Coming this Fall: VitaSkin Vitamin Solutions by Eminence!

Calm and soothe sensitive, rosacea prone skin from the inside out with our Calm Skin time release capsules rich with flax seed oil and pine bark extract. Pair with the Calm Skin Arnica Masque for polished and smooth skin. 

Say goodbye to problem skin and hello to a radiantly clear complexion with our new clarifying solution. The Clear Skin vitamin capsules are enriched with borage seed oil, acidophilus, zinc and nutraflora which work together with the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque to reduce the signs of acne and calm the skin. 

Both the Firm Skin vitamins and Firm Skin Acai Masque are designed to improve skin elasticity and generate skin that boasts the appearance of fewer fine lines and wrinkles. The key ingredients, including seabuckthorn, acai, hyaluronic acid and grape seed, help plump and rejuvenate skin to turn back the years for a beautiful, youthful glow. 




Who's excited?!

The Story of Cosmetics

Sunscreen/Vitamin D/Healthy Skin

As a skin care professional, this is something very near and dear to my heart. I've posted about this before on my skin care blog, but seeing as it's summer, I think it's time to re-iterate.

We need Vitamin D. Luckily, our bodies can make it for us, we just need a little sun. How much is "a little"? Generally 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day.

*breaks screeching*

What?! Yes, I just said unprotected sun exposure.

There's more to this story, though. I recommend my clients get 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day, but (and this is a huuuuuuuge but) there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Try to limit that exposure to the "healthy sun" hours. UV light is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. standard time (or 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. DST), so try to avoid or limit sun exposure during these hours.
   
2. Please, please, please wear a high quality sunscreen on your face, neck, chest, and hands always. These are the areas that show age the most. Besides, sun is better soaked up on the larger parts of your body, such as your arms, legs, or torso.
   
3. Do your research to make sure that the sunscreen you choose not only provides effective protection, but is also healthy to be wearing every day. Many sunscreens are not good for you, despite the fancy commercials.
   

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't recommend some healthy sunscreens. I like these:

1. Eminence Sun Defense Minerals # 0 Translucent SPF 30
   
2. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen
   
3. Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 4 Oz. UVA/UVB Vegan
   
4. UV Natural Sport Sunscreen SPF30+ 4.4 oz
   

The first one, Eminence Sun Defense Mineral Powder is my absolute favorite. Yes, it is a powder, but was formulated for use over your entire body. It also comes in several different "shades", and the pigment for those shades comes from fruits, not dyes, so each shade has it's own wonderful smell. #1 is Honey Apple, #2 is Cherries & Berries, #3 is Peaches & Cream... you get the idea. Num. 

Also, I'll share with you an excellent resource for anything and everything cosmetic: EWG's unbiased, third party Cosmetics Database. It is a complete godsend.

Naughty Products - Bath & Body Works

Todays Naughty Products - Bath & Body Works
Alright friends! Now, this may be painful for some of you out there... many people have used Bath & Body Works for years. This company sure does go out of its way to appear fresh and natural.

Unfortunately, they are anything but.

Check out the Cosmetics Database rap sheet for them. Pretty pathetic. In fact, they are rated Highly Hazardous.

Naughty Ingredients : Nanoparticles

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredient : Nanoparticles
"Nanoparticles are tiny chemicals that are increasingly being used by cosmetic manufacturers as penetration enhancers because nanoparticles easily pass through the body's membranes and can reach all parts of the body. Unfortunately this also means that they may accumulate or override our normal control systems that manage our complex biochemistry, with unidentified health effects. Increasing numbers of scientific papers are demonstration the general risks associated with nanotoxicity, yet there has been little effort on the part of regulators to slow the expansion of the nanocosmetics sector. In an extensive report sated May 2006, Friends of the Earth strongly recommends a moratorium on further release of sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products containing engineered nanomaterials and the withdrawal of such products currently on the market until adequate safety studies have been completed and adequate regulations have been put in place to protect the general public."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Propylene Glycol (PG)

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredient : Propylene Glycol (PG)
"Propylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is also used in makeup, toothpaste, and deodorant. Stick deodorants have a higher concentration of PG than is allowed for most industrial use! Direct contact can cause brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. The EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing, and goggles when working with it. Yet the FDA says we can put it in our mouths even thought it has been determined that it is not safe to use in or on cat food!"

