Friday, July 31, 2009

What is BPA and why should you avoid it?

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is a synthetic estrogen used to harden polycarbonate plastics (like some baby and water bottles) and in the epoxy resin used can linings. It was found in the bodies of 93 percent of the Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control. In laboratory tests trace BPA exposure been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and trigger a wide variety of disorders, including chromosomal and reproductive system abnormalities, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset diabetes, obesity and resistance to chemotherapy.

As with many toxic chemicals, infants and young children are at the greatest risk of harm because their bodies are still developing. The National Toxicology Program has expressed concern that children’s exposure to BPA may lead to problems with brain and reproductive system development and behavior.

Limit your exposure to BPA from canned foods and plastic containers.

  • Canned foods. Almost all canned foods (including canning jars) sold in the U.S. have a BPA-based epoxy liner that can leach BPA into the food inside. Pregnant women and young children, especially, should limit their consumption of canned foods to avoid BPA. Here’s how:
    • If you’re feeding your baby infant formula, use powdered formula because it has the least BPA. If you’re set on liquid formula, choose a brand sold in plastic and avoid ready-to-eat formula, which has the highest levels. Read more from EWG on safely feeding your baby.
    • Buy fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned.
    • For canned veggies and fruits, choose glass bottles where available; the lids may contain BPA but less than cans.
    • For canned beans, consider choosing Eden Foods brand because the cans are BPA-free. Or soak and cook dried beans – it’s a little more work but also less expensive.
    • In a pinch, rinsing canned fruit or vegetables may reduce the amount of BPA you ingest.
    • Make a special effort to avoid canned prepared foods like pastas and soups. We have found that they tend to have higher levels of BPA.

  • Simple precautions can minimize exposure to BPA and other chemicals that leach from plastic containers and water bottles:

    • Use glass or a BPA-free plastic baby bottles.
    • Avoid polycarbonate containers (marked with a #7 or ‘PC’), especially for children’s food and drinks.
    • We recommend the use of glass over plastics, but when you have no choice, plastics marked with a #1, 2, 4, and 5 don’t contain BPA and are generally safer for food.
    • Don’t microwave plastics or fill them with hot liquids.
    • Wash plastics on the top shelf of the dishwasher, where the water is cooler, or by hand.
    • Avoid old, scratched water bottles.
    • Use stainless water bottles without plastic linings.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Organic Body Care Standards Explaned

Organic Body Care Standards


Generally, if a product has one of the organic body care certifications below it is considered an organic product. Products that claim to be organic without having one of these certifications are technically not an organic product unless every ingredient in the product is made from certified organic food/agricultural ingredients (making it organic by default).


Standard Published Comments
USDA Organic
USA
2005 The strictest of organic standards because it is really a food standard. Requires 95% organic content to use logo. Disallows synthetic preservatives, and most chemical processing of ingredients.
NSF
USA
2009 NSF is one of the first US organic standards to emerge after USDA for cosmetic manufacturers. NSF requires a minimum of 70% of all ingredients (excluding water) to be organic to use its “made with organic” claim. Allows a broader array of preservatives and chemical processes than USDA.
OASIS
USA
2008 Oasis was created by a number of US beauty manufacturers and competes with the NSF standard. Oasis requires 85% of all agricultural ingredients to be organic. Allows an even broader array of preservatives than NSF, and similar chemical processes to NSF.
NaTrue
European Union
2008 NaTrue is a new non-profit standard from Europe started by German organic beauty manufacturers. It created a 3 star system to segregate “natural cosmetics” from “natural cosmetics with organic content” from “organic cosmetics”. Natrue 3-star requires 95% of all agricultural ingredients to be certified organic. 2-star requires 70%. Maximum of 5-15% (depending on the product category) of content can be from Natrue’s acceptable synthetic list.
COSMOS
European Union
2009 COSMOS is the first European Harmonized Standard for Organic beauty created by the first 6 EU organic beauty certifiers. COSMOS requires 95% of agricultural ingredients to be organic. 20% of total product by weight must be organic – including water. Allows a maximum of 5% synthetic content.
BDIH
Germany
1995 Though called a natural body care standard, BDIH requires manufacturers to use organic content wherever possible. It defines “where possible” as being available in sufficient quantity and quality, and defines which plants fall into this category by default. Therefore, it is possible for a product to have 0% organic content and still be BDIH certified. BDIH also maintains a member’s only list of acceptable ingredients that can be used in its products. BDIH was a forerunner by creating the world’s first organic body care certification.
Soil Association
United Kingdom
2002 Soil Association requires all of its certified products to show the organic percentage on the package. For a product to be called organic it must be 95% organic. For a product to state “made with organic X” it must be a minimum of 70% organic. Soil Association excludes water in this calculation, but if water is used to create an ingredient (such as a floral water) the weight of the water in contrast to the weight of the plant being used determines its organic percentage. This method precludes manufacturers from manipulating their organic content levels by using organic floral waters to boost their organic percentage.
Cosmebio
France
2002 Requires 95% of all agricultural ingredients to be organic. 10% of total product by weight (including the weight of water) must be organic. Allows up to 5% synthetic content. Cosmebio is only available to French manufacturers, and is certified by Eco-cert. Eco-cert is available to manufacturers all over the world.
Eco-Cert
France
2002 Requires 95% of all agricultural ingredients to be organic. 10% of total product by weight (including the weight of water) must be organic. Allows up to 5% synthetic content.
AIAB / ICEA
Italy
2003 Does not require a minimum organic content level. Water is not considered in the organic content. Maintains an extensive list of ingredients not permitted in organic cosmetics.
Biogarantie
Belgium
2004 Follows similar rules to Ecocert.
NASAA
Australia
2005 NASAA is a food ceritification body similar to the Soil Association that has also developed a standard for beauty. NASAA restricts numerous synthetic ingredients and processes used in cosmetics.
Biocosc
Switzerland
2006 Requires 95% of all agricultural ingredients to be organic. 10% of total product by weight (including water in the weight) must be organic. Allows up to 3% synthetic content.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Trend for natural and organic cosmetics set to rocket, according to new report


