Natural Personal Care Products for Our Body

As you understand how to choose personal body care carefully and why we need to do that, it's time to decide which brand you will go with.

There are lots of manufacturers offer natural skin care and body care products. Remember, we don't want instant result (as usually the products contain dangerous chemical elements), we want to treat our skin and body for long term of period.

Here are my favorites natural skin care and body care products:
1. Moea, from Tahitian Noni International
This is a spa product line made from noni fruit. It consists of Sugar Scrub, Body Butter, and Body Soufle

2. TePoema, from Tahitian Noni International
Another product line made from noni fruit. It has regime for normal to oily skin and normal to dry skin.
It functions as micro swelling defense. Our skin expose to air, sun, and pollutions, making the skin swells, this process happens everyday, continuously. Our elastic skin becomes loosen.
There are three steps using TePoema:
Step 1 - detox and purify
Step 2 - equalize and prepare
Step 3 - improve and repair
Finish - nourish and protect

3. Sweet Sunnah natural herbal cosmetics
It is made of black seed. The function is not only for skin care but also treat some disorders. Black seed is phytotherapuetic (herbal medicine) and has been known to reduce your risk to illness and disease by strengthening your immune system and protecting your body’s most important organs.
Here are some of the products you can pick:
a. Black Seed Body Care
b. Acne Relief
c. Black Seed Organic Hair Care
d. Organic Soaps

4. Native Remedies
Native Remedies herbal remedies are formulated by experts in the field of natural health and are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility, using cGMP manufacturing practices.

Here are some of recommended beauty and personal care products:
a. ClearSkin regime
b. ReGrow Scalp massage oil
c. Faithful Feet Aromatic FootSpa Concentrate - Relaxing footbath using aromatherapy oils for foot massage

Of course, beside skin care, you can find more remedies in the website.
(They are having "buy 2 get 1 free" program now, hurry up!)

5. Yves Rocher
Yves Rocher is a brand of natural beauty products named after our founder, Mr. Yves Rocher himself. With more than 150 active plant ingredients and botanical complexes, they have harnessed the power of nature to work for your beauty needs.

Last Chance Shop: Yves Rocher's Biggest Discounts

So, what are you waiting for? Shop now. Your skin needs it!

Indonesian Massage

Reference: Paul Cris

A complete body massage is necessary to improve the blood circulation in the body. By massaging the whole body each nerve, muscle and skin is rejuvenated. Massaging activates the nervous system and a sense of calmness pervades in the mind. Massage therapy is useful for people who have stress.

There are various types of massages and Indonesian massage is very old and is in practice for thousands of years. There are many benefits of this massage. Coconut oil is used for this massage and very little pressure is applied on the body. Even flower oils are used along with coconut oil for massage. Downward strokes are applied on the muscles to remove tension. Then upward strokes are applied towards the heart and circular thumb movements are applied for better blood flow. Pressure points are also pressed to enhance the blood flow.

Indonesian massage is different from other western massages. It helps is stimulating tissues and muscles. It is very effective for people suffering from constipation, heartburn, and stiff muscles. The massage is carried on the floor with mats, wooden bench or a chair. The massage session lasts for an hour at the most and the whole body is rejuvenated and refreshed. Why wait? Have an Indonesian massage NOW!

If you come to Indonesia, Indonesian massage is available at your home (by calling the masseur) or at some spas. Spas that I recommend is Sari Ayu Day Spa or Taman Sari Royal Heritage. I used to go there.

I also have regular masseur, she lives near my house. I usually use baby oil or special massage oil. As I exercise regularly and also spend long hours in front of computer, massage helps me to regain freshness. I sleep so well afterwards.

The Beauty Prescription

The Complete Formula for Feeling and Looking Beautiful By: Debra Luftman, M.D. & Eva Ritvo, M.D.

