Chemicals and Kids - Be Safe!

Chemicals and Kids - Be Safe

We worry about our children taking drugs and the influence they have on our families. Well what about the hidden chemicals that our families and our children are exposed to every day. The Guardian.co.uk reported November 6 that children are exposed to chemicals in domestic products such as rubber clogs and sun tan lotions.  Doesn't this concern you?

One of the biggest concerns is the cumulative effect of the chemical phthalates, which is used as softeners in soap, rubber shoes and soft toys. The guardian.co.uk identifies this chemical as blocking the action of testosterone in the womb, also alleged to cause low sperm counts and high rates of testicular cancer. With those credentials why is it allowed around people and in particular children?

Hormone disrupting chemicals

Chemicals have been shown to disrupt the normal growth in fetuses. A recent Denmark study has shown a significant increase in the rates of testicular cancer. The Danish study identifies predominantly oil based moisturizing creams and sunscreen for the appearance of the preservative Paraben. The Paraben have been identified as a hormone disrupter which poses a risk to children and fetuses.


We were worried about DDT, PCBs and other chemicals.  Can Paraben be posing the same problems?

So what do we do.  Paraben is a chemical used in cosmetics to preserve them.   What alternatives are there?





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Vitamin C Creams - Are they worth it?

Vitamin C - not just for oranges!


I’ve been using a new Vitamin C cream and I really like the results! Vitamin C creams and lotions seem to be the latest and greatest in the anti-wrinkle brigade. Reliable scientific evidence has shown there is significant value to vitamin c for skin care. The big hole is that when Vitamin C is in contact with air it breaks down and becomes ineffective, and at worst, increases the formation of free radicals.

Vitamin C has been extensively tested and reported about in the Journal of the American Academic of Dermatology. Vitamin C has been identified to improve collagen synthesis. This helps keeps skin looking younger and healthier. It also inhibits the production of melanin, in turn producing lighter and brighter skin. With all the hype about wrinkles and getting old it is nice to hear about a product that may even live up to its billing.

Expensive Vitamin C products are usual and cheaper alternatives are available. You can even make some yourself!

When purchasing skin care products with vitamin C it is important that they do not allow air to reach the product. Vitamin C and its derivatives gradually degrade when exposed to light and air. Freshness and proper storage are key to the life of your skin.

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Natural Skin Care – What Gives?

Most skin care companies provide less than stellar products and pass them off as the best products for your skin. Derivatives from plants, and anti-oxidants are necessary for healthy skin and help reduce the onset of wrinkles. Having perfect skin, that is skin free of sun damage, blemishes and wrinkles is a goal wished for by most people.

All natural oils are the best for your skin. But which is best?


Mineral oil and paraffin wax are passed off as natural skin care products. Unfortunately, they are quite dense and can not effectively get ‘into’ your skin. They are not as useable to the skin. As a result they will stay near the surface and provide a protective layer. This however, will clog your pores and trap in dirt.


Plant derived skin care product are better for your skin and they can be used by your skin. Because the oils have similar properties to our skin they are able to penetrate into the skin. Antioxidants in the oils can even reduce wrinkles because of their ability to repair damaged cells.

Exercise and Skin Care

If you are an avid runner or exerciser you know the importance of taking care of your skin. Women exercise to stay young, but the elements pay their toll on the skin. With this in mind, Dr. Rosy Renwicke started Workout Zone skin care products that are ‘sweat friendly’.







Good skin can be obtained by anyone. Investing in your skin involves, protecting, enhancing and troubleshooting. Protect your skin by moisturizing, and applying sunblock. Enhance it by helping it with mild unabrasive exfoliants, and trouble shoot by keeping things simple.






Don’t use anything that turns your skin red or stings when you use it.




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Parabens- What are they and why do I care?

Parabens- What are they and why do I care?


Paraben, or meythylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben etc. are one of those in a long list of ingredients listed on the back of your latest cosmetic or hair product purchase. At least it is if your products are not ‘natural’.

Their names are difficult to get your mouth around but they are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics and personal products. They are cheap and effective and are used to prevent fungal growth in creams shampoos, and colour treatments for the past 70 years. No some feel that they may actually be harmful.

Paraben’s ability to mimic estrogen, and the fact that they have been found in breast cancer tumours is cause for concern. With the rise in cancer and some history of cancer in your family tree is enough for some people to search out “paraben free” products.

Rather than waiting for scientific evidence some enterprising entrepreneurs have developed natural personal care and natural hair care products.

Natural Hair Care

Celebrity colourist Louise Galvin has over 20 years' experience in the hair colouring industry and has developed the Louise Galvin Sacred Locks haircare line.

Now shipping internationally, the Louise Galvin website (louisegalvin.com) has responded to the increasing demand for her products. In addition to not testing on animals, her site boasts that merchandise contain natural or naturally derived products.

Her commitment to the environment is apparent and any greenhouse gases are off-set through investment in The Carbon Neutral Company.

In addition to being Paraben free the natural hair care line is free of:

• sulphates,

• silicone,

• petrochemicals

• synthetic fragrances and

• Polymers.

It is easy to navigate and a great selection of products, ranging from “gentle and cleansing moisturizers for your body”, to special nourishment for dry and damaged hair, this site is a great place to get your natural hair products.




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Hi Fashion anyone?

  What's the buzz? 

Have designer fashions gone back to the 80's?  I thought I had a flash back when I saw this BIG HAIR sported by the models on the runway for Louis Vuitton as shown here.

These pictures, by the way, are from new designer fashion magazine Fashion Confidential . They, meaning Fashion Confidential, feature designer fashion for the professional woman.  Although my fashion sense is maybe not high fashion or even designer fashion I certainly love browsing  through the pages to see what trends are developing.

I'm not sure I will be wearing these shoes any time soon. 

 But who knows.  This shoe/boot, designed by Alexander McQueen, was voted Best in Shoe.



With new designer fashions on the horizon it is the perfect time to score on some big sales.  Before heading out though, invest some time to really understand how to get the most out of your purchases. 

With tips like:

•  Dont panic when you see the 50% sale sign.  Ask yourself if you would buy it if it were regular price.  If the answer is no then don't buy it!
• Don't squeeze and be realistic.  If you have to drop 15 extra pounds to fit into it let it go because it probably will still be sitting in your closet this time next year.
• Don't miss out buy waiting too long hoping the prices will go lower.  Better you get your purchase at a smaller discount than not at all.
• Do get organized so you know what you need.
• Do go surfing and price shopping.
• Do buy classics  because they last forever and only become 'vintage'

Fashion Confidential really has something for everyone.  Tips on bargain hunting for people wanting to bag a designer bargain.  To the latest style trends for those who 'must have' the designer purchase of the season, you can see that Fashion Confidential has it all. 





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