BEAUTY AND BOTOX

While browsing through the book “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf, one comes across interesting ideas emerging out of the concept of beauty.

It is true that women over the centuries have come to enjoy more equality, privileges and social and political rights, Naomi Wolf is troubled by the fact that beauty factor has assumed greater dominance over women’s lives, their thinking, thinking of their male colleagues, preference of marketing and promotional companies, fashion trends and so on.

Naomi wolf is troubled by a different kind of social control, which, she argues, may prove just as restrictive as the traditional image of homemaker and wife. It’s the beauty myth, an obsession with physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society’s impossible definition of “the flawless beauty”.

There is no doubt that the role of women in modern society continues to be judged by how she is perceived by men and women, and not by her real worth, her own merit, her own individuality, irrespective of normal socially acceptable norms of beauty. Naomi is especially sharp on “beauty” aspect, and asks “are women beautiful or aren’t we?”

It is no doubt that appearances are always important as they project the first impression. Happiness and beauty are two concepts that are universally regarded as intrinsically inter-linked. Therefore, beauty is not a myth, pleasant appearances, together with pleasant body language and manners go a long way for success. Therefore, women wanting to look beautiful is the most natural way of living.

This is the reason for the multi-billion cosmetics industry that knows no recession and has continued to grow across the world. Today, anti-aging creams, for example, can no longer make absurd claims for their products, as they did a decade ago. Ten years ago, cosmetics companies regularly declared that their youth creams “erased” signs of age, “restructured” skin on a “cellular” level, and “renewed” tissue “from within” – all of which are physically impossible, since their ingredients were not able to penetrate the epidermis.”

The new medical procedure to restore young looks now is botox injection. Botulinum toxin A is the most commonly used form that is injected into the facial muscles and, within a few hours, it attaches itself to the nerve endings of the motor muscles, thereby affecting the nerve transmission to these muscles. It takes anywhere from two to ten days to block the nerve transmitters which innervate the muscles where it was injected. The effects of Botox lasts approximately three to four months depending on various factors, and when the patient sees the wrinkles reappear, the she needs same treatment again.

However, there can be serious side effects. The injections may cause minor bruising, to be concealed with make-up. Botox cosmetic can spread to nearby muscles and cause temporary drooping.  It occasionally causes a headache, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. It can react adversely with certain herbal remedies, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and heart and Alzheimer's drugs. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid botox injections because the risks to a fetus or nursing baby have yet to be determined.
Botox Cosmetic company also issued the warning that it may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening, and advises to call doctor or get medical help right away if one has any of these problems any time after the injection of botox:

-“Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months

-Spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities”

Our take: Use safest, and reliable for centuries, the herbal organic beauty formulations for most skin-friendly, durable and inexpensive beauty enhancing routine.   

SWISS DECISION TO BAN ANIMAL TESTING ON COSMETICS

Animal rights groups and other green activists welcomed the decision of the Swiss Government to ban marketing of cosmetics that have been tested on animals abroad. The ban on cosmetics tested on animals are already banned within EU nations. Switzerland, though not in EU, has been playing a role of key trading partner of EU.

The Swiss initiative is also welcomed by manufacturers of natural organic skin care products that are not tested on animals.  Herbally Radiant products, which are free from chemicals and animal testing, and are vegan, contain USDA certified organic ingredients.

People's pressure will now be on for initiatives by countries like US, Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia, Argentina where similar legislation has been pending.

UC BERKLEY HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH RISKS OF CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS

Specializing in healthy skin-care formulations, Herbally Radiant, has been cautioning its customers about the potentially harmful effects of synthetic and chemical ingredients as well as petroleum by-products that find their way into the popular brand of cosmetics. Confirming the health risks, the recent study by UC Berkley Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, confirms that “the beauty industry has not yet realized that during girls’ growth years, girls and young ladies need products formulated just for them. Specifically, formulations should not contain parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfates, triclosan and other petroleum by-products. Unfortunately, many, if not all, all these ingredients are found in most of the popular cosmetics, fragrances, hair products and soaps.”

The sad part is that these potentially harmful ingredients are not listed in the cosmetic products.

