PERSONAL CARE
Skin Care
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Face and body skin care are important for your health and can be achieved by choosing the correct lifestyle choices that delay natural aging and other skin problems.
Skin Care Basics
According to the Mayo Clinic, protect your skin from the sun by using a safe SPF 15 sunscreen, wearing protective clothing that blocks ultraviolet rays, and wearing wide-brimmed hats. Smoking also contributes to wrinkles, damages collagen and elastin and increases the risk of squamous cell skin cancer. Be gentle with your skin. Avoid strong soaps and take short showers using warm water vs. hot water so that skin oils will not be removed and follow-up by moisturizing. Your skin will also look younger with adequate sleep and with the proper diet, rich in fish oil and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates.
Skin Creams
The toxic ingredients to avoid in skin creams include Phthalates, Parabens, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Formaldehyde, Triclosan & Triclocarban, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methylparaben, Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. The ingredients to look for in healthy skin creams include Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Vitamin E.
Skin Care Basics
According to the Mayo Clinic, protect your skin from the sun by using a safe SPF 15 sunscreen, wearing protective clothing that blocks ultraviolet rays, and wearing wide-brimmed hats. Smoking also contributes to wrinkles, damages collagen and elastin and increases the risk of squamous cell skin cancer. Be gentle with your skin. Avoid strong soaps and take short showers using warm water vs. hot water so that skin oils will not be removed and follow-up by moisturizing. Your skin will also look younger with adequate sleep and with the proper diet, rich in fish oil and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates.
Skin Creams
The toxic ingredients to avoid in skin creams include Phthalates, Parabens, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Formaldehyde, Triclosan & Triclocarban, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methylparaben, Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. The ingredients to look for in healthy skin creams include Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Vitamin E.
All-Natural Skincare/Makeup
Pat’s Comment: What you put on your skin and face is very important for health and beauty. I am so proud to announce that my daughter Erica is developing a natural product line on her new website for skincare and makeup, as well offering other creative products such as jewelry, clothing, paintings, textiles and home accents. She is adding new products regularly, so if you are looking for a certain item which is not yet offered on her website, feel free to send your request to her at SFS.
Pat’s Comment: What you put on your skin and face is very important for health and beauty. I am so proud to announce that my daughter Erica is developing a natural product line on her new website for skincare and makeup, as well offering other creative products such as jewelry, clothing, paintings, textiles and home accents. She is adding new products regularly, so if you are looking for a certain item which is not yet offered on her website, feel free to send your request to her at SFS.
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/1/3/131383622/published/sfs-logo-4000x4000-1.jpg?1689198589)
Secret Forest Sphere is worth checking out for creative and natural products. I’m sure she would be pleased to hear from you.
Hand Moisturizers
When selecting a hand cream, these ingredients are highly emollient and offer a protective healing barrier: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Squalene, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Peptides, Lanolin and Hyaluronic Acid. Try to avoid common parabens like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
When selecting a hand cream, these ingredients are highly emollient and offer a protective healing barrier: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Squalene, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Peptides, Lanolin and Hyaluronic Acid. Try to avoid common parabens like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Makeup
One ingredient that is harmful in makeup are PFAS “forever” chemicals and are found in many makeup products, such as foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeliners, eyeshadows and mascaras. They never break down in the body and are related to many health issues including high cholesterol, thyroid disease, hypertension, immunosuppression, hormonal imbalances and different kinds of cancers.
One ingredient that is harmful in makeup are PFAS “forever” chemicals and are found in many makeup products, such as foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeliners, eyeshadows and mascaras. They never break down in the body and are related to many health issues including high cholesterol, thyroid disease, hypertension, immunosuppression, hormonal imbalances and different kinds of cancers.
Acne Creams/Treatments
The most effective ingredients to treat acne are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and topical retinoids like adapalene. The worst ingredients to treat acne are: Synthetic Perfumes, Essential Oils, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate, SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, and Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, and Algae Extract. To learn more about why these ingredients are harmful, check out the Brydie website.
The most effective ingredients to treat acne are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and topical retinoids like adapalene. The worst ingredients to treat acne are: Synthetic Perfumes, Essential Oils, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate, SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, and Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, and Algae Extract. To learn more about why these ingredients are harmful, check out the Brydie website.
Sunscreens
According to the EWG Guide to Sunscreens, presently the only two ingredients that are safe for your skin are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
These 12 ingredients are not generally recognized as safe: avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, and sulisobenzone. The bolded ingredients are especially unsafe because they are absorbed in the body only after ONE use and could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after they have been used, according to the FDA. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Experts say sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 aren't worth buying. They only offer marginally better protection.
According to EWG, they recommend the safest sunscreens to use are these.
