Do You Have Dry Itchy Winter Skin?

If you are like me, come winter your skin starts to get dry and itchy. Even though I live in the desert, my hands get rough and crack during the winter. When I lived in Wisconsin, it was much worse. I can’t seem to keep enough lotion on my hands. It may surprise you to know that the solution just may be in the kitchen.

One of the things Dr. Mercola recommends is using coconut oil to moisturize your skin. Coconut oil has many benefits. In addition to moisturizing, it adds a protective layer of medium chain fatty acids that are similar to the skin’s natural oils. This layer helps to heal the cracks in our dry skin and aids in the prevention of infection. Coconut oil is probably my favorite natural ingredient for personal care as well as food prep. It does so many good things for the body and it naturally smells wonderful.

Continue reading here... http://www.naturalhomemadesoap.net/2013/11/12/dry-itchy-winter-skin/

Avoid This Potentially Harmful Ingredient: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

So far in this “Avoid This Ingredient” series, we have discussed such potential harmful ingredients as artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, PEG, and DEA/TEA.  Today we will be looking at sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium coco-sulfate, and similar compounds.  Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in many personal care products:  shampoos, soaps, bubble bath, toothpaste, lotions, liquid body and facial cleansers, and more.  It is also in industrial cleansers and degreasers and household laundry detergent.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant derived from coconut and palm oils.  Sodium coco-sulfate is basically the same, except that it is made from less purified coconut oil.  Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is related to sodium lauryl sulfate made with an additional ethoxylation step in its manufacturing process.  Ammonium lauryl sulfate and magnesium lauryl sulfate are related surfactant compounds.  Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) goes by other names:  Sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, monodocdecyl ester, sodium salt, sodium salt sulfuric acid, monodocdecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid, A13-00356, akyposal SDS, aquarex ME, and aquarex methyl.

What is the purpose of SLS?

As a surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate has several functions.  It is what gives soap and shampoos that luxurious lather that we have come to associate with the cleaning experience.  It acts as an emulsifier, allowing various liquids to hold together in solution.  It acts as a detergent, a wetting agent and prevents clumping.

Does SLS cause cancer?

So far, according to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society, neither SLS nor SLES are carcinogenic.   That is the short answer.  As of yet, studies have only been done on the one-time use of one compound alone.  No studies have been conducted on long-term daily use of the chemical soup that makes up most personal care products.  So, we just don’t know if using soap or shampoo containing SLS causes cancer.

SLS and SLES are often contaminated with two known carcinogens:  ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane, which is a byproduct of ethylene oxide.  1,4 dioxane is toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.

When SLS combines with TEA, the resulting compound is a nitrosamine, which is a recognized carcinogen.

What other harm do SLS and SLES cause?

·      Skin irritation; destroys the lipid layer that keeps the skin smooth and supple

·      Easily penetrates the dermal layers and enters the blood stream

·      Removes oils from the skin that act as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria

·      Eye irritation:  with prolonged exposure, it can cause blurred vision, burning, and even blindness.

·      Irritation of the gums; linked to canker sores

·      Swallowing can cause vomiting and diarrhea

·      Possible hair loss as it irritates and possibly damages the hair follicles.

·      Dries out the hair shaft and dulls the hair

·      Organ toxicity

·      Developmental/reproductive toxicity

·      Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes

·      Environmental contaminant

How do I avoid sodium lauryl sulfate?

·      Make your own body and hair care products using natural organic ingredients

·      Look for the genuine USDA Organic Seal

·      Avoid ingredients with any of the following in their names:  “myreth,” “oleth,” “laureth,” “ceteareth,” any other “eth,” “PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” or “oxynol.”

·      Buy homemade soap made from organic ingredients 

·      Visit www.naturalhomemadesoap.net

Resources:

1.     “Is the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in My Shampoo Killing Me?”  http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.htm

2.     “Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate,” http://en.wikipedia.org/Sodium_dodecyl_sulfate

3.     “Sodium Laureth Sulfate,” http://en.wikipedia.org/Sodium_laureth_sulfate

4.     “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,” http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706110/SODIUM_LAURYL_SULFATE/

5.     “Why You Should Choose Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Hair and Body Care,” http://www.naturalnews.com/033932_sodium_lauryl_sulfate_shampoo.html

6.     “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Facts Versus Fairytales,” http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx

Avoid This Potentially Harmful Ingredient: Polyethylene Glycol

So far we have discussed the potential harm of the following common personal care product ingredients:  artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, and DEA.  Today we will take a look at polyethylene glycol, normally seen on the ingredient list as PEG followed by a number.

What is polyethylene glycol (PEG)?

Polyethylene, the most common form of plastic, is a mixture of several compounds, or polymers that have been bonded together.  When glycol is added, it becomes a thick and sticky liquid.¹

Why is polyethylene glycol (PEG) used?

