Saturday, May 28, 2016

INDIAN BEAUTY BRAND & FILM ACTRESSES REJECT SKIN WHITENING CREAMS



Promoting natural skin care and cosmetic products, Herbally Radiant has been supporting celebrities, social activists and others who oppose skin whitening chemicals at the cost of skin’s health.  Asian and African consumers are being tapped by cosmetic players, questionably promising fair skin with strong pharma-based formulations.

The latest campaign by Indian herbal skin brand “Banjara” to reject the dominant domestic narrative that considers darker skin to be socially less liked, deserves support. Its MD, Ramesh rightly remarked that “focus of skin products should be on healthy skin and not skin whitening.”

Not long ago, well known Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu, Freida, Priyanka Chopra, Nandita Das and others strongly opposed the marketing of ‘fairness’ creams. Aishwarya Rai was furious when her photo on the cover of Elle was photo-shopped to make it look whitened; she threatened to sue the magazine.

Herbally Radiant has highlighted the health risks from the whitening creams being sold in the market. These are dangerous cocktail of compounds like steroids, hydroquinone, and tretinoin; the long term use of which can lead to lethal health concerns like permanent pigmentation, skin cancer, liver damage, mercury poisoning and other disorders. The ingredients in the formulations of these blitz products are shrouded in mystery, and awareness of their hazardous effects is low. While the stigma and the stereotypes they promote is a matter of concern, they are guilty of causing irreparable damage to the skin.

Complaints of side effects from such formulations have been received frequently, especially among women in the age group of 20-30.  Dermatologists have warned that nearly 30 per cent long term users report adverse effects after continued use of various fairness creams.

The so-called skin lightening creams contain mainly two chemicals, hydroquinone or mercury. Long term users report a difficult-to-treat condition called refractory pigmentation. Lightening creams reduce the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin compared to light/fair-skinned people. Prolonged use of the fairness creams contributes to thinning of skin, premature aging signs and might also cause untreatable skin discoloration (achronosis).

Thursday, May 26, 2016

NEW FDA LABELING GUIDELINES FOR SKINCARE PRODUCTS CAN HELP CONSUMERS

New York Times editorial today has important message for ensuring public health. The new guidelines for the labeling of food products will help consumers to make informed choice. They could control their calories intake by looking into the new labels the realistic serving sizes, among other changes.
The new serving sizes, along with calorie counts in a large, bold font, are likely to make the new labels easier to read and more helpful. A category for added sugars will help consumers distinguish between sugar from fruits and vegetables, which comes with nutrients, and sugar that provides only empty calories.
With long experience in the skin care industry, Herbally Radiant has been recommending that guidelines for labeling skin care and cosmetic products should also be revised. This will help consumers take good care of their skin, and prevent such disorders like skin allergies, eczema, skin damage from harmful chemical ingredients.
The present packaging and labeling practices do not help consumer to learn the possible health risk from pharma-based products.  For example, most of the skin care products contain parabens for increased shelf life, though parabens, a petroleum by-product pose health risks.  Many branded cosmetic formulations have potentially dangerous elements like mercury and lead. The risk is more serious in the case of online suppliers which are selling unsafe items more due to aggressive marketing and unverifiable claims.
In a recent article in Huff Post by Dr. Aklan Dattner, Founder of Holistic Dermatology.com explained how petroleum jellies – by-product of the oil industry – that are being used in beauty products extensively, can suffocate pores, aggravate acne and even cause a rare form of pneumonia, if inhaled.
Apart from common Vaseline brands, Dr. Dattner warned, there are probably several other petroleum jelly imitators being used in chemical-based cosmetics. More celebrities and make-up experts (like Kately Denno) now strongly recommend that only those products should be put on skin which can be absorbed into it.  
Like Dr. Dattner, Ms Denno claims, if used too often, the petroleum gel can irritate the skin because of its thick texture that merely 'seals in the dirt.' She recommends always washing and cleansing the skin before applying any form of moisturizer to avoid breakouts.
Giving his verdict, Dr. Dattner says it is best to opt for more natural products. His top skin healing ingredients include beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter.
'Remember that some of these products are absorbed into the skin, so it's nice to use something that you wouldn't mind putting into your body.'