Want to be more beautiful instantaneously? Look in the mirror, and Just Think: Other people see you as 20 percent better looking than you see yourself. Have you been telling yourself you're less attractive than you actually are? Eva Ritvo, a South Beach psychiatrist, and Debra Luftman, a Beverly Hills dermatologist, reveal in The Beauty Prescription that beauty isn't just skin deep. In their individual practices they found that women who feel good on the inside, mirror that feeling on the outside. A positive self-image and emphasis on individual strengths is as important as a healthy environment, a sensible diet and an effective skin regimen.

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 4, 2008 -- It's no secret that humans are obsessed by beauty. After all, research shows that beautiful people earn more money, get further ahead in their careers and are generally happier, but what is the source of lasting beauty? In The Beauty Prescription (McGraw-Hill; August, 2008; Hardcover, $24.95), Beverly Hills dermatologist, Dr. Debra Luftman, and South Beach Psychiatrist, Dr. Eva Ritvo, combine their expertise to take a unique look at the beauty of the body and mind to create an inspirational guide to feeling beautiful, inside and out.

Dr. Debra and Dr. Eva, "The Beauty and Brain Doctors", reveal that beauty isn't just skin deep - how you feel about yourself and act towards the world around you has as much to do with your beauty as your weight or the quality of your skin. They discovered in their individual practices that women who feel good on the inside, mirror that feeling on the outside. A positive self-image and emphasis on individual strengths is as important as a healthy environment, a sensible diet and an effective skin regimen. Inner and outer beauty perfectly complement each other in a "beauty-brain loop."

The Beauty Prescription proposes a new standard for self-worth that goes beyond physical allurement. Dr. Ritvo writes that psychological well-being is a vital part of beauty. Self-confidence is an intention, a state of mind. Want to be beautiful instantaneously? Look in the mirror and just think: Other people see you as 20 percent better looking than you see yourself! Have you been telling yourself that you're less attractive than you actually are? Focusing on your best qualities, allowing your best attributes and uniqueness to shine through, will only further the practical recommendations of Dr. Luftman, who prescribes top medical advice on keeping your skin, hair, and body in the best shape it can be.

When you make the most of what you've been given, you'll feel great -- and exude confidence. This is The Beauty Prescription: A new definition of beauty that transcends the airbrushed supermodels in glossy magazines.

The book includes:

• Beauty Stories: Real life clinical examples, composites of some of the authors' patients whose problems and resolutions offer thoughtful lessons about becoming more beautiful inside and out;
• Beauty Boosters: Practical, low-cost "quick fixes" you can use to make yourself look and feel better fast;
• Beauty Busters: Myths about beauty, mental health and cosmetic medicine. The authors debunk them all in informative sidebars.
• Beauty Pearls: Prominent women -- celebrities, beauty insiders, beauty editors -- share their wisdom on what makes a woman beautiful.
• Beauty R/X: Specific steps you can take for a more beautiful you, inside and out.

The Beauty Prescription strings together the four elements of the Beauty-Brain Loop -- Inner Beauty, Health, Outer Beauty, and Environment -- that will help bring beauty into your environment, from your lifestyle and your skincare to your diet and your self-esteem.

About the Authors:

Eva C. Ritvo, M.D., is the vice chair of and associate professor in the department of psychiatry as well as in the department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami and the chairperson of the department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL.

Debra B Luftman, M.D., has a busy private cosmetic dermatology practice and teaches general dermatology and skin surgery at UCLA. Luftman lectures on topics including laser surgery, liposuction, skin aging, acne, cosmetic fillers, and sun damage. www.drluftman.com

A little about Yoga

A little about Yoga: "Introduction to Yoga: how yoga improve health, type of yoga exercise, what to wear in the class."

10 Foods that Improve Your Looks

By Brook Phelps
eDiets Contributor

As the saying goes, "You are what you eat." So, what effect does your diet really have on your appearance? We know that eating sensibly helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it also helps to maintain a healthy appearance. When you feel good about the things you eat, and when the things you eat are good for you, chances are you'll look that way, too. Here are 10 foods that not only help you feel great, but help you look great, too.

