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Cosmetics With Parabens are Essential

Author: Valence Detox Slimming Anti-aging

The other day, a esthetican approached me and informed me that she only sold her clients all natural products that did not contain paraben.  Her reasoning for this was that parabens were toxic and were bad for the body and skin.  This statement suprised me a great deal as parabens in cosmetics are necessary and have been deemed necessary in a statement made by the FDA where they have established that parabens "may be used in cosmetics to protect them against microbial growth, both to protect consumers and to maintain product integrity: [1].  This showed me that this esthetician was either uneducated in her field or that her information was outdated and inspired me to clarify the use of parabens.
 
So what are parabens and why are they necessary?  Parabens are defined by the FDA as "preservatives in cosmetics products" [2].  There are three types of parabens that are usually used in cosmetics products which are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.  Often, more than one type of paraben is used in a product and it has been shown that the use of a mixture of parabens allows for the use of lower levels of these preservatives while increasing the level of preservative activities.  As such. parabens are necessary when it comes to cosmetic products in order to keep it properly preserved and safe for consumers.  An all natural product is dangerous and could end up being bad for your skin and health as you never know how long the product without the preservatives has been sitting.  Without preservatives they may have deadly and dangerous bacteria which will end up doing more harm than good.  Therefore, BE CAREFUL.
 
However, even if you are careful, all natural products still pose a grave danger and precautions must be taken.  The most important is that you must ensure that you use all of the product within one week and during this time period you must keep it refridgerated.  However, even if you keep it refridgerated, dangerous bacteria will still grow.  Even though you cannot see bacteria, it is there! 



It turns out that this esthetician attained her licence over 20 years ago and has not updated her education since.  Therefore, be careful of the esthetician that you choose and be careful of what he or she says.  Although they may sound professional many estheticians that currently provide their services are educated but their education and knowledge is outdated and pre-madonna.  All natural products may sound good for you but in reality an all natural product is dangerous and needs to be avoided.

 

[1] United States Food and Drug Administration, CFSAN Office of Cosmetics and Colors

 

[2] United States Food and Drug Administration, CFSAN Office of Cosmetics and Colors

 

For more information about Valence Detox Slimming Anti-aging visit us at www.vlns-spa.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/cosmetics-with-parabens-are-essential-629900.html

About the Author

Valence Detox Slimming Anti-aging provides clients with the latest detox, slimming, anti-aging, health, and skincare products. Our products are the latest innovations in beauty and health and 98% of our products are imported from Japan. For more information visit us at www.vlns-spa.com


Comments

  1. lalola_123 says:

    What is the email for Masada spa?
    http://www.masada-spa.com/store/customer/home.php?cat=2

    over here is says to receive a free sample packet of a calming cream to email them with your name and address. so is the email webinfo@masada-spa.com

  2. jeepiecj5 says:

    thank your for answering me, but the http://www.spa.gov site you sent is for loans, i want a grant…?
    http://www.spa.com is for federal loans, i want info on grant applications.. loans have to be paid back, grants dont

  3. imisidro says:

    It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK – lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.

    Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

    Even if you buy books on “how to get grants” or list that supposedly has information on grants — all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same – hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.

    Contrary to what the first poster told you, even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html...

    “The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”

    Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

    Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

    For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center’s Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It’s a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for “students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices.” Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don’t have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.

  4. jojo y says:

    How to stop rain water buildup on roof edges of a gazebo?
    My gazebo looks like this:
    http://www.parpool-spa.com/images/ODO/Umbrellas/10x10Gazebo.jpg

  5. Steven J says:

    Put a drainage gutter on it.

  6. http://sultan.org/ says:

    Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, Cap sicum frutescens). Cayenne, its chief component being capsaicin, is one of the herbal medicines with documented effectiveness in the English medical literature. One hypothesis on the pathogenesis of psoriasis suggests a neurogenic inflammatory etiology mediated through substance-P (SP). SP activates inflammatory cells and ultimately perpetuates vasodilatation, angiogenesis, and kerat inocyte hyperproliferation (Farber, Nickoloff, Recht, & Fraki, 1986). In accordance, psoriatic lesions are known to be more densely innervated with higher SP content than control or uninvolved psoriatic skin (Naukkarinen, Nickoloff, & Farber, 1989). Capsaicin stimulates the re lease of SP by binding to the vanilloid receptor on slow-conducting, unmyelinated type C neurons and ultimately leads to its depletion.

