To achieve a more radiant skin and beautiful complexion, it is vital to use only the purest skin care products, particularly those made only with raw, living and natural ingredients. In this article, I explain why this is the best external skin care possible, which, together with a healthy diet, right lifestyle and a positive mental attitude, helps the skin to become softer, firmer and achieve an unmistakable glow.

From the outset I’d like to emphasize that becoming more beautiful is available to anyone now, regardless of their present health, condition or age, who is willing to create beauty through changes in the diet, external skin care and mental outlook.

What we put on our skin is just as important as the food we eat. The skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a crucial role, not only in the elimination of toxins and in regulating our internal temperature, but also in terms of absorption.

Therefore it is critical to use skin and personal care products that, first of all, are free from toxic chemical ingredients. Some of these ingredients include:

a) Propylene glycol: Found in practically every skin moisturiser, propylene glycol is used as the base ingredient in the manufacture of brake fluid and industrial anti-freeze. It greatly damages and ages the skin. It also causes rashes and dry skin.

b) Lauryl sulphates: These corrosive chemical ingredients used in industry to manufacture garage floor cleaner and engine de-greasing are also one of the main ingredients in practically every major brand of shampoo, bubble bath, face wash, shaving gel & toothpaste. Lauryl sulphates eat away at the mucous lining of the skin, are highly irritant to the eyes and cause urinary tract infections.

c) Parabens: synthetic chemicals which have been linked with breast cancer. They are used as preservatives in many shampoos and personal care products.

Secondly, it is important to use skin care products that are made only with raw, living and natural ingredients such as raw cacao (cocoa) butter and cold-pressed oils. This is because the skin greatly nourishes from the life force, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids present in the natural ingredients.

The benefits are numerous. The life energy in the ingredients is highly nourishing and healing. Antioxidants for example, help to reverse skin ageing and inflammation and help heal scar tissue. Minerals play a key role in beautifying the skin, hair & nails. Sulphur, for instance, is a central component of collagen & connective tissue, which provides elasticity & flexibility to the tissues. Vitamins such as A, C and E are moisturizing, soothing and healing to the skin. Essential fatty acids help to remove toxins from tissues.

To ensure that the life force and all these nutrients are retained, skin care products must be made at temperatures below 40C. If ingredients are heated above this level during the manufacturing process, most of the antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and the life force in the ingredients are destroyed. A good example of this is cold-pressed olive oil, which has long been considered a topical remedy for wrinkles and facial lines. Not surprisingly, olive oil is the best source of raw vitamin E. However, it is also is extremely sensitive to temperature and light and becomes completely corrupted when heated.

Heated oils and fats when used in skin care products -even in the so-called most natural ones- are actually one of the worst offenders to skin beauty. They contain highly toxic transfatty acids, which may be absorbed into the cell membranes, causing them to become porous and weak. Heating oils and fats also leads to the creation of free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that have lost an electron. Collagen, a protein molecule that constitutes 80% of the dermis, is particularly susceptible to free radical damage, which includes wrinkles, lingering scars and stiff collagen

In contrast, cold-pressed fats and oils kept at low temperatures help to beautify the skin, strengthen the cell membranes and restore nutrients to the tissues.

In short, the best external skin care is to use products made using only 100% raw and living ingredients. At present, the only company in the world producing a range of such products is Raw Gaia. More information can be found at http://www.rawgaia.com/

(c) Hector Bolanos, 2006.

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Diy home security systems are a source of enjoyment and hobby. One who is exhausted after doing work can release its depression and get rid of stresses & be relaxed. When you go in the markets you become busy. You do the comparison in features, prices and installation complications and your engagements can divert you from your laborious day-to-day fatigues. The Electrical engineers and the people also look at crafts and the gathering at diy home security systems in the market. The diy home security systems are not doubt very useful and attractive.

Security of houses is one of the most important tasks and as such there are some persons who want to make their houses secured. They utilize their money and on turn make arrangements to get their homes secured. The sensible persons do not waste their money on insurance against the purchase of effective diy home security systems, which are useless being improper and defective one. The option for the purchase of Diy home security system is very important and if some one does not have any experience of such kind how one can properly opt for that. For that reason you always try to choice for professional installation.

Decision About Diy Home Security Systems With Insurance

One should try to make sure that safeguards and security measures are properly observed. So it does not count whether you are a skilled person proficient in diy home security system or you are ignorant on this account but your insurance provider should be satisfied and confident that your security arrangements are proper maintained. You should also keep in mind that your sense of option and installation of Diy home security system should not affect your premium significantly. Moreover, whenever you opt for Diy home security systems you must have a right decision in this respect.

