise to not only diagnose, but also treat different cancers,” Kattesh V. Katti, Ph.D., has stated.

So why are we writing about nanoparticles on the Toxic Beauty Blog?

Nanoparticles are added to cosmetic and personal care products because of their micro size to enhance absorption of ingredients. But do we really want this to happen if the ingredients are toxic?

Recent studies also prove how NPs interfere with bodily functions. Our friends in the biomedical engineering industry have discovered that large doses of polystryene nanoparticles affect how well chickens absorbed iron into their cells.

If these nanoparticles are in our foods, vitamins, and cosmetics, they could possibly be conflicting with our bodies’ natural processes as well.

Polystryene is described as a “common FDA-approved material found in substances from food additives to vitamins,” the Science Daily states. When the scientists tested more concentrated exposure to the polystryene nanoparticles, they found that the human body cells gave an “unexpected” physiological response, which was the decrease in iron.

The scientists then said that this particle is more or less harmless and it causes these changes; therefore, what will the bad nanoparticles do?

This limited research proves more research is necessary and in the meantime, the best approach is avoid all products containing nanoparticles as we don’t know how they will affect our bodies and internal organs. However, this is hard to do as products containing such micro particles are not even required to be labeled!

Back in 2009, Science Daily reported nanoparticles in cosmetics could adversely affect the environment. But as human exposure to nanoparticles increases, “it’s unclear whether the benefits of nanotech outweigh the risks associated with environmental release and exposure to nanoparticles” (Science Daily, March 2009). So not only can they affect our bodies negatively, but they can also upset the delicate environmental balance.

If we think about it, simple common sense shows us the scientists’ concern about how nanoparticles affect the earth ultimately means humans. The nanoparticles are, after all, being dumped down drains and ending up in municipal plants. This means they’re in ground water, landfills, etc.

And since nanotechnologies could end up aiding cancer diagnoses, it is probably worth exploring further… but at what cost?

In theory, nanoparticles are actually a perfect technology to use in the cosmetic industry, after all, because they are so tiny (microscopic, like a cell) and can penetrate deeply into the skin.

Titanium dioxide NPs are already being used in sunscreens so that the cream becomes virtually invisible. But do we really want titanium dioxide or other cosmetic ingredients to penetrate as deeply as our organs?

L’Oreal is even researching how to deposit things like vitamin E deeply into the skin using nanoparticles. We all know that anything applied on the skin enters the bloodstream, but the size of the NPs allow it penetrate even deeper, which is where the problems begin.

Articles as far back as 2003 can be found when researching NPs. What follows are a few of the unsettling results.

Nanoparticles:

• Are toxic to cells in the immune system

• Can cause free radical production in the body which damages cells

• Are more likely to cause plaque accumulation in the arteries (from NPs in air pollution)

Despite these harmful results, the FDA still approves products containing NPs and don’t even require companies to put them on the labels. So it seems that even today, we still ponder the question, “what are nanoparticles and are they safe?”

What are your thoughts? Are you wary of nanoparticles in your cosmetics? If you knew a product contained NPs, would you avoid it?

Amber Evans is a Content Writer for Charleston Naturally, a seller and proponent of organic beauty brands like 100% Pure, Dr. Hauschka and ilike.