AROMATHERAPY THROUGH ORGANIC BEAUTY-SKINCARE PRODUCTS

There is growing concern about the rising stress levels in daily life. The recent economic downturn has further contributed to yet higher stress levels which is becoming a major health issue.

Consumers of personal care and beauty products are, therefore, looking into such products which offer relief from stress.  According to the market researchers, 2014 consumer survey, stress is now the second biggest health issue, which has prompted sensory scientists to look to infuse stress busters into personal care products.

In personal care and beauty products, it is the scents which create the aromatherapy effect on body and mind.  Consumers are, therefore, looking for an emotional sanctuary through various fragrances.

At HERBALLY RADIANT, we have selected different Essential Oils for inclusion in our more than 76 products which, in combination with other natural ingredients, create amazing effect on skin, mind and whole body.  Beautiful appearance is closely linked to the inner calm and relaxed state of mind.

It would, therefore, be very useful to understand how aromatherapy works for enhancing beauty and creating glowing skin. The following brief background might be of interest to all :

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine in which essential oils are used to positively influence a person’s mind, bodily health, mood, or cognitive function. Though essential oils are at the heart of aromatherapy, complementary natural ingredients such as jojoba, herbs, hydrosols, mineral clays, and other substances are used as well.

Keep in mind that many items claiming to be aromatherapy products – including scented candles, perfume oils and fragrance oils – actually contain synthetic ingredients. For any substance to be aroma-therapeutic, it must be completely natural. Products with labeling such as “made with natural ingredients” or “made with essential oils” typically contain only small amounts of natural ingredients or essential oils, which is one reason many people choose to purchase their own essential oils and blend customized aromatherapy products at home. 

SCIENCE OF SCENT

The human sense of smell is about ten thousand times more powerful than other senses, and scent travels to the brain so rapidly that the mental or physical response to the fragrance an essential oil emits can be immediate. When you inhale an essential oil, its scent travels first through olfactory nerve cells inside the nose and into the larger olfactory system. The olfactory system then delivers the aroma to the olfactory bulk located inside the brain’s limbic system, which serves as the seat of emotions and the originator of emotional behavior.

Depending upon which essential oil you are inhaling, you may feel a rapid release of mental strain or negative emotions, and you may feel muscle tension ease at the same time. You may feel more alert, excited, or engaged with your surroundings, and if the scent you are inhaling is a familiar one, you may rapidly access your collective unconscious and experience strong memories, particularly when those memories are closely associated with deeply emotional feelings.

The limbic system is, in turn, connected to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which controls the release of hormones that affect one’s nervous system, appetite, body temperature, concentration, and stress levels.  Essential oils interact with the limbic system by providing input that activates the hypothalamus, instructing it to release neuro-chemicals to calm, relax or stimulate the body. This is why aromatherapy can play such an important part in stress reduction, appetite control, increasing alertness and much more.  Whether essential oils are deeply inhaled or applied to the skin, the odor molecules travel straight to the appropriate limbic destination, where neuro-chemicals instruct the body to respond as desired. 

BENEFITS

Many people find that aromatherapy helps bring about feelings of spiritual well-being.  Frankincense is a classic example of an essential oil that has been used for centuries to add fragrance to sacred spaces such as churches, sanctuaries, and home meditation rooms. Diffusing frankincense and then taking long, slow breaths can help you focus as you embark upon any spiritual journey.

Essential oils have wonderfully positive effects on every level, with unique properties that enhance the body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy, when understood this way, is more than just the scientific application of essential oils to bring about beneficial changes in the physical realm; it is the creative use of essential oils to evoke positive changes on aesthetic and mystical levels as well. 

We at HERBALLY RADIANT will be happy to answer any question relating to aromatherapy with the help of natural organic cosmetic formulations.

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BEWARE OF RISKS IN DIY FORMULATIONS OF SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

There is growing demand for DIY formulations for cosmetic products. However, there could be serious health risks involved.  Among common DIY formulations being promoted is face masks, sunscreen, perfume and deodorants; these are being marketed as "cost-effective" solutions.

At HERBALLY RADIANT, our R&D team has to undertake several tests before any organic beauty formulation is finally approved for launch. Many a times, one particular formulation does not have the desired effect on sensitive skin, or on the skin with other susceptibilities. Therefore, there are different formulations, though from highly natural and organic ingredients, for different types of skin and ages. So, one DIY formula may not be ideal for all kinds of consumers.

