Monday, January 30, 2017

HOW SUGAR ADVERSELY IMPACTS ON SKIN

The latest data of CDC has a warning signal that adults and children are both consuming roughly the same number of calories from soda, sports drinks and other sugar beverages now as they did in 2009-2010. The American Heart Association recommends that children drink soda once a week or less; two-thirds of them are drinking it on a daily basis at present.  It recommends that children get no more than 100 calories a day from sugary beverages. But according to the CDC data, roughly 20 percent of kids drink two sodas a day, and roughly 10 percent drink three or more.

The CDC numbers counter the perception that Americans are continuing to shirk sugary drinks and embracing a healthier lifestyle out of a desire to avoid the risks of obesity and diabetes. Sugary beverages have been linked directly to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, which is why public health agencies have gone to great lengths to discourage their consumption.

As skin experts, we at Herbally Radiant advise our customers to reduce sugar intake. A diet high in sugar is a disaster for the face. ‘There is no point in spending lots of money on expensive skin creams if you are eating a diet high in sugar,’ says Dr Aamer Khan, a cosmetic dermatologist who is also medical director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic. 'Yes, you can protect and moisturise your skin from the outside with creams, but you need to feed and stimulate the growth of good strong skin cells from inside too and sugar will sabotage that.’

According to Dr. Ross Perry, a cosmetic physician at Cosmedics Clinic, London, the problem with sugar is that it makes the skin lose the plump, elastic qualities that underlie a youthful appearance. ‘This is due to a process called glycation. Essentially what happens is that sugar attaches itself to any protein in the body and produces harmful molecules called ‘advanced glycation end products’. These reduce the effectiveness of elastin and collagen, proteins in the skin that help maintain its youthful appearance. ‘Normally collagen bulks out the skin and gives it a younger plump look,’ says Dr Perry. ‘Elastin gives the skin recoil so that when you smile or frown your skin goes back to how it was. If you persistently eat a high-sugar diet, then as a result, the collagen and elastin will become more rigid, so it will become easier for wrinkles to form and the skin will lose that youthful plumpness. It also makes it harder for the cells in the skin to repair normal damage.’

A high-sugar diet reduces the quality of the collagen in the skin too. ‘There are different types of collagen, known as I, II and III, and for healthy looking-skin you need the correct blend of all of these,’ says dermatologist Dr Perry. ‘Sugar encourages type III collagen to become type I which is more brittle. Consequently, the skin breaks down and looks thinner and more wrinkly. It also becomes more prone to the damaging effects of the environment and UV rays.’

Aging signs and breakouts: Those suffering from frequent break outs, sugar causes increased inflammation. “Most people don’t realize that skin directly correlates to our digestive system,” says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. “If we eat something we can’t digest or have trouble digesting, there are consequences.” However, not everyone is affected the same way. “Some people claim their acne gets worse when they have chocolate or sugar and others notice no change,” says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-director of the Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Long-term effects of consuming sugar include premature aging and scarring. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream, forming new molecules, called advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), that damage both collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. AGEs also deactivate natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more susceptible to sun damage

The artificial sugars are even worse. They are pure chemicals and can cause a lot of problems. Any type of impurities in the system will cause more breakouts.





Saturday, January 28, 2017

WELCOME INITIATIVE BY CALIFORNIA DEPT OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

Good initiative by the California Department of Toxic Substances which has outlined its first three years of exploration for the work set to run through this year. The two of these directly concern the personal care and cosmetic industry: potential health and safety impacts of chemicals in nail products, and continued use of triclosan and other harmful elements in nail polish.
The California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative also cautions consumers against the following chemical ingredients in cosmetics: Toluene, which can cause cracked skin, itchy eye, headache, reproductive problems; Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) which is already banned from cosmetic products in Europe, and Formaldehyde which can cause breathing problems, watery eyes and has been found to be carcinogen.
In another story of the week, the Target chain of stores has decided to have ingredients listed on the cosmetic products in order to ensure transparency and reliability of the beauty products that are aggressively marketed by the manufacturers who can be accounted for the safety of their products.
It was in 2014 when Target launched its promotional campaign to promote natural organic cosmetics. This led to average 30% sales increase. That has encouraged Target to take more steps to focus on natural beauty products.

