Friday, November 25, 2016

WAL-MART, CVS &TARGET SKINCARE PRODUCTS WITHOUT ALOE VERA


In the latest move to protect consumers’ interest, nine first class suits have been filed against Wal-Mart, Target and CVS for selling store brand personal care products claiming that these contained aloe vera whereas investigations carried out by Bloombert News reveal that these products were indeed formulated without aloe vera.
In April this year, Federal Trade Commission had notified that four companies that market skin care products, shampoos, and sunscreens online had agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they falsely claimed that their products are “all natural” or “100% natural,” despite the fact that they contain synthetic ingredients.
Under the settlements, each of the four companies was barred from making similar misrepresentations in the future and must have competent and reliable evidence to substantiate any ingredient-related, environmental, or health claims it makes.
FTC named following companies :
Trans-India Products, Inc., doing business as ShiKai, based in Santa Rosa, California, markets “All Natural Hand and Body Lotion” and “All Natural Moisturizing Gel” both directly and through third-party websites including walgreens.com and vitacoast.com.
Erickson Marketing Group, doing business as Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, based in Aravada, Colorado, uses its website to promote “all natural” products such as the “Natural Face Stick,” which contains synthetic ingredients.
ABS Consumer Products, LLC, doing business as EDEN BodyWorks, based in Memphis, Tennessee, markets haircare products on its own websites and at Walmart.com. It makes “all natural” claims for products including “Coconut Shea All Natural Styling Elixer” and “Jojoba Monoi All Natural Shampoo.” In reality, the products contain a range of synthetic ingredients.
Beyond Coastal, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, uses its website to sell its “Natural Sunscreen SPF 30,” describing it as “100% natural.” However, it also contains Dimethicone.
California Naturel, Inc., located in Sausalito, California, sells supposedly “all natural sunscreen” on its website, though the product contains Dimethicone. It  had made deceptive “all natural” claims in violation of Sections 5 and 12 of the FTC Act.
The proposed consent orders bar the four settling respondents from misrepresenting the following when advertising, promoting, or selling a product: 1) whether the product is all natural or 100 percent natural; 2) the extent to which the product contains any natural or synthetic components; 3) the ingredients or composition of a product; and 4) the environmental or health benefits of a product.
Herbally Radiant has been advising genuine manufacturers to print right ingredients on the labels as is done by the drug companies under FDA regulations. Most of the online companies are operating with deceptive business practices. All the skin care products of Herbally Radiant carry detailed ingredients on the labels to enable consumers to make informed choice.


Saturday, November 19, 2016

ANGER CAN HAVE IRREVERSIBLE EFFECT ON SKIN

Lisa Feldman Barrett, Prof of Psychology at Northeastern University, explains the types of anger that people experience from time to time.  These are not only Bitterness, Hostility and Rage, but there are endless varieties.
Some are mild, such as grumpiness, and others are powerful, such as wrath. Different angers vary not only in their intensity but also in their purpose. It’s normal to feel exasperated with your screaming infant and scornful of a political opponent, but scorn toward your baby would be bizarre.
No single state of the face, body or brain defines anger; variation is the norm. One can shout in anger, weep in anger, even smile in anger. You can throw a tantrum in anger with your heart pounding, or calmly plot your revenge. No single state of the face, body or brain defines anger. Variation is the norm.
But it is also true that not all varieties of anger are divisive and destructive. Ms. Barrett points out that some angers might be uplifting and constructive — an antidote to hopelessness.
Buddhism teaches that anger is a form of ignorance, namely of other people’s points of view. If, in the midst of your fury, you can manage to see your opponents not as evil but as frustrated and trying to make a change, anger can actually cultivate empathy for the other side. In this sense, some angers are a form of wisdom.
From the point of view of mental and physical health, control over emotions is vitally important. Losing one’s emotional balance, while in anger, for example, can lead to unfair judgment. It also poses health risks to those who are sensitive, elderly or undergoing any therapy.
The same can be said about the state of skin.  Studies show that emotions have positive and negative consequences on our bodies, and affect the appearance of our skin. Stress, anger, depression, embarrassment and fear are some of the fundamental emotions that we go through every day and each of these moods adversely affects our skin. This damage also depends upon the longevity of our emotional state. Long lasting mood swings have much longer lasting and irreversible effects on our skin. Similarly, good and happy mood has some positive beauty benefits for your skin.
Anger affects our facial muscles. Anger decelerates skin’s healing, fastens wrinkling and produces dark spots. People who hold in their anger often suffer from rashes, hives, warts, eczema and acne. Stressed skin has a very low lipid (protective) barrier, so fluids evaporate more easily. In addition, cortisol also reduces the skin’s ability to retain water, leading to excessive dryness.