Several other reports also highlight the presence of low-level concentrations of potential reproductive or developmental toxicants, particularly phthalates, in cosmetics and personal care products. According to these reports, makeup, shampoo, skin lotion, nail polish, and other personal care products contain chemical ingredients that lack safety data. Moreover, some of these chemicals have been linked to male genital birth defects, decreased sperm counts, and altered pregnancy outcomes.

Phthalates, as key components in plastics, appear in many consumer products. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. Often, their presence is not noted on labels.

“The concerns that are focused around this particular chemical [class] have arisen from a series of tests and studies that have been released recently that point to significant potential health concerns,” says Sujatha Jahagirdar, an environmental advocate with Environment California.

In more than 76 skin-care formulations launched by Herbally Radiant, the key ingredients are  USDA certified organic. The Essential Oils used in these products act as natural preservatives, soothing fragrances and aroma-therapeutic elements. Most of the other products being marketed for women do not disclose their ingredients that could pose health risks in one form or the other.  

ARE DERMATOLOGISTS GENERALLY PEDDLERS OF YOUTH AND BEAUTY?

After visiting the annual conference of American Academy of Dermatology at Walter Washington Convention Center last week, the Washington Post journalist offers interesting remarks, highlighting the dominating commercial aspect of the anti-aging campaigns launched by most cosmetics companies. 

Not able to resist the allure of the cosmeceutical stands, where pretty women slathered conference-goers in post-laser gels and balms, the journalist wanted to know: “What are cosmeceuticals about?”

The reply was not startling: “Cash” they whispered. Doctors sell the products in their offices to patients who’ve had procedures – procedures that doctors are now performing all the time. Which are also about cash!”  Elsewhere, she noticed participating doctors flitting between sessions on sculpting and needling and mingled with those who peddle the tools of this revolution: the erbium lasers, the Fraxel lasers, the stem-cell serums, the HydraFacial get-ups and the Dermapens.”

She further adds: “In the convention center, it was almost impossible not to feel slightly bad in the midst of all these peddlers of youth and beauty and true happiness.”

As a skin-care specialist, HerballyRadiant noticed that Americans spent nearly $ 12 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2014 (according to data compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

Some doctors feel most spending was on the non-invasive stuff, like fillers and fat injections, as latest trend is that “everyone wants to do the safest, cheapest thing possible; and no one wants to go under the knife.. and, of course, one of the attractions of dermatology is that a lot of people will pay out-of-pocket.”

We find that the hype created by the industry and dermatologists about the high sounding “innovations” and “procedures” to “restore youth” of every customer is far from ethical marketing. It is one thing to be able to improve the appearance of skin, but making too-good-to-be-true claims of overnight change in complexion or texture is less than a fair business practice.

On the other hand, the claims of pharma-based formulations can be well matched by safer inexpensive natural organic beauty formulations being promoted by Herbally Radiant. For example, a recent research paper in the official Journal of American Nutrition, confirms the unique benefits of turmeric, (also known as curcuma longa). Many other studies highlight skin-friendly characteristics of organic ingredients, and their powerful beautifying effect.

Few natural products have demonstrated the range of protective and therapeutic promise as have turmeric and its principal bioactive components, the curcuminoids. Turmeric and its main bioactive components – curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin – have many biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Other powerful organic ingredients are: aloe butter, aloe oil, almond and apricot oil, avocado butter, borage, castor sulfated, cocoa butter, carrot oil, evening primrose, hazelnut, jojoba, mango butter, neem, olive butter, palm rose hip seed, shea butter, wheat germ plus many more.

The harsh pharma-based formulations weaken the living tissue in the dermis (that is beneath the epidermis).  (Epidermis is the upper layer, consisting of several rows of living cells, covered with a horny layer of dead cells. These are constantly being shed and replaced by the cells from the deeper layer, the dermis. Dermis is also called ‘true skin’ as it is supplied with nutrients from the blood stream; it contains supporting tissue, which gives the skin its tone and resilience.

TEA EXTRACTS IN HERBALLY RADIANT BEAUTY FORMULATIONS

The Huffington Post article by Beauty Editor, Dana Oliver, will interest those wanting to learn more about the  tea benefits for skin through natural cosmetics and skin care formulations. Tea contains several of the most potent and protective antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals.

