Some of the most common ingredients I see in “designer” cosmetics are actually chemicals – polysorbates, propylene glycol, sodium laurel, and parabens.
What you may not know is that these expensive ingredients are actually the same dangerous chemicals listed under “hazardous materials” on warning signs. Some of these chemicals even come from crude oil and petroleum! They definitely shouldn’t be used in cosmetics!
Ingredients like parabens have been linked with breast cancer1, polysorbates can cause cancer; propylene glycol can cause liver and kidney abnormalities; and sodium laurel (or lauryl sulfate) can increase the risk of cancer when used with other chemical ingredients. That’s hardly what you’d call “protective” skin care.
So today more and more companies are jumping on the natural trend and making organic products to keep your skin safe. While this seems like a great idea, natural, organic products still need a little more investigation before you put them on your skin.
Just recently, the Center for Environmental Health filed a class-action lawsuit against several top natural beauty companies for the potential violation of the California law that dictates that all organic products need to contain at least 70% organic ingredients2. The jury’s still out, but more than 20 popular brands are being accused of false organic advertising.
It’s time to get back to basics. Natural ingredients are all that your skin needs to stay healthy and young. Cleansing with a natural ingredient like olive oil instead of harsh soap is the first step in the right direction. Natural olive oil cleanses the skin to remove dirt and pollutants that have built up all day long, leaving your skin fresh, soft, and protected from the harmful chemicals found in so many over-the-counter beauty products.
Cleansing with natural olive oil and natural glycerin will hydrate your skin to improve its elasticity and control sagging. These hydrating ingredients can be found in my Splash cleanser that’s also made with rose hip seed oil to reduce the appearance of scars and deep wrinkles.
Another great way to nourish and hydrate your skin at the same time is with a refreshing toner that can be used on clean skin right after washing your face. After cleansing, your skin is clean, fresh, and ready to absorb any healing ingredients you put on it. This is the perfect time to use a natural, balancing toner to soothe and nourish your skin.
CoQ-Tone is calming and gentle, so it won’t dry out even the most sensitive skin. And just like it sounds, CoQ-Tone is made with the antioxidant CoQ10. Research shows that CoQ10 is effective in killing cancer cells when applied topically3. According to a study by the University of Miami School of Medicine3, CoQ10 can kill cancer cells and protect healthy cells at the same time to greatly reduce damage in the skin. What this basically means is that CoQ10 protects your skin so that it stays young, fresh, and safe from disease.
Click here to get everything you need for beautiful skin. I also offer a convenient monthly auto-ship program so that you can automatically receive one Splash and one CoQ-Tone each month PLUS a free bonus of Organic Cotton Rounds to make sure that everything that touches your skin is good for you. Choose my convenient auto-ship and never worry about reordering or running out, because your products will be automatically sent to you every month.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1 Clarke, Linda, “Metro-Paraben-free Products: What Lies beneath,” Metro- Choose Your City June 14, 2011
2 Yoneda, Yuka, “Watchdog Group Sues Popular Skincare Brands for Mislabeling Organic Products,” Ecouterre; “Eco-Fashion Is More Than a Passing Trend,” Ecouterre June 17, 2011
3 Stocker, Roland, “Possible Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10,” Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University June 16, 2011