In order to purchase the Diy home security systems it is better to consult your authorized insurance agent and as such the companies sale best diy home security systems at a very high rate in case the local insurance companies endorsed their products. One should be careful of the recommendations of all the sources and see whether they are not recommending diy home security system at all or they are insisting upon on professional installations only. Anyhow one may consult all the relevant offices for reaching upon a right decision.

Information With Diy Home Security Systems Items

If you want to have a security system then study the relevant Brochure in details and don’t purchase any product without its study. You are further advised to be cautious of cheap imported products, details of which are not given clearly or the products look incomplete or poorly laid out. Before making decision for investment with regard to diy home security systems please take into consideration the sequence in which installation instructions have been offered. The clarity of diagrams and definite compliance and performance standards of the products be taken into consideration for diy home security. For more info see http://www.homesecuritysystemsguide.com/Home_Security_Products/Diy_Home_Security.php on Diy Home Security.

You must be very much cautious for the selection of a diy home security system. The diy home security systems of poor quality will cost you more as you will not be able to maintain it because for a poor quality of diy home security system you will keep on calling off and on to professional and bear further expenditures. Before you purchase a diy home security system you must also study the necessary tools for installation. If you purchase a diy home security systems of a low sale price and thereby you have to pay for purchasing so many tools which are in fact, not required to you and you have not their subsequent use. Moreover, it is of no use and you will face considerable loss if your purchase the installation tools for which you have no experience to use them. It is, therefore, necessary that one should be careful in making selection and purchasing diy home security system and furthermore purchase the best one rather that which of low quality and ultimately prove to be costly and useless.

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Life today is very hectic and a polluted environment can wreak havoc on our appearance. Personal care and hygiene, specifically skin care, is undoubtedly extremely important. Obviously, the face is our first impression on others. Thus, it becomes essential to learn about face care to keep it healthy looking.

If you want to have a face rid of blemishes, you must increase the consumption of water. It is our best nourishing agent, as well as a incredible detoxifier. An adult needs to drink eight pints of water every day. This will give your skin radiant properties, and is beneficial for oily or dry skin.

To keep your face clean, always clean with a facial cleanser, preferably one with natural ingredients. Additionally, there are many products on the shelf for exfoliation and cleansing of the face.

If you have problems like dry spots, allergies, or any other ailments, then it becomes important that you get your skin tested to understand facial care and products that can lead to skin irritation.

You must keep in mind that a few top-of-the-line brands, even those containing natural ingredients, may not befit all skin types. So, the advisable thing to do is talk to your dermatologist. He/She can advise you on personal care and hygiene, as well as products that are effective by giving you a simple test, known as a skin patch test.

Through the skin test, you will learn what hypersensitive reactions you respond to, if any, and the types of products that you should buy. You will find a vast collection of face skin care and natural cosmetic products in the world. Using just 2 or 3 effective facial care products is all you need. It may be a good toner, moisturizer or sunscreen.

While using new skin care products, make sure that you listen to the advice of your dermatologist prior to investing in any top-of-the-line scrubs or essential oils.

In the end, having a gorgeous looking face is a dream of everyone. Luckily, it is not impossible to attain when you learn about face skin care, suitable personal care and hygiene, and stick to a complete face skin care regimen.

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We have all heard the saying beauty is skin deep, well as far as skin care goes this is not true. Skin care starts from within & depends upon your diet, digestion, hormone levels, stress levels & your nutritional health. For total skin care you need to build quality skin from the inside out.

Your skin is your biggest organ, it is to you what the shell is to a turtle. It is your own personal house, your protective layer between you & the outside world. It is up to you to keep your house in order, you need to have a daily routine to take care of your skin which in turn will take care of you. You should never underestimate the importance of skin care, it is your first defence against disease & infection and it protects your internal organs from injuries.

Skin care is not just for women, it is for men & young adults as well. It is an important part of personal care more important than just for good looks, it is a sign for all to see how healthy we are.

We all need to maintain the beautiful skin we were born with, your daily regime should begin with a proper cleansing by washing your face with water & a mild cleanser to remove dead skin cells off the skins top layer. Next some gentle exercise to increase your blood circulation to get more oxygen to your skin. You should protect your skin from the sun, particularly at risk is the area around the eyes so wear good quality sun glasses to stop you from squinting which can cause lines & wrinkling. You need to hydrate & moisturize regularly & make sure you drink plenty of water especially after exercising.

