Category: Blog Post

Are sheet masks worth the hype

Are Sheet Masks Worth The Hype?

Posted on by Lydia D

Are Sheet Masks Worth The Hype?

Are sheet masks worth the hype? We’ve been asking ourselves that question lately, since everywhere you look companies are creating sheet masks for all skin types. While they’ve been used in Korea for some time, their popularity in the United States has grown tremendously over the past few years. So you may be asking yourself what the benefits are – as well as the downsides – before considering a purchase.

Benefits of Using Sheet Masks

  • They travel well
  • They are hydrating
  • They can be less messy than jar masks
  • They are single-use, which prevents the introduction of bacteria

Downsides of Using Sheet Masks

  • They can be expensive – you only use it once!
  • They produce a lot of waste – much of not recyclable or biodegradable
  • They usually require that you be lying down
  • They can cause irritation and being left on for prolonged periods of time
  • The masks don’t always fit perfectly

There you have it. Regardless of the celebrity endorsement, consumers must decide if these masks are worth the expense. And there’s also the question of what to do with all of those little empty plastic packs. Perhaps they’re fine as an occasional indulgence before a special event, which won’t put too big a dent in your pocketbook. Whatever you decide to do, before to read the ingredient labels and know what it is that you’re putting on your face.

Reference:
Refinery 29 article on sheet masks and sustainability

New Year’s Resolutions That You Can Actually Keep

Posted on by Lydia D
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Starting the New Year off on the Right Foot

The secret to winning at New Year’s resolutions is knowing what to work on. After all, we’re less likely to succeed if we make drastic changes all at once. The secret is in knowing which challenges you want to tackle. Here are a few ideas;

  • Work on one resolution at a time. It’s hard enough quitting smoking, but if you add going to the gym and changing your diet, there’s a good chance that you’ll be discouraged and give up.
  • Choose a goal that can be accomplished quickly – say, within 2-4 weeks. That way, you’ll have instant gratification which will spur you on to complete more difficult goals.
  • Similarly, begin with a goal that is relatively easy to accomplish. They are no less significant for being relatively easy.
  • Choose a goal that can be broken down into smaller parts and list specific behaviors. Then repeat that behavior over and over.
  • Put your goals on paper. Better yet, add them to your monthly calendar. You’re more likely to stay on target if you can see your plan. A journal can be a helpful tool for this purpose.

Some Of The Most Popular Resolutions And How To Keep Them

  • Exercising more – this is by far one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, and one of the most difficult to stick to. Without a Personal Trainer, it can be hard to stay motivated. By following the suggestions above, you can make it easier. For example, commit to a 30-Day Challenge, place exercise equipment where you will see it every day, and add specific behaviors like taking the stairs or parking your car further away when shopping. Reward yourself for a job well done with a favorite movie, massage, or night out with friends. Remind yourself why exercise is important. And be patient. Results don’t come overnight.
  • Not stressing the small stuff – this attitude change could actually lengthen your life. Optimists tend to live longer than pessimists, and they have more fun! Practice making lists – listing your blessings, pros vs cons, and post inspirational quotes. Keep them in your wallet and read them regularly. Find someone who is going through difficult times and cheer them up. Keep a diary in order to pinpoint your negative self-talk. Ask yourself “What’s the worst that could happen?” Any or all of these exercises can help you change your outlook from glass-half-empty to glass-half-full.
  • Getting a good night’s sleep – this seems to be more and more elusive, perhaps in part due to our over-dependence on electronic devices. Exposure to these devices can affect our sleep cycle, leading to restless sleep. Try watching the news in the morning instead of just before bead. Keep your bedroom cool and free of electronics. Use essential oils like Lavender or supplements like Melatonin according to instructions. Maintain a regular bedtime ritual that helps to relax you. And see a doctor if your insomnia is severe.
  • Eating a healthier diet – this one is often on the top of everyone’s list, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Begin by eliminating one food at a time. Do not skip meals or cut too many calories; it doesn’t work and it can cause illness. Replace an unhealthy snack with a healthy, tasty alternative. Keep a food diary or use a smartphone app – but only if you can stick with it! Keeping things simple and taking it slow can help you stay on track and avoid disappointment.

