Be gentle with you skin, it’s an organ just like your heart!

People often think that they can not get “clean” radiant, healthier looking skin, without being aggressive. But what most people don’t understand about their skin is- that it is an organ, just like your heart, kidneys, liver etc. Would you pour chemical acid peels,use harsh scrubs, or clarisonic brushes, any of those organs?? I would hope not.

Think of it this way, anything you attack usually fights back, or begins to weaken. This is exactly what happens to skin that is being treated roughly. It will usually fight back by becoming inflamed, dry, tight, flaky and is usually prone to more break outs and premature ageing. When you attack and strip the acid mantel( the very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin) by way of using brushes, chemicals and harsh, abrasive scrubs, your skin becomes more vulnerable to infections and dehydration. When there is dehydration, caused by aggression, your skin will produce more oil to try to compensate for what has been stripped. This can leave you in a tail spin between, dry, red, acneic and oily skin- which is what you were tryng to remedy, or prevent in the first place.

The key to healthy, radiant, clear skin, is kindness. Nourishment, not aggression. Use gentle, non toxic cleansers, gentle exfoliants, and healing nourishing hydrators. You will notice your skin heal!

For more healthy skin care tips, visit Edyta!

 

 

 

 

 

Toxic ingredients to avoid in skin and body care…print this out!

Here is a list of toxic ingredients to avoid in your beauty care items!

Print this out and take it shopping with you- this will help you make a healthier choice. Remember, EVERYTHING you apply to your skin goes INTO your body.

 

*Benzoyl Peroxide: Used in acne products, the MSDS states: Possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen: produces DNA damage in human and other mammalian cells. Also, toxic by inhalation. Eye, skin and respitory irritant.

*DEA(Diethanolamine), MEA ( Monoethanolamine), TEA(Triethanolamine): This foam booster is a skin/eye irritant and causes contact dermatitis. Easily absorbed theough skin to accumulate in body organs,and brain.

* Dioxin: Won’t appear in ingredients. Often in antibacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs and ethoxylated cleansers like Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Dioxin causes cancer, reduced immunity, nervous system disorders, miscariages and birth deformity.

* DMDM Hydantoin&Urea( Imidazolidinyl): 2 preservatives that release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, cancer skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, ear infections,chronic fatigue, dizziness and insomnia.

*FD&C & Pigments- Synthetic colors from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in skin, causing skin sensitivity/ irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and death. Animals studies show almost all are carcinogenic.

* Parabens( Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl): Used as preservatives. Not always labled. Used in deodrants& other skin care poducts, have been found in breast cancer tumors. May contribute to sterility in males, hormone imbalances in females & early puberty

* PEG( Polyethlene gylcol) Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Dangereous  levels of dioxin have been found as a by-product to the ethoxylation process. PEGs are in eveything including personal care, babycare and sunscreens.

*Phthalates: Found in many products, usually not listed on lables. Health effects include damage to liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm count and early breast development in girls and boys.

* Propylene Glycol(PG) & Butylene Glycol : Petroleum plastics. EPA considers PG so toxic it requires gloves, clothing, goggles& disposal by burying. EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.

* Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ( SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate ( SLES): Used in car washes, garage floor cleaner, engine degreaser and 90% of personal -care products that foam. Eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, skin irritaion and death

* Sunscreen Chemicals: Avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA are commonly used ingredients that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers.

* Triclosan: Synthetic antibacteral ingredient. EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health and enviroment. Classified as chlorophenol, chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans.

 

 

Helpful ways to heal acne

What causes Acne? It is thought that the increased production of the Testosterone hormone and natural oils in the body during the teenage years is responsible for the formation of pimples. However other physical and genetic factors may also play a role. Stress, psychological disturbances, and irregular living habits can also bring on Acne.

Acne is never caused by “dirty” skin. It can however be made worse by not having proper hygiene practices. Cleansing the face with a chemical free cleanser 2 times a day is strongly recommended to remove excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. You CAN over clean the skin, which can bring on more break outs. If you feel that you need to clean more than twice a day, use a light non chemical and alcohol free toner, or clean with plain water. This way, you do not strip the moisture barrier and the body will not need to compensate by producing more oil. Over cleaning and over scrubbing, can, and will often lead to a vicious cycle of break outs.

Here are a few ways you can harness the power of nature to heal your skin…
Tea Tree Oil Tea Tree Oil is obtained from the Melaleuca alternifoliais tree from Australia. It is very effective against Acne, as it contains bacteria-fighting substances called Terpenes. Acne is often caused by bacteria and the Terpenes either outright kill them or weaken them enough to be destroyed by protective antibodies.  Tea Tree can tingle when applied topically. Use a qtip and apply only to affected areas.
Aloe Vera The watery gel from Aloe Vera plant is also a highly effective natural cure against Acne. The enzyme-rich gel has very soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can also be taken internally and helps clean up and detox the digestive tract. This in turn can help clear up the skin.
Zinc Zinc is taken in the form of capsules. It helps to strengthen the human immune system and to repair the skin.
Vitamin A Vitamin A tablets are also a natural and effective Acne cure. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin E Vitamin E also helps in countering Acne. It is a natural antioxidant and beneficial for the skin. Vitamin E comes in soft gelatin capsules that contain Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Glycerin, and Water.

And finally… REDUCE STRESS.. or atleast learn to manage it. Stress raises the levels of cortisol(stress hormones) in the body and  this can cause acne.

Meditation and taking time to care for yourself can help your skin glow better than almost anything you can do topically!

BREATHE…It’s good for you.

Deep breathing is not just for those that meditate or do Yoga. It is a crucial component for better health and overall wellness, and can be the key to slowing the ageing process.

Deep-breathing increases your immunity and helps remove toxins from your body by stimulating your lymphatic system. You can remove up to 70% of toxins by doing some deep breathing daily.

Deep breathing involves learning to slow  breathing and use the diaphragm, the muscle located beneath the lungs, and not just the chest muscles. To do this effectively, take a long, deep breath inhaled through the nose. Do you see your chest expand? That is a normal deep breath. Now sit up straight and take
another deep breath using the diaphragm. Your chest will rise and you will feel the diaphragm move upwards. Exhale slowly, preferably through pursed lips. That is an effective deep breath.

Deep breathing allows the body to take in more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide. This leads to many health benefits: a lowering of blood pressure, slowing of heart rate, and relaxation of the muscles. It calms the mind, helping to reduce insomnia. An increase of energy and reduction of fatigue with reduced anxiety and stress are desired effects, also.

Deep breathing is also beneficial to the lymphatic system. This system carries toxins away from cells as the circulatory system carries oxygen to the cells. This exchange helps keep the body in a healthy balance.

Below are simple instructions for Pranic Breathing:

Gently place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This helps circulate energy throughout the body.

Inhale through your nose for six counts.

Hold your breath for three counts.

Exhale through your nose for six counts.

Hold your breath for three counts.

This 6-3-6-3 breathing completes one cycle.