We would all like to think that we are looking after our skin by eating a healthy diet & exercising regularly. We know that eating organic foods & fresh fruit & vegetables can help us prevent toxins entering our body but did you know that harmful chemicals & toxins can enter our bodies in other ways ? Your makeup, moisturizer, eye creams etc may contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed through your skin. There is approximately six pounds of skin on your body which is a porous membrane through which toxins & chemicals can be absorbed. Dust, dirt & pollutants can enter our bodies through our skin, do you really want to add to these chemicals & toxins by using skin products that contain harmful ingredients ? Why not use all natural skin care products ?

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products & cosmetics are known to be toxic. The chemicals & toxins found in most commercial skin care products also have an adverse effect on the environment. In a US geological survey scientists showed that a variety of chemicals from personal care products were among 95 wastewater pollutants found in US waterways.

The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) in the US classifies cosmetics into categories but does not regulate them, cosmetic manufacturers may use any ingredient in their products and market them without any government approval. Whilst several toxins are banned many others including carcinogens are allowed in cosmetic production. Many commercial cosmetics have regularly been found to contain toxic chemicals.
Many skin care products will claim to contain natural ingredients and/or expensive vitamins & oils, but how can you be sure the product you are using does not contain harmful ingredients ? Read the label ? Well yes but can you honestly say you understand what all the ingredients on the label are ? many of them are probably unpronounceable chemicals which you have never heard of.

This is where you should beware, a general rule of thumb is that if you have never heard of any of the ingredients then the product is not made from natural materials. Look out for ingredients such as cranberries, grapeseed extract, olive oil, green tea and many more. If you are unsure of any of the ingredients do some research, look up the ingredient on a web search & find out exactly what it is & whether it could be harmful to you or your skin. You would not dream of eating any food containing harmful ingredients or toxins so why let these toxins enter your body through your skin care product ?

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Borrowing money from a creditor on your house or property is more like borrowing Cheap Secured Loan. Secured loans at a reasonable rate can act as a great means to raise large capital.

Cheap Secured Loans are more practical if you own a house with a sound source of income. Here, your collateral serves as a security to the creditor and your stable income is an assurance of the repayment. This is an ideal situation to avail cheap secured loans from your creditor.

Cheap Secured Loans usually have longer period of repayment and no obligation quotation. You may obtain a secured loan towards meeting your personal requirements. Cheap Secured Loans are a good option for purchasing cars or for carrying out some of your home improvement plans. You can obtain loans for these purposes as Secured Personal Loans, Secured Personal Car Loans, Secured Personal Home Improvement Loans.

Cheap Secured Loans can also be availed by the businessmen to enter into the new business, or to start a small business or even to reinforce their existing business. If you are one among them you can obtain Cheap Secured Business Loans to meet your business requirements.

If you have a bad credit history because of CCJ, Default or Arrears but you own a house, Secured Loans can be a wise loan option for you. In such circumstances, the creditor may ask for a little higher rate of interest.

Whatever be the need, Cheap Secured Loans gives you the liberty of repaying at a lower rate of interest in a flexible repayment term. All you have to do is to browse the internet to find the offer that suits you the best.

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As baby boomers watch the years fly by, one of their biggest concerns is sorting through the many problems of caring for their elderly parents. When is it no longer safe for our elderly parent to stay home alone? How can we maintain our jobs, our home, our children, and care for our parents all at the same time? What resources are available to help? How do we approach the subject with them? How can we help them keep their independence and dignity? How do we deal with the stress of it all?

As our parents age, we need to stay diligent and aware of changes in their mental orientation and ability to care for themselves. Are they just a little forgetful at times, or is it something more worrisome than that? If they are able to take their medications without being reminded, bathe alone, dress without assistance, prepare meals every day, and they are not experiencing frequent falls or sudden illnesses, they are probably safe to be at home alone. There are monitoring systems and personal emergency alert systems that can provide added security by making help available to them in the event of an accident or sudden illness.

However, if you notice that your parent’s health is declining, that they have increased weakness or weight loss, if they have had frequent falls, if they are not taking their medications, not eating properly, and not able to do their personal care without help, it may be time to look into other options. Sometimes the increased care is all they need to regain their strength and be able to continue living at home, avoiding placement in a nursing facility or some other major life change.