A new report released by consumer research body, Packaged Facts, declares that the recent boom in organic and natural personal care products is set to grow even more, based on strong consumer demand for natural ingredients.

The report values the existing market for natural and organic products in America at $ 4.3 billion and predicts that this could rise to $6.6 billion in 2010. This would be a growth of 50 percent in two years.

This data underlines the belief that the natural and organics market is a sure investment and reflects the keen interest large cosmetics companies have shown in expanding in the organic direction.

Organic explosion in mass retail

The report, which was issued in June, finds that the key areas of product growth have been in non-chemical based toothpastes, deodorants, anti-aging products, shampoo and make-up.

Organic Monitor has previously noted the massive surge in consumer interest for organic oral care in the US, estimating the sector’s value at $160m in 2008. The research body then estimated that the sector could grow annually at 20-25 percent in the next few years.

Whilst organic and natural shampoos and make-up have become commonplace in the mass retail environment, there has also been recent moves to bring natural hair dyes onto the market, both in the US and in the UK.

This rapid expansion in the organic and natural markets is explained by the Packaged Facts report as a consumer reaction to concerns about the health and safety of chemicals used. The report also states that this increase in consumer awareness has been spearheaded by the “Baby Boomers and Generation Xers”.

“Alternative” becomes “second mainstream”

In fact, the report suggests that the growth of the natural personal care industry has been so rapid that what used to be known as the “alternative” market in cosmetics could now be referred to as the “second mainstream”. This would back up previous Mintel research, reported by Cosmetics Design, which noted the emergence of the “extreme ethical” as a trend in the cosmetics industry.

Burts Bees in particular, has adopted a strong marketing strategy to make consumers aware of its natural credentials, setting up a website called The Greater Good, to highlight the importance of tight regulation and labeling standards in the industry.

The report is based on primary research, which draws upon information from both retail and the marketing industry. Government bodies and trade organizations were also consulted and the Market Research Bureau was consulted to gather consumer information.

By Leah Armstrong, 29-Jul-2009

Shop for Organic skin care NOW!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sweetsation Therapy moisturizer with SPF 30 is rated one of the best moisturizers on the market!!! WoooHooo!

Best Moisturizers with SPF

EWG's analyses show that many moisturizers don't give long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection. Choose from among EWG's top rated products to get the most from your moisturizer. And match the SPF strength with your expected UV exposure to avoid spreading unnecessarily large amounts of sunscreen chemicals on your skin.

score key --  0-2: recommended | 3-6: caution | 7-10: avoid
1. product image Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Moisturizing Sunblock, SPF 30
(buy on Amazon.com)
1
2. product image Marie Veronique Organics Creme de Jour Tinted, SPF 30, no nanoparticles
(buy on Amazon.com)
1
3. product image
Devita International Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer 30
(buy on Amazon.com)
1
4. product image Sweetsation Therapy Organic Sun*Brella Triple Action Moisturizer with SPF 30+
(find online retailers)
1
5. product image SanRe Organic Skinfood Supple Sunshine - Organic Rosemary and Lavender Day Creme (Dry to Normal), SPF 30
(buy on Amazon.com)
1
6. product image Lotus Moon Sage Sun Protective Creme, SPF 25
(find online retailers)
1
7. product image Institut Dermed Sun Protective Cream Oil Free, Untinted, SPF 28
(find online retailers)
2
8. product image N.V. Perricone M.D. Targeted Care Solar Protection Face with DMAE, SPF 26
(find online retailers)
2
9. product image Sue Devitt Promarine Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 30, Capri
(buy on Amazon.com)
2
10. product image Sun Science Organic Daily Wear, SPF 30
(buy on Amazon.com)
2

see all moisturizers with SPF

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Hundreds of all-day moisturizers advertise SPF protection, but 1 in 5 provides poor shielding from harmful UVA rays or breaks down in UV radiation. A new review by FDA scientists attributes an increasing incidence of malignant melanoma among people who work indoors to UVA rays shining through windows onto unprotected skin (Godar 2009).