By using extremely calming Essential Oils in its natural beauty products, HerballyRadiant advises customers to handle stressful situations calmly and keep emotions under control.

Friday, November 18, 2016

MORE CONSUMERS SUSPECT HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Cosmetics Design carries important observations by Science Communicator Louise Hidinger. She has been speaking at conferences and advising the consumers to learn about the way various ingredients in the personal care products work. She is also critical of the unverifiable claims that beauty industry makes in order to market their products.

Louis Hidinger says, "Most consumers know very little about their beauty products and the majority lack the basic science literacy to understand how they work. Unfortunately environmental organizations have been very successful as portraying most conventional beauty products as being filled with “dirty’ chemicals. At every seminar I get questions from consumers whether their personal care products are harmful, and what ingredients to avoid.  When I dig deep, I feel that these questions are motivated by fear and suspicion that the beauty industry is tricking the consumers with false product claims while secretly poisoning consumers with toxic ingredients."

"The beauty industry needs to inform consumers about the characteristics of various ingredients in their products, and how they work on the skin. The traditional thinking is that consumers know little about the science behind products and marketers skip any explanation of how a product works and instead blanket the consumers with effusive claims about what the product can do. This leaves an information gap that is readily filled by pseudoscience or bad information that abound on the internet."

She makes important point that the consumers need to know the properties of the ingredients in their beauty products. The problem is that the companies do not mention the ingredients on the labels. The consumers learns from the labels only the so-called results from the 'manufactured research'.

The beauty industry has been resisting the demand that, as in the case of labeling of drugs where ingredients are listed, the beauty products should also mention the contents on the package so that consumers make informed choice. 

In the case of natural organic formulations, it has been seen that at least key ingredients are listed on the labels. At Herbally Radiant, each product is labelled to indicate the ingredients that go into making a particular product.  


Thursday, November 17, 2016

HOW AROMATHERAPY WORKS THROUGH NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS


In natural beauty products Essential Oils (EO) are most crucial. These consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed by the body and penetrate skin by inhalation with quickest effect. Entering through the Cillia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system which, when stimulated, releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals. These control our moods, emotions, state of skin and general appearance, memory and learning, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, stress levels and hormonal balance. Stress-free mind is essential for good health as well as for maintaining well hydrated , revitalized, wrinkle-free and shining skin.
Since EOs work through our powerful sense of smell, it would be useful to understand how it (olfaction sense) works at physical level. The recent article in MNT explains it scientifically.

We all are aware that odors can be detected via our noses, and that aromas are capable of evoking powerful memories and, conversely, deep revulsion.  Olfaction plugs deep into our brains. A single odor can be attached to physical realities, memories and emotions.
The first phase of olfaction is detection. The nasal cavity is covered by an olfactory epithelium, which, in a human, contains an estimated 20 million olfactory sensory neuron cells (for comparison, a bloodhound has around 220 million). These cells produce receptor proteins that lie in wait for an aroma to pass by; humans have around 450 different types of olfactory receptor.

Once an odor arrives in the nasal cavity, it binds to a receptor of the appropriate shape. This binding triggers a nerve impulse that is transmitted to the olfactory bulbs, a region where olfactory neurons converge. Olfactory bulbs are 2 pea-sized blobs, sitting just below the frontal lobe.

Comparted to the ability of dogs,  our sense of smell is less developed than many other mammals. Still our reduced sensitivity, can detect millions of airborne odorants in very small amounts. Also, our ability to distinguish between smells appears to be better than our conscious brain realizes. In a study, the participant's olfactory receptors could detect the most subtle differences between odor chemistry, but their conscious brain was left in the dark.