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Talc

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredient : Talc
"Talc is related to asbestos, a known carcinogen, and is the main ingredient in baby powder, medicated and perumed powders, and designer perfumed body powders. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. A National Toxicology Program study found that cosmetic-grade talc caused tumors in animal subjects."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Petrolatum and Mineral Oil (Liquid Petrolatum)

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients : Petrolatum and Mineral Oil (Liquid Petrolatum)
"Petrolatum in mineral oil jelly. Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. This means it is a petrochemical that will coat your skin like Saran Wrap. The skin then cannot breathe, absorb, or excrete. It also slows the skin's natural cell development, causing the skin to age prematurely. Mineral oil with added 'fragrance' is marketed as baby oil in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada and is 100 percent bad for your baby's sensitive skin."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredients. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, and Quaternium-15

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients : Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, and Quaternium-15
"These all release formaldehyde, which is what scientists and morticians use to preserve corpses and body parts. Remember dissecting frogs in school? These chemicals are linked to allergies, chest pain, chronic fatigue, depression, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, and loss of sleep and can trigger asthma. The can weaken the immune system and cause cancer. Diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are used in many skin care and hair care products. Quaternium-15 is used as a preservative in many skin and hair care products"

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredients. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients : Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
"Although advertised as natural and safe, I recommend you try to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, especially when used in combination with other chemicals (which they usually are). For example, when used in combination with DEA and TEA, they can form nitrosamines, which, as I said above, are deadly carcinogens. SLS and SLES are some of the most popular ingredients in makeup, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. And because they readily dissolve grease, they are also used to clean engines and garage floors and at car washes. SLS and SLES have been found to contain 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages manufacturers not to use this contaminant, it is not banned by federal law."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients : Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
"DEA and its variants are suspected of increasing the risk of cancer. DEA and TEA can combine with amines present in cosmetic formulations to form nitrosamines (N-nitrosodiethanolamine), which are known to be highly carcinogenic. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Naughty Ingredients : Fragrance

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety. I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients: Fragrance
"'Fragrance' is a euphanism for nearly 4,000 different ingredients. Most 'fragrances' are synthetic and are either cancer-causing or otherwise toxic. Exposure to fragrances has been shwon to affect the central nervous system. 'Fragrances' are found in most shampoos, deodorants, sunscreens, skin care, and body care products."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your all products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredient. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

If you are looking for a perfume, I would suggest trying out a variety of essential oils until you found one, or a combination of a few, that you really enjoyed. That way you smell great, and no one has to get hurt ;)

via : stella marrs

Naughty Ingredients : Phthalates and Parabens

I'm doing the Spent Program. In week 6, the final week of the program, Dr. Lipman addresses something that is very close to my heart: the naughty ingredients that are put in many products, especially the most popular ones, which can wreak total havoc on your body. The FDA doesn't regulate them, and does not require companies to test their products for safety.

So, to get us started here I'm going to make one post each day with a passage directly from the book regarding one group of the ingredient bad guys until we complete the list.

Todays Naughty Ingredients: Phthalates and Parabens
"Banned by the European Union in 2003, phthalates and parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. Laboratory tests found phthalates in more than 70 percent of the products they tested - including the most popular brands of hair and skin care products and every single fragrance tested. Both have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic and particularly linked to breast cancer."

Ick, right? So, todays assignment is to go through your products - hair, skin and body care... even check your toothpaste! - and note which ones contain the above ingredients. Remove them from the shelf, maybe put them in the corner or something. We're going to do this every day until we run out of naughty ingredients. By the time we're done, it'll really help you see how common these ingredients are, and how you can avoid dangerous chemicals in your personal care products in the future.

Spring Is Upon Us!

pic via : here
So here's my advice on how to get glowing, healthy skin from the inside out:

Do a little internal Spring cleaning:

1. Skip dairy from cows for a week - diary often causes congestion.
2. Incorporate more fiber-rich vegetables into your diet.
3. Sweat it out! Celebrate the nicer weather with a brisk walk, or do some yoga outside.

