Making smart choices

How many beauty products do you use each day?

This except from the Environmental Working Group  provides estimates on the amount of beauty products used in the United States.   "According to our survey of 2300 people, on average, respondents use nine products daily. These contain 126 unique ingredients. One man in 100 and fully 25 percent of women surveyed apply 15 or more products each day."

Ultimately, educating yourself about cosmetic ingredient will have to be combined with trial and error. Once a set of reasonable solutions have been narrowed, compatibility of the ingredients with your body will have to be tested.

Importance of using natural and organic edible products

Your skin is your largest organ. Along with inhalation, ingestion and injection, dermal absorption is a route of exposure for substances. Absorption of substances through the skin depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are concentration, duration of contact, solubility, and physical condition.

What you put in your body matters, so does what you put on your body.

During absorption a chemical passes through the epidermis, glands, or hair follicles.

Chemicals must pass through the seven cell layers of epidermis before entering the dermis where they can enter the blood stream or lymph and circulate to other areas of the body.

Toxins and toxicants can move through the layers by passive diffusion.

Thus lipid-soluble chemicals make it through the outside stratum corneum layer and into the circulation faster, however nearly all molecules penetrate it to some degree.

Harmful cosmetics ingredients in the skin care industry products

SOLD IN STORES? Any cosmetic product can make it onto the shelves and could be loaded with toxic formulas and endanger your health.

FDA's legal authority over cosmetics is different from authority over other products such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA premarket approval, with the exception of color additives. In general, except for color additives and those ingredients that are prohibited or restricted by regulation, a manufacturer may use any ingredient in the formulation of a cosmetic, provided that:

• the ingredient and the finished cosmetic are safe under labeled or customary conditions of use
• the product is properly labeled
• the use of the ingredient does not otherwise cause the cosmetic to be adulterated or misbranded under the laws that FDA enforces.

Analyze the Label

If you are like most people, you may not be able to decipher what’s on the label. Even terms like organic”, “natural” or “fragrance-free” do not guarantee the safety of all ingredients. In addition, a lot of chemical cocktails can hide under the term “fragrance” which allows the company to not actually list what is in it. There are all sorts of loopholes in the beauty industry.

Most large beauty companies such as Estee Lauder, Avon and Revlon use toxins and carcinogens in their products. Many of those ingredients could contribute to long-term health effects such as eczema, cancer, infertility and more.

A few things to stay clear of:

• Thimerosol - A mercury-containing preservative. Mercury may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation and adverse effects on the nervous system. Studies have also show that it can affect reproduction. Thimerosol is used as a preservative for products applied in the area of the eye, such as eye drops and contact lens solutions.
• DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea - Used as preservatives and can release formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a sensitizer and a proven carcinogen. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate - A known skin and eye irritant and enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens. It is used as a lathering agent and detergent, and is present in hundreds of commercial shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths, as well as skin creams and some brands of toothpaste.
• Benzyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol - Both can irritate the skin. They are used as fragrance ingredients as well as preservatives, solvents and anti-foaming agents for lotions, sunscreens, hand sanitizers, sunscreens, and baby wipes. There is also evidence that these two alcohols are neurotoxic.
• 1,4-Dioxane - Classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen. It is a contaminant in shampoos, body wash, children's bath products and other sudsing cosmetics. 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant and not an ingredient, therefore it does not appear on ingredient labels.
• Parabens - This is a preservative that is able to mimic estrogen hormones and has been found in breast tumors.
• Fragrance - An ambiguous term where many toxic chemicals are hidden under, including synthetic fragrances containing phthalates - a plasticizing material used in polyvinyl chloride PVC which can mess with your endocrine system.

