M O I S T U R I Z E

DO:

Use an oil-based moisturizer vs. water based, the oil will create a protective layer on your skin to retain more moisture.

Use natural oils found in our environment, they will help reduce clogged pores.

Avocado Oil: loaded with vitamins and minerals (A, D & E) The oil’s proteins will increase the skins collagen supply to help reverse the signs of aging.

Coconut Oil: hydrates the skin

Macadamia Extract: found in many anti aging products to assist in hydrating the skin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: fabulous product! hydrates the skin, and aids in skin various problems (acne/sunburn/stretch marks)

Sweet Almond Oil: superb for dry and mature skin, rich in Vitamin A.

Honey(raw): antibacterial, hydrates the skin.

Jojoba Oil: actually a liquid wax rather than an oil, mimics human skin oil, when applied it will balance moisture for all skin types

DON’T:

Don’t linger in a hot bath or shower (mmm it feels so good), the water will suck the moisture from your skin and leave you feeling dry and irritated

F A C E

The cold air causes inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. Keeping our skin moisturized is a preventative measure to delay skin aging and the formation of wrinkles.

DO:

Use a heavy moisturizer during the day, we wrap our bodies in heavy jackets, why should our face be any different? (lighter moisturizer at night)

Use sunscreen to reduce wrinkles and prevent skin cancer

DON’T:

Use a soap bar with heavy detergents it will strip your skins natural oils

Ingredients to look for:

Calendula:anti-inflammatory properties to heal and soothe

Natural Sugar: natural exfoliation to remove dull skin

Cocoa Butter: effective in repairing the sun’s damage

Shea Butter: reduces aging, dark spots, chapped lips, protects the skin

L I P S 

As we lick our lips this winter we bring on the continued “chapped lips cycle”.  Our seasonal congestion has us breathing through our mouths and promotes chapped lips. “Lips are mucous membranes, so they have very thin surface layers of skin,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, USC.

DO:

Use balms made with beeswax, creates a protective seal on your lips naturally.

Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Honey and Cocoa Butter work well to soothe and protect

DON’T:

Use petroleum jelly as it’s made from “petroleum”, contaminated with cancer-causing agents & ingesting too much of it can lead to stomach problems

Scrubbing, peeling, or biting the skin flakes can irritate your skin further

Use flavored lip balms as they tend to promote your lip sucking

…………………………..

As we start the year off with new resolutions for nutrition and exercise, let’s take it a step further in our daily routines and seek “natural” remedies for the skin we’re in.

MomtoMomHealth’s

favorite product this winter from our

K I T C H E N   P A N T R Y:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

“Oh, the places we’ll go with Extra Virgin Olive Oil”

3 simple home recipes made from extra virgin olive oil

FACE:

1 spoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil  /  1/4 spoon vinegar  /  1/4 spoon water

Mix all ingredients together & apply to your face, leave overnight. Wash in the morning. Do regularly and you’ll see your skin glow! Olive Oil will even out your skin tone, while the vinegar helps to treat discoloration.

HANDS:

1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rub into your hands, wash & voila, smooth as a baby’s bottom. Our skin on our hands is thinner than most other parts of our body because of fewer oils glands. The water will open up the pores and allow for more moisture to be absorbed.

EXFOLIATE:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil  /  Natural Sugar

Mix together, wash, ahhh soft and gorgeous!

DO YOU HAVE AN OLIVE OIL BEAUTY SECRET TO SHARE?

www.momtomomhealth.com

…A mother’s journey to build awareness through her own life experiences with breast cancer….

Basics of washing our face, where do we start? I can’t recall a conversation with my mom teaching me the basics of washing my face. I do remember the pimples which covered my forehead, the many conventional treatments I put to the test. As I ponder on the past I envision all the chemicals I endured through my soap and acne treatments alone. Fast forward and here I stand with children of my own who are now hitting their tween years and need the 101 on “face washing”.

Why is it Important? 

Imagine the many chemicals, pollution, and other environmental items that our skin is constantly exposed to on a daily basis. Statistics show 65% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Now think of your children and their precious tiny bodies.

These products can’t harm us or they wouldn’t be on the market

Naturally one of these products won’t harm you but the affect of “all” these products can harm your body as the synthetic chemicals enter your bloodstream. This is why it’s important to reduce your child’s exposure to chemicals and give them the tools to take care of their bodies from the inside out. WE need to be in control of  what makes its way onto our skin, the FDA does not regulate ingredients leaving us to take responsibility for our own health.