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

ENJOY BETTER PROSPECTS WITH ATTRACTIVE LOOKS

Quoting from a new research from sociologists Jacyln Wong at the University of Chicago and Andrew Penner at the University of California, Irvine, Huffington Post has good piece of advice for those with attractive appearance.
While a man can realize some professional benefits from being naturally attractive, for a woman it depends almost entirely on how much effort she puts into makeup, grooming and other efforts to look good.
The new research shows that attractive people have an easier time getting hired, getting better performance reviews, being promoted more often and making more money than their less attractive counterparts. What Wong and Penner found is that being considered attractive enough to command a wage premium at work doesn’t necessarily require perfect bone structure. The important factor is that the premium that a woman commands for looking good at work is entirely within her control, unlike the premium that naturally attractive men command.
Being in the business of herbal natural beauty products, Herbally Radiant would also like to highlight the fact that it is always advisable to put up best appearance, women in particular need to be careful when choosing the right kind of face creams, serums, cleansers and masks. The market is flooded with such chemical-based products, or simply petroleum jellies, that are being marketed very aggressively with unverifiable claims of instant results.
There have been frequent complaints of side-effects after use of pharma-based products which sell more mainly because of the glamorous promotion - at times quite deceptive. On the other hand, natural facial products are always safe to use, reliable for taking care of skin from within, thus createing long lasting effect by helping skin radiate in most natural manner. So advice from Herbally Radiant: succeed cheerfully with organic skin care products, avoid early aging signs and enjoy good skin health.

Monday, May 23, 2016

SKIN WHITENING CREAMS POSE HEALTH RISKS.

The cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company Sirona Biochem with a proprietary technology platform developed in its laboratory in France, has claimed that its new compound for skin whitening has passed initial safety tests.  There have been many claims by other manufacturers ot similar products. However, such claims have remained unverifiable, and many women have complained of skin disorders after using the so-called skin whitening creams.

There is huge demand for such creams which is expected to reach $ 39.75 billion by 2019. This growing demand makes very attractive business proposition, and many players in the cosmetic industry are aiming at large share of this market.  Celebrities, movie stars, socialites, and everyday folks alike, keep claiming to have resorted to the fairness creams, though  knowing the long term effects of these. Despite the health hazards, the demand for such stuff continues to be strong in Asia and Africa.

However, past experiences of so-called “new compounds” of skin whitening creams have important lessons for the consumers. There have been frequent reports that the aggressively marketed and promoted fairness creams tend to reflect racist or discriminatory trend. But what is a lesser known fact about the billion dollar industry is that such products can land you with far more serious problems. 

Most whitening creams sold in the market are a dangerous cocktail of compounds like steroids, hydroquinone, and tretinoin; the long term use of which can lead to lethal health concerns likes permanent pigmentation, skin cancer, liver damage, mercury poisoning and other disorders. The ingredients in the formulations of these blitz products are shrouded in mystery, and awareness of their hazardous effects is low. While the stigma and the stereotypes they promote is a matter of concern, they are guilty of causing irreparable damage to the skin.

There are plenty of cases of side effects, especially among women in the age group of 20-30.  Dermatologists in India have expressed worrying concern at the growing Incidence of side effects among 14-15 year-olds. About 30 per cent of long term users report adverse effects after continued use of various fairness creams.

Skin lightening creams contain mainly two chemicals, hydroquinone or mercury. Many long term users of fairness creams report with a difficult-to-treat condition called refractory pigmentation. Lightening creams reduce the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin compared to light/fair-skinned people.
Besides mercury, most of these creams contain certain steroids, vitamin A and hydroquinone levels above two percent, that can lead to many health issues. Specifically, prolonged use of skin whitening formulations can contribute to skin thinning, premature aging; increase risk of skin cancer even from light sun exposure,  poor wound healing. The chemical hydroquimone that is used in such fairness creams may cause untreatable skin discoloration (achronosis).
On the other hand, there are superb plant-based formulations which have been used for centuries to rejuvenate and transform skin into healthy luminescent texture. HerballyRadiant is supplying such products in two ranges to its satisfied customers since 2010.


  

Thursday, May 19, 2016

WARNING FROM CELEBRITIES WHO FACED SKIN CANCER



It is now time to take protective care of skin during high summer because of frequent exposure to harmful UV sun rays. The sun damage to skin might cause serious skin disorders, besides early appearance of aging signs.

In a recent social media report, successful model, Zacki Murphy, highlights the danger of sun burn. A biopsy of a suspicious spot on her nose revealed basal cell carcinoma(BCC). Her skin was vulnerable to cancer especially because of her long exposure to sun as well as skin tanning. Often she got sunburned so badly that she needed double facials and an ice pack. Surgical removal of a sizable amount of tissue from her nose left scar on her face. Her advice: “.. once you suffer sun damage, and especially once you’ve had a skin cancer, your odds of developing future skin cancers go way up. ..  I now know that avoiding tanning and practicing sun protection are the best ways to keep your skin as perfect as possible.”