Margeaux Skin Care includes these natural edible products for your skin:

Emollient Oils

• Whole Plant Aloe Vera - Believed to be a food of long-lasting youth and rapid healing. The anti-inflammatory power in acute inflammation is one of its best known actions. The gel of the Aloe Vera can be used topically or add to your daily juice.
• Coconut Oil - Contains a number of health giving properties including being high in antioxidants, control blood sugar levels, assist the thyroid gland and repair the skin. You can eat coconut oil straight, blend into smoothies, use in cooking and on the skin.
• Avocado Oil - It is extremely beneficial and nourishing in treating skin disorders, such as dry and dehydrated skin, eczema, psoriasis, and solar keratosis. Improves elasticity. Very penetrating and a superb emollient. The moisturizing and skin softening properties make it a valuable addition to anti-wrinkle, anti-aging and mature skin blends. Has sunscreen properties. Abundant in vitamins and minerals that are crucial to your entire body and especially beneficial for your skin. Particularly high in beta-carotene, lutein, vitamins B6, C, E, K, selenium, zinc, foliate, potassium, glutathione and healthy fats to nourish the body and skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil - All skin types. It is close to the natural sebum produced by the skin. Especially good for eczema. Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation. Very lubricating, but not quick penetration, which makes it a wonderful massage oil and protectant. Contains vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, E), minerals, fatty acids and protein.
• Apricot Kernel Oil - Non-greasy. It’s extremely nourishing to the skin and excellent for softening delicate skin around the eyes and neck. It has good penetration and therapeutic properties. Softens and smooths the skin. Reduces roughness, cracking and irritation. Effective in retarding the fine wrinkles of aging. All skin types.
• Baobab - Baobab powder, made from the fruit, contains more antioxidants than any other fruit on Earth. Baobab oil nourishes & heals damaged skin, is a natural cleanser, a daily moisturizer. It eliminates under-eye bags and boosts collagen production. It can help treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It will help hydrate dry areas, reduce redness and eliminate the incessant itch that can occur with eczema. Also due to baobab’s oil ability to stimulate collagen and preserve skin elasticity, along with its high level of vitamins, it can not only help prevent stretch marks but it can reduce their appearance.
• Prickly Pear Cactus - It contains skin-softening vitamins E and K. It also contains a good amount of skin hydrating and nourishing fatty acids. These prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus making prickly pear oil a good anti-aging agent.
• Hemp Oil - One of the most nutritionally complete foods containing all nine essential amino acids making them exceptionally high in protein whilst also high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and minerals. Eat them as a snack, add to a salad or use the hemp oil in your smoothie.
• Macadamia Nut oil - Very hydrating. Easily absorbed into the skin and acts as an emollient protecting skin cells from deterioration. It is suitable for all skin types but is extremely nourishing for dry or mature skin. Effective antioxidant, which protects the skin just like human sebum does. It is a fabulous, protective with a high absorption rate and has been used successfully as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations.
• Grape seed Oil - A light, slightly astringent oil. Rich in antioxidants more potent than Vitamin C and E. Helps minimize sun damage.
• Cucumber Oil - Fantastic for cleansing our bodies. The skins of cucumbers are high in silicon although are often grown with pesticides and waxed in stores so it is best to choose organic.
• Argan Oil - Lightweight, fast absorbing oil heals and conditions. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, strengthens elasticity, protects against stretch marks. Scientific expertise has yielded several amazing active ingredients from the argan plant.
• Jojoba Oil - Resembles the skin sebum, the natural coating our body produces to protect the skin and keep it supple, therefore, it is easily absorbed and balances sebum production. Works as an effective cleanser by dissolving clogged pores. Conditions, moisturizes and softens. Reduces wrinkles, lightens and helps heal scars. Suits all skin types. Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Protects partly from UV radiation (SPF 4).
• Vitamin E (Gluten-free) - Acts as a free radical scavenger, hinders the oxidizing process in the skin and promotes soft and supple skin. As an antioxidant it defends the skin. Helpful in reducing scars and promotes healing. Natural emollient. Gluten-free sources.