So now that you know how to do New Year’s resolutions right, what are you waiting for? Good luck!

References:
The psychology of New Year’s resolutions
Huffington Post article on New Year’s resolutions
Johns Hopkins article about making healthy New Year’s resolutions

Silicones in skincare and haircare

Pros and Cons of Silicones in Skincare and Haircare

Posted on by Lydia D

Why Silicones in Skincare and Haircare?

You may have noticed that many different silicones can be found in skincare and haircare products today. There are a number of reasons why formulators – and customers – like products containing silicone. With many names, some ending in “oxane”, they are in cosmetics, as well. There are also reasons to be cautious when using skincare and haircare products containing silicone. It’s important to know, first of all, what silicone is and how they are used in skincare and haircare products.

What Is Silicone?

Silicone – also called polysiloxane – is a synthetic polymer derived from the element silicon and oxygen atoms. Silicon is extracted from common sand with a variety of chemicals, most of which are recycled or inert (e.g. water). It’s been used in personal care products for more than 30 years, which comprises about 15% of all uses for silicones. It is now used in everything from breast implants and beauty blenders to products found at Home Depot. Because it repels water, it’s useful for projects that require a waterproofing substance. Two types of silicone are commonly used; water soluble and non-water soluble.

Silicones In Skincare

If you look at the labels on most skincare and cosmetic products, you’ll find ingredients like Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane. These silicones are not water soluble. Silicones are popular in primers for their ability to leave skin feeling silky smooth, and they tend to reflect light. Most recently, polymers like Polybutene and Polyisobutene may appear on your product labels. It’s becoming more difficult to identify silicones in beauty products. For those of us who are looking to avoid synthetics, it’s becoming almost impossible to avoid them in skincare products. That, in and of itself, is troubling. Consumers should be able to choose whether or not to use products containing synthetic polymers that don’t benefit the skin in any long-lasting way.

So what’s so wrong about silicone in skincare? The answer often depends on your skin type and personal preferences. The moisture-trapping nature of silicone may mean that it also traps other substances (like dirt and oils) that may cause breakouts. And while everyone loves smooth-looking skin, it’s a short-lived effect rather than the result of a product’s impact on the skin. Their water-repellent nature can also make them more difficult to remove, which requires more intense cleansing at the end of the day.

We’ve decided to avoid using silicones in our Whole Earth Body Actives Vitamin C Face Cream. Instead, we’ve incorporated isoflavones derived from bamboo to smooth and enhance the skin’s appearance.

Silicones in Haircare

At first, the benefits of using silicones in haircare may seem obvious. They serve to smooth our frizzines, and who doesn’t love that? However, the water-repellent nature of most silicones can cause them to accumulate in their hair, making it heavy. Removing this product from their hair then requires the use of a deep-cleaning (e.g. harsher) clarifying shampoo. For dry, curly hair, this can do more harm than good. For many, the use of a nourishing oil like coconut or argan would be preferable to smoothing a synthetic all over the hair. Recently, some products formulate with water-soluble silicones that are easier to wash out. Examples are hydrolyzed wheat protein and ingredients that begin with PEG.

Finally, there’s a question of sustainability and eco-friendliness with this ingredient. Petroleum by-products are used to create silicones, which begs the question: do we want such a by-product in our skincare and haircare products? There may also be a question of bioaccumulation in the environment and what this means for wildlife. Given the furor over the use of plastic beads, it’s something to think about.