Water
Drinking plenty of water every day helps the skin look soft, supple and more youthful. By keeping the body hydrated, your overall appearance will benefit, from improved skin texture, hair and nails. If you're feeling bloated, it may be due to an increase of sodium in the body. Increase your intake of water to help flush it out. Also, water helps in the weight-loss process by reducing water weight and replenishes water loss during workout activity.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps the body fight infection and disease. It pumps up the immune system and also promotes healing. Did you also know that vitamin C is essential to collagen production? Collagen helps the skin remain elastic but firm, which keeps the skin wrinkle and line free. Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage are all vitamin-C-rich foods. Keep in mind that their juices are also packed with this important vitamin.

Green Tea
Also rich in antioxidants, green tea has also been shown to lower cholesterol, improve immune function and reduce the risk of specific types of cancer. If you're a big coffee drinker, try replacing your morning cup of joe with a cup of green tea. Without cream, sugar or other artificial flavorings, you may notice a reduction in weight while satisfying your caffeine fix.

Soy
Soy proteins are rich in amino acids, vitamin E and many anti-oxidants. These components help the skin retain moisture, smooths out skin's appearance and improves elasticity.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3 and omega-6 are known as "good fat," which helps cellular functioning. This helps skin, hair, nails, muscles and practically everything involved in your physical appearance. Like other "good" foods, EFAs help the cells to function properly, which helps to clear up skin and prevent blemishes, reduce wrinkles, improve hair condition and nail growth.

Milk
The phrase "milk does a body good" isn't only a catchy marketing phrase, it's also true. Milk is rich in calcium, vitamins B2, B-12 and D. Calcium, paired with the calcium-absorption booster vitamin D, helps to maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Vitamins B2 and B-12 are essential for red blood cell growth, which helps to carry much needed oxygen to cells. What does this mean to your looks? Hair and skin will look livelier and healthier.

Green vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale are rich in Vitamin A, C, E, iron and fiber. We've already discussed the benefits of vitamin C, but equally important to looking great is your intake of vitamin A and E. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and maintains moisture for eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin E is essential for healthy, smooth and younger looking skin.

Yogurt
Since yogurt is a dairy product, all the benefits of milk also hold true for yogurt. Yogurt also contains friendly bacteria, which aids in digestion, improves the immune system and (when used as a mask) can help hydrate and cleanse the skin.

Garlic
The effects of garlic have been widely known for centuries, but only recently taken seriously by modern science. In studies, this mysterious and potent food has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and even prevent cancer. Although your partner may not want to kiss you after eating it, keep in mind that garlic is also high in antioxidants, which will help you stay looking young. If you can't stand the smell or taste, take it in capsule form.

Chocolate
OK, OK, maybe chocolate isn't the most health-conscious food on the planet. However, chocolate does have positive effects on your mood by pumping up endorphins and serotonin, which help to give you an overall calm and pleasant feeling. And when you feel good, you look good. Who can argue with that?

Yogurt's Top Ten - Wholesome Food for Every Body

Yogurt is one of my regular healthy snack.

What does it do? From AboutYogurt.Com (http://www.aboutyogurt.com/healthUpdate/topTen.asp) here are the Top Ten Benefits:

1. May Help Reduce Osteoporosis Risk
   As an excellent source of calcium, yogurt, eaten regularly, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the thinning and loss of bone mass that affects 25 million Americans as they age. Yogurt is an excellent dairy food choice for women who limit their intake of milk and cheese, and has many advantages over supplements.
2. Lactose Intolerant? Yogurt May Help
   Studies have shown that the live and active cultures present in yogurt permit yogurt to be eaten by many of the more than one quarter of American adults who ordinarily experience lactose intolerance with other dairy products. Some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea.
3. Immune Boon
   Ongoing studies have shown live and active culture yogurt may enhance the immune systems of certain individuals.¹
4. Versatile and Convenient
   Keep yogurt stocked in your refrigerator to use as a substitute for mayonnaise and sour cream in tuna and other salads; top waffles or pancakes with fruit yogurt; make desserts more healthful by choosing frozen yogurt. Perfect for today's busy schedules, nothing is as convenient to carry with you on a hike or put in a lunch bag as yogurt. For the commuter, it's the perfect portable protein boost.²
5. Combats Yeast Infections
   Vaginal yeast infections affect nearly 12 million women each year. Research suggests that regularly eating yogurt containing L. acidophilus may decrease yeast growth and infection in certain individuals.³
6. Colon Protection
   Preliminary studies show increasing one's dietary intake of lowfat, calcium-rich dairy products such as yogurt may reduce the risk of colon cancer.⁴
7. Calcium-Rich
   It's a fact: calcium is an essential nutrient, and yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. An average eight-ounce serving of live and active culture yogurt contains approximately 30 % of the Daily Recommended Value for calcium.⁵
8. Protein-Dense
   An average eight-ounce serving of live and active culture yogurt contains approximately 20 % of the Daily Value for protein. So protein-dense, yogurt is now considered a meat alternate by the United States Department of Agriculture in its school meals programs.⁶
9. Taste Kids & Parents Love
   Yogurt is one food that gets the "thumbs up" from both parents and kids. It's a calcium-rich food that will help kids grow and start them on the road to good bone health in later life.
10. Variety
    With nearly 50 different flavors and a wide variety of textures or "styles," there's a yogurt for everyone. Choose from fruit-blended or fruit on the bottom yogurts, yogurts with toppings and add-ins, or light versions of yogurt sweetened with aspartame. Try frozen yogurt or yogurts with cereal and novelty toppings for kids.

¹ C.M. Kotz et. al., J. Dairy Sci. 1994 Dec: 77 [12]; 3538-44
² Simin Nikbin Meydani, Ph.D., Am. Jour. of Nutrition 2000; 71:861-72
³ E. Hilton et. al., Ann. Intern. Med. 1992 March 1: 116 [5] 353-7
⁴ R.K Peters; Cancer Causes Control 1992 Sept.; 3[5] 457-73
⁵ Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
⁶ Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hair Care: Eat Fish For Shiny Hair!

by Jeremy Dranx

Get Enough Protein In Your Diet
Some vegetarians, people who go on crash diets that exclude protein, and those with severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. When this happens, a person's body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots. This condition can be reversed by eating the proper amount of protein. However, not all protein are made the same, for the best source of protein, do eat more fish!

Monthly Oily-Hair Treatment
Massage ground cucumber or watermelon (use a food processor for best results) into freshly shampooed hair and leave on your scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing. Do rinse with cold water as using hot water will just strip your hair of its moisture!

Home Remedy Hair Treatments
Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment (For Dry Hair)
1/2 cup of dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup olive oil

Combine ingredients then heat up until warm. Strain. Coat the entire scalp and ends of hair with the oil mixture. Wrap hair in saran wrap and a towel over that, leave on for 15 minutes. Wash hair twice to remove the oil. Use this treament twice a month or when your needs a deep conditioning. Leaves your hair shiny and rehydrated for a week!

Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss. Do remember to do an allergy test before you indulge in any new hair chemicals.

Distilled Water For Hair Wash
As tap water leaves mineral deposits on hair, it is better to use distilled water as the final rinse while washing hair. Avoid shampooing daily if you have dull hair. Alternatively, install a high power water filter at your incoming water supply. Volumizing and thickening shampoos are harmful for fine, thin hair. It is safer not to use hair accessories with metal contents. Using wooden or cellulose acetate combs instead of plastic combs is good for hair. Boar bristles hairbrush is also good for hair. Using satin pillowcase can help you prevent damage to your hair from tossing and turning. Use protein treatment once a week if your hair has damage. Most hair salons has excellent range of hair treatments which you can use to your benefits.