Talking of the organic beauty products in which HerballyRadiant specializes, out of  more than 90 Essential EOs, Herbally Radiant uses different base and carrier EOs in facial and body treatments to assist natural ability of skin to balance, regulate, heal and restore its natural glow. These penetrate skin via hair follicles and sweat glands, and get absorbed in body fluids. Minute molecules of EOs are immediately absorbed into the blood stream when inhaled as the drugs oxygenate the blood.
The EOs derived from flowers, plants, resins and roots, are the basic life force of plants, and are  effective in helping increase circulation and promote new cell growth, while eliminating toxins. As antispasmodic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, chologogue, febrifuge, sudorific, antidepressant, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, their therapeutic effect on body, mind and spirit is amazing. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

SUGAR LOBBY FAILS TO STOP SODA TAX - SUGAR SPEEDS UP AGING SIGNS AND BREAKOUTS



According to recent reports, the beverage industry spent a lot of money to defeat soda taxes in four American cities, but it lost in all.  It means San Francisco, Oakland and Albany, Calif., and Boulder, Colo. join Berkeley, Calif., and Philadelphia will plan to tax sugary beverages.
The measures have been advanced by health experts looking for methods that might combat obesity, diabetes and tooth decay — all linked to soft drink consumption. Consequently, sales are down, and many people now avoid sugar added products. Health experts determined that 50 grams of added sugars should be the upper dietary limit, or daily value, for adults and children aged 4 and older.
As experts in skin care, Herbally Radiant advises customers to reduce sugar intake. A diet high in sugar is a disaster for the face. ‘There is no point in spending lots of money on expensive skin creams if you are eating a diet high in sugar,’ says Dr Aamer Khan, a cosmetic dermatologist, and medical director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic. 'Yes, you can protect and moisturise your skin from outside, but you need to feed and stimulate the growth of good strong skin cells from inside too and sugar will sabotage that.’

According to Dr. Ross Perry, a cosmetic physician at Cosmedics Clinic, London, the problem with sugar is that it makes the skin lose the plump, elastic qualities that underlie a youthful appearance. ‘This is due to a process called glycation. Essentially what happens is that sugar attaches itself to any protein in the body and produces harmful molecules called ‘advanced glycation end products’. These reduce the effectiveness of elastin and collagen, proteins in the skin that help maintain its youthful appearance. ‘Normally collagen bulks out the skin and gives it a younger plump look,’ says Dr Perry. ‘Elastin gives the skin recoil so that when you smile or frown your skin goes back to how it was. If you persistently eat a high-sugar diet, then the collagen and elastin will become more rigid, so it will become easier for wrinkles to form and the skin will lose that youthful plumpness. It also makes it harder for the cells in the skin to repair normal damage.’

A high-sugar diet reduces the quality of the collagen in the skin too. ‘There are different types of collagen, known as I, II and III, and for healthy looking-skin you need the correct blend of all of these,’ says dermatologist Dr Perry. ‘Sugar encourages type III collagen to become type I which is more brittle. Consequently, the skin breaks down and looks thinner and more wrinkly. It also becomes more prone to the damaging effects of the environment and UV rays.’

Aging signs and breakouts: Those suffering from frequent break outs, sugar causes increased inflammation. “Most people don’t realize that skin directly correlates to our digestive system,” says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. “If we eat something we can’t digest or have trouble digesting, there are consequences.” However, not everyone is affected the same way. “Some people claim their acne gets worse when they have chocolate or sugar and others notice no change,” says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-director of the Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Long-term effects of excess sugar include premature aging and scarring. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream, forming new molecules, called advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), that damage both collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. AGEs also deactivate natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more susceptible to sun damage. According to a 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, these effects increase at the age of 35 and continue rapidly as you age.

Monday, November 14, 2016

EXTRA SALT RESPONSIBLE TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS.