According to the EWG Guide to Sunscreens, presently the only two ingredients that are safe for your skin are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
These 12 ingredients are not generally recognized as safe: avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, and sulisobenzone. The bolded ingredients are especially unsafe because they are absorbed in the body only after ONE use and could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after they have been used, according to the FDA. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Experts say sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 aren't worth buying. They only offer marginally better protection.
According to EWG, they recommend the safest sunscreens to use are these.
Fragrances
Unhealthy chemicals found in fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens benzophenone and styrene. A list of toxic ingredients can be found here. Safe fragrances use natural fragrances like essential oils.
Search for Your Product
If you want to find safe Personal Care Products for your face/body, makeup, nails, or hair, just search the product at EWG’s Skin Deep website.
Vitamins for Your Skin
The best vitamins for healthy looking skin include Vitamin D, C, E, and K.
Vitamin D: Just 10 minutes in the sun each day will create enough Vitamin D in your body which can improve skin tone, prevent dry skin, and even treat psoriasis. If you cannot get into the sun daily with adequate sun-screen protection or you are not eating enough salmon, tuna, cod or Vitamin D fortified foods, then the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recommends a daily vitamin D supplement of 600 IU per day or possibly more if you are pregnant or over the age of 70. However, check with your doctor first.
Vitamin C: This vitamin has cancer-fighting properties and increases skin collagen. It helps heal damaged skin from sun exposure, prevents dry skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. If you do not get enough Vitamin C citrus fruits in your diet, a 1000 mg supplement may be recommended by your doctor.
Vitamin E: This vitamin protects against sun damage when applied to the skin and prevents skin inflammation. It can also prevent dark spots and wrinkles. Eating almonds, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds is a good way to get more of this vitamin in your diet or you might consider taking a 15 mg Vitamin E supplement each day.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps the body with blood clotting, healing wounds and bruises, especially after surgery. It also helps with skin conditions, such as stretch marks, spider veins, scars, dark spots, and circles under your eyes. Adults need 90-120 ug per day or you can eat kale, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and green beans.
Eye Care
Eye Makeup and Eye Drops
Harmful ingredients to avoid are BAK (Benzalkonium chloride), Formaldehyde, Parabens and Phenoxyethanol.
Dry Eyes
It's best to avoid decongestant eye drops such as Visine, Naphcon, Opcon, or Clear Eyes when treating dry eyes. You can recognize these drops because they are typically advertised as a relief for red eyes or allergies. Safe brands include Systane, Refresh, or Soothe XP. Preservatives in eye drops can occasionally cause an allergic reaction, so preservative-free drops are best.
Hair Care
Conditioners/Shampoos
If you want to make your own conditioner, this site will give you the ingredients and instructions. Healthline also offers conditioning recipes.
However, many of us want to just buy a good hair conditioner because they are convenient and labor-free. In general, avoid conditioners and shampoos that have these ingredients: Sulfates, Parabens, Polyethylene Glycols, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Synthetic Fragrances and Colors, Silicones, Dimethicone, and Retinyl Palmitate. The Good Trade website recommends a number of natural hair conditioners and shampoos to choose from.
Dandruff
If you have dandruff, there are several home remedies you can try using Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar, Aspirin, Baking Soda, Lemon juice and Olive Oil. For instructions of how to use these products and other dandruff treatments, click here. People also use egg whites as a hair mask because it supposedly cleanses the scalp of excess oils, strengthens hair, promotes growth, and eliminates dandruff. It also gives hair shine and volume.
Dry Hair
There are home remedies for dry hair using hot oils, sulfate-free shampoos and hair conditioners only once or twice a week, spraying some beer on hair while it is drying naturally, applying a coconut oil, yogurt oil or banana mask, gelatin mixture, or avocado paste. For more information regarding dry hair remedies, check out Medical News Today.
Hair Loss
To encourage hair regrowth, there are 10 home treatments you can try instead of using prescription options. They include massage, Aloe Vera, coconut oil, Viviscal, fish oil, ginseng, onion juice, rosemary oil, geranium oil, and lemon. Click on the 10 Home Treatments above for directions of how to use and apply these options.
Hair Color
You can change the color of your hair without any lasting dryness or damage by using any of these options: semi-permanent hair rinse, henna, indigo, chalks, crayons, powder, and sticks.
Premature Gray Hair
Premature gray hair primarily may be genetic or due to a deficiency of Vitamin B12, D3, and calcium.
Color-Resistant White Hair
Color-resistant white hair occurs with older hair that lacks natural oils and has a rougher surface. Permanent hair color is usually required for this kind of hair but it has the greatest potential for hair damage unless you use ammonia-free hair dye such as Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color. Ammonia-free dye will keep your hair’s pH level more alkaline and helps to preserve the necessary proteins and nutrients and make your hair shinier and healthier. If your hair is very fine and porous, you may be able to use a semi-permanent option like Clairol Advanced Gray Solutions.