Herbal Radiant has been highlighting the health risks from the products that contain harsh chemicals, or from the products that are marketed without showing the ingredients on the label.  Risky and substandard cosmetics have been mostly sold by the online marketers.  But consumers need to be vigilant and must satisfy themselves about the safety of every product. In this context, it would be recalled that many new natural skin care products have been found to be extremely healthy and beneficial.  These are effective skin repairer and free from any health hazard.

Friday, January 27, 2017

ALGAE BENEFITS FOR SKIN



We have just come across more scientific studies showing the benefits of algae for skin.  Algae, commonly referred to as “seaweed,” hydrates, softens and detoxifies the skin, while replenishing essential vitamins and minerals. Rich in antioxidants, algae also helps to protect skin against free radical damage and prevents the formation of an enzyme that causes the deprivation of collagen.
It is a rich source of natural polysaccharides with a proven ability to enhance skin’s barrier function, replenish the skin’s natural water reservoir, and increase its moisture-retention capability. Its rich compound alguronic acid has shown to increase cell regeneration.
As it is water-based by nature, blue-green algae provides moisturization and purifying hydration, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Research has also found that blue-green algae has properties that make it great for sensitive skin. It is easily absorbed so the skin can make good use of it. The elastin synthesis in algae is a rich source for firmness and elasticity of the skin. Lack of elastin changes skin’s structure, leaving it weaker and susceptible to early formation of lines, expression marks and sagging.
Studies have shown that aging skin loses elastin at least one per cent every year which, combined with gravity and natural slackening of facial muscles, contributes to sagging and formation of wrinkles and lines.
Having found the amino acids and other nutrients like nucleic acids and chlorophyll in blue green algae, Herbally Radiant launched its popular formulation “Body Polish”. It contains aphanizomenon fros-aquae, the organic blue green algae, together with wonderful ingredients like sea salt, shea butter, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, avocado and apricot oil besides Vitamin E and Essential Oils. The combined effect is a wonderful product, all natural, organic and most skin friendly that creates a soft, supple and radiant skin.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

SKIN LIGHTENING LOTIONS CONTAIN DANGEROUSLY HIGH LEVEL OF BLEACHING AGENT

The London trading service authorities have reported that there were more violations of safety by cosmetic products during 2016. 

The 15 cosmetic businesses found to be marketing unhealthy products were fined Pounds 168,579.  But what is more important from the point of consumers' safety is the increasing instances of adding harmful ingredients. For example, Grace Due product contained 18% of bleach agent hydroquinone, the highest amount ever found according to British standards.

Another product Faiza Beauty Cream was found to contain 0.54% mercury.

The skin lightening lotions were the majority in such cases. These contained hydroquinone, mercury and corticosteriods in dangerous proportions.

The instances of mislabeling the products also went up.  Lack of traceability of marketers of dangerous products was also noticed in growing number of cases, leaving the consumers  more vulnerable and bypassing the accountability safeguards.

It is for the consumers to rely on brand products known for their safety and reliability, and to ignore the suspiciously marketed products, most of the time with low prices.

The brand products of Herbally Radiant which are manufactured in US with USDA certified organic ingredients have been found by customers among the safest and most effective skin care products.  

Monday, January 16, 2017

BBC WRITE UP ON ACNE PROBLEM HAS USEFUL OBSERVATIONS



 There are increasing number of our customers who have to put up with acne problem. There are many brands of formulatoins all claiming to help in getting rid of it.  There was a good write up in BBC by Felicity Morse that drew attention to the acne problem being faced by women due to many factors. 