Those who are conscious of health, make it a point to gradually reduce the salt intake in their food. Known as Sodium Sulfate, it is a neutral inorganic compound, highly soluble in water.
A new study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that American children consuming sodium at levels that far exceed the daily recommended limit. Taste preferences for high sodium foods, formed as children, follow individuals into adulthood and put them at increased risk for developing cardiovascular problems later in life.
CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has expressed concern : "We already know that nearly all Americans regardless of age, race, and gender consume more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet and the excess intake is of great concern among particular youths." Nearly 90% of the children surveyed exceeded the upper level of sodium recommended for their age group and previous evidence suggests that one in nine children ages 8-17 years already has blood pressure above the normal range for their age, sex, and height, which increases their risk of high blood pressure as adults.
The study also found that high levels of sodium were being consumed throughout the day and from a variety of different sources. For example, they found 39% of sodium was consumed at dinner, 31% came from lunch, 16% from snacks, and 14% at breakfast. Researchers discovered that only 10 types of food made up almost 50% of kids' sodium intake. These included pizza, Mexican mixed dishes, sandwiches (including burgers), breads, cold cuts, soups, savory snacks, cheese, plain milk, and poultry.
Foods from the grocery store accounted for a substantial 58% of daily sodium intake, while fast-food/pizza contributed 16%, and the school cafeteria 10%.
From the point of beauty experts, we have to look at the fact that SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, and is classified by the EWG Cosmetics Database as a "denaturant, surfactant cleansing agent, emulsifier and foamer," rated as a "moderate hazard." SLS sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. It is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents, and bath oils/bath salts. Similarly, ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is another surfactant variation commonly put into cosmetics and cleansers to make them foam. ALS is similar to SLS, with similar risks.


Thursday, November 10, 2016

AVOIDING OVERCONSUMPTION OF HIGH FAT MEATS OR DAIRY PRODUCTS




The growing number of research studies from Harvard and Tufts are pointing to the fact that butter doesn’t seem to be hugely harmful or beneficial. Large number of nutrition experts emphasize that cutting back on fat, even the saturated kind, is doing more harm than good.
The new conclusions go against the longstanding advice to avoid butter because it contains saturated fat. Dr. Mozaffarian of Friedman School of Nutrition Science at Tufts in Boston, says, “saturated fat is kind of neutral overall, but low-fat turkey meat or a bagel or cornflakes or soda is worse for you than butter.”
In its health column, NY Times refers to the extensively researched book by Nina Teicholz “The Big Fat Surprise: why Butter, Meat and  Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet” which raised serious questions about the evidence that nearly 40 years ago promoted the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition to recommend that Americans follow a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, suspected to behind the runaway epidemic heart and other cardiovascular diseases.
Food companies were then quick in coming up with low fat and fat free processed foods, replacing the maligned fats with carb, primarily the sugars and refined starches
However, new studies are highlighting the fact that it is the overconsumption of high fat meats and dairy products that has adverse impact on health. The experts are advising that consumption in moderate amount of food with saturated fat is better for health.

Monday, November 7, 2016

PHYSICAL WORKOUTS HELP CONTROL EMOTIONS

We find the new scientific studies conflicting when they try pointing out potential risks to those suffering from heart condition if they choose to go in for vigorous physical work out. Some experts express the view that some types of physical work outs under strong emotions could trigger heart attacks. 

The new studies highlight that exercising with unusual vigor while one is  enraged or emotionally distraught could be dangerous for  the heart. These further try to establish link between the strenuous workouts and emotional upheavals.

Promoting health in general, and skin care in particular, we would not agree with the conclusions of these studies for the following simple reasons :

1.Those who go in for physical workout as daily routine normally feel better control over their emotions, and are not likely to face any risk.

2.The regular work out regime greatly helps in creating healthy distractions from normal emotional disturbances,  and even strong emotions get melted soon after one begins physical exercise.

3.It might be the other way round that those who are fearful of any possible adverse impact of physical workout on their cardiovascular system, would feel more vulnerable to such too remote a possibility.

4.It has been seen from the conclusions of many studies in the past that physical work out, and even vigorous exercise routine, strengthens both the muscles as well as the nervous system. And strong nerves are the best guarantee to keep one's emotions under check. 

Of course, vigorous exercise should depend upon the state of body and ailments, if any. But attributing vigorous exercise to possible cardiac arrest or similar disorders would be too wide off the mark. 

