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Eliminate Toxins from Your Home

carolynsue — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:00:37 +0000

The cleaning supply business is a multi-billion dollar business. Society is convinced that they must use these toxic and environmentally destructive products for their home to be considered clean. However, are you aware of just how harmful common cleaning supplies are to your health, the health of your children and the environment? Many household cleaning supplies including laundry detergents, toothpaste and shampoo contain formaldehyde

Most common household cleaners stored in you home are considered hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, the EPA has determined that indoor air quality is at least 100 times more polluted than outdoors due to the use of toxic cleaning products which leaves residue in the air and on the surface. Most common household cleaners are petrochemically derived or a synthetic thereof. These petrochemical products are literally produced from crude petroleum oil. When using these types of products the residue left in the air or on the surface is absorbed through the skin and thus enters the blood stream which is then absorbed into the fatty tissues. Studies have shown that these toxins can lead to a multitude of diseases such as asthma, allergies, and auto-immune diseases and even ADD. Ironically, over the past few decades, cases of cancer and asthma have grown significantly. Researchers have concluded that there is a direct correlation between petrochemical cleaning products and disease.

Not only are common household cleaners detrimental to your health they are just as detrimental to the environment. In the U.S. we pour down 22 million pounds of household toxins down the drain. Most of the products are not adequately processed by sewage treatments or septic tanks. The long term effect of these toxins on our environment will offend our surface and ground water. Additionally, if every household in the United States replaced one 28 oz bottle of petroleum based cleaner with a bio-based product, we would save 118,700 barrels of oil per year.

In order to protect the health of our families and the environment, there are safer alternatives for cleaning. Bio-based, degradable, and environmentally products are available. When purchasing green cleaning supplies be wary. Products claiming to be eco-safe, environmentally friendly and natural does not necessarily mean it is non-toxic. There is no regulation on the above terms and thus manufacturers add these terms to their product label and deceive the public into thinking they are purchasing safe cleaning supplies. This type of deceptive marketing is called greenwashing. If a product label indicates that it needs special handling or ventilation be forewarned that it is detrimental to your health and the environment. There is no need to expose yourself or your environment to these toxins.

When purchasing cleaning supplies it is imperative that you read the label. The product label should identify true eco-friendly ingredients such as grain alcohol versus the toxin 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent. Disinfectant type products should contain plant oils derived from eucalyptus, rosemary or sage rather than a registered pesticide such as triclosan which is found in anti-bacterial soaps.

Additionally there are simple cleaning products you can make that are just as effective as store bought products. Cleaning products made from common kitchen items such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are a few examples.

For more informative articles and cleaning products that are truly eco-friendly as seen on Oprah, visit Creating a Healthy Home

Low Budget Skin Care That Works

carolynsue — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:23:37 +0000

We all want a natural and glowing complexion. Nobody wants lines or wrinkles, or age spots or blemishes. This is evidenced by the amount of dollars spent every year on cosmetics and miracle creams and lotions. While the cosmetic industry would like you to believe that their product is the “one that works”, you can spend a lot of money finding one that truly benefits your particular skin type.

I know that when I walk into a store and shop for a skin care product, I am usually overwhelmed at the selection and the prices. I read the label and read their claims of “no more wrinkles” and “dramatically reduces the signs of aging”, etc., then I usually question if it really works. I don’t want to spend upwards of $30 and not see any improvement in my skin.

With that in mind, I set out to find a better and more cost effective skin care program. I t have come to the conclusion that homemade skin care is an inexpensive alternative. In addition, homemade skin care really works and as an added benefit, no animal testing involved!

Skin care recipes are easily customizable for each skin type. For instance, an oily complexion may want to add a little witch hazel (for its drying properties) to their toner mixture, whereas a dry skin type may add just a bit of Jasmine (moisturizes dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity). The same theory applies to creating your moisturizers and exfoliation treatments. Each recipe is custom made to your liking. In addition the fragrances you decide to choose or blend are truly unique for you taste.

Some common ingredients used in skin are almond oil, aloe Vera, chamomile and green tea. Each of these ingredients brings with them unique characteristics. For example almond oil is a wonderful vegetable oil for dry skin. It is used as a carrier oil to blend with other essentials oils. In addition it is easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient. Aloe Vera stimulates skin cell regeneration and is also known for it healing properties. Chamomile tones all types of complexions. The anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration, and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile is used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin. Green tea a powerful antioxidant and a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin.

