Friday, September 30, 2016

FDA WARNS CRYOTHERAPY SPAS OF FALSE AND MISLEADING CLAIMS



The Washington Post article by Kerry Laurman on cryotherapy is important for the cosmetic industry as many spas with cryotherapy are claiming that it reduces signs of aging, increases collagen production, improve skin condition and reduce cellulite.
Cryotherapy is being promoted by increasing number of spas as a new ice age which is freezing treatment turned piping-hot health trend . Among the claims, article adds, NYC Cryo in New York promises that cryotherapy leads to “quicker surgical recovery time.”  Thrive CryStudio in Rockville, Md., claims it “alleviates symptoms from joint disorders, rheumatoid diseases, fibromyalgia, psoriasis and migraines.” Atlanta’s Cryo Elite Therapy said it “has been proven to improve peak levels of performance.” Omaha’s Ice Out CryoSpa boasts “alleviation of depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia.”
From the stand point of skin care, the cryotherapy claim that it reduces signs of aging, increases collagen production, improve skin condition and reduce cellulite is difficult to accept.
Firstly, there’s no solid scientific evidence to back any of it up. And the  FDA has warned spas to stop making such claims.
Secondly, there has been very little research on cryotherapy. Therefore, the claims being made by spas remain unverifiable.  Most of the customers who have availed of this therapy make general claim, in the most unscientific of terms, that they feel energized by the treatment.

Having studied for years the structure and complexity of human skin and the natural formulations that can keep it bright, full of elasticity and in radiating shape, HerballyRadiant would not endorse the promises made by cryotherapy spas.  There is no such quick fix in the matter of skin disorders that can be dealt with more effectively by a combination of natural ingredients and right blend of Essential Oils.

FDA has, therefore, rightly warned against making such claims by cryotherapy spas, and recently released letters it sent to two California cryotherapy businesses advising them that the health claims they were making about cryotherapy “may be considered false and misleading.” Deborah Kotz, an FDA spokeswoman, said that, beyond warning letters and recalls, the FDA can take “further enforcement action to protect public health including conducting and coordinating criminal investigations.”

Thursday, September 29, 2016

RETINOL AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO AIR AND LIGHT

Going through a New York Times piece on ‘How anti-Aging Creams Get Old Too fast” by Andrew Adam Newman, reminded us about the need to advise our customers that there are certain important characteristics of the good anti-aging creams, lotions and serums that need to be understood.

Apart from other ingredients, most of the anti-aging formulations contain retinol and antioxidants. These ingredients are highly unstable, meaning that they break down when exposed to air and light.

Herbally Radiant has therefore ensured that the packaging of its anti-aging formulations is not in transparent jars or bottles. These are opaque containers, preventing exposure to air and light, that help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Since Herbally Radiant formulations contain these rich organic ingredients, these require to be handled carefully and hygienically.

Our R&D team is aware of the scientific studies which have established the fact that retinol is very oxygen sensitive and degrades. Right packing of its products with rich antioxidants and retinol is crucial to keep them efficacious and great at the end as it was at the very first.

This is an important aspect of Herbally Radiant’s packaging, especially with regard to its top of the range anti-aging products like Radiant and Rejuvenating. Recently, one of its customers who bought a top brand Ferulic & Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer, costing $ 72 for a 1.7 ounce jar, found less than satisfactory results after use because exposure to sun and air on the shelf had rendered it less effective.

There is one problem, as the marketing people advise, many old customers tend to like glass jar containers which are more susceptible to bacteria from fingers, airborne micro-organisms, etc. Such customers really like the old-fashioned jar and the experience of taking a dollop out. They like that heavyweight jar that’s beautiful on the counter and the feeling of scooping out the cream.
Consumers need to make sure that creams from jars should be taken out in most hygienic manner. Along with bacteria from fingers, airborne micro-organisms can also settle into an open jar. It is therefore very important to use clean hands and fingers in taking the contents out of jar, and restoring it to cool dry place, away from the sunlight.


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

NEW LEGISLATION TO EMPOWER FDA TO BAR HARMFUL COSMETICS

More cases are being reported about harmful effects of harsh chemicals in cosmetics. These are forcing government agencies to introduce strict measures to ensure safety of products. Recently, strong reaction was reported after the use of Wen Cleansing Conditioner by a young girl who lost her hair.
The New York Times report last month had highlighted the serious problems due to the use of unsafe cosmetic products, and it raised the question whether FDA should have more control on product safety. There were more than 21,000 complaints of itching, rashes and hair loss against Wen Hair Care. And amid the outcry against lack of safety regulations,  there was  face-off between the consumer protection groups and the cosmetics industry.
Two Congressmen, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) have now proposed stricter legislation that will enable FDA to ensure marketing of only safe cosmetics. They feel that “Americans assume the cosmetics they use each day are safe. However, the reality is that cosmetics are one of the least regulated consumer products in the market today. FDA’s lack of authority over cosmetic products puts consumers at risk.”
The new legislation would strengthen FDA’s authority to be able to allow safe products in the market; making it mandatory to recall of potentially dangerous cosmetics and access to cosmetic records during FDA’s inspection, collecting data and information on cosmetic ingredients, requiring FDA to review such ingredients to determine their safe use, mandating that cosmetic manufacturers report all adverse results to FDA, requiring warning on cosmetic labels that particular products are not safe for all consumers, and finally ensuring that cosmetic manufacturing follows the safety measures of GMP to be established by FDA.
Herbally Radiant has also been highlighting the fact that most of the cosmetic products being sold on line have questionable safety records. Online suppliers are not obliged at present to follow safety precautions, and most of them are more focused on their profit margins. As a result, more consumers are approaching Herbally Radiant with all kinds of complaints after buying unsafe cosmetics.