    Two double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies demonstrated im prove ment of psoriasis with the use of topical capsaicin. In an intra-individual, 6-week comparative trial of 44 patients with psoriasis using four applications daily, significant overall improvement with reduction in scale and erythema accompanied the capsaicin-treated sites (Bernstein, Parish, Rapaport, Rosenbaum, & Roenigk, 1986). In a study of 197 psoriatic patients treated with capsaicin 0.025% cream (98) or vehicle (99) four times daily, Ellis and colleagues (1993) found greater improvement in global evaluation (p=0.024 after 4 weeks and p=0.030 after 6 weeks), pruritus relief (p=0.002 and p=0.060, respectively), and reduction in combined severity scores after 4 and 6 weeks of treatment (p=0.030 and p=0.036, respectively). In both studies, concomitant use of other anti psoriatic agents was not permitted. Transient burning and stinging at the application sites were noted in approximately 50% of the active groups in both trials, which may have affected blinding of the trial.

    It is important to note that while effective topically, internal ingestion can lead to adverse hematological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory ef fects, in addition to interference with drugs such as salicylic acid, ACE inhibitors, and theophylline (Ellis et al., 1993; Fugh-Berman, 2000).

    Aloe (Aloe vera). Aloe vera is a popular plant used in cosmetic care and first aid products. Scientific studies and case reports support its use in the treatment of stasis ulcers in humans, as well as thermal injuries in animals (Klein & Penneys, 1988). Aloe has a complex mixture of components, including anthroquinones, steroids, saponins, mucopolysaccharides, and salicylic acid.

    Syed and colleagues (1996) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 60 patients with psoriasis with slight-to-moderate plaque-type psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 4.8-16.7) and an average 8.5 year duration of their disease. Patients self-administered topical aloe vera extract 0.5% cream or vehicle placebo three times a day without occlusion for 4 weeks to their psoriatic plaques. Notably, the aloe group showed significantly higher rates of clearing the psoriatic plaques in 25/30 patients (83.3%) when compared to the placebo in 2/30 patients (6.6%) (p<0.001). Additionally, there were no relapses during the 8-month followup period.

    Psoriasis is a complex multifactorial inflammatory skin disease in which T-cell activation, local vascular changes, abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, and neutrophil activation all contribute to the ongoing disease process. The role of superantigen triggers (for example, toxins of microbial origin) in T-cell activation has been suggested as an etiology in psoriasis (Safayhi, Sabieraj, Sailer, & Ammon, 1994). Anthraquinone and acemannan, the main active compounds in aloe vera, have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus and Strepto coccus species, and may provide a rationale for their therapeutic efficacy in psoriasis (Tian, Hua, Ma, & Wang, 2003). In addition, salicylic acid, a component of aloe vera, is a keratolytic, and would contribute to its reported efficacy in the desquamation of psoriatic plaques (Robson, Heggers, & Hagstrom, 1982). De layed hypersensitivity reactions are a reported complication of topical use (Gruenwald, 2004).

    Dong Quay (Angelica sinensis). The Chinese herbal medicine extracts of Radix Angelicae pubescentis and dahuricae contain potent furocoumarin (psoralen) components. Psoralens are potent photosensitizers in the presence of UVA. Exposure to UVA, following psoralen ingestion, causes epidermal DNA cross-linking, and thus a decrease in the rate of epidermal DNA synthesis. By consuming dong quay and then receiving ultraviolet light therapy or natural sunlight, patients are self-administering a form of psoralen-UVA (PUVA) therapy. In a study of 92 patients with psoriasis, two-thirds experienced complete clearing of their disease after oral treatment with R.A. pubescentis (Koo & Arain, 1998).

