Friday, March 28, 2014

SELF CARE AS ADVOCATED BY DR. DEEPAK CHOPRA

iN7
In one of his recent blogs, Dr. Deepak Chopra, renowned for his holistic approach towards wellness, has highlighted the fact that people now need a new model of well being and that people have to take the responsibility for self-care. Though in the midst of daily busy schedule, they might not find time for self-care, yet caring for themselves today is exactly what will determine their life for decades to come. Following are some extracts:
What do you really need if you want to lead a successful life? A successful life requires a solid foundation to be secure. Yet life keeps changing, and I think there is now one need that supersedes all others. Without it, money and family won't make up for the lack. A prominent career and professional status will be undermined. The very possibility of leading a happy life is jeopardized.
This one need is the need for self-care.
The accumulated knowledge of medicine, psychology, and longevity studies agree about this. A new horizon has opened that millions of people aren't fully aware of. They continue to hold on to old worn out notions that deprive them of power over their futures. These notions include the following:
1. Doctors exist to keep you well.
2. Old age is a state of decline.
3. Money solves most problems, and the more, the better.
4. Everyone has inner demons. It's better to keep quiet about them.
5. What you don't know won't hurt you.
6. Life is unfair and bad things happen randomly.
7. Genes cause everything, and there's nothing you can do about your genes.
Without examining these notions in detail, they are all contradicted by self-care.
1. Wellness is each person's responsibility.
2. Old age reflects your beliefs about it. Positive beliefs lead to a positive old age.
3. Money provides for basic needs. After that, there's no correlation between more money and happiness.
4. Facing your personal issues has a huge impact on how healthy you will be in the future.
5. What you don't know gets repressed and creates emotional and physical difficulties. Your cells metabolize everything that happens to you.
6. Life matches your conception of it. The mind shapes how events turn out, not vice versa.
7. Genes are fluid and dynamic, responding at every moment to your inner and outer world.
The import of this list is that you have the power to create your personal reality, which is what self-care is ultimately about. We are badly in need of a new model for well-being.
A new model of self-care would include the following:
- Making happiness a high priority.
- Making sure your life has purpose and meaning.
- Living according to a higher vision.
- Expanding your awareness in every decade of life.
- Devoting time and attention to personal growth.
- Paying attention to the fate of the planet.
- Following at least the minimal regimen of good diet and physical activity.
- Allowing the brain to reset by introducing down time several times a day.
- Getting to know your inner world through meditation, contemplation, and self-reflection.
- Practicing gratitude and appreciation.
- Learning how to love and be loved.
As you can see, self-care goes far beyond eating our vegetables and signing up for the gym. It amounts to a new model for success and happiness, a model that abundant evidence supports. Right now, the existing models feel very dead end. Consumerism is a ticking time bomb; "work hard and play hard" leads to exhaustion and eventual physical debility. Postponing happiness until you retire wastes decades of life. "Looking out for number one" deadens the soul.


Thursday, March 27, 2014

BENEFITS OF SILK COCOON-BASED SKIN CARE FORMULATIONS

The rise of the silkworm cocoon in skin care



The report (link above) confirms the rising popularity of silk cocoon in cosmetics.  In recent years, there has been extensive testing of the silk cocoon-based ingredients in many skin and hair products, and encouraged by their beautifying effects, many companies have begun to include them in their formulations.



Silk amino acids, also known as silk protein, are the gelatinous proteins that bind the filaments in silk. The protein is water soluble.  The amino acids have a low molecule weight that allows them to be easily absorbed through the skin. These have also anti-oxidant properties, thus helping reduce facial lines and wrinkles. Their versatility, moisture retention and softening abilities are being recognized by manufacturers of beauty products in a big way.



We at Herbally Radiant have already launched a full range of SILKY range of products, viz., Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer and Lotion (www.herballyradiant.com). These have proved to be highly beneficial to users and are priced reasonably well.  These are natural products and do not contain any chemicals, synthetic additives, and with the combination of Essential Oils (Blend of Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang and Mandarin) these create rejuvenating effect on skin, besides building a protective layer against pollutants and microorganisms.  