Girls and early puberty 

Its a fact that girls are entering puberty earlier now which leads to a greater risk of cancer and other diseases. When choosing mass market products loaded with harmful ingredients that enter their bloodstreams their tiny bodies can’t identify the synthetic chemicals and they will be mistaken for estrogen. The continual build up of chemicals will affect their bodies as they become woman.

Knowledge is power 

I am in the process of helping my daughter organize her daily face washing space with cotton swabs, and her Good for you Girls natural products. Her first beauty experience will be one she’ll continue to foster as an adult.

Interview with one of the Founder’s of Good for you Girls: 

What a reassuring conversation I had with Grace Hvasta, a certified practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, Founder of Good for you Girls all natural skincare made with pure organic ingredients, and most importantly a mother of four girls.

Why did you start Good for you Girls? 

A shopping trip for natural skin care for her oldest daughter brought life to the Good for you Girls line of products. This age group between ages 9 – 15 is so underserved, and I am very particular about what my daughters put on their bodies I realized their was such a gap in providing natural skincare for girls. I knew then I needed to make a skincare line which was age appropriate, smelled good (not your typical lavender), and was safe! After much research I found a green chemist who we worked with closely to formulate a beautiful yet premium product.

Some might say botanicals, essential oils are not safe & may come back to haunt us years later…what are your thoughts? 

I can go on and go about how untrue this is. Botanicals have been around for over 5000 years, we’re not reinventing the wheel here, there’s nothing new. All the ingredients we use have been used by herbalists for years. Europe has been using botanicals and essential oils in products for many years now. There are products from various companies in America which contain harmful ingredients BUT the same company changes their formulation for the same product within the European Union. The FDA does not regulate personal care products and bottom line is the government does not care, the mighty dollar speaks volume in the U.S.

What products do you carry? 

Good for you Girls Skincare Kit includes: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer

Sold individually: Blemish Wash, Gel Cleanser, Purifying Toner, Moisturizer, Body Wash (new), Body Shimmer Lotion (new), and Deodorant (new)

What are the most popular items?

The skincare trio kit, blemish wash, and our body shimmer lotion.

How much do you use of each item? 

small pea size amount for all products and two sprays of the toner on a cotton swab.

Why did you choose a roll on deodorant? 

Roll on’s for ease of application.

What about boys?

Boy’s can definitely use our products, many moms have just taken the label off.

What about adults? 

I use these products myself! They are perfect for adults with sensitive skin. There isn’t a need for anti aging properties for young skin so I supplement to receive these benefits. Also it’s a very light and shine free moisturizer, and I need extra protection during the cold months of the year and supplement as necessary.

Can you tell me about your product ingredients? 

We do not use synthetic dyes, fragrances, parabens, or petrochemicals. Our products are vegan and gluten free.

Think of our skincare line as bridge from babies natural baby products and natural adult products.

Gel Cleanser : 

No more scrubbing, when you scrub the skin we’ll leaving microscopic lesions on the skin.

Organic arnica extract, organic lavender extract, organic chamomile extract & organic calendula extract used for the way they heal the skin.

Natural Preservatives used in all products: sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and ethylhexylglycerin they are very pure and simple.

Vitamin E comes from soy, non gmo.

Fragrance: essential orange, riggamon, and grapefruit.

Blemish Wash: 

We added properties to target blemishes

Meadow sweet extract targets active acne and bacteria on the skin.

Canadian willow herb extract exfoliates the skin.

Jojoba wax beads are natural esters, very gentle and round to reduce redness.

Toner: 

Spray on and leave or spray onto cotton swab and dab on.

Witch Hazel: puts the ph balance back into the skin, does not burn.

Meadow Sweet Extract added as extra bonus to the toner because it can be washed off when cleansing. Active botanicals to treat bacteria.

Moisturizer: 

Our pure, light, and clean moisturizer.

Organic rose hip oil, Organic borage oil, Organic flax see oil are essential fatty acid oils to feed the skin. The skin does not produce naturally we have to supplement, very PAMPERING!

Body care line: 

Body Wash: foaming wash

Body Shimmer: pink micas, leaves a nice shimmer and glow to your skin.

Deodorant: aluminum free, roll on little watery but dries up quickly. During hot and sweaty days may need to re apply. Keep in mind sweat is good as it rids toxins.

What message do you have for Girls? 