Maintaining Clean Scalp
The scalp and hair should be cleansed between shampoos. For this purpose the "dry shampoo" is necessary. It is actually a form of scalp massage. Preparations of orris, corn meal and other dry shampoo powders are not recommended. They stick, and it is hard to get them out of the hair. A vigorous rubbing of the scalp after the hair has been parted, using a small piece of muslin over the tip of the finger, is best. Hot and cold applications are good, with or without shampoo, especially if the hair is falling. Remember that the hair should not be "hot-air" dried, always set your hair blower to cool as hot air will just dry up your hair and make it more brittle than ever!

Get Your Vitamin Bs for Great Hair
Vitamin B is vital to healthy hair growth while Vitamin A gives the hair its shine. Vitamin E helps to make the hair thick and glossy while the mineral Zinc helps the hair grow and strengthens the hair shaft. Silicon is another mineral that forms cross-links with the keratin in the hair and copper helps decide color pigment. Lack of copper leads to gray hair. Unlike skin, hair cannot repair itself, but damaged hair is replaced with new hair. So, remember to get your daily dose of vitamin Bs, your hair will thank you for it. Take care of your body and you will have beatiful hair! Your Body is like an automation machine which runs without stop, so, take great care of your body and your hair will thank you for it!

We urge you to find out more about Proper Hair Care in order to achieve beautiful locks today. Do visit us at http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info for More Hair Care Tips today

Beware of these BAD & UGLY stuffs in your personal care products

Source: The Green Guide

Here are the ingredients to be most wary of on labels, and why.

Coal-tar colors

So-called coal-tar chemicals are found in many "FD&C" or "D&C" colors used in makeup and hair dye.

Health Problem: Allergens and irritants, possible carcinogens

Safer Alternatives: Annatto, beta carotene, carmine, hematite, henna, iron oxides, titanium dioxide (nontoxic, but can cause lung irritation if inhaled as powder)

Lead

A brain- and nervous-system toxin as well as a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor, lead accumulates in the bones. It is found in lead acetate in hair dyes and makeup.

Phthalates

Used widely in fragrances, deodorants, nail polishes, hair products and lotions, the oily texture of phthalates acts like a moisturizer and helps lotions penetrate skin.

Health Problems: Various members of this family of chemical plasticizers have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals.

Dibutylphthalate (DBP) is of particular concern because documented exposures are high and its health effects are potentially very serious. In nail polish and mascara, DBP helps thin films stay flexible, reducing brittleness and cracking. Animal studies show that DBP causes birth defects and harm to male reproductive organs. Timing of exposure was critical: Harm was done to animals exposed in the womb or shortly after birth.

A 2002 Environmental Working Group (EWG) report found DBP in 37 nail products from 22 different companies. Their 2002 report, "Not Too Pretty" (produced with Health Care Without Harm and Coming Clean), found phthalates in 52 of 72 different personal-care products.

Other commonly used phthalates include dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethylphthalate (DEP).

Alternatives: Phthalates often "hide" behind the term "fragrance;" choose products labeled "fragrance-free" or that are scented exclusively with pure botanical or essential oils. Phthalates are also present in, and can evaporate from, soft vinyl (PVC) toys, flooring and other products, which should be avoided. For more information, search for "phthalates" at www.thegreenguide.com.

Preservatives

Bronopol, often listed as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, can contribute to the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, according to the FDA. It can also break down to produce formaldehyde (see below).

Formaldehyde, found in eye shadows, mascaras and other cosmetics, is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," according to the National Toxicology Program's "Ninth Report on Carcinogens" (January 2001)**. The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen.

In its liquid state, formaldehyde, present in the ingredients DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15, can be absorbed through the skin and nails. As a volatile organic compound, or VOC, formaldehyde evaporates when the product is wet; levels drop sharply once it's dry. Consumer concern has led many manufacturers to remove it from their nail polishes.

Health Problems: Breathing formaldehyde fumes has been associated with many types of cancers, including those of the nose and throat. Levels of formaldehyde in air as low as 0.1 ppm (parts per million) can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; nausea, coughing and wheezing.