And polish up the outside:

1. Pick up some wash cloths, and use a new one each time you wash your face
2. Invest in some new, quality, organic skin care
3. Come see me for a service - $10 off

Happy almost Spring, everyone!

Tattoo Removal: Session 2

Session two was successful. You'll see in the first picture the "frost" that happens immediately following a laser treatment. The second picture is an hour later, when the frost is gone. You can see that it's a little more irritated. Anyway, yes, the pictures are absolutely horrible, via my iPhone.




This photo is of my back, which I haven't shared before because, well, I couldn't take a picture of my own back. But today Aleks took one for me today before I left the shop. He's the owner of Northeast Tattoo, and also a piercer, tattoo artist, and laser removal specialist.

KO Knock Out

"Treat yourself to a little Victoriana meets art deco meets ultimate rock chic and get something totally unique."

I saw this a while back in Bust. I want pretty much every color, especially "Liberty".

Get ready for Spring with me!

It's that time of the year. I find that the best way to get ready for a new season, especially one as renewing as Spring, is to de-flake with a body scrub, hydrate with a full-body massage, and get glowing with a facial. You better believe I'm going to get my Spring Cleaning on! Won't you join me?

This is a post card I just ordered to be sent out to 100 lucky people in the 55413 area. I'm extending this offer to my friends, fans, and blog-readers as well! Mention this post for $10 off your next service with me, good through the end of April.

I hope to see you soon!

Dumb Lies: "Nestle cares about the environment"

Above is an except from Flow in response to this absolutely propagandized commercial, below, from greedy Nestle, who claim they are a "good corporate citizen" and they "aren't going to hurt anything"

Pin-Up Pics

Here's a post on the Clewell's blog about the pin-up shoot I did the Sunday before last. It was so much fun working with Jes. I am definitely using them for all my photographic needs. They're the best :)

Products I Love: Livia Skin Care

I proudly sell Livia (I'm the only one in Minnesota!) - an amazing organic skin care line. I have very tempermental skin, and Livia is the only thing that works consistenly for me. My clients love it! From their website:

"I firmly believe that what is needed to balance our skin is right there in your garden, in your fridge. It doesn’t need cooking or toxic preservation. Everything we need to look young, healthy, vibrant, acne free and fresh is taken from Mother Earth herself. Eating many raw foods each day, balancing your omega fatty acids, taking herbal teas daily, cutting down on stress, laughing out loud… These are all things that add to your natural beauty."

Let me know if you'd like to order any :)

News From Shelby

Hello there!

I hope your holiday season has been happy and healthy, and that this New Year brings great things for you :)

I'm writing to let you know that I have, after years of talking about it, actually gone back to school. What this means for you is that I'm actually more available right now. I've quit my other jobs, extended my hours at the salon, and even picked up Tuesdays... Oh, my!

My new schedule is as follows:
Tues - 11:30am - 7pm
Weds - 2:30pm - 7pm
Thurs - 11:30am - 7pm
Fri - 11:30am - 7pm
Sat - 10am - 7 pm

To book online, please visit www.jonoulman.com. To book over the phone, please give us a call at 612-333-2386. And as always you are welcome to stop by during my scheduled hours to see me.

One more thing before I go...

FEBRUARY SPECIAL
Take 15% off in-stock Eminence products with any facial or massage

I hope to see you soon.

Cheers!

Products I Love: Dr. Bronner's Soap

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

This stuff is amazing. Not tested on animals. Completely biodegradable and vegetable-based. Made with certified fair trade and organic oils. No synthetic foaming agents, thickeners or preservatives. 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) cylinder bottles and paper labels.

In addition to all that, the castile soap has 18-in-1 uses:
-Always dilute for Shave-Shampoo-Massage-Dental Soap-Bath!
-Always dilute for Shave-Shampoo-Massage-Dental Soap-Bath!
-Peppermint is nature's own unsurpassed fragrant Deodorant!
-A drop is best Mint Toothpaste; brushes Dentures Clean!
-A dash in water is the ideal Breath Freshener & Mouth Wash!
-Peppermint Oil Soap for Dispensers, Uniforms, Baby, Beach!
-Dilute for ideal After Shave, Body Rub, Foot Bath, Douche.
-Hot Towel-Massage the entire body, always towards your heart.
-Pets, silk, wool & body tingles head to toe - keeps cool!
-3 dashes in water rinse most Sprays Off fruit & vegetables!
-1/4 oz in qt H2O is Pest Spray! Dash, no rash Diaper-Soap!

