Advantages of Handmade Soap Over the Commonly Available Commercial Products

Do you know that skin is the largest organ of our body? And it is because of the 3000 square inches of skin on our body, we survive. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of our skin. However, the basic care we undertake for skin is toxic and dangerous. How? Almost all of us use a bathing soap to clean our body (skin) and majority of soaps contains harmful chemicals which in long run give us plenty of health problems.

Soaps that we generally use are 'commercial' soaps and are actually detergents. Petroleum products, harsh chemicals and cheap perfumes (rather than fragrance oils or essential oils) are used to produce these detergent based soaps. These soaps contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS which is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and also allows other toxins to penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream. SLS also mimics the activity of the hormone Oestrogen and may, therefore, cause cancer. Most of the soaps also contain Paraben which is used as a preservative. Parabens also raises concerns because of the fact that many health researchers have shown some evidence of problems on several levels. Many of these soaps include animal fat (unused by-products that are obtained from the meat industry at a very low cost).

The alternative to these chemical laden soaps are definitely 'Natural Handmade Soaps'. Natural Handmade Soaps are made with all natural and vegan products like essential oils, glycerin, shea butter etc. Natural soaps do not make your skin rough, red or dry after a shower or bath. Handmade soaps have natural moisturizers that keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Natural soaps are environment friendly since they leave out chemical ingredients. They are also good for the skin in comparison to other soaps. Handmade soaps provide your skin the care it deserves by gently cleansing and locking in moisture. The natural fragrances used in handmade soaps can also stimulate health. Cinnamon, for example, has the property to increase blood flow.

A handcrafted natural soap is an indulgence that gives you Spa like luxury at a very little cost. You feel pampered, relaxed and above all stress free while (and after) using these luxurious tool!

What is Cellulite and how to get rid of it?

Cellulites are simple fats that push up against the skin's connective tissue and creates a dimpled, bumpy look which looks like the outside of an orange. It is commonly found and prominently visible around the butt, stomach, and thighs. However, it can happen pretty much anywhere on the body. Cellulites are adipose tissues that lies and stores fat cells beneath the skin.

Many a time cellulite may not be visible but you may still have it. To check, simply pinch your thighs and see whether or not it looks lumpy. If it does, then you've got cellulite.

Cellulite is seen more in women than in men. The reason behind this is probably the fact that men organize their fat in connective tissue that runs parallel to their skin, while Women on the other hand, organize their fat perpendicular to their skin and this causes a pulling down effect.

Genes are one of the important factors that causes cellulite. If men or women in your large family have/had cellulite, then you too have strong chances of developing the same. Both slim and overweight men and women can be affected by cellulite build up, but obese people may develop fast. However, it must me understood that cellulite is a skin problem and not really a "weight problem".

There are no miracle or quick cures for cellulite. Also, no product, treatment, or remedy can erase the fatty deposits within days. However, one can try to get rid of cellulite by following a diet and exercise regimen, and also through massage with anti-cellulite oils.

Anti cellulite oil is a very effective natural remedy for cellulite. It is 100% safe and ayurvedic formula helps soften body tissue to reduce cellulite build up. When used daily, Anti cellulite oil improves the circulation and leads to a firm and healthy body. Also, the natural ingredients in the oil penetrate deep into the skin and to improve sluggish circulation and detoxify the body, thus bringing about a general feeling of well being.

Lass Anti Cellulite Massage Oil is excellent combination of essential Oils blended for Anti Cellulite properties. When massaged into the skin surface gently it helps breakdown excessive cellulite.

Why You Should Avoid Using Shampoos With Sulfates (SLS)?

Sulphates are surfactant that breaks down the surface tension of water and allows it to spread easily. In shampoos, they are used as cleaning agent. The most popular sulfate used in shampoos is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). A concentrated version of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used to degrease engines. Therefore, if it can strip that grease, it will strip you hair of its natural oils also. This leads hair drying out faster than normal.