It is hoped that the legislation will go a long way in determining accountability of those industry players who at present do not adhere to the safety procedures, and consumers will feel comfortable in using cosmetic products.

Friday, September 23, 2016

HERBALLY RADIANT WELCOMES EU RULING TO BAN ANIMAL TESTING OF ALL COSMETIC PRODUCTS



It was a great relief to the consumers and animal rights groups when the EU Court of Justice ruled this week against making any exemption for some cosmetic formulations to be sold even if they have been tested on animals. The trade body EFCI (European Federation of Cosmetics Ingredients) had tried to find a loop hole for selling some brands which are tested on animals.  The animal protection groups which appealed the court not to allow exemption from EU rules, welcomed the decision which upholds the integrity of the animal testing ban and sends strong message to the industry.

The EU rules establish:

1)Testing ban – prohibition to test finished cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients on animals; and
2)Marketing ban – prohibition to market finished cosmetic products and ingredients in the EU which were tested on animals.
Globally, there are frequent attempts of the cosmetic industry to play around the rules which have been framed to protect the health of the consumers.
One such attempt is to avoid detailing potentially harmful chemical ingredients on the outer labels of perfumes. Manufacturers mention only the word “fragrance” on the label, on the pretext that showing specific ingredients would harm their “trade secret”. The consumers are, therefore, unknowingly absorbing many harmful substances into their skin as a routine. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) researchers found more than 75 per cent of products listing the ingredient “fragrance” that contained phthalates, known to cause disruption of hormonal activity, reproductive malformation and linked to few types of cancer and obesity.

FDA would like to put in place more effective regulatory regime to prevent growing use of harmful body care products being marketed 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.

In the absence of effective checks, most of the products, especially with chemical-based formulae, are being marketed with unverifiable claims. Majority of such products are being sold online. In order to ensure the safety of various personal care and cosmetic products that currently cost Americans nearly $60 billion a year, FDA is monitoring the problems and is engaged in prolonged negotiations with the industry representatives.

HerballyRadiant continues to promote safety of products, and use of healthy skin-friendly natural cosmetics and beauty care formulations.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

REMOVE STRETCH MARKS WITH HERBAL FORMULATIONS

Often some Herbally Radiant customers enquire about the stretch marks on skin and how their appearance can be reduced or minimized. The latest well researched article in MNT by Jennifer Berry that deals with stretch marks.
The skin is the body's largest organ and has the remarkable ability to expand and contract as needed. The skin is strong and elastic, but its supporting tissues can be damaged if they are stretched too far or too quickly - this stretching of skin’s connective tissue causes lines or bands.
This rapid expanding of the skin can lead to stretch marks. Stretch marks are a common problem affecting men and women of nearly all ages, though up to 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. These often occur during periods of growth and body changes.
When the middle layer of skin gets stretched too quickly, some of its collagen fibers can break. This allows underlying blood vessels to show, leaving behind the telltale red or purplish marks. Over time, they fade to a white or silver color as blood vessels heal. Typically, the marks don't go away fully, and, though not painful, these can affect one’s confidence and self-esteem.
It’s not clear why some people get stretch marks and others don't; some people may simply be more prone to getting these due to genetics or certain hormone levels. Generally, younger pregnant women, or those gaining more weight in pregnancy, tend to get them more frequently.
Higher levels of steroid hormones in the body, steroid medications or using topical steroid creams may more likely get stretch marks. Steroid hormones may weaken collagen in the skin, making it more likely to break.  
Herbally Radiant formulations, containing fine blend of Essential Oils, in combination with Vitamin: A, B12, C and D, and ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, olive oil, have shown remarkable results in reducing appearance of stretch marks.  
In tests conducted by Herbally Radiant it was seen that the stretch marks occur in the deep dermal layer of the skin, where most of the moisturizers and creams cannot reach. The specially tested natural ingredients that get through the upper layer of skin and rebuild collagen explain how Herbally Radiant formulations help prevent and reduce stretch marks in most cases.
The expensive laser therapy ($ 250-500) where pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light can improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing collagen production, and therapy like platelet-rich plasma with ultrasound are also available, but not always with guaranteed results.
A tummy tuck, thigh lift, and other such procedures work by removing excess skin and tightening, but these are often for sagging skin due to weight loss or pregnancy. Though not specifically designed to remove stretch marks, appearance of stretch marks may be minimized when the affected skin is removed from the body. However, if the skin is not loose, this type of plastic surgery may not be an option.