Imidazolidinyl urea can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Mercury: a tiny amount of this potent nervous-system toxin, which accumulates in the body, is allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics.

The parabens: Methyl-, propyl-, ethyl- and butylparaben are the most common preservatives used in cosmetics.

Health Problems: Common allergens. Some recent research shows that parabens can mimic estrogen in rodents, making them potential hormone disruptors.

Quaternary ammonium compounds can irritate the skin and eyes. Quaternium-15 causes more dermatitis complaints than any other preservative, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Healthier Preservatives: Vitamins A (retinoic acid), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol), citric acid, pycnogenol.

Surfactants -- Sudsing/Foaming Agents

Suds-making detergents, known as surfactants, in shampoos also promote absorption of the product by the skin.

Diethanolamine (DEA), widely used in shampoos, is a suspected carcinogen, and its compounds and derivatives include triethanolamine (TEA), which can be contaminated with nitrosamines -- compounds shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Contamination is more likely if the product also contains Bronopol (see above).

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are both irritants, says the Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR), a panel of cosmetics-industry experts established to safety-test ingredients (cir-safety.org). But the CIR reported that SLS also causes "severe epidermal changes" to mouse skin, a finding that "indicates a need for tumor-enhancing activity assays." This year, after review of over 250 existing SLS studies, the CIR concluded that SLS is not cancer-causing. However, Samuel Epstein, M.D., says he is not convinced and recommends avoiding SLS.

Other Ingredients to Avoid

Aluminum chlorohydrate, a wetness retardant used in antiperspirants, can cause allergic reactions.

Ammonia, used in hair dyes and bleaches, can irritate the eyes and skin and can be toxic when inhaled.

Mineral oil, found in many moisturizers, comes from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.

Peroxide, used in hair-coloring products, can irritate the skin of hands and scalp and damage hair and eyes.

Phenylenediamine (PPD), found in many hair dyes, is linked with skin irritations, respiratory disorders and cancers, and is banned in Europe.

Polyethylene and polyethylene glycol (PEG ingredients), found in hair straighteners, antiperspirants and baby-care products, are safe in themselves but can be contaminated with 1,4- dioxane, which produced liver cancer in rodents in National Cancer Institute (NCI) studies.

Polysorbate compounds 60 and 80 are emulsifiers, used in lotions and creams, that can also become contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), widely used in hair-care products, especially sprays, has been found to stay in the body for months. In rats it contributed to tumor development.

Propylene glycol, a humectant, or moisture-attracting ingredient, found in mascara, lotions, creams and other cosmetics, can irritate skin in sensitive individuals.

Talc, a mineral found in many face and body powders, has a structure similar to that of asbestos, which has been linked to lung and ovarian cancers. Healthier alternative: cornstarch (but, like any powder, can cause breathing problems)

Toluene, a solvent, is found in some nail polishes. It is a nervous-system toxin.

Triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in deodorants and other products, is overused and is linked to antibiotic-resistant disease, says the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (www.apua.org).

Cancer and your hair products

Source: The Green Guide

For those recovering from and at risk for cancer, recognizing the links between your personal care products and personal health can be vital to preventing continued exposure to possible carcinogens like diethanolamine, contained in many shampoos and other products (see below). According to a 2004 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 93 percent of shampoos possibly contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems. Additionally, EWG found that 69 percent of hair-dye products may pose cancer risks.

Regardless of your current health, it’s important to know the ingredients in your personal care items.

Hair Relaxers

Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as an active ingredient. Sodium hydroxide can cause skin irritation, burns and necrosis as well as breathing difficulty when inhaled. Although “no lye” relaxers don’t contain sodium hydroxide and result in less skin irritation than lye products, they too can burn the scalp if used incorrectly.

Additionally, many relaxers contain paraben preservatives. Parabens are allergens and, according to research published in a 2004 issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology, have been found in breast tumors. An accompanying article suggested that adolescents and close relatives of breast-cancer patients may be at an increased risk due to continued exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns consumers to use caution when using relaxers, as chemicals may accidentally enter the eyes.