PEGs serve three main purposes in skin care products:  (1) they act as emollients, which help to soften and lubricate the skin; (2) they act as emulsifiers, which help water-based and oil-based ingredients mix more readily; and (3) they help deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin.¹ Polyethylene glycols also function as surfactants, reducing the surface tension of other molecules³; cleansing agents; skin conditioners; and humectants, which promote the retention of moisture.^{4, 2}

What does the number after PEG mean?

Whenever you see polyethylene glycol on the ingredient list, it is normally shown as PEG followed by a number.  The number refers to the approximate molecular weight of the compound.  Most cosmetics use PEGs of smaller molecular weights, because they penetrate the skin more easily.¹

Does polyethylene glycol (PEG) cause cancer?

Most studies report no link to cancer from polyethylene glycol (PEG).  What they don’t tell you is that PEG compounds are frequently contaminated with various impurities that often are carcinogenic (cancer causing) or are equally hazardous.

What impurities are most often associated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)?

“According to a report in the International Journal of Toxicology by the cosmetic industry’s own Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee, impurities found in various PEG compounds included ethylene oxide; 1,4-dioxane; polycyclic aromatic compounds; and heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic.^"2

What harm do these impurities cause?

Ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancer and of leukemia and brain cancer, according to the National Toxicology Program’s Eighth Annual Report on Carcinogens.  Cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bladder, and nervous system and Hodgkin’s disease have all been associated with exposure to ethylene oxide.² Small amounts of ethylene oxide are often found in PEG compounds.

1,4-Dioxane is a known carcinogen and has been linked with increased incidence of liver, lung, and skin tumors and gallbladder cancer.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds are also known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).  These compounds are known to cause breast and other cancers.

Heavy metals will be discussed more thoroughly in a separate article.  For now, I will only say that some have been linked to cancer; others have been linked to learning disabilities, behavior problems, hormonal and reproductive changes, and neurological problems.⁵

What are the other health concerns of using products containing PEGs?

Enhanced penetration effect:  as mentioned earlier, one of the main functions of polyethylene glycol is to help other ingredients penetrate the skin more deeply.  This effect gives the body greater exposure to other potentially harmful ingredients.

Irritation to sensitive skin, or contact dermatitis, has also been associated with polyethylene glycol.

How to avoid PEGs

·      Read ingredient lists carefully on everything you buy.  Be aware that even, so-called “natural” products often contain polyethylene glycol.

·      Buy organic whenever possible

·      Make your own products, using natural ingredients

·      Shop at www.naturalhomemadesoap.net

Source:

¹ PEGs, www.truthinaging.com/review/what-is-it-pegs

² Dangers of PEG Compounds in Cosmetics, Women at Increased Breast Cancer Risk?, www.phend.co.za/health/Chemical5.htm

³  Surfactant, www.thefreedictionary.com/surfactant

⁴ Humectant, www.thefreedictionary.com/humectant

⁵ Lead and Other Heavy Metals, www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=292

Shea Butter

It has been a while since I last wrote, as we were on an extended vacation, driving across the country and visiting family and friends.  Just before we returned, our home was burglarized; so we have been busy putting everything back in order.  The good news is that everyone is safe and my new website http://naturalhomemadesoap.net is live and running.  I have added only one product page so far.  I am learning as I go and writing an article to go with each new page.  Before resuming my series on Ingredients to Avoid, I want to share with you the benefits and uses of Shea butter.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a triglyceride fat that is extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree, found in the wild predominantly in the savannah of Western Africa.  It is slightly yellow or ivory-colored.  The Shea tree is considered sacred and is treated with great respect.  According to Nature Purity, the Shea tree grows up to 60 feet tall, does not flower before it is 20 years old, and can live for 200 years. 

Uses for Shea Butter

Shea butter is edible and is used as cooking oil in many African nations.  The food industry occasionally substitutes refined Shea butter for cocoa butter in pastries and ice cream; however, this is not permitted in the US.

Shea butter is most commonly used by the cosmetic industry to make soaps, moisturizers, emulsions, and hair conditioners.

According to Wikipedia, in some African countries Shea butter is used “for cooking oil, as a waterproofing wax, for hairdressing, for candlemaking, and also in medicinal ointments.”  It is also used by makers of traditional African percussion instruments to soften, condition and increase the durability of wood (such as carved djembe shells), dried calabash gourds, and leather tuning straps.

Shea butter is sometimes used as a base for medicinal ointments, in sun block lotion, to treat minor cuts and burns, and as an anti-inflammatory to relieve various skin irritations, such as psoriasis, eczema and sunburn.  Also, according to Wikipedia, in Nigeria Shea butter is used to manage sinusitis and to relieve nasal congestion.

Benefits of Shea Butter

·      Melts at skin temperature.