From the Website:

For everyday body-washing: Get wet and pour soap full-strength onto hands-washcloth-loofah. Lather up, scrub down, rinse off, and tingle fresh & clean.
.
For other uses, dilute from one part soap into 40 parts water for light cleaning, to cutting it in half or using it full strength for heavy-duty grease-cutting jobs.

For shampoo, though we now recommend our new Shikakai soaps for this, many people are fond of using it as such. The method of application is to wet hair and scalp very thoroughly, squirt some soap into hands and work into a lather. Wash hair, then rinse well. Afterwards use our new citrus hair rinse and leave-in conditioners as directed.

For the laundry, use 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup for one regular load; adjust as needed depending on hardness of water. I've been told that adding a dash of baking soda makes it even better.

For toothbrushing, apply a drop or two of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to a wet toothbrush. Brush as you normally would, rinsing accordingly. Be careful about using more than a couple drops of soap, as you might start foaming at the mouth. Many people with sensitive or softer teeth like to use our soap as a toothpaste because it lacks abrasives.

My Organic Lip Balms

I'm reworking my organic lip balm recipe to make it vegan-friendly!

I'm also adding new flavors. So far I have Peppermint, Vanilla, Basil, and Lavender. I'm looking to add Vanilla-mint, Basil-mint, and a new Signature flavor.

In addition to this, I'm also working with my graphic designer friend, Randy, to come up with new labels!

Very exciting stuff.

Keep checking my Etsy shop.

Portfolio: Sceneasota Fashion Show Video

About a month ago I did makeup for a runway show, the second annual Sceneasota fashion show. Here's the fabulous video for it... Thanks Anthem Heart !

Sceneasota Fashion Show '09 VIDEO from Anthem Heart A/V on Vimeo.

Portfolio: The Melismatics Digging Deep

This is a music video I did makeup for (although I'm unfortunately not given credit for it). I think it turned out beautifully. The best part is that most of the makeup I used was organic.

Healthy Skin Tip - Vitamin D, SPF, and Premature Aging.

To keep yourself healthy, it is recommended to incorporate Vitamin D into your lifestyle. Of course you can find it as a supplement (just make sure it's D3), but your body can also make it directly from sunlight - except during the winter in the mid-west, where the earths tilt makes it exceedingly difficult. If you do choose to get your Vitamin D from sunlight, here's what I suggest:

To help prevent premature aging while still getting natural Vitamin D, always (and I do mean always) wear a mineral based SPF on the face, neck, chest, and hands - the places that show age the most. Let larger areas, like your back and legs, get 10-15 minutes a day of sunlight. Of course if you are going to do this, keep in mind "healthy sun" hours. UV light is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. standard time (or 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. DST), so try to avoid or limit sun exposure during these hours.

This brings up another point: In general, bring your products down from the face, to the neck, decollete, and hands. Especially when moisturizing, bring your face cream all the way down your neck, onto your chest, and finish by rubbing the leftover product on your hands. Have you ever seen someone who has taut looking facial skin, but as your eyes travel a little lower, their neck or even chest is crapey? We can all hope to avoid this fate by taking care of our necks and chests, and even hands, they way we take care of our faces... by bringing our skin-care, especially the SPF and hydration, down to those other parts.

Tattoo Removal Part 2

Session one, complete. I can definitely say that the main differences between getting a tattoo and getting one removed are these:
1) It is much, much quicker to have a tattoo removed (per session) then getting one.
2) If getting a tattoo sort of feels like being superficially cut with a knife, then getting a tattoo removed feels like being superficially cut with a hot knife.

The whole concept is pretty neat. The laser can be on, and if it's not on an ink that it's targeting, you don't even feel it. But as soon as it gets close, you start hearing a popping sound, and feel the laser going to town on the pigment. Anywhere the laser targets the ink, it turns white. This is, I'm told, moisture in the skin being evaporated. I know the picture isn't the greatest, it was taken with my iPhone. But the areas I had treated look (and feel) pretty gnarly today.