--

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

LONG DISTANCE RUNNERS' SPOUSES ALSO IN GOOD HEALTH

New York Times carries results of an ingenious  study conducted at the Health Science Dept of University of Hartford,  on the health of marathon runners’ spouses.   The study does reiterate that  if you’re training for a marathon or otherwise, doing frequent and prolonged endurance exercise, you’re probably not hurting your heart and are likely strengthening it. But you should be aware of your past health habits and family history and monitor any symptoms, such as shortness of breath, that could be a sign of potential heart troubles.
More revealing finding of the study is that the cardiac benefits of the marathon training may be transferable.  Dr. Beth Taylor, who conducted the study on selected Boston Marathon runners and their spouses,  who volunteered during the 2012 Boston Marathon, for the study, said, “The spouses of the runners were quite healthy, too”.  These spouses of runners were found to be walking and moving around quite frequently, and had generally robust cardiac risk profiles.  She quipped: if you want improved heart health but can’t be a runner, marry one who is marathon or long distance runner!
---


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

TOBACCO USE COULD HARM SKIN HEALTH

Recent Washington Post report highlights the potential dangers from a new form of a powerful stimulant which is hitting the markets for sale by the vial, the gallon and even the barrel. The report refers to nicotine in its potent liquid form extracted from tobacco to feed the growing electronic cigarette industry.  These liquids are said to be powerful neurotoxins which by ingesting or absorbing through skin pose serious health risks.

Herbally Radiant has been advising its customers to reduce smoking nicotine in order to benefit from the natural organic ingredients in its cosmetic products. Tests have shown that smoking tobacco tends to ruin the texture and brightness of skin. It causes rapid aging of skin cells which starts showing on face. As a matter of fact, all beauty experts advise against stimulants whether in food or drinks which could disturb the natural circulation of blood to keep skin cells in healthy shape.

The Washington Post report points to the fact that the new e-cigarette liquids are far more dangerous than tobacco because the liquid is absorbed more quickly even in diluted concentrations.  US companies would welcome some kind of rules and regulations to check on this product. However, they point out that manufacturers outside US - China being the major center of production - were not always delivering the concentrations and purity of nicotine they promise, and retailers in US might not have a clue what they contain.

---

Monday, March 24, 2014

UNVERIFIABLE CLAIMS OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS NEED EFFECTIVE CHECKS



There is growing trend in beauty industry to cash in on high demand for anti-aging products. In the absence of effective checks, most of the products, especially with chemical-based formulae, are being marketed with unverifiable claims. In order to ensure the safety of various personal care and cosmetic products that currently cost Americans nearly $60 billion a year, FDA is facing problems as a result of prolonged negotiations with the industry players.  FDA would like to put in place a more effective regulatory regime to prevent growing harmful body care products being marked by many companies.
Under the current regulations, dating back to 1938, the companies do not need to list all ingredients in their products, nor do they have to register their manufacturing facilities with the Government.  They are also not obliged to report adverse effects,  making it difficult for regulators to zero in on potential problems.
FDA presently has virtually no power to review personal care and cosmetic products before they are launched in the market.  The ongoing negotiations between FDA and the industry have not reached satisfactory conclusion primarily because the industry body, as alleged by FDA, has proposed less effective regulatory mechanism.
The products over which FDA has no effective control at present are :
Shaving Cream, After Shave Lotion, Pore Strips, Pore Minimizer, Lip Balm, Anti-aging Products, Acne Treatment, Makeup Remover and Corrector, Dark Spot Corrector, Eye Cream Treatments, Facial Mask, Facial Moisturizer, Cleanser, Toner, Exfoliating formulations, Tooth Paste, Mouthwash, Breath Freshening Products, Teeth Whitening Products, Shampoo, Conditioner.
In view of potentially harmful ingredients in skin care products, Herbally Radiant has been campaigning for natural organic products which are found more effective in dealing with skin problems. The organic ingredients are already well known all over for their wonderful skin-friendly beautifying effects. All Herbally Radiant products carry their respective ingredients for the benefit of consumers. In fact, the anti-aging range of Herbally Radiant products: Rejuvenating and Radiant Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer and Mask, as also the special Clean range products, have earned excellent reviews from large number of its customers.  