·      Absorbed readily into the skin

·      Does not leave a greasy residue

·      Anti-inflammatory

·      Has been shown to prevent tumor development

·      Contains essential fatty acids and phytosterols such as oleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids

·      Contains vitamins A, D, and E, as well as catechins (plant antioxidants found in green tea) and allantoin

·      UV protection

·      Repairs wrinkles, fine lines, and scars

·      Deep moisturizing for skin and hair

·      Stimulates superficial microcirculation

·      Strengthens the skin

·      Regenerates skin

·      Stimulates collagen production, making the skin stronger and more supple

·      Revitalizes dry and damaged hair

Precautions

Use only unrefined raw Shea butter.  Since the Shea tree grows in the wild, no fertilizers or chemicals are used in its growth.  Because it has been extracted manually or mechanically and no chemicals are involved in the process, unrefined Shea butter retains all of the moisturizing, healing and anti-aging qualities.

People allergic to tree nuts may experience a reaction to Shea butter.

References:

1.     Shea Butter, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shea_butter

2.     Shea Butter Benefits, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/shea-butter-benefits-79280.html

3.     Shea Butter, Superfood for your Skin, http://www.naturepurity.com/holistic/sheabutter.html

4.     Shea Butter Scoping Paper, http://greencommodities.org/attachments/121_UNDP%20Green%20Commodities%20Facility_Shea%20butter%20Scoping%20Paper.pdf

Avoid These Potentially Harmful Ingredients: DEA and TEA

Are you making progress toward clearing out your cabinets of products containing artificial colorants and artificial fragrances?  I agree that it can be a bit daunting, especially when even many supposedly “natural” and mostly organic products often contain them.  Your health is worth it.  We have been misled to believe that because these products are used externally, they are safe to use.  Yet, according to Dr. Mercola, “Putting chemicals on your skin or scalp may actually be worse than eating them.  When you eat something, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach help to break it down and flush it out of your body.  However, when you put these chemicals on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream without filtering of any kind, going, directly to your delicate organs.  Because we lack the enzymes to break down these chemicals, they tend to accumulate over time.”¹

Thousands of chemicals are used in personal care products.  The U. S. government does not require any testing before they are sold.  Many of these chemicals have been found to be hazardous to your health.  Next on my list of potentially harmful ingredients is a group of chemicals called diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA).

What are DEA and TEA?

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a colorless liquid surfactant and corrosion inhibitor.²   DEA is commonly used to produce the foam and bubbles in shampoos, liquid soaps, and detergents.  DEA is usually combined with other substances and converted to a new ingredient, such as cocamide DEA.³   Because DEA is such a strong base, it balances the pH of the other more acidic ingredients.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is produced by reacting ethylene oxide (considered highly toxic) with ammonia (also toxic).⁴  TEA  is a thick, colorless surfactant.  As a wetting agent, triethanolamine reduces the surface tension of droplets, allowing water to flow more freely.⁵  As an emulsifier, TEA enables water and oil soluble ingredients to mix.  TEA is also a buffering agent and can be found in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products:  eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blushes, make-up bases and foundations, fragrances, hair care products, hair dyes, wave sets, shaving products, sunscreens, skin cleansing products.⁴  Triethanolamine also serves as a pH balancer in liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, general cleaners, hand cleaners, polishes, skin lotions, eye gels, moisturizers, shampoos, make-up removers and shaving cream.⁶

What is the potential danger of using DEA and/or TEA?

Allergic reactions and skin irritations have been reportedly linked to both DEA and TEA.  According to Dr. Mercola, “triethanolamine can cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals.”⁷

While the International Agency for Research on Cancer found “inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of diethanolamine,”³ TEA has been shown to cause bladder and liver cancer and changes in the testicles.⁴  Both DEA and TEA can be contaminated in the manufacturing process with nitrosamines.  Nitrosamines are known carcinogens and have been shown to penetrate the skin.⁸

In addition, nitrosamines have been found in drinking water that was converted from wastewater.  When the DEA and TEA from shampoo, cleaning agents, liquid soaps, etc. wash down the drain and hit the wastewater treatment plants where chloramine is added, NDMA  (a nitrosamine) is formed as one of the byproducts.  Reverse osmosis filters remove only about half of NDMA.  NDMA causes fibrosis of the liver and cancer in rats.⁹

How to avoid DEA and TEA

• Read the list of ingredients carefully.
• Look for DEA, TEA, MEA, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.
• Do not buy any product listing those ingredients.
• Make your own personal care and household cleaning products (recipes will be in future blogs)
• Buy organic products; look for the genuine USDA Organic Seal
• Ask yourself, “Would I eat this?”

Sources

1.     “Deadly and Dangerous Shampoos, Toothpastes, and Detergents:  Could 16,000 Studies Be Wrong?”  www.articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx

2.     “Diethanolamine” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/diethanolamine

3.     “Diethanolamine” www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/5

4.     “Triethanolamine” http://truthinaging.com/ingredients/triethanolamine

5.     “What’s In My Shaving Cream?” www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2007/03/whats-my-shaving-cream

6.     “Triethanolamine” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triethanolamine

7.     “What’s Inside:  Clorox Shares A Little” www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/02/whats-inside-clorox-shares-little

8.     “Nitrosamines” www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/17

9.     “Is Your Shampoo Polluting the Water Supply?” www.articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/2010/06/29/household-detergents-and-shampoos-form-harmful-substance-in-wastewater.aspx