If you want to make your own conditioner, this site will give you the ingredients and instructions. Healthline also offers conditioning recipes.
However, many of us want to just buy a good hair conditioner because they are convenient and labor-free. In general, avoid conditioners and shampoos that have these ingredients: Sulfates, Parabens, Polyethylene Glycols, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Synthetic Fragrances and Colors, Silicones, Dimethicone, and Retinyl Palmitate. The Good Trade website recommends a number of natural hair conditioners and shampoos to choose from.
Dandruff
If you have dandruff, there are several home remedies you can try using Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar, Aspirin, Baking Soda, Lemon juice and Olive Oil. For instructions of how to use these products and other dandruff treatments, click here. People also use egg whites as a hair mask because it supposedly cleanses the scalp of excess oils, strengthens hair, promotes growth, and eliminates dandruff. It also gives hair shine and volume.
Dry Hair
There are home remedies for dry hair using hot oils, sulfate-free shampoos and hair conditioners only once or twice a week, spraying some beer on hair while it is drying naturally, applying a coconut oil, yogurt oil or banana mask, gelatin mixture, or avocado paste. For more information regarding dry hair remedies, check out Medical News Today.
Hair Loss
To encourage hair regrowth, there are 10 home treatments you can try instead of using prescription options. They include massage, Aloe Vera, coconut oil, Viviscal, fish oil, ginseng, onion juice, rosemary oil, geranium oil, and lemon. Click on the 10 Home Treatments above for directions of how to use and apply these options.
Hair Color
You can change the color of your hair without any lasting dryness or damage by using any of these options: semi-permanent hair rinse, henna, indigo, chalks, crayons, powder, and sticks.
Premature Gray Hair
Premature gray hair primarily may be genetic or due to a deficiency of Vitamin B12, D3, and calcium.
Color-Resistant White Hair
Color-resistant white hair occurs with older hair that lacks natural oils and has a rougher surface. Permanent hair color is usually required for this kind of hair but it has the greatest potential for hair damage unless you use ammonia-free hair dye such as Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color. Ammonia-free dye will keep your hair’s pH level more alkaline and helps to preserve the necessary proteins and nutrients and make your hair shinier and healthier. If your hair is very fine and porous, you may be able to use a semi-permanent option like Clairol Advanced Gray Solutions.
Nail Care
According to the Mayo Clinic, to keep your nails healthy and looking good, you should follow the following suggestions.
Nail Dos
If your hands are in prolonged contact with water or they are regularly in contact with harsh cleaning ingredients, it is best to wear cotton-lined rubber gloves since bacteria can grow under your fingernails and cause split fingernails. In addition, keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed, moisturizing nails with lotion, using a nail hardener, taking biotin for weak fingernails and trimming your fingernails and toenails properly are all good practices. When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Nail Dos
If your hands are in prolonged contact with water or they are regularly in contact with harsh cleaning ingredients, it is best to wear cotton-lined rubber gloves since bacteria can grow under your fingernails and cause split fingernails. In addition, keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed, moisturizing nails with lotion, using a nail hardener, taking biotin for weak fingernails and trimming your fingernails and toenails properly are all good practices. When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
How to Trim Your Nails
Nail Don’ts
Do not bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles since these habits can allow bacteria to cause an infection. Also do not pull off hangnails, clip off hangnails instead. When using nail polish remover do not use acetone formulas – instead use acetone-free. Do not ignore nail problems that don’t go away, such as nail discolorations or dark streaks under the nail, curled nails, thinning or thickening nails, nail separation from the skin, bleeding round the nails or swelling, pain around the nails or failure of nails to grow – consult your doctor. Vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail are harmless.
Oral Care
Oral care includes keeping your mouth clean and disease-free. It involves brushing and flossing your teeth as well as visiting your dentist regularly for dental X-rays, exams and cleanings.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps keep your mouth clean so if you find you have a dry mouth regularly, it is important to use a dry mouth oral rinse. Dry mouth can make it more likely to get tooth decay, and may also get decay along the gum line (tooth root surface). Unlike enamel (the outer tooth layer), dentine (the inner tooth layer) is less resistance to acids and can decay quickly, especially without enough saliva to protect it.
Pat’s Comment: My dentist recommended I use Stellalife that protects and hydrates the mouth and is homeopathic and natural. However, there are other brands on the market that your dentist may prescribe.
These other natural remedies may also relieve dry mouth.
