Health Topics

Archive for April, 2011

First of all, you need to get resting. Having a good night sleep is essential for your body and brain to function properly. When you are well rested, you are able to think more clearly and overall feel much better. Scientific research has shown that you should aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night to give your body enough energy for the next day. It is also important that you get enough sleep to allow your body to repair and restore itself. All you healing gets done while you sleep, so to make you body look and feel healthier, you need to make sure you sleep well.

Diets are one of the things that most people struggle with but it is one of the most influential factors on your health. Eating well makes you fell well, but this can be much easier said than done. Everyone knows that you should aim to eat five fruit and vegetables a day to get the nutrients and vitamins your brain and body needs. But you must also get enough protein and carbohydrates to give you energy that you need. One major factor that effects how you feel and perform throughout the day is the amount and kind of sugar you consume.

A slightly easier way of making yourself feel better this spring is to give your cosmetics an overhaul. Looking good is not only about feeling good, it’s about feeling confident about how you look and there are so many products available that can help you do this. Having a healthy body, brain and skin can make all the different to your life and one brand that is a pioneer in skin health is vichy cosmetics. This brand is well known in the cosmetic industry for having the latest in skin products promoting healthy looking skin for everyone. Vichy anti wrinkle and vichy anti aging products are renowned for their effectiveness and advanced technology producing fresh and glowing skin, resulting in this brand being very popular. Another favourite is the vichy shampoo that gives hair a new lease of life, with shiny sting hair that is sure to turn heads. So it is all but too easy to make yourself look brand new by simply changing your cosmetics.

Could there be a reason behind this trend, that is the slow progress of mineral cosmetics, or is it just a matter of chance? Mineral cosmetics have their own flaws, which are obviously not advertised by the highly competitive mineral cosmetic market. These flaws are not necessarily common to all mineral makeup brands and the exact situation varies, with the manufacturing style. But a deeper insight helps.

Few Ingredients That Could Adversely Affect The Skin

Mineral cosmetics are made from natural elements present in earth and are therefore, considered to be quite safe for skin. However, there are various components present in them that could be harmful.

§Titanium Dioxide – An extremely important component of mineral cosmetics, Titanium Dioxide is found in majority of mineral cosmetics, irrespective of the brand producing cosmetics. However, this ingredient is still under scrutiny for its possible connotation with cancer.

§Mica – Mica is used in mineral cosmetics to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Quiet a famous component, Mica, is bio-accumulative and is considered toxic to the liver and the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Not to mention, the Cosmetic Industry Review Board has not scrutinized Mica, which is yet approved by FDA, for usage as a component in cosmetics.

§Ultramarine Colors – Ultramarine colors are used to cool down foundations. However, the same are not approved in the United States for use on lips.

§Silica – Used as an absorbent and oil control product, in mineral cosmetics, Silica, may be contaminated with small quantities of crystalline quartz. The crystalline quartz is considered to be carcinogenic and must be avoided.

Additionally, there are various other ingredients that could cause irritation or allergy to different skin types.

An analysis of the mentioned simply reflects, the FDA’s casual regulation policies, towards cosmetics in general and mineral cosmetics in particular. Many procedures and ingredients, have not been aptly tested by the Cosmetic Industry Review Board, but are still legal, as have been approved by FDA. Skin is important and damage to the same is possible, if cosmetics are not used prior to apt research.

The Color Compromise – Mineral cosmetics if considered in their 100% natural form, do not offer many color options. For a pure mineral cosmetic, the color liking must be sacrificed. However, many companies add dyes to mineral cosmetics, thus providing, the desired shade chart. But if dyes are to be used, then why so much propaganda, against regular cosmetics, which too have dyes in their composition?

The Talc Controversy – Many believe that talc accentuates wrinkles and not to mention, the same is used in mineral cosmetics. Technically speaking, talc is Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide. Various studies conducted over time, have established a link, between talc and pulmonary tissues, ovarian cancer, and lung, which is even a major concern than the earlier mentioned wrinkles. Please note here, that no conclusive study has yet been made, to determine either the toxicity and/or carcinogenic nature of talc, thus leaving the entire matter in a gray area.

The Impact – Cosmetics are applied for that ultimate look and not a smudgy or heavy mask kind of a feel. But many feel, that this is what mineral cosmetics have to offer. There are further complaints, that mineral products emphasize, upon the fine lines and pores and impart an even aged look.

The ally of mineral cosmetics however, alleges that it is about fine application procedures and manufacturing steps. The finer the minerals, the less shinier they appear. As for the smudgy look, application tips like dabbing with wet sponge, could help.

Do you normally use anti-ageing creams, acne and scar removers or anti blemish products. If you do, like most of us, you should check the label. You might find several unwanted visitors on the label like Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA and Beta Hydroxy Acids or BHA. If these substances are on the label, you better chuck it out now. Many complaints for the products with these substances include inflammation, burning sensation and pain on the affected areas. If you find that you are experiencing this the first thing to do is to flush the affected area with water, then wipe it with a clean cloth and rush yourself to the E.R to get immediate treatment. It is highly suggested that you use products with trusted brand names. Also consult with a dermatologist to know your skin type and what the best types of face care products suit you.

Hair Care
The hair is the crowning glory. Women always aspire for shiny, smooth and healthy hair. So we bombard our hair with regular trips to the salon, or buy hair kits promising healthy and beautiful hair, but do we even know what is in the shampoos, conditioners, oils, creams and especially hair dyes that we use? Recent studies show that hair dyes could actually make us more prone to a type of cancer on the lymph nodes. The study also shows that most women who color their hair darker are more prone to this disease. So I guess blondes do have more fun. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that you opt for more natural or organic based products like coconut shampoos or aloe Vera hot oils. A great way to protect your scalp before treatments is also the use of petroleum jelly.

Skin Care
Many people desire to have whiter skin. Well if you’re using bleaching creams for a long time you might be prone to a disorder where the skin becomes bruised like on the area continuously treated. If this is happening to you discontinue use and contact a dermatologist. You also have to check the labels of your lotions and other skin care products for Phthalates. This substance causes high risk of birth defects for unborn children, reproductive health problems for men and women which increase the risk for cancer. It is suggested that you use whitening and skin softeners with an organic or natural base like papayas, milk, honey and such.

Nail Care
Based on my personal experience, it is always and I mean always a must to make sure your nails get the cleanest treatment from nail salons. Several salons have unsanitary methods when it comes to nail care because they only have 1 or 2 sets of tools for all of their customers. It is better to go to pricey nail salons if it means sterile tools will be used. Always remember that in nail care there are times when you accidentally get cut so that is already an opening where bacteria can enter. Several undesired effects would be bacterial infections, allergies, warts and even yeast infection. So you better make sure your nails are as squeaky clean as they are cute.