I can't wait to see what happens after this first session :)

Tattoo Removal

Tomorrow I'm undergoing a tattoo removal session. I am not new to getting tattoos. I have something like 40 hours, which includes a full sleeve, both feet, my stomach, a 1/2 back piece, and a few randoms. But tattoo removal? This is definitely something new for me. I am anxious and excited... and, of course, I hope it works!

1 of the 3 things I'm starting to get removed tomorrow is pictured above. It was my second tattoo, the quality is poor, and I will not be sad to part with it. Luckily, everything I'm removing tomorrow is black, which is the easiest to remove.

I made my tattoo removal appointment at Northeast Tattoo in Minneapolis. While I have yet to be tattooed there, the shop is impressive and houses some talented artists. Aleks, the owner of the shop, is a tattoo artist and laser specialist, and will be performing my laser removal.

Of course, this brings me to another point... The way I understand tattoo removal to work is this: tattoo ink is suspended under the skin. It is not absorbed on its own because the particles are too big. A laser can break the ink particles into smaller particles that can be absorbed. Of course it is more complicated than that, but that's the basic idea. Tattoo ink pigments are made from iron oxides, metal salts, plastics, and vegetable pigments. I'm curious to see what will happen when the broken pigments are absorbed... if I'll feel any different, because the ingredients listed above are not necessarily things you want looking around your blood stream. I'm thinking about calling my naturopathic doctor to see if there's anything I should be taking to help with the side effects.

I'll keep you posted, wish me luck!

Naughty Products - Carmex

I'm on a roll today, folks! As cold weather approaches, we all reach for something to help with chapped lips. Thus, I feel it is downright necessary that I expose Carmex for the toxic mess they are.

The entire product lines is graded moderate to highly hazardous (5-9 out of 10). They are a non-signer of the Compact For Safe Cosmetics, and they keep their animal testing policy under wraps (which probably means they use animals in their testing).

Also, this brand uses ingredients known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, irritation, and biochemical or cellular level changes.

Moving on: Today let's look at the basic Carmex Lip Balm. It's rated a 7, which is considered a high hazard. It contains Phenol, a highly hazardous, toxic, bioaccumulating irritant. Lovely. What else: artificial fragrances (neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity), and lanolin (immunotoxicy), among other things.

And you put it on your mouth! Which means a good percentage of it that doesn't absorb into the delicate lip tissue ends up being ingested. Not good.

AVOID PLEASE

Naughty Products - Aveeno

Hello again, it's time for another installment of Naught Products. You might notice a trend here... I'm targeting product lines that claim to be natural and safe, when in reality they are everything but.

Today's focus: Aveeno. Let's take a look at a few of their products, shall we? First on the chopping block: Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. Aveeno's website says the following of the product:

"...contains clinically proven Total Soy Complex to brighten and even skin tone, and natural light diffusers, like mica and silica, to reflect light to visibly smooth imperfections and immediately bring out skin's natural radiance. Now, skin is able to receive protection from both the sun and premature aging. Daily use leaves skin softer and smoother and "

Let's take a closer look at this product. This product is considered a moderate to high hazard. It contains Urea. Sound familiar? Yes, it is essentially urine. Or at least it's in urine as a waste product. Also, Oxybenzone, which is really nasty stuff that bioaccumulates and causes organ toxicity. Also in this gem of a product is PEG-100 Stearate and Methylisothiazolinone, which also contribute to organ toxicity.

Another highly hazardous product from Aveeno is the plain old Positively Radiant Moisturizing Lotion. This sham of a "natural" product gets a rating of 9 out of 10 (10 being most toxic). It contains BHT, DMDM Hydantoin, Methlyparabens, Propylene Glycol, as well as many other toxic chemicals that a smarty like you will want to avoid.

Again, this company completely downplays the dangerous chemicals it uses, and tries to highlight the very few "natural" ingredients it contains. This brand uses ingredients known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, irritation, and biochemical or cellular level changes.

That said, let's all scoff collectively at Aveeno's "Active Naturals" line. Ready and....go!