First of all, you have a choice that you don’t have to poison your body with skincare. I truly believe in beauty from within. If you take care of your skin and keep your skin clean, you won’t need make up to hide blemishes. Drink water, eat fruit, cut down on bad snacks and you will have beautiful skin. It’s a choice, educate yourself on ingredients and why they’re bad for you. Make a conscious choice and live a healthier life. Good for your Girls can provide this for you!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the Good for you Girls products please contact me:

gurvinder@momtomomhealth.com

as their entire line of products are not featured at www.momtomomhealth.com

]]> http://momtomomhealth.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/skin-care-newbies/feed/ 0 momtomomhealth http://momtomomhealth.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/safeguard-your-skin/ http://momtomomhealth.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/safeguard-your-skin/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:45:27 +0000 momtomomhealth http://momtomomhealth.wordpress.com/?p=146 ]]> Sun, Safety, and Sunscreens

Let the sunshine in!!! We all love to soak in the rays during the summer at our local swimming pools and beaches. What a wonderful time of year to be outside under the bright blue sky! When the warm weather approaches for my family we live in our backyard enjoying our swimming pool. Every summer I ponder upon which safe sunscreens to choose to protect my whole family from the sun and toxic chemicals in various sunscreen brands. Surveys have shown 34% of men wear sunscreen, compared to 78% women.

Choose sunscreen with ingredients that pose fewer health concerns when the body absorbs them. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and may disrupt your body’s hormone systems. Environmental Working Group determined that mineral sunscreens have the best safety profile.

Why:

1. They are stable in sunlight and do not penetrate the skin.

2. They form a film on top of your skin that reflects and scatters UV light.

3. They are effective immediately.

4. Zinc oxide is superior in providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen.

Recommendations: 

Experts recommend using sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or 30, proper application, and reapplying after 2 hours. Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection.

What do all these abbreviations mean? 

SPF: Sun(burn) Protection Factor

….measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. For example, SPF 15 will delay the onset of a sunburn in a person who would otherwise burn in 10 minutes to burn in 150 minutes. The SPF 15 allows a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer. (consider skin type, intensity of sunlight and amount of sunscreen applied) Higher SPF’s don’t give you much more protection. They can tempt you to stay in the sun longer without re-applying. Be aware of your surroundings as mentioned above: your skin type, length of time spent outside, shade, and cloud cover.

Recommendations: 

Experts recommend using sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or 30, proper application, and reapplying after 2 hours. Choose a sunscreen which offers a broad-spectrum protection.

UVA & UVB: 

Ultra violet-A exposure contributes to premature aging by damaging the skin’s elasticity. (about 90% of wrinkles and age spots)  UVA is the dominant tanning ray, over time it can cause damage to our skin.

UVB, cause of skin reddening and sunburn. UVB contributes to skin cancer.

Recommendations: 

Experts recommend choosing a sunscreen that protects from UVA rays. Only a few active sunscreen ingredients protect your skin from UVA rays (zinc oxide). Children have thinner skin than adults and are more sensitive to UV rays, reapply generously. Minimize the use of sunscreen on infants under six months, they should be kept out of direct sunlight and use adequate clothing and shade.

Click below to check your UV index:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

B   E             A   W   A   R   E: 

Ingredients:

1.  ”Oxybenzone” is a synthetic estrogen which penetrates the skin and may disrupt normal hormones raising our risk for breast cancer.

2. “Vitamin A” (listed as retinyl palmitate), eating Vitamin A laden veggies are good for you, but spreading it on your body may not be. New government data shows tumors and lesions develop sooner on skin coated with vitamin-A creams.

3. “Octinoxate” (listed as cinnamon) endocrine disruptor, estrogen mimicker, raised our risk for breast cancer, penetration enhancer and produces damaging reactive oxygen species upon exposure to sunlight.

4. Paba, in the manufacturing process, it can be contaminated with nitrosamines, a group of dangerous carcinogenic chemicals, produces free radicals on the skin, causes cellular mutations, penetration enhancer and hormone disrupter.

5. Insect Repellent with the chemical DEET, as their are confirmed studies which indicate mental side effects. Sunscreen needs to be applied throughout the day and if combined you will be getting excessive amounts of DEET. It’s suggested that sun screen compounds can make the body absorb more of the DEET than would otherwise be the case.

Recommendations for active ingredients: 

Active Ingredients are components that keep the skin from burning, read your labels and investigate the active ingredients. When you apply the sunscreen to your skin the sun will break down the active ingredient  and create free-radicals on your skin (cancer causing radicals).

1. Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide as they protect the skin from harmful UVA radiation and remain on the skin, with little if any penetration into the body.

2. avobenzone (3%) for those who don’t like mineral suncreens

3. Mexoryl SX sold in very few formulations, found in Europe.

4. Water resistant for beach, pool, and exercise.

Experts:

Dr. Rebecca Sutton, a staff scientist with EWG states,  safety against the sun is especially of concern when it comes to children. The surface area of a child’s skin relative to their body weight is much greater than adults. Any chemical applied to their skin is about 1.4 times more significant than it would be when applied to an adult. Add that to the fact that children are less able to detoxify and excrete chemicals, they have a developing organ system that is more vulnerable to damage from chemical exposures, and children are more sensitive to low levels of hormonally active compounds and you have a potentially large problem.