    Comparable efficacy has been noted between traditional psoralen UVA phototherapy using 8-meth oxy psoralen and oral R.A. dahuricae PUVA with more than 40% of patients experiencing clearing or marked improvement in their psoriasis (Koo & Arain, 1998). The patients who received the herb reported milder side effects including nausea and dizziness. As with traditional PUVA therapy, ocular changes in the lens have been reported in patients receiving long-term therapy with R.A. puescentis and dahuricae (Koo & Arain, 1998). Additional caution is advised in patients who are pregnant or using oral contraceptives, as bleeding diathesis and drug-herb interactions have been noted respectively. Of historical note, another herb used in treating psoriasis, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), also contains a psoralen. Efficacy and side effect data, however, are not available for this herb.

    Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The medicinal utility of milk thistle flower seeds dates back to Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, who described its use in treating liver disease. A hepatoprotective effect is im parted through the flavonoid active ingredient, silymarin. Sily marin alters hepatocyte cell membranes, thereby blocking the toxin-binding sites. Additionally, glutathione, which aids in the detoxification function of the liver, is increased by silymarin. Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of silymarin on liver function, however, have shown conflicting results. In a study of patients with liver cirrhosis, no difference in survival was found with silymarin compared to placebo (Pares et al., 1998). Another study showed no improvement in cirrhotic liver function after 2 years of treatment; however, benefit was noted in portal hypertension (Ferenci et al., 1989). On the other hand, a significant decrease in liver enzymes was seen with 1 month of silymarin treatment in a group of patients with alcohol-induced liver disease (Salmi & Sarna, 1982). An insignificant de crease in total and conjugated bilirubin was found in the same study.

    Numerous changes have been detected in the liver of patients with psoriasis, including steatosis, periportal inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, and cirrhosis (Pietrzak, Lecewicz-Torun, & Kadziela-Wypyska, 1998). A multifactorial etiology of liver disease in patients with psoriasis has been discussed and includes changes due to alcohol use, nutritional factors, anti-psoriatic medications, and a direct effect of the psoriasis itself. A single case report of clearance of psoriatic arthritis following a portal shunt procedure for primary biliary cirrhosis supports a link (D’Amico, Palazzi, & Capani, 1999). The value of silymarin in the treatment of psoriasis may be due to its ability to improve endotoxin removal by the liver, inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase, and inhibit leukotriene synthesis. Abnormally high levels of cAMP and leukotrienes have been observed in patients with psoriasis and normalization of these levels may improve the condition (Thorne Research, Inc., 1999).

    While not proven to directly benefit psoriasis, milk thistle may be of therapeutic value as a hepatoprotective adjunct therapy in patients on hepatotoxic medications. Diarrhea, uterine stimulation, and herb-drug interactions with butyrophenones, phenothiazines, yohimbine, and phentolamine have been reported.

    Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). The chamomile flowers have a long therapeutic tradition in treating gastrointestinal ailments. The rationale for its use in psoriasis is three-fold. First, chamazulene, a by-product of the non-volatile oil extract, matricin, has anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of lipoxygenase and, as a result, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) formation. There is evidence supporting the role of increased LTB4 formation in psoriatic plaques; therefore, inhibition results in disease improvement (Aggag & Yousef, 1972). Sec ond, chamomile oil has antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, Staphylococcus and Candida (Leung, Walsh, Giorno, & Norris, 1993). Lastly, the flavonoids, quercetin and apigenin, are also active compounds of the flower. Quercetin, a potent inhibitor of lipoxygenase, and to a lesser degree, cyclooxygenase, is readily absorbed through the skin (Brown & Dattner, 1998; Kim, Mani, Iversen, & Ziboh, 1998). As of yet, there are no clinical trials assessing the efficacy and adverse side effect profiles of chamomile reported in the treatment of psoriasis. Contact dermatitis (delayed type hypersensitivity) and systematized allergic re sponse, however, have been reported (Gruenwald, 2004; Paulsen, 2002).

    Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Early Aborigines derived tea tree oil from the Australian tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, and used this compound for wound healing. Later scientific investigations found that the oil contains terpin-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, and alpha-pinene which confer antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis (May, Chan, King, Williams, & French, 2000). To date, no studies have investigated the use of tea tree oil in psoriasis; however, one study investigated its role in urticarial reactions. Koh, Pearce, Marshman, Finlay-Jones, and Hart (2002) demonstrated the inhibitory effect of tea tree oil on wheal volume in a study of histamine-induced wheal and flare reactions in 27 healthy volunteers (10 minutes after tea tree oil application, p=0.0004, Mann-Whitney U-test).

