Thursday, December 28, 2017

ALCOHOL-CANCER LINK

There have been in the past many studies and by several medical groups warning against growing drinking problems.  With our (Herbally Radiant) interest in maintaining healthy skin and beautiful face, we have highlighted the danger of smoking and alcohol.  Apart from impacting adversely on body and mind, these also cause lung and circulatory disorders. These, in turn, cause premature aging signs and harm the skin in many ways. 

Now for the first time, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which represents many of the nation’s top cancer doctors, has warned that there is empirical evidence linking alcohol with the incidence of cancer.  the Journal of Clinical Oncology published on Tuesday carries the warning of ASCO and highlights the evidence that even light drinking can slightly raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer and increase a common type of esophageal cancer.

Heavy drinkers face much higher risks of mouth and throat cancer, cancer of the voice box, liver cancer and, to a lesser extent, colorectal cancers, the group cautions.

“The message is not, ‘Don’t drink.’ It’s, ‘If you want to reduce your cancer risk, drink less. And if you don’t drink, don’t start,’” said Dr. Noelle LoConte, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the lead author of the ASCO statement. “It’s different than tobacco where we say, ‘Never smoke. Don’t start.’ This is a little more subtle.”

This warning is timely in the context of rising 'heavy drinking' and 'problem drinking' in the US.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

SKIN CARE IN DRY WINTER

As we have underlined in earlier blogs, the skin should remain adequately hydrated. This is important especially during the winter. The sharp nip in the air means that winter is coming — and with it, the blistery conditions that often lead to red, chapped skin. The drop in atmospheric humidity often depletes skin of its moisture, a shift that requires your internal system to work harder to stay hydrated. Firing up the furnace at home doesn’t help matters, explains the New York-based dermatologist Dr. Julie Karen. “Changes in temperature — like going from the cold outdoors to the heated indoors — can aggravate redness,” she says, especially for those dealing with already-sensitive skin or chronic inflammation from eczema and rosacea. 

Herbally Radiant has excellent formulations that maintain right level of moisture on skin. These are made from natural organic ingredients combined with right kind of essential oils in varying ratios. The cleanser, toner, moisturizer and serum made by Herbally Radiant, especially to fight aging factors, have earned loyal support from a large number of consumers during the past eight years since these were launched - Radiant, Rejuvenating and Clean range.

The moisturizers and serums contain therapeutic salve with lipids and proteins to help reinforce the skin's protective outer layer. The rich nutrients derived from plants and flowers penetrate the skin and work from within. The products in these ranges : Radiant, Rejuvenating and Clean, amazingly improve the visible signs of aging by restoration of skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of over-pigmentation and skin inflammation. 

All these organic formulations accelerate epidermal regeneration.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

LEARN HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN BRANDED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

In her latest piece “Are Dove Beauty Products Filled with Toxins and Cancer Causing Chemicals?” in the Health News, Emma Deangela explains how brand beauty and skincare products can play havoc with health.

She goes on how Dove launched their “Campaign for Real Beauty” in 2004. Instead of ads full of models and celebrities, they featured “real women”. These ads were made to make women identify with the models instead of envy them, and make them feel more connected to the brand.
Dove has marketed themselves as a “pure” brand, above the rest of the drugstore brands in both product quality and mission. But while the mission part is commendable, Dove’s ingredients are no better and sometimes worse, than any other drugstore brand of beauty products.

Dove White Beauty Bar The longest-running Dove product, it was introduced to the market in the 1950s. Since then Dove has stuck to the same marketing, touting that the bar has “1/4 moisturizer” and “won’t dry out your skin like other soap”. While that may be true, this beauty bar still contains ingredients that are suspicious or downright dangerous for your health.
Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Tallowate Or Sodium Palmitate,
Lauric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Water, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,
Sodium Cocoate Or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo
Dove’s basic shampoo is supposed to be protective and nourishing for your hair.
It claims that your hair will be “up to 5X smoother” by using it.
By including harmful preservatives, fragrance, and color, this shampoo is not doing your hair any favors.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride,
Fragrance (Parfum), Ppg-9, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium Edta, Dmdm Hydantoin, Citric Acid,
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 10 (Ci 47005), Green 3 (Ci 42053),