Below is a facial mask recipe for both dry and oily skin types.

Avocado and Olive Oil Facial Mask

Ingredients:
½ half ripe avocado
olive oil (for dry skin)

Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and mash to form a smooth paste. Apply to face and leave on 10 to 15 minutes. Soften with warm water and wipe clean. Pat face dry and follow with your choice of toner and moisturizer.

Properties of avocado are: moisturizes, reduces appearance of age spots, heals sun damage and scars. Regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Additionally, avocado increases collagen in the skin thus great for aging skin and has superior moisturizing qualities.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit Skin Care Therapy

Papaya – A Natural Choice for a Facial Mask

carolynsue — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:23:11 +0000

Papaya is a natural for incorporating into your skin care regime. The fruit offers anti-oxidants and are rich in essential enzymes. Papaya has both preventative and restorative properties when used in skin care. Papaya’s powerful fruit enzymes are know to aid and accelerate healing in skin disorders such as acne. In addition, the fruit enzymes are a gently exfoliation to the skin.
The yellow fruit is usually available all year long, however is more easily found in the super markets between April and October. Papaya offers extensive benefits in skin care therapy. When applied to the face, it reduces wrinkles, nourishes the skin with Vitamin A which accelerates the formation of new skin cells, and exfoliates the skin. In addition, it is loaded with Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant. The beta-carotene in this fruit protects the skin and promotes elasticity.
Papaya is used is many skin care products today and provides a “natural” face lift and rejuvenation bring a wonderful and natural glow to the skin. It is commonly seen in toners, moisturizers, and facial peels. In addition, it is gently enough for all skin types.
An occasional facial peel is a great way to loosen dead skin cells, which improve the texture of the skin while restoring elasticity. In addition, peels reduce pore size, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and helps with blotchiness and stimulate collage production.
To effectively use this recipe, cleanse face and steam to open pores. The skin will be moist and receptive to the peel.
Papaya Peel

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh pineapple
Half-a-cup fresh papaya
1 tablespoon honey
Puree fruit together. Add honey and mix into a smooth paste.
Pineapple and papaya contain natural enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells while the honey moisturizes the skin. Leave mask on 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse completely.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit Skin Care Therapy

The Wonders of Epson Salt

carolynsue — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:59:48 +0000

Epsom salts are named for the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England, where they were known at least as far back as Shakespeare’s day. When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is an inexpensive and natural way to reduce stress, treat skin problems, and draw toxins from the body.
Epson salt has been a long time remedy natural remedy for a number of ailments. An Epson salt bath is known to relieve aching limbs, muscle strain and back pain. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts, reduce soreness from childbirth and relieves colds and congestion. Furthermore, Epson salt will flush toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Epson Salt is a natural stress reliever too. Stress drains the body of magnesium. An Epson salt bath absorbs magnesium into our body thus helping to relieve stress. The magnesium helps to produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Epson salt has many uses, as an all body exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation, as a foot soaking agent to smooth, relax and refreshes your feet and neutralize odors, and as a facial exfoliate.
Below are some easy skin care recipes using Epson salt. The cost is minimal yet very beneficial for your skin.
Just Like the Spa!
Massage a handful of Epsom Salt mixed with 1-tablespoon bath oil or olive oil and rub all over wet skin to cleanse exfoliate and soften the rough spots! Rinse well. Note recommended on freshly shaved legs.

Easy Facial Cleanser:
Mix ½ Tsp of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

Epsom Salt Detox Bath Recipe
1 Cup Epsom salt
1 handful sea salt
2 Tablespoons bath oil
Pour the ingredients into the tub while the tub is filling.
Epson salt has wonderful properties and uses that are beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. In addition, the cost of a box of Epson salts is so minimal compared to all the fancy packaged skin care products, that you can indulge yourself as much as you like.
For those people that suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, you should consult your doctor prior to using an Epson salt bath. Additionally, the information provided above is not intended to replace the care or advice of a physician if you suffer from skin disorders, severe stress or anxiety, or other health problems.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit Skin Care Therapy