Finding the help you need is another obstacle. Knowing who to go to for help may seem to be an overwhelming task, but there are many resources available to seek information and counsel. Private duty organizations, home health agencies, and hospices are all viable places to start if you want to help your parent stay at home.

The Indiana Association for Home Care and Hospice (IAHHC) has a listing of all local agencies, both for private pay and agencies that accept Medicare and/or insurance payor sources. You can find them on their web site: www.ind-homecare.org.

When investigating which private agency to use, make sure they are licensed appropriately and that they do criminal background checks on all their employees. Their staff should be bonded and insured, and you should not have any of the burden for carrying worker’s compensation, tax liabilities, or social security. A new law beginning in January of 2006 requires all private duty, non-medical services to be licensed through the state of Indiana. Make sure the agency you choose has gone through this licensing process, and you will be safer in trusting that they have taken all the appropriate steps in ensuring good care for your loved one.

There are many financial resources available to help pay for private duty care, such as reverse home mortgages. The Veterans Administration can give you valuable information on benefits for veterans who need care at home and have served at least one day in the service during war time. These benefits are also available for spouses of veterans. Look on the web for more information regarding financial concerns; there’s plenty of information available. You can also contact private duty agencies and request assistance in finding funds that are available.

Private duty agencies can provide any kind of non-medical care needed to assist the client in staying at home. They will provide personal care assistance, medication reminders, cleaning, cooking, laundry, running errands, and transportation to appointments, and a variety of other services. They are usually available twenty four hours a day, including holidays and week ends, and do not require any doctor’s orders to initiate the care.

Home health care requires a doctor’s order for services to begin, and the patient must be certified to be on “home bound status”. This means that they can only leave home to visit the doctor, go to church, or to the beauty or barber shop. A nurse will visit on a regular basis, and a home health aide will assist with personal care. Some home health agencies also provide physical therapy, social services, speech therapy, and occupational therapy as well. Most home health care agencies are not available in the evening hours, on week ends, or on holidays. The majority of home health agencies accept insurance and Medicare payments.

Hospice care also requires a doctor’s order, and the patient must have a life-limiting disease with expectations of six months or less to live. Patients can be re-certified for hospice every sixty days, and may live much longer than six months and still be in hospice care. Hospice care also provides nursing and home health aide services, along with extra

support to the family and patient during this difficult time. Comfort measures are a priority in the plan of care, and they have a variety of services such as social services, pastoral care, and volunteer services as well. Medicare and insurance usually are accepted. There will always be a hospice nurse on call twenty four hours a day to assist with any emergencies or special problems during times when the office is closed.

Sometimes the best plan is a combination of home health or hospice along with private duty care. Many seniors are resistant to accepting any kind of help at first, and will require continual reassurance effort to help them maintain as much independence as possible.

When addressing these issues, never “speak down” to your loved one. Remember, even though roles are changing, they still deserve to be honored and respected. Sometimes calling a care giver “the maid” or “the butler” rather than a “caregiver” or “home health aide” will help them accept the situation with a little less anxiety. It’s all in the attitude that it’s presented to them – help them feel a sense of control in the situation whenever possible. Try to help them understand that these changes are happening in their home because you love them and want them to be able to stay at home as long as possible and not have to live in a facility to get the help they need.

Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself during this intensely demanding season of your life. By succumbing to false guilt or unreasonable demands, you may be setting yourself up for a disaster later. Take time to enjoy your immediate family, your hobbies, and leisure time as well. Join in with other caregiver groups for extra support – you can find them at churches or on the web. You’ll be safeguarding your own ability to handle this long term role as a caregiver with a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

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It is estimated that 22 million Americans are providing elder care for an aging parent or older relative. If you are among them, then you know how challenging the responsibility of assisted living services can be – physically, mentally and emotionally. Whether you’re providing personal care and companionship services seven days a week, or live out of town and try to manage their care long distance, there comes a time when you must ask yourself the inevitable question.

Is it time to consider in home care?