She points out that acne is not taken seriously enough despite the bullying and stigma people face. James Partridge, founder and chief executive of  charity Changing Faces, says attitudes desperately need challenging. "We need to show respect, help people cope, not belittle and stigmatise. "Every year there are instances of suicide due to people's distress around acne," says James. "Self harm is also very common." Because it's not life threatening, money and research is going into other areas, the British Skin Foundation argues.
Spokesperson and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto tells Newsbeat: "The anxiety skin disease creates often gets neglected. "Because it's not going to kill you, it falls at the bottom of a list of what needs to be done."
The psychological impact of acne can last beyond the spots themselves. "If you've grown up with the mindset you're a spotty teenager, the negative body image can stay with you for many years afterwards," she says.

Dr Anjali Mahto says it's important people seek help if they are struggling. "If acne is causing problems with self confidence, anxiety, depression, if it's stopping you doing anything you want to, then you should get medical help."

At Herbally Radiant we have seen many cosmetic companies announcing “new” products for relief from acne and similar skin disorders. In their aggressive marketing campaigns, they are making claims of 52% success over 4-6 weeks. The global acne products market is presently estimated to reach $3.02 bn next year.

Since Herbally Radiant had experimented with many natural organic ingredients before launching its CLEAN range (cleanser, toner, serum and scrub) to address the problems of acne, pimples, spots and irritations, its R&D team went deeper to examine the safety of ingredients of new products being launched with the claim of “52% success”.  

Among the key ingredients of the new pharma-based products, offering “guaranteed relief”, it was noticed that they contain 2.5% active benzoyl peroxide and 0.5% salicylic acid. With our long experience and expertise in natural organic beauty formulations, we know that sensitive skin needs more delicate treatment. Strong chemical ingredients can aggravate the problem.

Main acne factors are : oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores, bacteria and hormonal imbalance.  Acne typically appears on face, neck, chest, back and shoulders that have most oil (sebaceous) glands. Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Hair follicles are connected to oil glands. These glands secrete an oily substance (sebum) to lubricate your hair and skin. Sebum normally travels along the hair shafts and through the openings of the hair follicles onto the surface of our skin. When body produces excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, the two can build up in hair follicles, and form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. If the clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, inflammation results.
The plugged pore may cause the follicle wall to bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may be open to the surface and may darken, causing a blackhead. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air. The pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Blockages and inflammation that develop deep inside hair follicles produce cyst-like lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
Herbally Radiant R&D team tested different powerful natural ingredients to create safest skin-friendly products for lasting relief. After perfecting the best combination of these, it launched its most popular range: CLEAN – Cleanser, Toner, Serum and Scrub. Aloe vera based, CLEAN products contain witch hazel, cranberry extract, black willow bark, glycolic acid, billberry, activated charcoal, vegetable glycerin, orange-lemon extract, roman chamomile, rosemary, Pro-Vitamin B5, rooibos tree extract together with essential oils like tea tree, neem, jojoba and avocado. When applied regularly, these ingredients inhibit inflammation and bacterial proliferation, keeping skin comfortable all day long, while gently working on skin.
The CLEAN serum is a powerful formulation, 100% natural, pure and effective. This fast absorbing and non-greasy serum works as a booster to support and treat the skin from within, delivering the highest potency of anti-oxidants and oils, thereby rejuvenating, hydrating and brightening the skin.





Thursday, January 12, 2017



MNT has carried an informative article by Jon Johnson in MNT, on ADHD disorder, and how Essential Oils (EOs) can help in such, and many physical and mental disorders.We have taken extracts of the article in the context of EOs that Herbally Radiant uses in its natural formulations.