Moreover, we have found that DIY mineral make-up formulations could have iron oxides and other mineral pigments which, though natural, are found in association with toxic metals like lead, antimony, arsenic and mercury. In Sunscreen products, retinyl palmitate or oxybenzone are harmful. In Perfume and Deodorants, where manufacturers are not mandated to list ingredients on the labels, there could be bio-carbonate sodium, which can cause damage to skin.

A safer and more beneficial choice would, therefore, be to consult reliable manufacturers of such products and purchase the right kind of product instead of risking skin health with unverifiable results.  The manufacturers could also be approached later in case of adverse effects.
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CAUTION AGAINST DECEPTIVE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Now we read reports that global cosmetics giant L'Oreal has admitted to Federal Trade Commission charges of deceptive advertisements, claiming that its products "Genefique" and "Youth Code" provide anti aging benefits. L'Oreal was claiming that these products were "clinically proven" to "boost genes" activity and stimulate the production of youthful proteins that would cause "visibly younger skin in just 7 days".

Of course, skin being the largest part of our body, does not respond so quickly and in such revolutionary manner just by applying cosmetic creams.  With our own long experience spanning more than 40 years in skin care formulations, we have not been able to identify such agents which could trigger youthful looks in a such a short magical way.

All businesses are known to cash in on anything that is projected to meet the aspirations of consumers. Youthful appearance is one such universal wish, added to which is the glamor of looking young instantly after applying a magical formulation. Manufacturers, therefore, deceptively plant in the minds of consumers a scenario where aging process stops for them!

Market is, therefore, flooded with products claiming to meet the dreams of consumers.  Fortunately, FDA is vigilant about it and has been issuing public warnings from time to time. However, consumers also owe to themselves the need to exercise due precaution before believing on what borders on magical results.

As the manufacturer of natural organic products, HERBALLY RADIANT has been launching only such formulations which are backed by centuries of knowledge and experience, and with known results.
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FDA CAUTIONS AGAINST BRAND OTC PRODUCTS FOR ACNE

FDA has warned against use of many over the counter (OTC) products which claim to treat acne and similar skin disorders.  It has expressed concern that such OTC products can cause “rare but serious and potentially life threatening” allergic reactions, or severe irritation. These products are being marketed by big companies under various brand names such as “ProActive”, “Neutrogena”, “Max Clarity”, “Oxy”, Ambi”, “Aveeno” and “Clean and Clear”.  FDA has warned that these products are sold as gels, lotions, face wash, solutions, cleansing pads, face scrubs and by other names. FDA says it is continuing to monitor and evaluate this safety issue and will be working with the manufacturers for possible changes in the labels of such products so that consumers are protected from potential risks.  Healthcare professionals have also been advised to stop using these products and seek quick medical attention if consumers experience any hyper sensitivity reactions like swelling of the face, eyes, lips and other parts. In order to capture of the growing acne products market, big companies have begun to focus their marketing efforts on such products. The global market for acne products is estimated to reach $ 3.02 billion by 2016. Dr. Paul Mouser, of Ashland, has observed “consumers are forever seeking to perfect the look of their skin, but so many have to struggle with acne on a daily basis. Over 90% of the population will at some time during their lives be affected by it.”

The R&D team at HERBALLY RADIANT has also witnessed growing number of customers with acne problems.  In order to seek a safe and effective formula, it experimented with new organic ingredients for quicker and effective relief in acne cases. Now it has launched its own brand of CLEAN range: Cleanser, Toner, Serum and Scrub specially geared to address acne and similar skin disorders. It has been noticed that such problems are mostly faced by women having sensitive skin, or even due to any hormonal imbalance.  In all such cases, certain natural ingredients, especially tea tree essential oil, azadirachta indica, rosemarinus officinalis, aloe barbadrnsis, jojoba oil, combined with vitamin E, have produced amazing results.  The CLEAN range products have received excellent reviews, and can be ordered (free shipping) through online : www.herballyradiant.com.

The CLEAN serum, especially formulated for acne relief, contains high level of antioxidants with rooibos tea, organic aloe vera, DMAE and MSM, and  has been found to be an excellent remedy.  CLEAN products are very skin-friendly, making the skin texture soft and smooth, revitalizing the skin and  creating a youthful glow.