 Prevent the known risk and do everything possible to limit the chances of the unknown risks. 

_______________________________

MomtoMomHealth recommends the following mineral sunscreens which have worked  well for our family. Unfortunately at this time we do not carry sunscreens, but they can be  purchased either from your local natural food stores or directly from their companies web site.

                                                                                                      Badger

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide

                                                                                                      Goddess

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide

The best organic option: 

long sleeves, and a wide brim hat and sunglasses!

Enjoy your summer, be safe and healthy!

www.momtomomhealth.com

Most conventional nail polishes are not safe! Mom-to-Mom Health is here to help you make safer choices as our toes make a debut this spring!

When we polish our tips and toes, we are essentially covering up our nails’ ability to breathe. This can, in turn, cause our nails to become weak and breakable.

When selecting your favorite color or brand, check to see if these ingredients are listed, these should be avoided:

• Toluene, which is used in paint thinner (!), can cause reproductive and developmental issues.
• Dibutyl Phthalate is a known endocrine disrupter. Prolonged use can cause kidney or liver damage and hinder fertility.
• Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
• Ethyl Acetate is a respiratory irritant.

Fortunately many companies have already become more aware of the potential harm of some chemicals and additives and have begun to remove them from their formulas. Nevertheless, still read the ingredient label carefully.

For example, my “tween,” like many girls her age, would polish her nails everyday if she could. There are tons of cute cosmetics kits lining the aisles of stores like Target and CVS that are specifically marketed to tween girls. We’ve had to learn to steer clear from many of these products as they have a “huge” list of harmful ingredients. Many lists we can’t even read because the print is so small! Let’s start now to teach our girls that they can be sassy and safe at the same time!

And don’t forget to take your own polish on your next visit to the salon!

    MomtoMomHealth suggestion: 

click to order

Water based nail polish odorless, non-toxic, earth friendly formula

$6.75 

Pits…Pits…Pits…

Have you used your deodorant today?

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, the first product I chose to change was my deodorant. Breast cancer is high on the list of concerns based on the close proximity to breast tissue under the arms and the ability of the ingredients found in most deodorants to mimic estrogen.

Each member of our family – both tweens and adults alike – has his or her preference when it comes to natural deodorant. Everyone’s body chemistry is different and your first choice in natural deodorants may not be your last!  But don’t be discouraged – you have to find the one that works best!

I’m a fan of the Crystal Stick. My husband prefers Thai Spray. My “tween,” whose pits have become a little stinky, has found that Crystal Spray works well for her.  My eight-year old son, remains a work in progress. We have tried all the above, including our own baking soda combination, and have ordered a new deodorant from a new company. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. Last but not least, my six year old, he doesn’t have stinky pits yet-yeah!

When choosing your deodorant, avoid these ingredients:

• Aluminum is used as an anti-perspirant to plug sweat ducts. Its heavy metal content is absorbed through the skin and mimics the hormone estrogen. It has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Triclosan is a known carcinogen. 
• Propylene Glycol is a synthetic mix used as a penetration enhancer that leads the product directly into our bloodstream. 
• Parabens have a chemical structure that our bodies can also mistake for estrogen, which can cause many issues.
• Talc is toxic. 
• Silica is a known skin irritant. 
• Steareth-n may be vegetable derived but is a known human carcinogen when reacted with Ethylene Oxide (Ethoxylated).

MomtoMomHealth suggestion: 

click to order

Here’s how: mineral salts form a topical layer on the skin, which is inhospitable to bacteria that cause odor. All of our deodorants are hypoallergenic, contain no aluminum chlorohydrate, are paraben free, alcohol-free, non-sticky, and non-staining.        $3.75

click to order

The Natural Un-odorant in a Spray. Can be used anywhere on the body to control odor, including feet, chest, and inner thighs. May be used safely by more than one person.   $3.75

click to order

Spray deodorant, THAI natural spray deodorant 8oz spray deodorant by Deodorant Stones Of America. Best natural crystal deodorant stone spray deodorant. Non-Aerosol Pump.   $5.00

Soft, Smooth, Skin!!!

Body scrubs are designed to open your pores and aid in eliminating toxins from your skin, don’t continue to use scrubs which contain fillers and reverse your desired results. The scent of a body scrub should be made from therapeutic-grade essential oils, not chemicals fragrances. Chemical fragrances are not derived from a plant source, they are synthetics made in a lab.