Most of our customers who have got into the regular habit of daily work out enjoy better health, fitness and, of course, beautiful healthy and bright skin. Well, they use our herbal formulations as well. 

Saturday, November 5, 2016

STRONG CONSUMER DEMAND FOR NATURAL, SUSTAINABLY GROWN INGREDIENTS IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

More and more market research firms are reporting that it is now a top consumer demand that brands adopt a sustainable, green or ethical profile.
Even the packaging industry under the popular demand for sustainability is turning to bio-gradable materials that are sustainably developed.  One can see from the website of any packaging industry the expanding green options, sustainable alternatives and environmental responsibility.
This is widely admitted that manufacturing  in a sustainable way is undeniably good business for any industry, and businesses that  are increasingly aiming for self-relying and reducing the detrimental and social impacts of manufacturing are gaining edge over others. 
The sustainable movement that has backed natural products in recent years, especially in the cosmetics and personal care market is gaining rapid momentum, raising the awareness and demand for innovation, technology and science among consumers. 
 At the same time, products of natural origin that are eco-friendly and certified by a multitude of labels are increasingly entering the market, becoming more and more popular,and forcing brands and ingredient suppliers to source into the natural supply chain. Tajke the small business launched by Herbally Radiant in 2010. It has received amazing support from growing loyal customers who would prefer its herbal natural beauty formulations over anything else. 
In the cosmetics and personal care market, the distinction between scientific and natural products is notable. The technological consumer looks at the scientific claims and innovations proposed first; the origin of the ingredients or story behind them is secondary. Regardless of the ingredient source, the technological benefits must be there. This type of consumer shops for perceivable efficacy—i.e., color change, wrinkle reduction, increased detergency, reduced body odor, etc.
The nature-driven consumer looks at the origin of the product and ingredients first, with a strong belief that nature carries a guarantee for safety, purity and gentleness. In this case, the consumer is more concerned about product safety than perceivable benefits. He or she prefers “free-from” claims and seeks information about the origin of the ingredients. . For these consumers, technology and innovation in the finished product would be a secondary benefit and not the first determinant in the purchase decision, although an influence while shopping.
So, growing signs for safe natural ingredients in skin care products. 

Friday, November 4, 2016

NATURAL INGREDIENTS BEST FOR HAIR CARE



Hair loss is a great concern among all, especially among the young people.   Most companies promise great shape of hair by using their shampoos and conditioners.  However, it has been established by many studies that harsh chemical dyes and shampoo and conditioner have damaging effect on hair.  Such harmful products also adversely impact on scalp.

For keeping hair in natural shining shape, one can look for herbal or natural volumizing shampoo. There are many ideal formulations that go beyond gently cleansing and giving hair that soft, gentle lift. Natural volumizers like Vetiver add fullness and body, while Soapberry gently cleanses and Lavender creates an amazing fresh, sweet, floral aroma that is soothing.

A natural conditioner will help condition, moisturize and nourish hair and scalp. A herbal conditioner, or one with natural ingredients, will be ideal for balancing all hair types as it will enhance the manageability and softness of hair.

There are people with scalp tenderness, which can lead to disorders like psoriasis and extreme dryness, dandruff. Signs of inflammation, tingling, numbness, irritation, itching or sensitivity of the scalp point to scalp disorder. It can also be caused by conditions affecting the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues below or surrounding the scalp.

Scalp tenderness is a common problem, though symptoms vary from allergies, psoriasis, eczema to hair loss.

Other causes are poor diet, chemotherapy and radiation therapies, acne, cysts, allergic reactions, hyperthyroidism or other therapies in menopause,  infections of skin cells or hair follicle shafts, viral diseases causing skin sores.  

As promoter of natural skin care products, Herbally Radiant has been highlighting the importance of staying away from harsh chemicals  in most of the fancy sounding hair care or skin care products. Most dyes and shampoos are petroleum-based- inexpensive ingredients for the manufacturers, but risky for the users.
First aid ointments, creams, antiseptics, and dressing materials that might help in basic cases, but long-lasting  scalp tenderness should be reported to a doctor.