Deep Moisture Body Wash
This body wash is marketed as nourishing and long-lasting, and it claims to “deliver natural nutrients to the skin”. Dove also claims that it’s #1 dermatologist recommended. Its ingredients are:
Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate,
Lauric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil,
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol,
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, BHTTetrasodium, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Dove Advanced Care Original Clean Antiperspirant
This antiperspirant claims to contain ¼ moisturizer like the beauty bar,
and says that it gives “up to 48-hour antiperspirant protection”.
Antiperspirants, in general, are harmful to your health, but Dove’s has some truly scary ingredients.
Ingredients: Active Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (15.2%). Purpose: Anti-Perspirant.
Inactive Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ppg-14 Butyl Ether, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg-8, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethicone, Silica, Polyethylene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Steareth-100, Bht, Hydroxyethyl Urea.

Why these ingredients are dangerous?
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A surfactant, a chemical that makes things bubble and suds.
In particular, this one has been linked to allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and skin and eye irritation.
It can also contain many impurities like nitrosamines, which have a strong connection to cancer growth.
Methylisothiazolinone: This one is a preservative, used so the other ingredients don’t spoil.
It is also used as a pesticide and fungicide. The EU, Canada, Germany, and Japan have all banned its use because of evidence that it is neurotoxic, or poisonous to your brain. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared it to be “highly acutely toxic” and corrosive when it comes in contact with eyes or skin. The majority of Dove products in the USA still use this ingredient.


Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly: This compound is the active ingredient in antiperspirants. If you don’t already know how antiperspirant works, when you apply it to your underarms it is absorbed into your skin. The chemicals in the product are then activated to block your sweat glands and stop you from sweating. Sweating is one way your body gets rid of toxins. By clogging your sweat glands your body cannot get rid of these dangerous waste products and they end up circulating through your body more and more. Aluminum is the most common antiperspirant (literally: stop perspiring/sweating), and studies are showing that it causes unbelievable harm to your body.
Aluminum in the body has been linked to breast cancer growth, increase in allergic reactions, and neurological disorders.

Fragrance/Parfum: In any item it’s a really sneaky way that manufacturers expose you to harmful chemicals. There are no regulations on what can be used, and companies don’t have to disclose the ingredients of their fragrance. However, some chemicals that are very common in fragrances have big consequences for your well-being. Artificial musks are linked to hormone disruption.
Phthalates are used to keep plastics soft as well as add fragrance and are extremely easy for your body to absorb. Many fragrances cause allergic rashes and breathing problems, as well as headaches and nausea.

Tetrasodium EDTA: This one is scary for two reasons. Tetrasodium EDTA is a penetration enhancer, which is a cleaned-up way of saying it breaks down the protective layer of your skin so other ingredients can be absorbed deeply and quickly. It is formulated from formaldehyde, a known poison and preservative generally used to keep dead bodies from decaying too quickly. Formaldehyde is also linked to skin rashes, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and causes some types of cancers.

BHT: It stands for Butylated Hydroxytoluene. It is a synthetic preservative used in many beauty products and cosmetics, as well as in food. Animal tests done on BHT exposure showed that it interrupted blood coagulation, decreased lung functions, and damaged the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.
It was also shown to promote tumor growth and disrupt the reproductive hormones in the body.
Take a moment to think about the myriad of different health and beauty products you use every day.
You probably start by washing your hair and body in the shower and then use antiperspirant as you get dressed for the day.
Imagine putting these toxic compounds on your body 10 or 20 times over the course of the day when you wash hands and face.

In short, the deceptively marketed skincare products should be avoided. As a small business enterprise, Herbally Radiant has been advising its customers to stick to the products which contain no chemicals.  All the products manufactured by Herbally Radiant in US have USDA certified organic ingredients, a great treat to skin in enhancing beauty and preventing premature aging signs.