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"EXAGGERATED" CLAIMS BY ANTIAGING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

 As vigilant regulator of marketing of skin care products in, FDA has been issuing warnings and alerts about the unverifiable claims made by large number of manufacturers of skin care products, particularly the anti-aging and anti-wrinkle creams, serums, moisturizers, masks or such lotions.

FDA issued another Import Alert last month citing its concern that “there are numerous skin care products on the market with exaggerated “anti aging” claims which cause the products to be unapproved new drugs.

Giving examples of such exaggerated claims, FDA refers to the marketing claims: “the products counteract, retard or control the aging process. Claims that the product will “rejuvenate”, “repair”, or “restructure” the skin may also be drug claims.

The market is getting flooded with such products, many of which are imported into US.  Most of the chemical or petro-based face creams and similar products, in effect, just spread a coating, creating an impression of nourishing the skin. Such creams or lotions affect the natural function of the skin itself which is to repair any damage to it due to factors like sun damage or external pollutants. 

We at Herbally Radiant have therefore been advising consumers to look into the labels and satisfy themselves with the kind of ingredients that they would like to use on their body and face.  Just going by the unverifiable claims by the manufacturers of such products could be potentially harmful to the skin. It is, therefore, safer and beneficial to apply natural organic skin care products. Skin being the largest organ of body needs right nutrients, more for its natural health than for the cosmetic reasons alone. 

Unlike petroleum or chemical-based products, the organic ingredients, in the form of fine molecules of natural nutrients get absorbed into the skin – two per cent of what we apply on our skin finds its way to our blood stream. Thus the important ingredients in such formulations which are rich nutrients for improving firmness, elasticity and resilience of the skin, making the skin texture soft and smooth, can be safely and more usefully applied by consumers.

FDA MEASURES TO REGULATE TANNING DEVICES ARE WELCOME

FDA has now put in place precautionary measures to address heightened concerns on use of sunlamps used in tanning salons. FDA rightly feels that additional warnings are needed to educate consumers about the potential risks involved like skin cancer.

Consumer advocates and medical groups like American Academy of Dermatology and others were quick to praise the FDA for the latest move. It referred to statistics that 2.3 million teens tan indoors annually, and that the risk of developing melanoma increases by 59 percent for people exposed to UV radiation through indoor tanning. Director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological health (Jeffrey Shure) remarked: Repeated UV exposure from sunlamp products poses a risk of skin cancer for all users – but the highest risk for skin cancer is among young, under the age of 18, and people with family history of skin cancer.

“Restricting teens’ access to indoor tanning is critical to preventing skin cancer,” the group’s president, dermatologist Brett M. Coldiron, said in a statement. “Therefore, we will continue to communicate to the FDA the need for stricter regulations on the use and sale of indoor tanning devices for minors under the age of 18.”

FDA had announced its intention to move forward with stricter regulations on sunlamps after it received a multitude of comments from patient groups, health professionals and the tanning industry, which has said it take safety seriously but worries about unnecessary and burdensome new regulations.
The agency is reclassifying the tanning devices  from “low risk” to “moderate risk,” a designation that will require manufacturers to demonstrate to regulators that their products meet certain standards before they are allowed to market them.

In addition, sunlamps used in tanning salons now must include a black-box warning stating that anyone under the age of 18 should steer clear of the products. Marketing materials for the devices also will have to include details about their potential cancer risks, as well as a recommendation that frequent users of tanning beds should get regular checks for skin cancer, given their repeated exposure to UV radiation.

Tans are caused by harmful ultra violet (UV) radiation from sun or tanning lamps. Both can cause DNA damage to skin.  Many studies have linked Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, to use of indoor tanning. 

As a promoter of healthy skin, HERBALLY RADIANT has been highlighting the fact that there is no such thing as healthy tanning. Indoor tanning provides a sun protection factor of about 3, against the recommended level of at least 15 SPF.  Indoor tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time.  We have been advising customers to protect skin from possible damage from sun or indoor tanning which could lead to premature skin aging, like wrinkles and spots, changes in skin texture.  One should apply sunscreen for protection with 30 SPF level which is much safer.

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