Shed your dead skin cells and watch your skin glow!

Our Body Polish is a one-step skin maintenance system for the whole body – truly my favorite! You just have to try it to believe it! It moisturizes, exfoliates, and leaves your skin silky smooth! You can shave your legs without shaving cream after you rinse away the salt – amazing!

 MomtoMomHealth suggestion: 

click to order

 $25.00

“Exfoliate….Moisturize….Protect”

Promotes healthy skin in balance with nature.

 Chemical of the month:

Petroleum

Petroleum is a mineral oil based jelly and derived from crude oil also known as petrolatum, petroleum jelly, soft paraffin, white paraffin, or mineral oil.

While petroleum is a popular moisturizer, it will smother the skin by not allowing your skin to breathe. It also clogs pores as it traps in toxins and waste. .

Petrolatum is listed as a probable human carcinogen in the European Union and is linked breast cancer. It is also toxic to the nervous system.

Consider the following alternatives:

Replace petroleum jelly-based products with natural butters such as shea butter or cocoa butter.

Replace mineral oil with natural oils such as olive, almond, grape seed, or jojoba oils.

Also consider wax-based products such as beeswax or vegetable wax.

MomtoMomHealth.com suggestion:

click to order

 Made from cold pressed Extra Virgin Oil. It is loaded with antioxidants and helps counteract the effects of dryness, aging, and environmental conditions.    $13.95

Protect yourself from chemical overload: 

1. Be aware of the problem with unhealthy chemicals in your personal care products and cosmetics

2. Become informed about risks and the ways to protect yourself

3. Make a decision, do you want to be a chemical sponge? 

4. Pay attention to what you put on your skin

5. Reduce your exposure by making safer choices when choosing products 

6. Educate & Advocate: Once you are better informed yourself, you can help to educate friends! 

Thank you for your continued support in spreading the knowledge of choosing safer products and making a difference in our lives and the lives of our family members.  

Please share this blog with friends and family. 

If you would like to unsubscribe from this post please email: customerservice@momtomomhealth.com 

When Bethesda’s Gurvinder Ravery was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, she was “flabbergasted.” with no family history, the mother of three researched environmental causes of the disease and eventually launched momtomomhealth.com, a website offering nontoxic health products. “What you put on your skin goes right into your bloodstream,” she says. She has studied all the products on her site–everything from makeup to skin care to shampoo–to make sure they are paraben-andtoxin-free. Most companies represented ont he site are mom-and -pops, with some cooking up products in their kitchens.

www.momtomomhealth.com

Thank you Karen!!!

Bethesda Magazine

shop talk

(Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Frosting) 

This weekend a friend of mine launched her new website Mom To Mom Health. I made some cupcakes for the event

Mom to Mom Health was started after her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007. After overcoming it, she made it her mission to share what she has learned with others. She had no family history of breast cancer or any serious health issues, which lead her to believe that the chemicals in the environment played a role in my developing breast cancer. The site is dedicated to chemical free personal care products for women, men and children.

Did you know….
~ That cosmetic products we use daily, like shampoo, body wash, make-up, and even baby lotions contain chemicals that have been linked to serious health concerns such as cancer and birth defects? And did you know that it is perfectly legal in the US for companies to make personal care products with these harmful ingredients?
~The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has almost no authority to regulate cosmetics. Most ingredients are never tested for safety.

At Mom to Mom Health you can purchase everything from bath products, skincare, makeup, hair care and more. And with every purchase $1 is donated to Breastcancer.org. Please visit her site – it’s a great resource and the donations go to a great cause. (PS – did you know October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month

POSTED BY CARA LEE AT 4:26 PM

Thank you Cara!

http://caralee83.blogspot.com

“Educate yourself…read labels…& make safer choices when choosing personal care/cosmetic products for the entire family”

__________________________________

Why not give the Gift of Health to your family & friends?

MomtoMomHealth.com has something for everyone on your holiday list:

Family & Friends, Co-workers, Teachers, Coaches, Housekeeper, Nanny, etc…

Warm up to winter with safer, healthier personal care product choices!

**********************************

Is it a busy holiday?

Tell us how much you’d like to spend and we can help

you choose the perfect gift for that special person on your list.

**************

We have fabulous stocking stuffers & gift sets for everyone on your list!

“Shop & Share with friends”

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

“Like us” on facebook

facebook.com/momtomomhealth

“turn a new leaf”

“Special Holiday Shipping Rates”

$5 for every purchase over $50

“Free Shipping” for purchases over $100

within the Domestic US.

Bethesda mom’s mission, educate girls on dangers of makeup

www.cosmeticdatabase.com