Thursday, October 19, 2017

GOOD MOISTURIZER FOR WINTER SEASON



The NY Times article on the need for using the right moisturizer is timely with the onset of autumn when the skin needs more protection. With the cool air of fall upon most of us and winter’s cold, dry winds approaching, it’s time to get serious about caring for the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin, the body’s largest organ.
With  64 percent water content in the skin makes it an essential ingredient. If the stratum corneum gets too dry, the skin can become itchy, scaly, inflamed, leathery and unattractive. For most people, whether their skin is dry or oily and especially if they live in a cold, dry or windy climate, routine use of a moisturizer can protect the skin’s water supply.
But faced with the dizzying array of choices on store shelves, how is the consumer to select a moisturizer likely to be effective and unlikely to cause an unwanted reaction? Do you make a selection based on brand name, price, a doctor’s or friend’s advice?
Due to overwhelming advertised claims, most of the cosmetic products are at best loosely regulated, dependent entirely on the integrity of manufacturers to market a safe, effective product and on consumers to holler loudly when a product is neither.
Triggering of allergy resulting in itchy, red, inflamed skin is one prime concern.
Experts recently evaluated 174 best-selling moisturizers across a price range of 10 cents an ounce to $9.51 an ounce, with special attention to the presence of allergenic ingredients.
Body lotions were by far the most popular, accounting for 59 percent of moisturizers sold, followed by creams at 13 percent, oils at 12 percent, butters at 8 percent and ointments at 2 percent. Based on the North American group’s list, the team found that only 12 percent of the best-selling moisturizers were free of allergens. The three most common allergens were fragrances, parabens and tocopherol.
Even among products labeled “fragrance-free,” 45 percent had at least one fragrance-related ingredient, the team reported.  It was found that if a company uses an ingredient that is both a preservative and a fragrance, it can still claim the product to be “fragrance-free” if preservation is the ingredient’s primary purpose.
Also, a product labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” could contain a masking agent (a fragrance that counters a chemical odor), a cross-reactive chemical that acts like a fragrance, or a botanical ingredient that is an allergen. The experts feel that it’s hard for dermatologists to guide patients to products that are truly fragrance-free.” Among the 15 products claiming to be hypoallergenic, 83 percent had at least one ingredient on the allergen list, and 24 products contained five or more such ingredients
An initial mild allergic reaction of itching and redness can progress to a profound reaction of stinging, burning, swelling and pain, Dr. Silverberg said. “With each exposure, the reaction gets stronger,” he said. Thus, the wise consumer with an allergic tendency might consider switching periodically to a different product and should certainly stop using any moisturizer that seems to be setting off an untoward reaction.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that in choosing a moisturizer, consumers wishing to avoid common allergic sensitizers pick one that is free of additives, fragrances and perfumes, though the new study showed this is clearly a challenge, even for knowledgeable physicians.
Cost is no guarantee of safety or effectiveness, the new study showed. Products labeled “dermatologist-recommended” are more expensive, but Dr. Xu said “the label doesn’t mean anything – is it 100 dermatologists, 10 dermatologists or one dermatologist?” The most expensive moisturizer his team analyzed contained the most allergens – a total of eight on the North American group’s list.
Health-conscious consumers sometimes turn to products labeled “organic” or “all-natural” for moisturizing in hopes of avoiding synthetic chemicals. But these “are not necessarily unlikely to cause a reaction and may not be very effective,” Dr. Xu said.
Olive oil, for example, increases water evaporation from the skin, he said, adding that the oils likely to be most protective and free of allergens are sunflower oil, coconut oil and shea butter.
However, for most people, moisturizing lotions, which contain more water than creams or ointments, are effective and least expensive. They evaporate quickly on the skin and do not leave a greasy feeling that many consumers dislike.
Nonetheless, people with very dry skin might invest in a cream or ointment, the cost of which is reduced by the need to use less of the product. Creams contain more water than ointments and offer what the team called “a middle ground” for people who dislike the greasiness of ointments. Ultimately, the team concluded, “patient adherence and willingness to use a moisturizer is more important than a specific formulation.”
Ideally, moisturizers are best applied on damp skin within minutes of bathing, after patting the skin dry, to lock in moisture. Also helpful is to bathe or shower in warm, not hot, water.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