Herbally Radiant uses many kinds of Essential Oils instead of chemical ingredients. These EOs are extremely beneficial and present nature’s bounty in concentrated form. The HerballyRadiant formulations containing these EOs are, therefore, more effective, and create a lasting impact.
With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the symptoms are chronic, so they can last for a long time. They may be severe enough to interrupt daily functioning, learning ability, social habits, and even relationships.
Essential oils are concentrated forms of compounds found in various plants. They are normally made through either cold press extraction or distillation. In cold press extraction, a large amount of plant material is pressed using great pressure, until the natural compounds are released.
Distillation involves placing plant matter in a closed container and passing steam or water through it to extract the compounds within the plants. When the excess water is removed, the concentrated compounds that remain are called essential oils. The EOs thus contain the highest possible concentration of beneficial compounds. Most effective, and commonly used, EOs are :
Lavender:  A person who is experiencing hyperactivity with ADHD may have trouble feeling relaxed enough to fall, or stay, asleep. Study of participants indicate that those who inhaled lavender essential oil had a better quality of sleep than those who did not. The use of inhaled lavender oil appeared to boost the well-being of the users over time.
Vetiver : If a person with ADHD is having difficulty staying focused, vetiver essential oil may help them to stay alert and on task. A study posted to the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology has measured the direct effects that inhaling vetiver essential oil has on the brain. Those who inhaled vetiver essential oil showed an increase in their attention levels, and this was reflected in measurements of brain activity.
Researchers have noted that vetiver essential oil is beneficial for learning and memory processes. It has stimulating effect even at low inhaled doses, and improves alertness and task performance.
Rosemary: 1,8-cineole is one of the main compounds in rosemary oil. Studies may suggest that its use can increase cognitive performance. The fresh scent of the common cooking ingredient rosemary may help to keep the mind sharp. The study posted to Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology looked at the effects of one of the main compounds in rosemary essential oil, called 1,8-cineole, and it showed that a higher concentration of this compound in the body resulted in better performance on cognitive tests.
Other essential oils : Other Essential oils that may be useful include:
  • Frankincense;  Ylang ylang;  Bergamot;  Eucalyptus;  Lemon;  Cedarwood
Many studies by the experts have proved immense beneficial effects of EOs on the mind and body. For example, hospice patients who received a hand massage using oils containing bergamot, frankincense, and lavender, for example, felt relief from symptoms of depression, although the effect on the separate components was not studied.
Bergamot is thought to have antidepressant properties, and a combination of clary sage and ylang ylang may also lift mood. The cedarwood oil has sedative effects, while some claim that both lemon and frankincense oils can improve focus.
Use of EOs:  These are highly concentrated and should therefore be used with care. The three suggested ways to use them are :
  • Inhaling by adding a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser
  • Applying diluted oils topically, to be absorbed through the skin
  • Putting a few drops into a full bath or a hand or foot bath
It is important to dilute essential oils with a carrieroil before putting them on the body. Examples of carrier oils include olive, coconut, and grapeseed oil.
Please remember that the high concentrations of compounds in the oils can cause reactions if applied undiluted anywhere on the body. It is also important to perform an allergy test. This test can be carried out by applying a small amount of the diluted mixture to a small area of the body, like the back of the hand. Please stop if any signs of allergy such as redness or burning sensations occur.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

BEWARE OF GROWING COUNTERFEIT COSMETIC PRODUCTS

The counterfeiting of cosmetic products is growing rapidly. Most of these counterfeit products are being marketed by online suppliers.

The report just received from the French Customs Intelligence throws new light on this illegal trade where consumers are at the receiving end. Describing it as "exceptional and unprecedented", two illegal manufacturing facilities with laboratory have been raided by the French authorities. In one facility, they uncovered 45,000 counterfeit products and in the second in Calvados they confiscated 17,000 counterfeit products. The total counterfeit products seized by the French authorities in 2015 was 7.7 million.

Consumers need to ignore those products which are being offered at unrealistically cheap price, or with too-good-to-be-true marketing claims. As Herbally Radiant makes it a point to mention all the ingredients on the container and packaging labels consumers should read the contents of the products and eliminate possibility of deception.