Naughty Products - St. Ives

An important thing to consider is the type and quality of products you are using. As I posted earlier, avoid harsh and dangerous products.

The example I used earlier in the first Healthy Skin Tips was that awful St. Ives Apricot Scrub that everyone thinks is great. Why is it so bad? Look it up on Skin Deep: It scores a 7 out of 10 on the toxicity scale, and is considered a "High Hazard". 85% of exfoliation products had fewer concerns. That's pretty pathetic, especially since St. Ives wants you to think it's natural:

Your face comes first, and when it looks great, you do too. St. Ives Fresh Skin products - formulated from ingredients you know, like apricots, minerals and olives - give you the power to uncover your best you - naturally revealing fresh, glowing skin.

I'm sorry, what was that St. Ives? Formulated from ingredients I know? Natural?? Like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parabens, and Triethanolamine? Ingredients that are known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, irritation, and biochemical or cellular level changes? Sure, you could say this is classic false advertising... but it's much more deviant than that.

Please steer clear!

Healthy Skin Tip - Keepin' It Clean

In addition to using clean washcloths every time you cleanse your face, you'll want to avoid some common, and sneaky, skin disruptors:

-Clean your phones regularly (this is also important to stay healthy during cold and flu season).

- Change your pillowcases often. Even if you wash your hair regularly, you'll still be rubbing your face on all the hair products left on your pillow.

- Don't mess with your skin with out washing your hands first.

- Don't pick at your skin. If you must pick at it, use two Q-Tips and squeeze gently. Whatever doesn't come out is not ready, or needs the attention on a professional (IE: an esthetician)

Healthy Skin Tip - Cut down on congestion

So, today I decided to flex my esthetician and health-nut muscle for the good of all man-kind. I have a lot to share! Periodically I'm going to post exciting entries on tips for skin health, nutrition, and also on Naughty (yet common) Ingredients... Dun-dun-dun!

But let's not get ahead ourselves here. Let's back the knowledge train up to the station.

Healthy Skin Tip - Cut down on congestion - the healthy way!

As a practicing esthetician, the most common problem I see (apart from dehydration - drink that water, people!) is congestion. There is an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to harsh products, that works effectively without breaking the bank! I suggest investing in a dozen or so washcloths (more if you don't do laundry regularly). Have enough on hand so that you can use a clean one each time you wash your face. (If you wash twice a day and do laundry once a week, do the math... you'll need at least 14 washcloths so you don't run out.)

Also... this stops you from buying products that may not be good for you (more on the chemical aspect later). And now I'm officially going to talk crap about something: That St. Ives Apricot Scrub that every beauty magazine says is amazing, and everyone and their sister uses. Harsh scrubs such as this do not work to your benefit, trust me on this. This particular product, like many others, has more than 10 dangerous ingredients (I stopped counting after 10), not to mention crushed apricot pits, which sounds healthy right? Wrong. They tear at your skin leaving microscopic fissures. What's the big deal? Well, if you have an acneic skintype or are prone to breakouts, this actually makes it easier for the bacteria to invade your precious skin, you first defense against infection! Plus all the crappy synthetic ingredients destroys your skins protective barrier, called the acid mantle, leaving you even more susceptible to problems and speeding up the aging process.

Anyway... moving on:

Back to the washcloths - I like to use these before I apply a cleanser. In the morning when I don't have makeup on, I'll still wet a washcloth with warm water and rub gently in a circular motion all over my face - even my lips- just like I would if I were removing makeup. This is particularly beneficial in the colder, dryer months to ward off flaking skin and chapped lips. Then I apply a cleanser, working that in for a few minutes before removing. This is gentle enough to do every day.

And wa-la! Clean, glowing, congestion-free skin! (Of course finding the right cleanser is imperative, more on this later!)

For super dry skin, once or twice a week try applying a heavy coat of your favorite moisturizer and using a damp washcloth to lightly buff the dry skin off until symptoms subside. This also works on other parts of the body ;)

Where to find the washcloths? Well, you can surely pick some up at your local co-op for all-natural or organic lovers. If you are on a budget, Target sells packs of 10 for just a couple bucks... in all sorts of fun colors! Pick up a few packs, and you're ready to roll!