For centuries, tea leaves (green, black and red), have been used to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Modern scientific studies continue to highlight their anti-aging and health-promoting effects, and show antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits of tea. When combined with other ingredients beauty formulations, tea helps to enhance their effects, a synergy that helps improve skin’s appearance, texture, and function. Frequent exfoliation allows active tea constituents to better penetrate the skin with most beneficial exfoliating agents alpha-hydroxy.

Carotenoids in tea are potent fat-soluble antioxidants that help quench free radicals generated by ultraviolet rays. In addition to vitamin antioxidants and carotenoids, tea also contains 25-30% flavonoids, which include water-soluble plant pigments known as polyphenols. The major polyphenol in tea is epigallocatechin-3 gallate, or EGCG. Oral and topical use of tea and EGCG helps to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress, and may help to prevent photoaging and cancers of the skin. The combination of these natural antioxidants improves skin health, giving it a smoother, brighter and healthier look.

It has also been found that tea is a potent inducer of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that quenches excess superoxide radicals and other reactive oxygen species. Among elderly persons, the amount of SOD in normal skin diminishes and is incapable of adequately neutralizing large amounts of reactive oxygen species. Because of environmental and other pollutants (sunlight, smoking diet) contributing to the generation of reactive oxygen species, it is most critical to optimize SOD levels through the use of tea and other flavonoids.

In combination with topical tea, natural fruit acids called alpha-hydroxy acids rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old, sun-damaged cells on the skin’s surface.32-35 Alpha-hydroxy acids loosen the glue-like substances that bind skin surface cells to each other, allowing the dead skin to peel off and the skin underneath to emerge. This underlying skin has a fresher, healthier look, with a more even color and texture. Exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids allows topical antioxidant agents, such as tea, to affect the newly exposed cells to greatest benefit.

For optimal effects, frequent use of topical products containing tea in combination with exfoliating agents is recommended. Eating a diet rich in flavonoids such as those found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables helps promote and preserve skin’s health and beauty.

The extracts of buds and leaves of tea make very effective ingredient in natural organic beauty products. Green teas have the highest concentration of antioxidant properties (polyphenol and flavonoid) and have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties which provide excellent skin nourishment.

After testing with different ingredients, Herbally Radiant found excellent anti-aging properties of green tea extracts. Its most popular top of the range products: Rejuvenating and Radiant,  also contain a combination of essential oils that work in tandem with tea extracts to create an amazing rejuvenated and radiant facial skin. These formulations have been very popular with customers who have experienced reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Rejuvenating and RadiantCleansers have been specially launched by Herbally Radiant to help eliminate gently all impurities, including make-up marks, without stripping skin of its natural oils. This helps skin to absorb rich nutrients from specially prepared serums and moisturizers.  The net result is a fine rejuvenated bright skin with youthful appearance.  

TURMERIC - THE MOST POWERFUL INGREDIENT IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Medical News Today carries an informative article by Megan Ware on “Turmeric: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information”.  It provides a nutritional breakdown of turmeric and in-depth look at its health benefits.

Turmeric is widely used in South Asia in many ways: right from cooking daily food to preparing organic skin care formulations.  Many organic beauty products made by Herbally Radiant in US contain turmeric, together with other complementing natural ingredients, to bring out the most skin-friendly treatment for the users.

According to USDA Nutrient Database, 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.

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, comes from a perennial plant of ginger family, native to India.  Its roots are boiled, dried and then ground into deep orange-yellow powder. Use of 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 and 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. It is very effective in inflammatory bowel diseases. It has been shown to prevent blood platelets from clumping together, leading to decreased risk of blood clot formation. Many studies suggest that it helps prevent build-up of plaque in arteries.

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties benefit cardiovascular health, help reduce body weight, lower triglyceride synthesis, increase basal metabolic rate, increase fatty acid oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity.

Turmeric is also available as a supplement in powder-containing capsules, fluid extract and tincture. Bromelain, a protein extract derived from pineapples, increases the absorption and effects of turmeric, so it is often combined with turmeric in these products.

Topical application of curcumin has immense benefits. With its rich antioxidants, healing and anti-inflammatory properties, cosmetologists find curcumin a powerful ingredient. It provides powerful 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 immensely helpful in healing any skin damage, and in regenerating damaged cells. The Turmeric & Clay Mask of Herbally Radiant that also contains minerals of Kaolin and Bentonite clays, is therefore a great favorite with many customers.