---



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

LIVING LONG OR LIVING HEALTHY AND HAPPY

Recent New York Times report highlights an interesting trend of new entrepreneurs wanting to cash in on people's wish to slow down aging or cheating death.  New businesses are focusing on different ways. Google CEO, Larry Page, had announced setting up of an anti-aging company, Calico, which is being run by former CEO of Genentech.  Oracle's CEO Lawrence Ellison has also financed anti-aging research.

Dr. Craig Venter is among the latest wealthy entrepreneurs in such venture. His company Human Longevity, is planning to aim at finding the way people could live longer and healthier. Building up largest human DNA sequencing operation, capable of processing 40,000 human genomes a year, will be used to gain insight into the molecular causes of aging and age-related illnesses.

One might wonder whether new efforts could not be more fruitfully directed to address the current health issues for which years of research has yet to produce results. And, perhaps more importantly, many folks might not like to linger on in their present living if they feel its not worth it.

---

Monday, March 17, 2014

POTENTIAL DANGERS OF NANOSILVER IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS

In order to attract more consumers, cosmetic manufacturers are known to be engaged in using new ingredients in their products. However, many of the new ingredients might not be safe and pose potential health hazards.  Consumes need to keep themselves well informed of the effects of such products. Use of nano silver in cosmetics is under the scanner of European watch dog agencies.

The recent Danish scientific research has concluded that nano silver found in certain cosmetics can penetrate the skin and cause harm. Silver is known to have anti-bacterial properties which is why cosmetic manufacturers use it. Silver itself does not pose risks, but when it is broken down to nano size particles, it can penetrate cell wall.  Published in the journal ACS Nano, the study says "...nano silver leads to formation of harmful radical cells. This worries us."

Acting on this, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has warned that supplements containing nano silver, often marketed for anti-bacterial effects, should not be taken.

The German Institute, BiR has also stated that "nano silver has no place in cosmetics", adding that silver compounds can damage cells in different ways and that nano formulation of silver may cross biological barriers into the cell.  It has therefore recommended that manufacturers should refrain from using nano silver in consumer products until its potential risk is completely investigated.

---

Thursday, March 13, 2014

E-SMOKING MIGHT BE HARMFUL FOR SKIN AND GOOD LOOKS

E-cigarettes: fresh air or smoke and mirrors?

Washington Post carries a good article on the growing trend of "vaping" - smoking e-cigarettes. Recent studies show that e-cigarette smoking has also adverse impacts. The Food and Drug Adminisitration is reported to be planning to regulate e-cigarettes. Right now, its website says that "e-cigarettes have not been fully studied so consumers currently don't know the potential risks of e-cigarettes", including how much nicotine or other chemicals are inhaled.


"Vaping" - as the e-smoking is commonly referred to now - might help regular smokers quit this addiction. It is being marketed in a variety of shapes and sizes, creating vapor that quickly dissipates when exhaled, and inhaling, and taking it to the lungs at varying strengths, from no nicotine up to 24 milligrams or more.


 Some cities and states have already moved to ban public use the way they do to tobacco, and some states forbid the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Critics believe e-cigs may serve as a tobacco gateway for uninitiated young people. “It may be smoking e-cigarettes, but it’s still smoking,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat who was one of four senators to fire off a scathing letter to NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association after a spoof on e-cigs aired during the Golden Globes in January.

Proponents argue that vaping isn’t only safe but is helping people quit smoking. However, the fact remains that e-cigarettes do contain nicotine in varying degrees. In inhaled over long period, nicotine gets into one's blood stream which leads to rapid skin aging, reflected in dryness and lines on the face.  Healthy skin, so essential for beautiful looks, is therefore cannot be maintained with e-smoking. 