EWG's highest rated moisturizers contain zinc oxide. This stable sunscreen gives broad spectrum protection and doesn't break down.

You may not think you need a sunscreen indoors, but windows let through about one-third of the sun's UVA-1 radiation, the more deeply penetrating UVA rays. This radiation is associated with skin aging and malignant skin cancer. Vitamin D stored in the skin can help kill or arrest the growth of cancer cells, but UVA radiation breaks this vitamin down while spurring faster spread of cancer cells (Godar 2009).

A recent European study confirms our findings: this research team also found that 1 in 5 moisturizers fails to provide strong UVA protection. And when they exposed 35 moisturizers to 2 hours of UV radiation, 77% of the products lost at least 10% of their SPF strength. These scientists admonish the cosmetics industry to improve UVA protection, and warn their readers that unstable, ineffective sunscreens in moisturizers are "inappropriate" (Sehedic 2009).

Moisturizer labels don't normally list warnings common on beach and pool sunscreens to reapply the product often. Most of us rub moisturizers on our skin just once in the morning and assume the UV protection will last.

Pregnancy-safe age defying products?


Time stands still for no one. And even when you get pregnant it feels like it even speeds up. How do you take care of your skin, defy aging and protect from harmful sun rays?
Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can intensify skin unevenness called melasma. It is important not to strip or dry skin but to gently exfoliate and remove impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells. Skin must be hydrated and toned to bring back balance and radiance. Harsh ingredients should be avoided as many are not recommended for pregnancy. That's where Organic Sun*Brella Triple Action Moisturizer comes in. First pregnancy-safe age defying treatment, that protects. Water resistant, non-greasy unique formula provides chemical-free mineral UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+, that protects skin from harmful sun rays and prevents sun damage and pigmentation. Kojic Acid contributes to the action by lightening and repairing existing sun damage. Caviar Extract very rich in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6 and micro-elements Co, Cu, P, Si, Zn, Vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B12, folic acid as well as amino acids. In combination with Reishi Mushroom, they increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis, improve firmness and hydration, and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, intensify the processes inside the skin cells and at the same time slow down the degradation process. Black Willow Bark and Fruit extracts provide gentle invisible exfoliation to shed dead skin cells and keep your skin fresh with rosy glow. Sea Kelp, Cucumber and Spirulina provide hydration to your skin all day long. Presence of Helichrisum essential oil, possessing strongest anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of all the essential oils, helps fight acne and breakouts. It is also reputed as being especially helpful in reducing the appearance of scars. Ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in raspberries, strawberries and cranberries, protects against ultraviolet damage by blocking production of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes that break down collagen. Watermelon, rich in Vitamin C and naturally occurring carbohydrates and amino acids supports the UV-stressed immune system of the skin and can be used to prevent photo-aging. This extract also helps to protect the skin from every day toxins and promotes cell-renewal. Created by Sweetsation Therapy.

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Are you ready for the summer - the safe way?


Summer is already here and we better be safe then sorry. It feels so pleasant to be touched by warm sun rays, but do you know that down the road those sun rays can translate into sun burn and even cancer? How so? To read full explanation of how UVA and UVB rays work, click the link: UV Damage. A Look at UVA and UVB Radiation and their Effects on Your Skin

Here at Sweetsation Therapy we are very proud to offer the best for safe Sun protection. Sun'n'Fun is new mineral based sunscreen of SPF 30 for babies (small and big) made with no chemicals.
It is not just a baby sun screen, it's a state of the art skin care pampering treatment - with sun screen. Water resistant. It's been designed with delicate and sensitive baby's skin in mind and addresses not only protection from the harmful UVA and UVB sun rays but also helps to care for dry skin and eczema while hydrating and soothing. PABA-Free, chemical-free mineral based hydrating and moisturizing Sunblock SPF30+ provides high UV protection for your baby. Organic Marshmallow, Grapeseed and Raspberry rich with vitamin C and antioxidants fights skin damage and cellular oxidation ( that are causes of aging. Yes, aging starts the day we are born), caused by excessive free radical activity. It also contains excellent anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea, thought to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E for neutralizing free radicals and has a protective role to play here as well. It prevents free radical damage and possible skin tumors and cancers associated with it. Spirulina, Kelp and Cucumber contain abundant non-essential and essential amino acids and are highly moisturizing, soothing and hydrating. Pumpkin and Rosehip oils, rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc promotes healing and nourishing, leaving skin glowing and healthy looking. Tamanu oil contributes to the formula with it's strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps with dry skin and eczema. Combination of Cocoa Butter and a hint of Vanilla create that yummy chocolate scent, that's achieved naturally, as well as have moisturizing and healing properties. This product was created for our tiny friends but our grown-up friends can use it too. It's highly addictive....

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