Soft Teeth
A person who has soft teeth experiences toothaches, cavities, and tooth sensitivity. This condition could be caused by genetics. However, there may other reasons, such as heartburn or acid reflux, fever, a diet high in sugar or acid, consumption of too much fluoride, vitamin deficiencies, infections in baby teeth, harmful bacteria or hormonal imbalance.
Improve Soft Teeth
Even if the problem is genetic, there are things that can be done to reduce tooth problems. They are brushing your teeth two times a day, flossing once a day, don’t apply too much force when brushing, using a soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush, avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or starch, and drinking water vs. sugary juices and sodas.
Preventing Cavities: Did You Know?
Bacteria that cause tooth decay are spreadable both inside the body and mouth and from person to person. According to the science journal Microbiome, an otherwise innocent ten-second kiss can spread 80 million bacteria between mouths!
Drink Water
Drink water during and after meals to wash away acid produced by plaque and stimulate saliva to help wash away bacteria and acids. Sugary beverages provide food for the bacteria, and fizzy drinks like soda are acidic and erode the teeth.
Snacking
The more we snack the more prone we are to getting cavities. Brush or rinse after snacking to help prevent cavities and drink some water in between snacks to wash away food particles left behind. Choosing raw veggies, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products, like cheese, are healthy options for teeth and gums.
Apples, strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots are healthy snacks that contain natural xylitol. Xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to teeth, thus decreasing plaque, and it also stimulates saliva which helps repair damaged enamel and remineralizes teeth.
Timing Your Food
How and when you eat your food makes a difference. Eat raw foods at the end of meals. They will clean teeth, massage gums and increase saliva to wash away more food particles after a meal. Eating neutralizing foods, like milk, unsweetened tea or cheese, after a dessert will prevent prolonged acid attacks on your teeth and prevent cavities.
Toothpastes
There are many toothpastes on the market and depending on your particular requirement, you can choose from Fluoridated Toothpaste, Herbal Toothpaste, Sensitivity Toothpaste, Whitening Toothpaste, Tartar Control Toothpaste, Smokers’ Toothpaste and Children’s Toothpaste. The purposes for these types toothpastes can be found here.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps keep your mouth clean so if you find you have a dry mouth regularly, it is important to use a dry mouth oral rinse. Dry mouth can make it more likely to get tooth decay, and may also get decay along the gum line (tooth root surface). Unlike enamel (the outer tooth layer), dentine (the inner tooth layer) is less resistance to acids and can decay quickly, especially without enough saliva to protect it.
Pat’s Comment: My dentist recommended I use Stellalife that protects and hydrates the mouth and is homeopathic and natural. However, there are other brands on the market that your dentist may prescribe.
These other natural remedies may also relieve dry mouth.
Soft Teeth
A person who has soft teeth experiences toothaches, cavities, and tooth sensitivity. This condition could be caused by genetics. However, there may other reasons, such as heartburn or acid reflux, fever, a diet high in sugar or acid, consumption of too much fluoride, vitamin deficiencies, infections in baby teeth, harmful bacteria or hormonal imbalance.
Improve Soft Teeth
Even if the problem is genetic, there are things that can be done to reduce tooth problems. They are brushing your teeth two times a day, flossing once a day, don’t apply too much force when brushing, using a soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush, avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or starch, and drinking water vs. sugary juices and sodas.
Preventing Cavities: Did You Know?
Bacteria that cause tooth decay are spreadable both inside the body and mouth and from person to person. According to the science journal Microbiome, an otherwise innocent ten-second kiss can spread 80 million bacteria between mouths!
Drink Water
Drink water during and after meals to wash away acid produced by plaque and stimulate saliva to help wash away bacteria and acids. Sugary beverages provide food for the bacteria, and fizzy drinks like soda are acidic and erode the teeth.
Snacking
The more we snack the more prone we are to getting cavities. Brush or rinse after snacking to help prevent cavities and drink some water in between snacks to wash away food particles left behind. Choosing raw veggies, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products, like cheese, are healthy options for teeth and gums.
Apples, strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots are healthy snacks that contain natural xylitol. Xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to teeth, thus decreasing plaque, and it also stimulates saliva which helps repair damaged enamel and remineralizes teeth.
Timing Your Food
How and when you eat your food makes a difference. Eat raw foods at the end of meals. They will clean teeth, massage gums and increase saliva to wash away more food particles after a meal. Eating neutralizing foods, like milk, unsweetened tea or cheese, after a dessert will prevent prolonged acid attacks on your teeth and prevent cavities.
Toothpastes
There are many toothpastes on the market and depending on your particular requirement, you can choose from Fluoridated Toothpaste, Herbal Toothpaste, Sensitivity Toothpaste, Whitening Toothpaste, Tartar Control Toothpaste, Smokers’ Toothpaste and Children’s Toothpaste. The purposes for these types toothpastes can be found here.