BellaSugar

Yikes: We Put Hundreds of Chemicals on Our Bodies Each Day

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:33 -0800

Earlier this year, I asked you to estimate the cost of all the beauty products you wear each day. Some hovered around the very inexpensive $10 range, while others danced around $1,000. However many beauty items you put on daily, have you ever stopped to think about how many chemicals this equates? Research from Bionsen, company that manufactures natural deodorant, concluded that, on average, women put 515 different synthetics on their bodies daily. Some common products mentioned include: shampoo (15), hairspray (11), blush (16), eye shadow (26), foundation (24), lipstick (33), deodorant (15), lotion (32), self-tanner (22), nail polish (31), and perfume (250). Wowza. To find out more, keep reading.

Be Safe: Don't Blow-Dry With Damaged Goods

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:00:14 -0700

Recently, I read an article that featured a tip on making your own hair diffuser at home. All you need is a sock and a rubber band, and you're good to go. Upon mentioning this tidbit to my co-worker, she kindly brought me back down to earth. Fire hazard, much? Then earlier today, I came across this article which, sadly, describes the passing of a Pakistani diplomat, who was electrocuted by a damaged hair dryer after bathing.

This brings me to my point: Seriously, if your blow-dryer has a frayed cord, is puffing out abnormal emissions, and/or makes any kind of rattling noise, don't be cheap. Replace it or live with air-dried hair. It might be common sense, but why put yourself at risk in the name of beauty?

Regulation Station: Are New FDA Cosmetics Laws on the Horizon?

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:40:58 -0700

This week, regulators from all over the world will be meeting in Tokyo to discuss a number of issues in the global cosmetics industry, including standardizing labels internationally, ingredient safety, and the growing use of unregulated nanomaterials in over-the-counter products. Given the relatively low levels of regulation for cosmetics ingredients and the recent findings about lead in lipstick, I'd say it's about time for a re-evaluation of the safety of the products we put on our eyes and mouths every day. But, do you think meetings like this actually accomplish anything? And given how powerful large cosmetics companies can be, do you really think there will be any substantive reform?

Do You Think Lipstick Is Safe?

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0700

In 2007, the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics broke the news that out of 33 lipsticks they tested, 61 percent contained detectable levels of lead, a heavy metal known to cause health problems, like infertility and learning disabilities. But now, the FDA has some even more surprising data to throw into the mix. After analyzing 20 lipsticks using a newer method of study, they concluded that while each unit contained traces of lead, the results were, in fact, four times higher than the original outcome.

Currently, there are no set standards by the FDA regarding levels of lead in lipstick. This has the CSC hot on the FDA's case, especially since the average amount of lead is over 10 times higher than what the standard is for candy - an actual edible item. While obviously lipstick is not meant to be eaten, we all Inadvertently ingest a little every now and then. Are you concerned about the discovery of quantities of lead found in lipstick, or do you think with all of the other elements we are exposed to each day, a it's really not enough to worry about?

"No Family History" Examines Toxins in Cosmetics

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:02:02 -0700

Breast Cancer Awareness month is still a few months away, but combating the disease shouldn't be relegated to October alone. If you have a moment, you may want to check out the trailer for No Family History. The documentary (and accompanying book) explores the increase in breast cancer rates, emphasizing prevention over corporate think-pink campaigns. Like many environmental activists, filmmaker Sabrina McCormick believes that the chemicals we're surrounded by - including those in our cosmetics - are carcinogenic. Does the trailer make you concerned about what you might be putting on your body?

Is Your Favorite Polish "Three Free"?

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:01:38 -0700

Eliminate one more question to ask yourself when picking your polish - not only choose the right shade, but know if the bottle you grab is free of the toxic trio! We've talked about the chemicals - toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate - when greening our home manicure. And now there's an cheat sheet to know which brands are safe at the shop or salon.

The National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance surveyed product manufacturers and found that 74 percent of polishes were entirely "three free." Yay. If you're curious whether your favorite brand is in the clear, print the downloadable card - it's as easy as one, two, three when you cut, fold, and save the wallet-sized sheet as a reference.

Source

There's Another Round in the Lead-in-Lipstick Battle

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:00:29 -0700

The lead-in-lipstick debate rages on, this time making another appearance in the Gray Lady. Today's Thursday Styles explores the controversy over the presence of lead in some lipsticks. Of 33 products surveyed last year by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), one-third included lead in excess of 0.1 parts per million - the federal limit for candy.

Cosmetic brands, many toxicologists, and the Food and Drug Administration say that such small levels aren't worth worrying about. L'Oreal, whose Colour Riche “True Red” lipstick had the highest amount of lead, says that "each and every ingredient used in our products has been thoroughly reviewed and tested by our internal safety team made up of toxicologists, clinicians, pharmacists and physicians." But the CSC and some doctors disagree, pointing out that lead accumulates in our bodies over time.

It's all food for thought (the news, not the lipstick, obvs), and some women are trading their tubes for natural brands. How about you - will you be taking leaden steps to the cosmetics aisle in the future or not?

Source

Do You Know Your Makeup Expiration Dates?

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:10:15 -0700

I have made a pact with myself. Clothes in my closet that haven't been worn in over a year are either going to charity or going up for auction on eBay. And as for my stash of makeup, it's time for a little spring cleaning, too.

As much as I want to prolong the life of that perfect shade of lip gloss, there's probably just too much of a chance that little critters have taken over. Not cool. So, when it comes to your own beauty stockpile, do you know when it's time to say goodbye to certain items? Take my quiz to find out.

Source

Take the quiz

Europe Thinks Nanoparticles Need More Tests

BellaSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:00:56 -0700

If you haven't heard of nanoparticles before, get ready, because they're getting big in the beauty world. Nanoparticles are actually teeny tiny particles that are made to penetrate and improve the effects of various cosmetic products. However, is this relatively new technology toxic? That's a topic of much debate these days. Because these types of particles, which are so minute, can pass through cells in the lungs and other organs rather easily, this raises much concern regarding their safety.

And now, in a very-ahead-of-the-game type move, Europe will require safety standards for cosmetic products that use nanotechnology beginning in 2012. "Everyday cosmetic products containing nanomaterials. . . will at last be subject to rules on authorization, safety testing and labeling," German Green Party member Hiltrud Breyer said. Kudos to Europe for your forward-thinking rules. I can't help but wonder when the U.S. will be next. Ahem, America?

Source

Facial Waxing Can Be Scarring - Literally

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:22 -0700

There's a lot to snicker about in this local-news report on the dangers of waxing. The sound effects and video treatments are ubercheesy, and the alarmist nature of the reporting is a bit much. But still, it's worth watching, if only to be reminded of the potential hazards of sketchy waxing places.

A woman named Shannon Boruch went to a strip-mall salon to have her eyebrows waxed; the next day, she woke up to find her face swollen. Turns out, she had an abscess over her left eye. Doctors drained it, but the infection spread. Eventually, doctors were able to treat the infection, but Boruch retains a small scar from the incident. (To be fair, a doctor says that the bacteria could have come from anywhere, and the infection may or may not have been a result of the waxing.)

So what should you look for if you're going to get waxed? Here are three of my tips:

Make sure the esthetician is licensed. Should be a no-brainer, but don't let someone near your skin if she isn't properly trained and licensed.
Don't double dip the stick. Each Popsicle stick should be dipped into the wax only once, then disposed of. Otherwise, your germs mix in with everyone else's in a bacteria-laden pool of hot wax. Not good.
Do judge a book by its cover. If a salon looks skeevy or doesn't smell right, keep on walking.

Any other suggestions on assessing a salon or spa's safety levels?

Source