---


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

FDA ups the ante on imported anti-aging skin care products

FDA ups the ante on imported anti-aging skin care products



It is a welcome move by FDA to screen the anti-aging skin products which are proliferating in the market and creating confusion. Most of the claims of age defying products are not verifiable, but the aggressive marketing by many companies tends to create an illusion in the minds of consumers.



FDA is already checking the anti-aging claims of some of the big companies.  Being the issue of the health of skin, only safe and reliable products should reach the consumers.



At the same time, consumers also need to take their own precaution by reading the fine print in the labels of glamorously packed products, especially the ingredients portion. Most of the ingredients that are shown on such products do not support the lofty claims of age defying formulations.



The safest and effective products are those which have natural organic ingredients. These are most skin-friendly, helping skin to heal up,  protect itself against external pollutants and revitalizing and beautifying skin  despite aging factors.



Another factor, though not beauty related, underlines that it is mostly the small business enterprises which are engaged in the manufacture of natural organic skin care products. Economists agree on global scale that it is the small and medium enterprises everywhere which create majority of the jobs for the people. Opting for natural organic products therefore amounts to supporting job creation activity.



---

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

AROMATHERAPY FOR BEAUTY TREATMENT



In beauty treatment, aromatherapy is very important. It consists of using Essential Oils (EO) for creating curative effect on different parts of the body and face. This procedure is meant to assist natural ability of skin to balance, regulate, heal and restore its natural glow. 

The EOs are derived from flowers, plants, resins and roots. These are the basic life force of organic flowers and plants, and are very effective in helping increase circulation and promote new cell growth, besides eliminating the toxins. Their calming and soothing effect can be experienced by all and is helpful in organic beauty regime. 

EOs consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed by the body. Oils are introduced into the body by inhalation which has the quickest effect. Entering through the Cillia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system which when stimulated releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals. These control our moods, emotions, state of skin and general appearance, memory and learning, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, stress levels and hormonal balance. This is why EOs have such a powerful effect on our general state of mind. Stress-free mind is essential for overall good health as well as for maintaining skin well hydrated , revitalized, wrinkle-free and shining.

The other method of applying EOs  is through massage of skin so that they penetrate the skin via tiny hair follicles and sweat glands.  

In Herbally Radiant products, special care has been taken to choose the right EOs, or blend of them, with most appropriate and compatible base or carrier oil.  The mixing of EOs and base oil is done in incremental steps. This should be done only by trained person or under expert guidance to ensure right effect on skin.
Different EOs are used in facial and body treatments. Different skin types also react differently to various EOs.   It is important to ensure that aromatherapy through EOs is not given during pregnancy, or given in a well regulated way.

EOs should always be packed in amber or dark coloured glass bottles to prevent ultra violet rays penetrating the contents. These can degrade quickly if exposed to sources of heat, even light bulbs, and sun light.
Right kind of EOs effectively improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, relieve tension, stress and headaches, regulate hormones, relax muscles , stimulate the immune system and energize the whole system.

After successfully testing the efficacy of some EOs, Herbally Radiant has launched new range of Cleansers, Toners, Serums and Scrubs under the CLEAN range,  especially to address the problem of acne, black spots, lines and many skin disorders. Those with sensitive skin need to carefully evaluate the product before purchase by reading the contents on the label and checking with the manufacturer on the possible side effects.  The special CLEAN range formulations have already received good customer reviews, and Herbally Radiant is now planning to promote them widely with special incentive schemes.
---

Friday, March 7, 2014

BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS IN ANTIAGING BEAUTY PRODUCTS

As manufacturer of certified natural organic skin care products, Herbally Radiant has been using a variety of essential oils for creating the healing properties and aroma effect.. These essential oils have regenerative properties for the skin, helping it to retain moisture, especially in dry skin, without clogging pores. These are also used as preservative agents since our products do not carry any chemical-based or synthetic additive as preservative. Most of the companies use chemicals as preservatives primarily to increase the shelf life of their products.

The essential oils used in our products in right blend also create aroma effect, for the therapeautic benefits. adding further to the overall calming effect.

The essential oils have strong effect on skin; these should therefore be applied or used under expert guidance and in combination of other ingredients.