Another recent case of danger from unprotected sun exposure was that of X-Men star Hugh Jackman, who after his experience with skin cancer, warned others on Instagram: what happens. when you don’t use sunscreen: Basal cell. The mildest form of cancer. PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN and get checkups regularly!” He said that he never wore sunscreen while growing up in Australia, so he became a prime candidate for it.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and affects sun-exposed areas. “Both long-term sun exposure over your lifetime and/or extended intense exposure leading to sunburn can cause damage that can lead to BCC,” explains Manhattan-based dermatologist Sejal Shah. While it’s usually not life-threatening, if not treated the skin cancers can wreak havoc on the skin. “If found on the nose it can spread up and down the nose and be quite disfiguring,” says Shamban. “If it grows on the eyelid it can actually extend all the way into the orbit of the eye.” 

Besides its Sunstick (SPF 30), Herbally Radiant has also formulated an extremely skin-friendly lotion “Body Day Cream” to protect skin from sun exposure. Since Herbally Radiant believes in natural protective ingredients, it has based its body cream on Aloe juice and Avacado oil. For effective protection from sun, it includes Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in fine blend with other organic ingredients. This 4 oz jar priced at $ 12.90 is the best buy for anybody in the summer.


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

HEALTH TIPS FOR ELDERLY FROM AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AGING

The National Institute of Aging in its latest bulletin highlights the fact that the average lifespan in US has gone up from 49 yrs in 1900 to 79 yrs in 2013. However, it also points out that 61% (roughly 1 in 3) elderly (65 and above) also suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Longer life span should therefore be healthier extension of living.

NIA has useful tips about healthier diet and regular physical work out for elderly. As regards food, it recommends: 1) plenty of liquids; 2) making eating a social event; 3) planning healthy foods of right kind and right amount; 4) varying vegetables and fruits; 5) diet to include items particularly good for teeth, gums as well; 6) use herbs and spices to supplement healthy diet; 7) take vitamins or supplements after consulting physician.

NIA also recommends regular physical activity depending upon the state of health and any ongoing medication.  For most older adults, brisk walking, riding a bike, swimming, weight lifting, and gardening are safe.

For safety precautions, NIA recommendations are :

Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a long time. Little by little, build up your activities and how hard you work at them.

Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises. That could cause changes in your blood pressure. It may seem strange at first, but you should breathe out as you lift something and breathe in as you relax.

Use safety equipment. For example, helmet for bike riding or right shoes for walking or jogging.

Unless your doctor has asked you to limit fluids, be sure to drink plenty of fluids when you are doing activities. Many older adults don’t feel thirsty even if their body needs fluids.

Always bend forward from the hips, not the waist. If you keep your back straight, you’re probably bending the right way. If your back “humps,” that’s probably wrong.

Warm up your muscles before you stretch. Try walking and light arm pumping first.

Exercise should not hurt or make you feel really tired. You might feel some soreness, a little discomfort, or a bit weary, but you should not feel pain. In fact, in many ways, being active will probably make you feel better. Many groups have information about physical activity and exercise for older adults. The following list of resources will help you get started:
American College of Sports Medicine (www.acsm.org) ph: 1-317-637-9200.

Herbally Radiant has been advising its customers, who are beauty conscious as well, that healthy life style and beautiful appearance go together. To enhance one’s beauty, one has to ensure healthy skin which radiates natural charm. Besides the usual natural skin care products, customers could use its herbal anti-aging beauty formulations (Rejuvenating and Radiant) that have been made especially to prevent premature aging signs of skin and to restore young looks.



Monday, May 16, 2016

MINDFULNESS AND YOGA HELP REDUCE STRESS AND BRIGHTEN UP FACE




A recent MNT article reveals new findings that explain several benefits from the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques. The article is available free on The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine website until June 2, 2016.  The article, "Personality Predicts Utilization of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction During and Post-Intervention in a Community Sample of Older Adults," describes how MBSR, which combines yoga meditation, and body scanning, may be helpful as a non-pharmacological approach to coping with emotional distress, loneliness, insomnia, and improving balance and coordination.

As a promoter of natural healthy living, focusing on herbal ingredients in food and beauty formulations, Herbally Radiant attaches special significance to natural techniques for stress handling, for the stressful looks make skin dull, removing its brightness, to the extent of exhibiting premature skin aging signs.

To deal with stress and restore calm, Herbally Radiant uses special Essential Oils (EOs) in its top beauty formulations, as part of aromatherapy in beauty treatment. 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.

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. Thus EOs have a powerful positive effect on our state of mind. Stress-free mind is essential for overall good health and for maintaining skin well hydrated , revitalized, wrinkle-free and shining.

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 is helpful in organic beauty treatment.

In Herbally Radiant products, special care has been taken to choose the right blend of EOs, with most 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 skin types react differently to EOs.   It is important to ensure that aromatherapy through EOs is not given during pregnancy, or administered in a well regulated way.

Besides reducing tension, stress and headaches, regulating hormones and relaxing muscles, EOs in right blend effectively improve skin tone, 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. The new CLEAN range formulations have received good reviews.