For Personal Care

As noted by Synergy HomeCare – widely considered the most trusted name in home care – after a lifetime of performing everyday personal care activities, the progressive inability to do so in older age can be devastating. If you cannot be there to help, your parent may need in home care if they are unable to:

Bathe and shower on their own, wash their hair, brush their teeth, use the restroom or perform any other personal hygiene activities
Dress themselves in the morning or undress themselves at night
Move around on their own, whether that means getting out of bed, sitting in a chair or simply walking through the house
Drive themselves to the doctor, the grocery store, a friend’s house or any number of other things they might want or need to do

For Keeping House

For parents who have spent their entire lives taking pride in keeping a clean house, it can be a real blow to their self-worth when their physical condition makes it impossible for them to do so. If you cannot be there to help, your parent may need in home care if they are unable to:

Do light housekeeping, like dusting, vacuuming and taking out the trash
Wash the dishes, clean the countertops or mop the floors
Scrub showers, tubs or toilets
Do laundry, ironing or change the linens
Prepare meals and clean up afterward

For Companionship

Often, the greatest gift an aging parent can receive is companionship from someone who can not only provide conversation, but also a helping hand. If you cannot be there to help, your parent may need in home care if they are unable to:

Arrange doctor appointments
Remember when to take medications
Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals
Keep bills organized
Maintain a safe home environment

And remember. Even if you’re providing 24/7 care for your aging parent, that does not mean you can or should maintain that schedule definitely. Not only will it take a toll on the other relationships in your life, but it can also be detrimental to your health. In fact, your aging parent may need in home care in the form of respite care simply so you can take a well-deserved break.

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Security knows days are the major part of concern. Whether it is home, nation or office security all want to be safe. For that many companies had launched their security programs. It includes various kinds of gadgets. These gadgets include all latest technologies. But whatever may be criteria men now days should themselves be well versed with security. People should be active enough if there is any security threat. It cans safe much life. They should possessed good sense of humor.

For that before constructing house security measured should be properly install. If there is fire at home then the first step is to switch off the main supply of electricity. Use fire extinguisher then immediately call the fire brigade van. If during night one hears some kind of sound, then call the police immediately. Before waiting for the thief to enter. There should be proper lights at home. It is especially when lights should not be put-off.

Major numbers like police and fire office should be kept in such place where it is easy to find. There should be proper lock system at home. It is always better to lock with codes. If someone knows about the code then it is always wise to change the codes. Even before hiring maid servants at home it should be registered at police station. If there is any threat inside the house call the neighbor first. For that neighbor should be good.

Don’t entertain any such people who are new. Strictly ignore such kind of person. If then also they continue to come then launch complain to police. If there is any unwanted thing likes then also inform police. It is always good not to tell secrets of the house. It should be kept among family members. Try to avoid taking any food material from outsider. As many cases happen due to mixing of poison with food. Garden should be kept clean.

It is the 21st century where women are also smart enough. Many classes have been started for self defense security. They are very helpful as they can be needed any time. Security is the major concern of today. However, men can be secured if he uses his wit properly.

Absolute Security & Lock is premier provider of Security Equipment in Florida. We are providing 24 hour emergency locksmith services since 1997 to our numerous clients. For more information, visit: http://www.greenlocksmith.com

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The majority of shampoos and other body care products do not have their ingredients tested for safety before being used. According to the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors, 1995, the “FDA cannot require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing.” It is unlikely that individual applications of one product are causing immediate harm, however, most of us use many products per day, such as shampoo, conditioner, make-up, skin care like facial cleanser, moisturizers, etc., and all these exposures may add up.

Did you know that pharmaceutical companies have investigated putting drugs into shampoos because the scalp is so thin that it readily absorbs substances that are put on it? Many other personal care products are put on our skin and stay there and are absorbed all day long. Do you ever wonder about their safety?

According to the Environmental Working Group, in the United States, the FDA has banned or restricted nine (9) ingredients out of 1,175 that are used in personal care products. The European Union, in contrast, has banned 450 ingredients for use in cosmetics. Hmm!

Some further food for thought: Cancer rates are now approaching 1 in 2 American men and 1 in 3 American women. This is up from 1 in 4 Americans in the 1950s despite huge expenditures on the “War on Cancer.” Dr. Samuel Epstein from the University of Illinois says that cancer rates have gone up about 60% from 1950 to 1998. A lot of us think that these rising cancer rates are at least in part due to our increasing exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, often in small amounts that accumulate in our bodies over time. These come from our food, our air and water, household furnishings and building materials, cleaning products and personal care products.

Commonly Used Chemicals in Personal Care Products That May Be Toxic:

Artificial fragrances are derived in large part from petrochemicals, not flower essences or other herbal products as many imagine. These petrochemicals release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that often cause headaches, skin irritation, nausea and allergies. Some are carcinogenic, contain or release formaldehyde or are toxic to the nervous system. Many artificial fragrances contain phthalates, which are linked to birth defects in the male reproductive system. Phthalates were found in a 2002 study by a coalition of environmental and public health organizations in deodorants, fragrances, body lotions, hair gels, mousses and sprays. Artificial fragrances in general are found in many cosmetic and personal care products.

