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They say the eyes
are the windows
into the soul.

But, what does

your skin

tell the world?

If you smoke, drink alcohol in excess or use skin care products loaded with chemicals (even some of the high-end products serve the Dark Side) your skin may be telling the world you’re older than you are.

Fine lines, wrinkles, blotchy, puffy, discolored skin will let people know you’re eating the wrong foods, not taking in the right vitamins and are using the wrong lotions, creams and astringents… and that you aren’t aware of how to feed the outside the same way you should feed the inside. Your skin may be shouting to the world, “Hey, look at me! I don’t take care of myself and it shows!”

Truth is, nobody wants to look unhealthy. The $160 billion dollar-a-year beauty industry proves that. But, certain products designed to help do nothing more than compound the problem. In fact, you should be very alert when attempting to hydrate your skin. Moisturizers with ingredients you can’t pronounce are especially dangerous. In addition to being toxic, some of these ingredients actually break down your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving you exposed to airborne chemicals that make the situation worse.

Keep in mind that everything you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body — without exception. All the pores suck in what you expose them to. It is like squirting a dollop of dish detergent on a thirsty sponge. Soon after, the soap will disappear into the center.

The Not-So Hidden Dangers Creeping Around In Your Skin-Care Products

Even though the cosmetics companies and the FDA tell you that the chemicals in our skin care products are safe (most are – but only in small amounts), it’s been shown that the average woman will slather on 4 – 6 pounds of lipstick per year. What doesn’t absorb into her lips gets eaten. Most lipsticks contain lead. What about the shimmering glow? That comes from the ground up fish, whale blubber, and other creatures of the sea.

Then there are the deodorants, antiperspirants, colognes and, finally, lotions and creams with ingredients you need a dictionary to pronounce, let alone understand.

Here’s a short list of some of these ingredients found in everyday lotions, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners with the risks they pose to your health. Go to your medicine cabinet or bathroom pantry and pull out the products you put on your skin and hair every day. Then look to see if any contain these hazards.

• DMDM Hydantoin

This stuff is a preservative and causes dermatitis! It’s also a carcinogen and releases formaldehyde into the blood stream.

• Diethanolamine (DEA)

You’ll see this in many of your skin care products. But, if you want to know what it’s also used for, then go out to the garage. DEA is a synthetic, industrial degreaser that’s used most commonly in brake fluid and anti-freeze. It can cause severe damage to your liver, kidneys, and pancreas. DEA is cancerous to various organs and is especially dangerous to children.

• Methylchloroisothiazolinine

Causes cancer, mutates genes and is quite toxic.

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  Parabens

Parabens are petroleum-based preservatives that cause dermatitis and specific allergic reactions in some people. Redness, itching, burning, and peeling could be attributed to this ingredient. There are several variations (methyl, ethyl, butyl, propyl, and germa), but all are equally toxic.

• Propylene Glycol

This is found in many shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. It’s petroleum based, moonlights as a de-icer and is found in latex paint. It has an intense drying effect on skin and Japanese researchers have found it mutates our genetic code (DNA). If swallowed it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Triethanolamine (TEA)

This gem’s found in most body and hand lotions. Its known health problems include cancer, skin irritation and endocrine disruption. The adrenal, pituitary and pancreatic glands are blocked by these chemical “messengers,” which renders their function ineffective.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Mostly in shampoo and conditioner, this evil chemical actually damages hair follicles and blocks hair growth. It seeps into the eyes, liver, and brain and doesn’t like to move out. It lingers for a good long time. It breaks down cells and if you’re wondering where else you can find it: toothpaste, soap, creams and lotions.

But, here’s the best part: it’s also an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner.

There are actually too many dangerous ingredients to be listed here. But we have the solution, so no worries.

Spread the Love – From the Outside In

Getting that healthy, USDA certified organic glow to your skin isn’t such a big deal. You just have to know what to use and what to stay far away from.

The above list tells you what to avoid. Now, here’s what to use.

• Dr. Mercola’s Organic Body Butters

They soften your skin, refresh, and give you a healthy, hydrated appearance, which tells the world you care about how you look and feel. Dr. Mercola’s Organic Body Butters contain only the USDA certified organic ingredients of aloe vera juice, shea butter, virgin coconut oil, palm oil, and rice bran extract – to name a few. You can find them here or in this month’s HCTW product recommendation:

www.homecuresthatwork.com/bodybutter

They come in unscented, lavender and a refreshing, light orange fragrance.