Types of Sulfates Used in Shampoos

Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant and popular among shampoo manufacturers because it is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. SLES, SLS and ALS are also used in many other cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. They behave similarly to soap. There are many types of sulfates used in Shampoo. Here is the list:

- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS

- Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES

- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

- Sodium Myreth Sulfate

- TEA Laureth Sulfate

Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is considered as the most dangerous ingredient used in shampoos and other hair/skin care products. In the cleaning industry SLS (in higher concentration) is used in products like garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces.

According to a study at the University of Georgia Medical College, SLS may penetrate into the eyes, brain, heart and liver, and remain in the tissues for a good period of time. The same study also reported that SLS penetrated young children's eyes and prevented them from developing properly and caused cataracts to develop in adults.

Regular use of a shampoo that contains SLS may cause hair loss by attacking the hair follicles. It can dry out the hair shaft and dull the hair by taking away its natural luster.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and toxic to aquatic organisms. SLS containing shampoos are among the highly reported products to the FDA. Reports include eye and scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and fuzzy hair.

The most worrying fact of the SLS is its property to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. Once absorbed into the body, SLS may mimic this harmone and as trigger a number of health problems like PMS and Menopausal symptoms, dropping male fertility and breast cancer.

SLS, a toxin itself also allows other toxins to penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream.

There are now shampoos like IHT9 and other personal care products that free from SLS and other harmful chemicals.

Skin Care in Winter

Winter can be very uncomfortable to few people since this season can dry the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the dryness can result in flaking, cracking and even eczema (inflamed skin). The dry and cold winter can therefore damage your skin in case you do not give your winter skin care regimen a boost. One should take a little extra care so that the skin stays moist and healthy through the winter months. Here are few tips:

Moisturize More

Most of the moisturizer we use during spring and summers are water based. It is recommended to switch to oil based moisturizers during the winters as oil forms a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. However, while selecting an oil based moisturizer, one should ensure that it contain "nonclogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil.

Do not Stop Using Sunscreen

Many of us stop using sunscreen based products during winters. This is not a good idea. Remember, sunscreen isn't just for summers. Winter sun can still damage your skin and therefore one should apply sunscreen to face and hands (if exposed) about 30 minutes before going out.

Bathe with Lukewarm Water

The intense heat of a hot shower or bath can lead to loss of moisture and therefore it is highly recommended to use lukewarm water while bathing or taking shower.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

Do not reduce intake of water during winters. Drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water a day keeps your body hydrated and skin healthy.

Take Care of Lips & Hands

Lips and hands suffer most during the winter season, probably because skin on the hands and lips are thinner than on the rest of the body. Lips get chapped whlie hands may turn dry and flaky. Apply lip balm over lips to prevent them chapping. Similarly, use a rich emollient-based product for hand care.

Why Parabens in Cosmetics Are So Dangerous?

Parabens are commonly used preservatives in cosmetic products because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Parabens are a family of alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid that differ by various chemical substitutions. The widely marketed para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben.

Some of the cosmetics and personal care products that contain Parabens are: shampoos, soaps, shaving gels, cleansing gels, moisturizers, scrubs, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceutical creams/lotions and toothpaste etc.

The use of parabens have become a issue that raises concerns because of the fact that many health researchers have shown some evidence of problems on several levels. It is reported that parabens penetrate the skin and can be traced in the blood minutes after application and may have adverse effects on the body.

Health Concerns

The biggest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. According to a 2004 UK study, traces of five parabens were detected in the breast cancer tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied. It has been estimated that women are exposed to 50 mg per day of parabens from cosmetics.

Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive system and believed to be responsible for low sperm count and decreased testosterone levels in males. Studies also indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage. Parabens can also lead to early puberty in adolescent girls and boys.

Parabens can also cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis and rosacea in individuals with paraben allergies.

How to find Paraben Free Cosmetics?

If you want to keep parabens out of your cosmetics, there are plenty of paraben free beauty and personal care products on the market. Many products will proudly display at their packaging that they are paraben free. Some brands like LASS will be entirely paraben free.