    Although there is reported efficacy in the treatment of acne, dandruff, and cold sores, tea tree oil can produce allergic dermatitis in individuals sensitized to the sesquiterpenoid fractions (Osborne & Chandler, 1998; Rubel, Freeman, & Southwell, 1998). With oral ingestion, it can lead to the detrimental effects of cognitive disorientation, systemic contact dermatitis, and coma (Bassett, Pannowitz, & Barnetson, 1990; Carson, Ashton, Dry, Smith, & Riley, 2001; Carson, Riley, & Cookson, 1998; Osborne & Chandler, 1998; Rubel et al., 1998; Satchel et al., 2002).

    Wintergreen/Boxberry (Gaultheria pro cumbens). Wintergreen is a plant native to the Eastern United States, and historically was used by Native Americans as an analgesic. The methyl salicylate constituent is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Although used topically for psoriasis, wintergreen can cause systemic effects. Brubacher and Hoffman (1996) reviewed 20 cases of systemic salicylate toxicity (tinnitus, vomiting, tachypnea, and acid-base disturbances) from using topical creams (Bell & Duggin, 2002). Pa tients at greatest risk are those using aspirin or a prescribed salicylic acid compound in conjunction with a salicylate herbal (for example, wintergreen, aloe vera, or red clover). Additionally, oil of wintergreen can increase prothrombin time and international normalized ratio of clotting, creating problems for pa tients on warfarin (Chan, 1996). There are no investigations on its effectiveness in psoriasis.

    Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). Slip pery elm, named so for its mucilage (slippery) component, is derived from the inner bark of the elm. Historically, Native Americans used this extract as a poultice for boils and wounds. In addition to being used to ward off colds and fevers, it is currently marketed as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, and cystitis (Day, 2003).

    Brown and colleagues (2004) evaluated a study group of five patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis on a home-based 6-month medical nutritional therapeutic regimen. The group consisted of two men and three women, average age 52 years, who had completed a 10-day, live-in instructional program on the parameters of the dietary protocol to ensue. The diet included fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of protein from fish and fowl, fiber supplements, olive oil, daily saffron tea, and slippery elm bark water, and avoidance of red meat, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates. Physicians assessed psoriasis symptoms and bowel permeability over the 6-month period and reported an improvement in all studied parameters. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index averaged pre and post-test scores of 18.2 and 8.7, respectively. Psoriasis Severity Scale averaged pre and post-test scores of 14.6 and 5.4, respectively. The lactulose/mannitol test of intestinal permeability averaged pre and post-test scores of 0.066 to 0.026, respectively (Brown et al., 2004). Although they did report significant improvement in the study group on comprehensive medical nutritional therapy, the improvement could not be attributed to any one factor, and further studies were recommended.

    Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Evening primrose oil has been used for a wide variety of ailments from cancer to premenstrual syndrome. Historically, it was used by midwives to ripen the cervix; however, it is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the association with prolonged rupture of membranes and arrest of descent (Dove & Johnson 1999). Evening primrose can lower the seizure threshold of patients taking phenothiazine and avoidance is advised in epileptics (Holman & Bell, 1983). In psoriasis, clinical trials have found no clinical efficacy relevance (Oliwiecki & Burton, 1994; Veale et al., 1994).

    Turmeric/Indian saffron (Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica). Turmeric has a long history of being used for infections and kidney stones. The use in psoriasis is a relatively new adjunct. The anti-inflammatory components are thought to be contained in the curcuminoids and volatile oils which function through selective inhibition of phosphorylase kinase (PhK) (Heng, Song, Harker, & Heng, 2000; Joe & Lokesh, 1997). PhK is an enzyme found in the epidermis. Significantly higher levels have been noted to correlate with clinical activity of psoriasis.

    Heng and colleagues (2000) examined the suppression of PhK activity by curcumin in patients with psoriasis. Four groups, each with 10 patients, were evaluated for PhK activity. The four groups included (a) active untreated psoriasis, (b) resolving psoriasis treated by calcipotriol, (c) curcumin (diferuloylmethane) group, and (d) ten normal non-psoriatic subjects. There were significant differences in PhK activity among the four groups (p< 0.0001). The de creased PhK activity in the curcumin and calcipotriol-treated groups corresponded to severity of parakeratosis, decreases in keratinocyte transferrin receptor expression, and density of epidermal CD8+ T cells (Heng et al., 2000). The study did not report any adverse effects, al though contact dermatitis is a reported adverse effect (Goh & Ng, 1987; Hata et al., 1997).