On a tight budget? Whip up your own! In keeping with the HCTW philosophy, you can treat yourself to some skin pampering with items most likely found in your home right now, or that can be grabbed easily. Put on a nourishing, fortifying face mask made up of blended bananas and powdered oats. Blend tomato and plain yogurt for an effective cleanser that’s packed with antioxidant power.

Save your hair and scalp from the damage of commercial hair care products. Here’s a condensed list of some organic hair care products that will do the trick and leave your hair clean and “green”:

• Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar

Oat protein, rosemary extract, mint extract and panthenol are just a couple of the all natural ingredients you’ll find here in a vegetable soap base to give your hair sheen, softness and strength. At about $6 per bar, it’s affordable too.

• Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Citrus Hair Rinse

With vitamin E, lemon and orange oil and coconut fatty acids, this luxurious blend can help restore the hair to its baby-soft beginnings for around $10 a bottle.

• Miessence Protect Hair Repair

A natural conditioner, this recipe penetrates the hair shaft to repair your hair from the inside out. Rose hips oil, sage extract, bitter orange extract and carrot extract are just some of the ingredients used to make this potent yet gentle formula. Get yours for a measly $6.30 a bottle (average cost).

Or, simply make your own shampoo*!

Using a base of 4 ounces of castile soap per 8-ounce bottle, make the following as needed (in separate bottles):

• Sayonara, dandruff! Add ½ ounce tea tree oil and 2 ½ ounces of strained chamomile tea
• Shine on! Add 2 ½ ounces strained lemongrass tea with ½ ounce rosemary oil
• Dry up the oily locks! Add ½ ounce lavender oil and 2 ½ ounces strained sage tea
• Naturally thick and healthy! Use 1 ounce rosemary oil and ½ ounce strained nettles

(*Adapted from www.qcitymetro.com/living/articles/want_green_hair064240352.cfm)

Here’s a terrific recipe for an all-natural lotion that you can make at home. Mix water with the following:

• 1 tbs (15 ml) Linden Flower Water
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Liquid Honey
• 2 tsp (10 ml or 7 g) Yellow Beeswax
• 1 tbs (15 ml) Shea Butter
• 2 tsp (10 ml) Wheat-germ Oil
• 1 tbs (15 ml) Almond Oil
• 3 drops Jasmine Essential Oil
• 2 drops Myrrh Essential Oil

1. In a large pot, pour about 2 cm (1 inch) of water and put it on low heat.
2. Fill a small bowl with the linden flower water and honey and place the bowl in the pot. Be careful not to spill the content of the bowl into the water.
3. Fill a medium bowl with the beeswax and place the bowl in the pot as well.
4. Once the beeswax has melted, add the shea butter and stir until it is fully melted.
5. Add the wheat germ and almond oil and beat the mixture to incorporate all ingredients.
6. Both the small and medium bowls should now be at the same temperature. Gradually incorporate the linden flower water and honey to the medium bowl, one drop at a time. Whisk constantly.
7. Once the two bowls have been combined and are thoroughly mixed, remove from the heat and let the mixture cool by stirring it again.
8. Add the essential oils and mix well.
9. Pour the mixture into a glass jar.
10. Let the cream cool off then place the lid on and label your jar with Shea Butter Anti-Wrinkle Cream and today’s date.

Adapted from MethodsOfHealing.com

A New, Healthier Look Is Simple To Achieve

The most important thing to remember is that you can take control of your life with all natural, healthy alternatives to the hazardous chemicals found in most of our commercially produced skin care products. A little creativity, the right shopping list, and the desire to break free from the dangerously chemically saturated $160 billion dollar a year beauty industry is all you need.

Products that you can easily click and buy on-line: luxurious recipes for lotions, creams, shampoos and conditioners are right at your fingertips. Plus, you can enjoy making them at home with your family. Let the world see what you want it to see: happy, glowing, healthy skin and hair for life. Your USDA certified organic skin is just a couple steps away. Start taking them today.

Please remember to stay far away from the engine degreasers, garage floor cleansers, anti-freeze agents and brake fluid chemicals they’re attempting to spread on your skin. If it says, “Keep out of reach of children,” then keep it out of your reach too.