Butters

• Cacao Butter - cacao is raw, not processed or roasted, like cocoa, the nutritional value in the living enzymes is retained. The high levels of polyphenol antioxidants in cacao belong to the same group of antioxidants found in green tea and red wine and protect our cells from premature ageing. Amazingly, raw organic cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, thus protecting our bodily cells from free radical damage and premature aging. Helps prevent wrinkles. Improves the efficiency of genes involved in maintaining hydration and elasticity when skin is exposed to UV rays.
• Shea Butter - Used as an emollient, it is extremely therapeutic; helping to heal cracked, aged and damaged skin. Helps skin retain elasticity and its antimicrobial and moisturizing properties protects against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration.
• Beeswax - It helps to emulsify and thicken lotions and creams, holds together lip and body balms, and forms a protective barrier between skin and the environment.
• Lanolin - Just like in humans, a sheep's skin has pores that produce oils to hydrate the surface of the body. These oils, called lanolin, have a deep moisturizing effect on human skin and hair. It locks existing moisture into the skin and absorbs additional moisture from the air around it. Lanolin is one of the ingredients in the most popular lip balms. The San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition recommends that mothers use lanolin as a remedy for chapped and cracked nipples due to breastfeeding. Note that Margeaux skin products are edible and thus appropriate for breast feeding relief.

Essential Oils

• Bergamot - The components of Bergamot Oil, like Alpha Pinene and Limonene, are antidepressant and stimulating in nature. They have Antibiotic & Disinfectant properties, and Analgesic effect through stimulating secretion of certain hormones which lessen sensitivity of nerves to pain. The appealing Cicatrisant property of bergamot oil makes the distribution of pigments and melanin even and uniform, resulting in the fading away of marks and an even, attractive skin tone.
• Borage - Has the highest known content of essential unsaturated fatty acids. These are great skin conditioners. They regulate the hydration of the skin and are humectants. Calms inflammation overall, making it an attractive treatment option for arthritis, eczema, seborrhea and other inflammatory conditions. Acts as an insect repellent and blood vessel dilator.
• Cedar - The natural health benefits of cedarwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties, such as antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antispasmodic, astringent, tonic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, sedative, fungicidal and insecticidal.
• Evening Primrose - This oil is an effective emollient, forming a protective layer keeping the complexion supple and strong. Combats pain and inhibits bacterial growth to defend against infection and inflammation. Helps to prevent the premature aging of the skin and rejuvenate skin cells. It also repairs damaged skin.
• Frankincense - Helps improve dry, chapped mature-looking skin. Contains astringent, antiseptic, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, frankincense can stimulate new cell growth and help prevent wrinkles.
• Geranium - Not to be confused with rose geranium. The effects of geranium oil are calming, balancing, and uplifting. It stimulates sensual feelings and balances hormones, making it particularly effective during PMS and menopause. It has antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is beneficial for healing wounds and treating irritated or blemished skin, including excessively dry (eczema) or oily skin.
• Lavender - Natural relaxant, anti-depressant and detoxifier. It has a sweet floral-herbaceous scent, with a balsamic woody undertone. Potent cell regeneration and repair capabilities, lavender was used as a healing substance for wounds and burns. Its active components work to increase cellular activity and actually prevent cell death. It is powerfully antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal, and also works to regulate the production of sebum.
• Melaleuca - Also called Tea Tree Oil. A potent anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial, antibacterial oil, tea tree makes an excellent treatment for a wide spectrum of skin ailments and complaints, from acne, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, yeast infections, cold sores and mouth ulcers. Its powerful germ fighting capabilities do not make it irritating or toxic to even sensitive skin.
• Rosehip Seed - It moisturizes dry, mature, sensitive, allergic, aging and problem skin. It is considered a cellular regenerative oil repairing scar tissue, wrinkles and age spots. As a potent anti-inflammatory oil it helps provide immediate relief for dry, itchy skin.
• Rose Absolute - Mild antiviral and bactericidal properties. Because of its natural acids, it’s hydrating and anti-inflammatory. Its antiseptic and disinfectant properties clear up blemishes and calm the skin. It is most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin, while having a general stimulant action for cleansing, which is good for all skin types, but especially for dry, mature and irritated skin.
• Sea Buckthorn Berry - Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It has natural antioxidant properties and is slightly astringent. Sea buckthorn seed oil has been shown to help improve skin elasticity, regenerate skin cells, slow down premature aging, reduce the formation of wrinkles, and reduce scarring. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are effective for maturing or damaged skin where the regeneration of new skin cells is needed. Speeds healing of burns.