Showing posts with label African American skin care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African American skin care. Show all posts

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Black Sunscreens-Inside Out

Blacks suffering from melanoma/skin cancer??

Apparently studies show that Blacks are most likely than Whites to have late stage skin cancer-which seem illogical considering that the dark pigmentation would be a protection against the sun's hot rays.

Well, if we take our lovely dark pigmentation and add a lather of sunscreen on, we're actually asking for trouble.

"Sunscreens were never developed to prevent skin cancer," This is from editor Zoe Diane Draelos from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. In fact, many sunscreen products contain cancer producing ingredients like oxybenzone which is a hormone disruptor. Others say that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are also hazardous. Although the Environmental Working Group state that these substances are effective in blocking out UV rays without penetrating healthy skin.

Yikes! That's still scary.

Vitamin D is taking the lead in prevention of cancer. A sensible amount of sunlight exposure actually reduces the risk of cancer. So, if folks with darker complexion put on sunscreen, it's like a double barrier, and vitamin D deficiencies become rampant. Less vitamin D= more cancer. And hence, this is why Blacks may have more cases of skin cancer. We're running away from the very source that will make us stronger!

Another fascinating point is nutrition.

Of course.

We can actually create a natural sunscreen from the inside out. The more anti-oxidant powered fruits and vegetables we eat, the stronger our skin can withstand the sun's rays. The less we burn!

Y'all, this is something the sunscreen companies will NEVER reveal. In fact, "skin cancer can only be caused when UV exposure is combined with chronic nutritional deficiencies that create skin vulnerabilities."

This is wild stuff.

Another reason to eat our greens.

Spread the word.

Green is in. Sun is in. Chemicals are out.

Vitamin D is key. Sunlight exposure is crucial-to a point. Natural protection for my fair-skinned friends is important. I recently saw a picture of women in Madagascar with a yellow-orange tumeric root paste on their skin. It is their natural sunscreen. Although I don't think anyone in the West is keen on walking down the street with a bright orange face, we should look into natural products. The EWG has an online guide of natural products to check the ingredients for safety.

Then again, one can choose to make one's own sunblock....


G-d bless!!!

Check it out:

http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2011/07/13/does-your-sunscreen-contain-this-cancer-causing-ingredient.aspx

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/24/study-many-sunscreens-may-be-accelerating-cancer/

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/nanomaterials-and-hormone-disruptors-in-sunscreens/

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/realityzone/UFNbrazilianSupermodelSunscreen.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/032815_sunscreen_chemicals.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/019428.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5126755_make-safe-natural-sunblock.html

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care Products


Whether we're olive, dark or fair, our skin is not to be taken for granted.
As our waterproof and insulating shield, our skin stands as the largest organ,
bravely defending us from outside invaders.

It is divided into three layers: the outer epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. A protein called keratin forms the epidermis and contains Langerhan cells that stand guard against viruses and other invaders.
Blood vessels, hair follicles and glands make up the dermis layer.
And as the last layer, the subcutis has a layer of fat reserved for possible times of food shortage.

As impressive as our skin may be, it is still quite vulnerable. Especially if we lather onto it, lotions and creams with toxic ingredients that will literally SIT on our skin for hours.

Remember, big industries are NOT INTERESTED in keeping you healthy. They are interested in using cost-effective substances that will save them money and that will pocket yours. A skin care product may be loaded with carcinogenic/cancer-causing materials that we may not even know about. Just b/c the front label may say "all-natural," it pays to read the ingredients.

Basically, it is up to us to be smart and investigate. We cannot simply follow the tide and blindly accept what is on the store shelves. It doesn't matter from what walk of life we come from. We have the ability to find out what is good and healthy for us. And we are not alone in our search.

During these cold, winter months my skin gets extra dry, and I REALLY need a moisturizer. I'm not interested in going out with ashy skin! B/w products like Weleda and Schwartz Natural Cosmetics, I pay more but worry less. I believe the real goal is making our own lotion from cocoa butter/shea butter....

Below is a list compiled from Dr. Mercola's website about dangerous ingredients found in skin care products. When checking the ingredients of your favorite lotion, you might be distubed to find that they come up often. (Don't be fooled by the pretty package...)

But, y'all, if we don't buy the stuff, they'll stop makin'em.

I don't want poison on my skin.

And I don't want it on yours.

Here they are:
Parabens

Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Acrylamide

Propylene glycol

Phenol carbolic acid

Dioxane

Toluene


Parabens are linked w/ cancer b/c they have estrogen-mimicing properties. Do we really need more estrogen?? Petrolatum clogs up pores, causing a buildup of toxins. Acrylamide is linked w/ mammary/breast tumors. Dioxane may also be carcinogenic and is hidden in ingredients like PEG, polysorbates, laureth, etc.

There are healthier alternatives. And, yes, they may be more expensive. Or are they?

G-d bless and Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

For a full explanation check out

http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/skin-article/

http://www.organicfood.co.il/en/brands.html

G-d bless!