Straighteners

Ceramic and metal straighteners are a non-chemical option for temporarily straightening hair. Although ceramic straighteners cost more than metal ones, many salons use ceramic straighteners as they have a reputation for working more effectively. As with any heated surface, straighteners can cause contact burns and should be kept out of reach of small children. Remain on the lookout for straighteners claiming to have a “non-stick” coating. According to research by the EWG, some companies have used a Teflon coating on their straighteners. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) panel recently identified perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), a chemical used in making Teflon, as a “likely human carcinogen.”

Shampoos and Conditioners

The National Toxicology Program has found that diethanolamine (DEA), widely used in shampoos, can cause cancer in mice, and there is some evidence the related compound triethanolamine (TEA), may do the same. Contamination by nitrites can turn DEA into the compound N-nitrosodiethanolamine, considered possibly carcinogenic in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Contamination is more likely if the shampoo also contains Bronopol (also known as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).

Found in many shampoos, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause contact dermatitis. Fragrance, another common shampoo and conditioner ingredient, can include possible skin irritants and allergens. The FDA does not require companies to disclose the ingredients listed as “fragrance” and many include phthalates, chemicals that have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals.

Hair Dyes

There are two kinds of permanent dyes: oxidation and progressive. Oxidation dyes contain a combination of hydrogen peroxide, which can be an irritant, dye and ammonia, while progressive dyes contain lead acetate as the active ingredient, with up to ten times the lead level allowed in house paint. Watch out for coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and impurities in other colors—D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6—have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

Henna is a gentle alternative to the harsh chemical dyes commonly used in beauty salons. And while it will not penetrate the hair shaft to truly color it, the pigment will tint your hair.

Styling Products

Unfortunately, styling products contain various combinations of parabens, phthalates, fragrance and coal tar colors, so read ingredient labels carefully.

Better Choices

Luckily, there are a number of eco-friendly and health sensitive hair care products for African Americans. Although they may not be as widely advertised as those for Caucasians, they do exist. And often, some products can work for both ethnic groups.

A little about Yoga

Can yoga change your body?

A couple of years ago you may have associated yoga with peace-loving hippies hugging trees and chanting. Gets most of Hollywood swearing by it, though, and suddenly it’s cool. But is it really all that, and does it make a difference.

Depending on the class type, yoga can be intensely active, and moving from one pose into the next can really get your heart racing. A lot of people avoid yoga because they think it’s not a good work-out and they won’t sweat, but Ashtanga will definitely do both. It gets your heart rate up, and metabolism higher, so you’re working in a fat burning zone

Yoga works your internal system too

Because yoga incorporates a deep breathing style, you’re filling your system with oxygen, helping to rejuvenate body cells. By changing poses and generating body heat, you’re sending a fresh, continuous blood supply (oxygen) to every organ, tissue, muscle and joint in your body. “The combination of strength and breathing lengthens the muscle fibre and tissue. So, rather than having the compact muscles of a body builder, your body takes on a more streamlined appearance.

When can we see the results??

Yoga is commitment, but all it takes to make a difference is 30 minute, three or four times a week. Ki and Iyenger yoga are slower styles – you’ll notice your body becoming learner, but it can take three to six months. Ashtanga or bikram yoga is faster classes with lots of challenging poses, and if you do two or three classes a week, you’ll see results within six to eight weeks.

Yoga VS cardio work-out

Yoga works deeper into the muscle, stretching and strengthening as opposed to building them up on a surface level, therefore the body becomes toned rather than bulky. Through yoga, your body becomes more flexible, plus you have greater strength and noticeable definition. You’re not going to get bulky from yoga, because you’re only supporting your own body weight. Look at people like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow – they’re all Ashtanga fans and have lean, defined physiques. Compare that to cardio celebs like Mel-C, and you can easily see the difference.

(Bronwyn McCahon - cosmo)

Go here for Yoga stuffs