The essential oils used in our products have especial effect for reducing lines, wrinkles and spots on skin. These even out skin tone, minimise pores and blemishes, helping thereby to reduce stretch marks and restoring natural glow of skin.  Our customers have experienced the most satisfying effect of essential oils, especially in our anti-aging products : RADIANT and REJUVENATING (Cleansers, Toners, Creams, Serums and Masks).

Some of the important essential oils being used in our products are: Pomegranate, Mature, Elegance, Lavender, Rosehip, Pinkgrape Fruit, Neroli, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Frankincense.

In addition, these essential oils are also very effective in treating dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, aiding dry skin by neoitalising the basal layer.  These essential oils are rich in antioxidants and have, therefore, natural age defying properties. When combined with vitamin E and C, these turn out to be excellent formulation in restoring natural shine of skin, without leaving oil residue.  In fact, the Pink Grape Fruit essential oil creates the feeling of being younger by 5-6 years.

The labels on Herbally Radiant products carry details of the essential oils used in each product.

---

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

ENHANCE BEAUTY WITH NATURAL EXFOLIATING CREAM.



Eliminating dead skin allows for new skin cells to form and rids skin of impurities, buildup and clogged pores. It's an easy step for youthful, healthy skin and all skin types will benefit from this (especially oily skin). Beauty experts suggest that exfoliating should become part of your skin care regimen in your early '20s and should be done once to twice a week, and into your '30s, aim for two to four times a week.

One can use a good face scrub. It will cleanse the skin deeply, dislodging build-up in the pores and helping to break up white heads. It also smoothens and refines the skin’s texture, giving it a soft, supple look.  Lastly, it enhances blood flow to the face, creating the appearance of a fresh glow.
To start with, follow scrubbing twice a week, preferably before going to bed. Just splash warm water onto skin and then gently exfoliate, using upward, circular motions. Some people make the mistake of using heavy pressure with hands.  That is not necessary; gentle scrubbing lets exfoliating particles do their job.  You just facilitate the glide across the face so that your skin feels refreshed and smooth.  Please make sure that the tiny particles in the scrub are well rounded for right effect. 

You can see if you have frail capillaries, in which case applying a face oil prior to using your scrub will act as an extra layer of protection for your skin. In the case of very sensitive skin, or if you notice any redness, it might be better to exfoliate facial skin once a week.

Now in some spas, exfoliating brushes have also become available. You have to be cautious if use of such brushes lead to any skin reaction.  Otherwise, gentle scrubbing with hands is equally effective and convenient.

After a while, you can wash off the exfoliant from face with warm water which can be followed by gentle patting of face with a towel to dry it up. Now comes the role of a good moisturizer and/or anti-aging serum. There could be some dryness after the scrubbing and the skin would be in a good position to absorb any rich nutrients it gets.  One can apply a skin friendly moisturizer, or good serum which will work on your skin while you go to sleep. 

After a great deal of testing with many organic compounds, HERBALLY RADIANT has come up with most effective natural exfoliating scrubs to give gentle treatment to face.  Of special importance is the CLEAN range Scrub which is a boon to those suffering from skin disorders like acne or other sensitive spots. Such skin types need very gentle exfoliant product and CLEAN Scrub does a fine work to restore affected skin to healthy shape.

---


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

USE OF ORGANIC INGREDIENTS IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Another important recommendation by the Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) of Germany has come out that limits should be imposed on the use of aluminium in antiperspirant deodorants and other cosmetics.  After detailed tests, BfR found the levels of dermal intake of aluminium salts from antiperspirant deodorants at around 0.5ug which it says is excessive  in the use of antiperspirants, and should therefore be avoided. 

BfR is the top watch dog agency which constantly examines and recommends safe levels of various ingredients in consumer products available in German and European markets.  It recommended in the past removal of harmful chemical substances from large number of consumer products, including shampoos, lipsticks, sunscreens and other beauty care products.

It is a welcome step towards promoting use of healthy skin care products.  Germany at present is the largest market for natural beauty products which is growing steadily at around 9 per cent over the past few years.

---