    References:

Silicone discussion in Wikipedia
Dow Corning Information about Silicone
Health Canada’s webpage on the safety of cosmetic ingredients

Five Chemicals in Nail Polish to Avoid

Posted on by Christen Sblendorio

When it comes to doing something as simple as painting your nails, your first thought isn’t whether or not you could be doing harm to yourself. But the reality is that the chemicals in nail polish are harmful to everyone who uses them, especially those who are repeatedly exposed to them. To keep yourself and those around you safe, choose polishes that are not made with the following five chemicals: dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

DBP is used in nail polish to minimize chipping. Classified as endocrine disruptors, phthalates disrupt and mimic estrogen. DBP’s are proven to impair the hormonal development of male fetuses, cause organ damage and lead to early-onset menopause.

Though there has never been DBP testing done on humans, animal testing has shown that DBP decreases fertility, causes hormonal disruption, bioaccumulation, and liver damage. The European Union banned DBP in cosmetic and personal care products, and the Australian government currently classifies DBP as a risk to the human reproductive system. Although the United States government does not classify DBP as a reproductive and hormonal toxicant, the state of California does.

Toluene

Toluene is a chemical ingredient that makes nail polish have a smooth application and finish. It is found in most nail polish removers. Toluene fumes are highly toxic and studies have shown that exposure to toluene can cause neurological damage, decreased brain function, impaired breathing, hearing loss, and nausea. If inhaled too frequently by pregnant women, impaired fetal development may occur. Testing on animals has also shown that that toluene is linked to reproductive impairment, immune system toxicity, and blood cancers like malignant lymphoma.

The European Union has banned the use of toluene in personal care products, including nail polish. In California, toluene is on the state’s Prop 65 list of chemicals that are harmful to fetal development.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is the chemical in nail polish that hardens and strengthens it. It also preservative that protects against bacterial growth. Formaldehyde is naturally produced by the body in incredibly small amounts and at a low level, is not dangerous. But, exposure to large quantities of formaldehyde can cause throat, nose,and blood cancer.

 

Nail salon workers and their children are especially at risk for chronic health problems caused by formaldehyde, including asthma, convulsions, nausea, and miscarriages. Repeated exposure can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs and cause abnormal fetal development in pregnant women. The European Union allows only limited use of formaldehyde in personal care products, while Japan and Sweden have banned it completely.

Formaldehyde Resin

Formaldehyde resin is a by-product of formaldehyde and can be found in nail polishes that also have formaldehyde.Studies have found that formaldehyde resin can cause severe skin irritation, allergic reactions, skin de-pigmentation and loss of nerve sensation.

Camphor

Camphor is the ingredient in nail polish that gives it its glossy, shiny appearance. Camphor is not as toxic as the other four ingredients mentioned, and can sometimes be found in vapor rubs or nasal sprays.

However, the safety of camphor has recently been called into question. It has been shown to trigger severe skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied topically, and inhaling its fumes can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Observational studies have also linked camphor exposure to organ damage, such as liver dysfunction. Camphor in personal care products is limited to a concentration of 11% in the US, and it is being phased out in markets within the European Union.

Choosing a Safe Nail Polish

If you do want your nails painted, look for a brand that is at least free of DBP, formaldehyde, and toluene but aim for one free of all the five hazardous chemicals. Nail polish brands such as Zoya, RGB, LaCC, Ella + Mila, Priti NYC and Kure Bazaar are all brands that formulas are free of all the five above mentioned chemicals.

 

References:

www.lovelivehealth.com

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701929/DIBUTYL_PHTHALATE
https://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/toluene.html
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706577/TOLUENE/
httpss://chemicalwatch.com/1745/eu-commission-bans-deg-phytonadione-restricts-toluene-degbe-and-egbe-in-cosmetics
https://oehha.ca.gov/air/chronic_rels/pdf/108883.pdf
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Documents/toluene.pdf
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet
https://www.saferstates.com/toxic-chemicals/formaldehyde/
https://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/paratertiarybutylphenolformaldehyde-allergy.html
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702501/FORMALDEHYDE_RESIN/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-709-camphor.aspx?activeingredientid=709&activeingredientname=camphor
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/camphor#section=Therapeutic-Uses