Monday, January 9, 2017

SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO MICROBEADS IN COSMETICS

According to the latest news roundup, companies are now rushing to seek alternatives to the plastic microbeads being used in the cosmetics so far. US has already banned use of polyethylene, the micro-plastics from the skin care products from January this year. Many countries have realized the adverse impact of such synthetic ingredients to the health of the consumers and to the environment, and are banning their use.
It will take long to identify suitable alternatives to Polyethylene present used in chemical-based formulations, and may be years to examine if they also pose side effect or cause damage to environment. Meanwhile, consumers have the choice of more healthy beauty formulations that are being made with organic ingredients in US.
For the past six years, Herbally Radiant has been making nearly 70 products with USDA certified organic ingredients. These range from anti-aging formulations like Radiant and Rejuvenating to especially made Clean formulations to treat skin conditions like acne, black heads, spots and lines and wrinkles.
To keep its products chemical and polyethylene free, vegan and free from any synthetic additives or colors, Herbally Radiant uses clinically proved healthier and effective ingredients. Some of these are:
Extracts of rooibos tea, calendula, olive oil, lavendula angustifolio  in the Radiant Face Cleanser;  organic jojoba, calendula, aloe juice, green tea in Radiant Face Mask; and orange peel and neem extracts, neem seed oil, cinnamon bark powder in its wonderful Pumpkin Glow Mask.
The Cleanser and Masks of Herbally Radiant contain many other ingredients which complement each other in creating amazingly bright and healthy skin. These ingredients penetrate the pores and create beauty from inside.  


Saturday, January 7, 2017

FDA GUIDELINE TO LIMIT LEAD EXPOSURE TO SKIN

Another welcome move by FDA in issuing guidelines to limit led content in lip products up to a maximum level of 10 ppm.

As a public health safety measure, FDA guidance is aimed at limiting human exposure to lead in finished FDA-regulated cosmetic products.

FDA regulations require that cosmetics marketed in the United States be safe under their intended and customary conditions of use, and be properly labeled. Cosmetics are not subject to pre-market approval by FDA. However, pre-market approval is required for the color additives used as ingredients in cosmetics.

Dermal absorption of lead from externally applied cosmetics is potentially risky even if very small. The amount of exposure to lead as an impurity in a product such as body lotion is higher because average applications are higher (8.7 g/day).

FDA monitors and issues guidance in order to ensure safe skin care products are available in the market. However, not all manufacturers adhere to the specifications laid down by the FDA. This is more so in the case of online suppliers of cosmetics where there is no effective control on the safety standards.


Many consumers are, therefore, turning to the natural organic formulations that do not contain potentially harmful ingredients like lead, chemicals, synthetic colors, mercury. Herbally Radianthas been supporting such choices and has launched its own extremely skin-friendly products in the last six years. Manufactured in US, its products contain USDA certified ingredients. 

Thursday, January 5, 2017

'DETOXING' DRINKS A MYTH

The Washington Post columnist has extracted useful advice from Rebecca Katz of Healing Kitchens Institute. It explains that toxin might be a substance possibly with poisonous properties but it might not necessarily be the case if one has consumed extra cookies during the holidays, and just because of that one would need to "detox" the body on January 1. It is the essential natural function of the body organs to do the required detoxing all the time, without which it wouldn't be able to survive. 
The drink manufacturing companies are, however, trying to manipulate consumer's spending habits and projecting the 'detoxing' as the most desirable need for good health.  Therefore, one would be better off by relying on balanced healthy natural food rather than going in for the 'detoxing' drinks being marketed these by food companies.
 More importantly, Rebecca Katz debunks the myth that we need to drastically cut back on all the sugar and alcohol. One would agree with her that going on a seven-day juice cleanse in the middle of the winter is not how your body is going to necessarily detox from feasting over the holidays. Other health experts have also been emphasizing from time to time that one can safely go in for occasional feast any time of the year in a moderate manner like reducing intake of sugar and processed food by fresh vegetables and fruits - these will strengthen body's system to keep detoxing itself naturally and effectively.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

CANADA RIGHTLY BANS CHEMICAL INGREDIENT SOLVENT RED 23 IN COSMETICS

It is to the credit of the Canadian government that it has been monitoring the effect of harmful chemical ingredients in cosmetic product formulations.
It has now banned Solvent red 23, also known by INCI name 'CI 26100' that is used as a colorant in many cosmetic products. The Canadian government has concluded that it is quite harmful - when the chemical bonds of this cosmetic ingredient break, 4-aminoazobenzene is released which is a classified carcinogen.
According to the Canadian government statement, "based on potential exposure of the consumers to Solvent red 23, from use of certain personal care products, and the evidence of genotoxicity and carcenogenicity, it has been concluded that Solvent red 23 is potentially harmful to human health."