The family of preservatives known as parabens, which includes methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben, has recently been identified as xenoestrogens which mimic the sex hormone estrogen. They are widely used in shampoos and cosmetics for adults as well as children, even in many so-called “natural” products. However, Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo metropolitan Research laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported that the daily sperm production in lab tests of animals was significantly lower in those receiving a dose of parabens that is “similar to the lower level of acceptable daily intake for parabens in the European Community and in Japan.”

Diethanolamine (DEA) is often used as a foaming agent and emulsifier in shampoos. However, a federal National Toxicology Program completed a study in 1998 that found an association between cancer in lab animals and the topical application of DEA and other DEA-related ingredients. DEA can also lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. In response, many manufacturers switched to cocamide MEA. However, the FDA says that cocomide MEA is one “of the most commonly used ingredients that may contain DEA.” Other ingredients that include other types of MEA or TEA may also contain DEA.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), including PEG-6, PEG-150 and other similar ingredients can be found in shampoos, lotions and other personal care products. However, a report in the International Journal of Toxicology routinely found many impurities in PEG, including ethylene oxide and 1,4-Dioxane. Ethylene oxide increases the risk of uterine, breast and other cancers. 1,4-Dioxane is a suspected human carcinogen. Testing commissioned by the Doctors’ Prescription for Health Living showed that around 50 percent of personal care products with PEG contain significant amounts of 1.4-dioxane. PEG is also found in some “natural” body care products.

High Quality Natural Body Care Products

If you are serious about reducing the amount of chemicals you are exposed to on a day to day basis, you need to search out truly natural body care products that are free of the above mentioned chemicals, as well as other toxins and carcinogens. A good place to start is to go to a health food store either online or a physical store, and make sure and read all the ingredients on the labels. Many products that call themselves “natural” contain questionable ingredients that you will be absorbing on a daily basis.

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Skin care products, including baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder, commonly contain chemical additives. A few ingredients of concern include formaldehyde, mineral oil, parabens, and sulfates. I formulate my own skin care products and a lot of people have asked why there is concern about these ingredients. Below is some information I found about these additives commonly found in skin care products.

Formaldehyde: A chemical that has been known to cause skin rashes and allergic reactions to people with sensitive skin and babies. Formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin when using personal care products containing it.

Mineral Oil: Commercially produced baby oil usually contains mineral oil which is a by-product in the refinement of petroleum to produce gasoline. Mineral Oil is said to be second to the sun in causing skin cancer.

Parabens: They are used in personal care products as preservatives because they are the cheapest way for manufacturers to control bacterial growth in their products. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Other parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben. There is concern that parabens may contribute to the causes of cancer, specifically breast cancer by mimicking the female hormone, estrogen and accelerating the growth of cancerous cells.

According to the American Cancer Society, studies have not shown any direct link between parabens and breast cancer risk but states that larger studies are needed. (cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp)

The use of parabens in personal care products are banned in Europe and have been banned by all the major organic certifiers in the world including the United States, Australia and Japan.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES): Chemicals commonly found in many personal care products because they are inexpensive and effective foaming agents. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), also known as Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES. These chemicals are either known to be or may be eye and skin irritants.

There are so many products in and around our homes that have been linked to cancer and other less serious issues such as skin irritations so it is hard to know what to use or not use and I think it really comes down to personal choice. 

If you love fragrant lotions and other skin care products, you should purchase those products. I think it is best to purchase those products with the least amount of chemical additives. There are a lot of personal care products available that are almost completely natural. Most skin care products such as baby lotion, will and should contain some type of preservative. You can purchase personal care products that are paraben and formaldehyde free. I make and choose to use skin care products made as natural as possible with paraben free preservatives. Bottom line… the choice is yours!

Please note: The information provided in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or other health care provider. It is not considered to be all inclusive and is based on my own personal research and thoughts. You should consult a qualified health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

When using any new skin care product, testing a small amount on your inner arm to see if any irritation occurs is recommended. If irritation or sensitivities do occur, discontinue use and dilute affected area with vegetable oil, not water, and dry to reduce irritation.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician or medical practitioner before using any product containing essential oil or fragrance oil. Some essential oils have been noted to stimulate the uterus.

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