    As the consumer demand for al ternative medicine increases, so does the need for reliable scientific data on the safety and efficacy of such treatments. Herbal remedies are of specific interest to dermatology, as approximately one-third of all “traditional herbal medicines” are used for treating wounds and skin disorders, compared to only 1% to 3% of modern drugs (Mantle, Gok, & Lennard, 2001). In a recent United Kingdom study of the 717 patients who completed the complementary and alternative medicine usage questionnaire, 48% of the CAM users reported use for dermatologic conditions with 30% of the CAM users reporting use for psoriasis. Notably, the herbal remedies group was the most frequent CAM user (Huang, Wen, & Hsiao, 1997). There are more than three dozen herbal remedies reportedly used in the treatment of psoriasis and many do not have clinical trials investigating their use.

    Herbal medicine practices raise several medical standard-of-care concerns. Patients rely on the In ter net, lay press, friends, health food store workers, product labels, and physicians for information. To illustrate the magnitude and diversity of publicly available information, we searched |the Internet sites Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) and Google (www.google.com) for “herbal medicine” and “psoriasis” [HM & PSO] and “complementary & alternative medicine and psoriasis” [CAM & PSO] and compared it with the information available through the National Psoriasis Foundation (www.psoriasis.org) and National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.gov) (see Table 2 ). There were over one million sites offered by Yahoo versus the 31 articles available on PubMed, when HM & PSO were searched. This disparity speaks to the fact that the efficacy supported by the lay “literature” is not supported by the scientific evidence found in the medical literature.

    The information reported in the lay literature may be distorted. Often, protocol violations and liberal inclusion criteria lead to erroneous conclusions. Unfortunately, consumers of lay literature are likely not aware of these study difficulties and assume that when a study is quoted that the information is accurate (Graber, Roller, & Kaeble, 1999).

    Of important note, the Food and Drug Administration does not control what “extra” substances may be added to a product, or monitor product components to assure compliance with the listed ingredients. Adulter ation of CAM products is an established problem. For example, a Taiwanese study examined 2,609 traditional Chinese medications ob tained from eight hospitals (Baron, Goodwin, Nicolau, Blackford, & Goulden, 2005). The researchers found approximately half of the products contained chemical substances not prescribed or labeled as part of the intended use. Over 50% contained two or more adulterants, with steroids making up 6 of the top 25 most frequently “added” substances found. Moreover, the Cali fornia Department of Health Ser vices analyzed 260 Asian patient medications, containing herbs, plants, animal by-products, or mineral salts. They found that 32% contained undeclared pharmaceuticals and/or heavy metals (Ko, 1998).

    Keane, Munn, du Vivier, Taylor, and Higgins (1999) examined 11 Chinese herbal creams used in treating eczema and found that eight contained dexamethasone, which was not a listed ingredient. Table 3 lists adulterants that have been found in herbal preparations. Despite documentation of mechanisms and outcomes, without assurance of what substances are included in herbal preparations, we would be remiss to endorse their use. Ultimately, clinicians need to be aware of their patients’ use of herbal remedies. Familiarity with these herbal names, uses, efficacies, and side effects may encourage dialogue with patients and improve clinical care.

  7. fam_tour says:

    Psoriasis can be cured..?
    There is no medication to get rid of this. Effective way to cure psoriasis. Treatment of skin diseases. How to cure psoriasis.

    Just reading, considering, applying.
    If you seriously hope to cure the disease, I think this webpage will be useful for you.
    http://www.psoriasis-spa.com

  8. kayleemari says:

    what do you think about this for scars?
    i have acne scars and a lot of people have suggested chemical peels…i would want to get it professionally done and this spa which is very nice has chemical peels done…i get spray tanned their and they are nice…do you think this will work at getting rid of scars??…has anybody else done a chemical peel before??

    site:

    http://www.rituals-spa.com/laser-skin-resurfacing.aspx

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