KARI MOLVAR ADVISES ON BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE



Writing in NY Times, Kari Molvar advises on best skin care routine.
She explains that skin-care routine has three main steps: Cleansing — Washing your face. Toning — Balancing the skin. Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.”   Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day. 
The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Results are only seen through consistent use,” she explains. Generally, aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.  
Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer.
Cleansing
Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine, says the New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.
FIND YOUR FACIAL CLEANSER
The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients. 
WHAT DOES NON-COMEDOGENIC MEAN EXACTLY?
This term frequently appears on product labels and is used by skin-care experts but not always defined in simple, clear language. Here’s a quick explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic it means that it shouldn’t clog pores or trigger acne — either by occluding the skin, blocking glands or irritating the hair follicle. The claim is not regulated by the F.D.A., however, and many companies do their own internal tests to determine whether a product should be considered comedogenic or not. (Some common known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter.) Typically, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions.  
HOW TO USE TONER
For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the ’80s. “The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing,” Dr. Nazarian says. Today’s formulas, however, have evolved. Think of them as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Most experts, the New York City aesthetician Jordana Mattioli says, consider toner to be optional: “It can be a good way to add in specific ingredients that you may not have in your other products or add another layer of skin-replenishment.” If you have the time and inclination, here are some hero ingredients to look for: 
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
Hyaluronic acid to improve hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.
WHAT IS TONER?
“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else,”Mattioli says. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face. But, as Mattioli points out, “You end up losing a lot of product.” 
Tip: “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on.” Or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad “so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it,” Mattioli advises. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you might want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day.  

Serums

These are powerful skin allies. Filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients, these elixirs can mitigate a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. “Even if you don’t have any specific issues, everyone still needs a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect from daily aggressors. While there are “limitless options” for ingredients, Dr. Nazarian singles out her hardworking favorites: To handle specific issues, look for these products:  
Hyaluronic acid to seal in hydration and strengthen the barrier function (the top layer of your skin) to prevent moisture loss.
Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin and decrease dark spots with continued use.
Retinol, vitamin B3, peptides to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins in the body that help prevent lines and skin sagging. 
Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide to calm redness and irritation by decreasing inflammation, and improve acne with its antimicrobial effects.
If you have multiple concerns, you might want to use multiple formulas. “I recommend treating different areas with different products,” Mattioli says. “Maybe you’ll use a vitamin C serum all over but then dab on [another] for hyperpigmentation on just a few spots.” Just run any combination by your dermatologist to avoid any potential reactions. 
To save time, don’t try mixing a serum into your moisturizer. This “lessens the ability of the serum to absorb effectively,” Dr. Nazarian says. “Products should be applied one by one.” 
Not all serums are applied with the same frequency. “This varies with the ingredients,” Dr. Nazarian says. “I prefer antioxidants in the morning because they give you additional protection from the environment, and most of us don’t use enough sunscreen as is,” Mattioli says. Yet certain ingredients are best when slathered on at night. For example: “Retinols are not sun-stable and will degrade if applied in daytime,” Dr. Nazarian explains. Bottom line: Read the label instructions carefully.
Moisturizing
The most basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and soften the skin. “Essentially, moisturizers assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of skin,” Dr. Charles explains. “They can also complement the naturally found protective oils and other building blocks within the skin, such as ceramides.” This is one product that doctors recommend using year-round, for all skin types. “Skin naturally loses the ability to retain moisture as we age,” Dr. Nazarian insists, “and daily activities, such as washing, can strip natural hydrators from the surface.”
HOW TO PICK A MOISTURIZER
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAY AND NIGHT CREAM
Creams you apply in the morning are equipped to protect your skin from the environmental aggressors you’ll face when you leave the house—many contain antioxidants to minimize pollution-based free radicals and sunscreen to shield you from ultraviolet radiation. They typically have a lightweight consistency. Night creams, on the other hand, focusing on repairing any damage you might have picked up with ingredients like retinol to speed cellular turnover and counteract dark spots. These creams also replenish moisture levels, which naturally dip in the evening, with emollients that often create a rich, thick texture. 
EYE CREAMS, EXPLAINED
 “The skin around the eyes is quite thin and delicate, and more likely to react to irritating ingredients than other areas,” Dr. Nazarian says. “Therefore, dermatologists typically recommend an eye cream that considers the potential sensitivity and has more tolerable concentrations of active ingredients.” 
For undereye bags and inflammation, caffeine, peptides and hyaluronic acid can be soothing, Mattioli says. “Dark circles can be due to visible veins or actual discoloration common in darker skin tones,” she says. “Look for brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid and niacinamide.” Insider tip: Steer clear of strong retinols (which can sting and create redness) and fragrance, to avoid any eye irritation.
Protect With Sunscreen
All of the experts we consulted unanimously agreed on one thing: that sunscreen is, hands down, the most crucial skin-care product. It’s “of utmost importance as part of your year-round regimen,” Dr. Charles points out. “Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers.” To make it easy to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.