Though many lotions and creams are being touted with tall claims to prevent or reduce stretch marks, most of them cannot treat them in deep dermal layer of skin, and are not effective.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

LATEST BBC STUDY CONFIRMS BENEFITS OF TURMERIC



New study by BBC team confirms scientific evidence of benefits after taking turmeric in diet. Earlier, Huffington Post and Medical News Today had separately reported the benefits of turmeric. We at Herbally Radiant use curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, in herbal beauty formulations.
A 2012 study had examined one perk of curcumin in particular: the ability of the extract to prevent heart attacks among bypass patients. It noted that curcumin capsules were found to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Lab and animal studies have shown promising effects of curcumin in the fight against various kinds of cancer as it “interferes with molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread,” according to the American Cancer Society.
Writing in MNT on “Turmeric: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information”, Megan Ware gives nutritional breakdown of turmeric and in-depth look at its health benefits. Citing USDA Nutrient Database, it said one teaspoon turmeric powder contains 29 calories, 0.9 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat and 6.3 grams of carb (including 2 grams of fiber and 0.3 grams of sugar). That same 1 tablespoon serving provides 26% of your daily manganese needs, 16% of iron, 5% of potassium and 3% of vitamin C.
Also known as curcuma longa, turmeric comes from a perennial plant of ginger family.  Its roots are boiled, dried and ground into deep orange-yellow powder. Turmeric has been recommended in ancient Indian system of health care Ayurveda to treat multiple health issues, especially inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments & liver condition.

By stimulating the gallbladder to produce bile, turmeric helps improve digestion. It lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. Very effective in inflammatory bowel diseases, it has been shown to prevent blood platelets from clumping together, (reducing blood clotting). Its anti-inflammatory properties help improve cardiovascular health,  reduce body weight, lower triglyceride synthesis, increase basal metabolic rate, increase fatty acid oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity.
A caution here: The FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements the same way it regulates food or conventional medication, so not every supplement is created equal. NIH advises that since certain supplements, including those from turmeric, can interact with other medications, people should be cautious about taking turmeric supplements.
With its rich antioxidants, healing and anti-inflammatory properties, cosmetologists find curcumin a powerful ingredient that provides effective germicidal treatment and skin softening remedy, brightening it and reducing visible signs of aging and appearance of over-pigmentation. In combination with lemon, it makes excellent pre-bath gel that helps gentle cleansing of skin, while keeping it moist.  It does so by forming a screen between the skin and the dehydrating effects of soap and water washing.

Turmeric-based face masks are just great in healing and regenerating damaged cells. The Turmeric & Clay Mask of Herbally Radiant, containing turmeric with Kaolin and Bentonite clays, has been a great favorite with regular customers.





Friday, September 16, 2016

HERBALLY RADIANT USES AIRLESS PACKAGING TO ENSURE PRODUCT PURITY



Keeping up with the latest packaging technology in order to offer safely packaged products to the consumers, Herbally Radiant decide to go in for the air tight bottles for its products. The complexity of today’s cosmetic formulas means that airless packaging is essential in order to prevent sensitive and active ingredients from being compromised by oxidation.
The natural organic ingredients that Herbally Radiant uses in its formulations need to be delivered without any rancid effect.  Especially, the anti-ageing cosmeceuticals of Herbally Radiant contain formulations that are often highly sophisticated or complex in order to provide real benefits.  It has been found that airless packaging is the ideal means for preserving the efficacy of its products.
In air tight packaging, the air is prevented from compromising the sensitive formulations. The more sophisticated formulas become, the more they will need airless packaging. Airless packing is a necessity if the product packed is intended to carry specific features and performance. The purpose is to prevent sensitive and active ingredients from being compromised by oxidation. Only fully airless packaging can guarantee complete product purity.
It has been seen that airless packaging is the most efficient way of delivery for advanced formulations containing ingredients that may deteriorate (for example, vitamin C and retinol) or use of other organic materials; reduction of preservatives, little or no product waste (air tight bottles offer exceptional bottle evacuation); high density viscous products (that cannot be dispensed with a traditional pump); product protection; and controlled dosage.
The new air less bottles of HerballyRadiant, especially for its CLEAN range of products, offer excellent protection against external germs and against oxidation. This is crucial for the consumers with sensitive skin which can flare up quickly with the use of any contaminated cream, serum or scrub. It guarantees stability of delicate ingredients, a longer shelf-life without preservatives while allowing increasing use of natural ingredients in the formulas.
The airless packaging also minimizes product wastage and assures consumers that the product remains pure and efficient during use. Besides, the sleek design of airless bottles of HerballyRadiant has aesthetic appeal for its customers.