Organic Skin care and Nutrition

The debate as to whether Organically grown produce is better than fruit & vegetables grown using chemical pesticides and artificial growth stimulants has been on for decades.

Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act.

Natural food, on the other hand, generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in any form. These are derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is not necessarily organic and vice versa.

Experts will challenge that: There is no "conclusive evidence either way" concerning the health effects of pesticides.

Organic growers will tell you there is "No comparison between Organic and Non-Organic".

So who are we to believe?

Lets look at it from a logical point of view.

Non-Organic produce is grown using synthetic man made chemicals. Chemicals produced from materials originally derived from nature (originally organic) and chemically changed and modified to produce a "Synthetic chemical" that fulfils a purpose (Kills insects & disease, Artificially stimulates plant growth etc.

Organic Produce is grown using natural means. Things like - Crop rotation, Companion planting, Natural sprays, Animal manures, Composts & other natural means of production.

Ultimately the choice is yours. Do you want to eat Fruit & Vegetables, Meat and other food that is produced using synthetic chemicals, or would you prefer safer alternatives that have been produced the way nature intended.

You be the Judge.

Eric J. Smith is an Organic Gardener and passionate Environmentalist. He is dedicated to promoting the need for an Organic, Natural World. Find out more on Organic Personal Care Products here - www.milifestyle.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_J_Smith

Certified Organic Products are made from ingredients that are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMO's*(see definition below). It is an innovative method of farming and production and is increasingly being recognised as being on the leading edge of food and fibre technology into the future. Organics is not just chemical free by testing. It is about the way the product ingredients have been grown, prepared, processed and packaged.

What is a GMO?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant, animal or microorganism whose genetic code has been altered (subtracted from, or added to either the same species or a different species) in order to give it characteristics that it does not have naturally.

Scientists can now transfer genes between species that otherwise would be incapable of mating, for example, a goat and a spider. This is what we call transgenesis. Little is known about the long-term effects of such manipulations on humans, plants, animals and/or the environment. And while some see GMO's as the way to the future, others believe that scientists have gone too far, tinkering with the essence of life.

Skin Care
Hair Care
Body/Oral Care
Household
Health Care
Cosmetics

More and more men and women looking for organic skincare alternatives. In the past when someone mentioned "organic", the first thing to enter the mind was hippies in the sixties protesting about the need for organic food.

Organic food is now a widely accepted lifestyle choice and the trend toward organic skincare is growing. Every day, more people are increasingly moving towards organic skincare products in addition to food. What we put on our body is just as important as what we put into it.

Think of all the patches available for weight loss, quitting smoking etc, they all work by absorption through our skin. Since our personal care is also absorbed through the skin, so to do the chemicals that are carried in the personal care items. Organic skincare products work effectively without all of the chemicals, which can cause health problems. As with organic food products, organic skincare products come from all natural ingredients and contain no harmful chemicals.

Organic skin care should be made from ingredients certified to organic food industry standards. Each country has its own measure and regulatory agency on the production of anything that proclaims to be organic. If a product proclaims itself to be organic, it must contain all organic products. However, if a products packaging says it is simply "organic" it can contain up to 5% of material that would be considered non-organic. It doesn't sound like much and granted most people don't mind. However, 5% IS 5% and this can make all the difference to some.

Most of the dyes and chemicals found in non-organic cosmetics and skincare products are dangerous and potentially carcinogenic. Organic skincare products do the same thing, but without these harmful chemicals.

You can find organic skincare products that - exfoliate, cleanse, condition, nourish the skin, hydrate the skin, moisturise and purify the skin

To be certified organic, products including organic skincare must be made from materials that are grown on soil that has been certified as pesticide-free for at least 3 years. Organic skincare products are made without: Synthetic pesticides, Insecticides, Herbicides, fungicides, hormones and Chemical Fertilizers.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): is one of the most commonly used foaming agents found in cosmetics. It is also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. It is a man made Non-Organic product.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a major health concern because it is so common. It is found in over 90% of all foam producing products. There is a lot of debate as to how toxic it actually is, but there are literally hundreds of scientific studies explaining its toxicity.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS):

Can easily penetrate the skin
Is used in clinical studies as a skin irritant
Can damage the immune system causing separation of skin layers and severe irritation of the skin. When used on the scalp ( etc), long term exposure to SLS can cause hair loss due to corrosion of hair follicles.
Associated with the development of cataracts even with indirect contact.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) Sodium Lauryl "ether" Sulfate, a close relative of SLS is an ether chain added to SLS. Called a "premium" agent in cleaners and shampoo's. The reality is, it is a very inexpensive product but thickens when salt is added in the formula and produces high levels of foam to give the concentrated illusion it is thick, rich and expensive. It is used as a wetting agent in the textile industry. Irritating to scalp and may cause hair loss.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate & Sodium Laureth Sulphate is a common ingredient and is available in Baby shampoos. While many studies have been done on the effects of SLS & SLES, it remains the most common foaming agent available in Personal care products today.

Propylene Glycol is an extremely common ingredient with no therapeutic benefits, in fact there are some very real concerns associated with it. The only reason this product is added to cosmetic products is because it makes the skin feel smooth.

Propylene Glycol is known to accumulate in the heart, kidneys & liver. This can cause abnormalities and may weaken the immune system.
Propylene Glycol can be readily absorbed through the skin & scalp.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid contact with skin.
Studies have shown that Propylene Glycol is capable of producing primary irritant skin reactions and allergic sensitisation such as contact dermatitis
Primary Irritant even in low levels of concentration.
Propylene Glycol may inhibit skin cell growth as shown in human tests and can damage cell membranes which can cause rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Propylene Glycol is commonly used in Aircraft deicing fluid, antifreeze and break & hydraulic fluid and, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said propylene glycol is generally recognised as safe for use in cosmetics, food and medical supplies, Propylene Glycol (like ethylene glycol) affects the bodies chemistry by increasing acid in the body. Propylene glycol is metabolised into lactic acid, which occurs naturally as muscles are exercised, while ethylene glycol is metabolised into oxalic acid, which is toxic.

Always read the label on personal care and cosmetic products before buying and whenever possible, choose Organic based skincare and cosmetics. Particularly when used on Babies, Young Children and the Elderly.

Luckily We have the Power to Make Informed Choices!

Talc is often found in a large variety of consumer products ranging from home and garden pesticides to antacids. The products most widely used and that pose the most serious health risks are body powders.

Talc is the main ingredient in baby powder, medicated powders, perfumed powders and designer brand perfumed body powders. Talc is resistant to moisture andbecause of this it is also used by the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture medications and is a listed ingredient of some antacids. Talc is the principal ingredient home and garden pesticides and flea and tick powders. Talc is often used in smaller quantities in deodorants, chalk, crayons, textiles, soap, insulating materials, paints, asphalt filler, paper, and in food processing.

Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims.

Talc is used on babies because it absorbs unpleasant moisture. Clearly, dusting with talcum powder endangers an infant's lungs at the prospect of inhalation. Exposing children to this carcinogen is unnecessary and dangerous.

Source & Further information on Talc...