Of course, you want to choose a safe sunscreen—check out the Environmental Working Group’s list for the best options. Don’t forget to apply to your ears, under the eyes, and along your hairline. But in addition to sunscreen, there are other options for protecting yourself. Here are a few of them.

1. UV Protective Clothing

I posted about sun protective clothing a couple years ago, but here’s a reminder for you. It’s more popular than ever, and typically provides an SPF of up to 50. (For clothing, it’s often referred to as “Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).”) These items work by using dense, tight construction that minimizes space between the yarns, specific dyes that deflect UV rays, and unique fiber types. They look great and have become mainstream at locations like the beach or the pool. Most last for about 40 washes—but do be sure to replace them after that. Try Coolibar, REI, and Sun Grubbies.

2. Umbrellas

Regular handheld umbrellas, according to a recent study, can help block between 77 and 99 percent of UV radiation. Dermatologists at Emory University in Atlanta found that handheld umbrellas offer effective sun protection, with black ones being most efficient, blocking 90 percent or more of damaging rays.

3. Protective Laundry Detergents

I’ve posted about laundry detergents before, regarding the harsh chemicals present in many that can irritate and dry out skin. There are UV protective laundry detergents out there today, however, that have been treated to increase broad-spectrum UV protection on regular clothing. SunGuard, for example, was given the Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for offering an additional UPF of 30 and blocking 96 percent of harmful UV rays. If you have sensitive skin, however, or asthma and allergies, you may want to avoid this option.

4. Plant Oils

A 2011 study published in Pharmacognosy Reviews reported that some plant oils contain natural sunscreens. These include sesame, coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed. Red raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF of between 28 and 50, carrot seed oil between 38 and 40, and wheat germ oil at 20. As an added benefit, all these oils have antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Just don’t forget to reapply and use other methods as well, including hats, sunglasses, and shade.

5. Get More Beta-Carotene

According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, taking a nutritional supplement containing beta-carotene, plus other carotenoids like lutein and lycopene, may help protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun—thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that give many fruits and vegetables their orange and red colors. In the study, adults who took nutritional supplements containing these carotenoids and were then exposed to UV light had a significant decrease in damage and redness to the skin. In addition to supplements, try getting more squash, carrots, mangos, apricots, tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava in your diet.

Do you have other options for sun protection? Please share your ideas.

Picture courtesy photofriday via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Sources

Genevra Pittman, “Umbrellas may shield you from more than rain: study,” Medline Plus, March 20, 2013, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135144.html.

Alex and her then-fiancé Morgan Spurlock talk with Oprah.

It’s late afternoon, a couple hours after lunch. You go to see a colleague and are confronted with a box of donuts. You know you shouldn’t, but something else is taking over, and before you know it, you’ve inhaled the biggest one. Now you feel guilty, bloated, and defeated.

According to my friend Alex Jamieson, certified holistic health counselor, professional chef, and author, you must stop blaming yourself. Food cravings are something we all go through—a way the brain has of coping with stress, hormone spikes, and energy demands.

“It’s so frustrating,” she says. “We know we shouldn’t eat these foods, but we keep craving them, and so we keep succumbing to those cravings.”

Unfortunately, food cravings not only wreak havoc on our waistlines, but also on our appearance. Below, Alex tells us how to turn these cravings around—and offers Cinco Vidas readers exclusive free access to some of her helpful videos.

(See the end of the post for the link to Alex’s “Cure Cravings” and “Desk Yoga for Neck & Back Health” videos!)

Common Cravings

According to Alex, human beings are wired to experience cravings. The following are four of the most common:

1. Sugar. “We crave sugar because we’re built to crave sugar,” Alex says. “Human beings are born with two taste preferences—we prefer something sweet and dislike anything bitter. All other tastes are acquired as we go through life.” Unfortunately, sugar feeds the bacteria and yeast in our bodies, causing a spike in inflammation, and potentially leading to more breakouts and redness on our skin.
2. Alcohol. Similar to sugar, alcohol offers us a sensory reward, but then later impacts our stress hormones and dehydrates us, resulting in dry skin. According to a study published in 2012, alcohol triggers the release of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain that induce feelings of pleasure.
3. Dairy. There are many reasons you may crave milk. One study found that women may crave it to alleviate body weakness. Cravings may also be tied in with the idea of “comfort foods” derived from childhood. Unfortunately, much of today’s milk is full of growth hormones and antibiotics that can affect our health. Milk can also have an effect on hormones, causing breakouts and acne.
4. Bread. Certain nutrient deficiencies can cause bread cravings, but because many types of bread break down quickly in the body, it can also act like a sugar hit. Those who are sensitive to gluten may also find themselves experiencing mood swings after eating wheat bread and other wheat products.

Why We Crave

What causes these cravings? Alex says there are three main factors:

1. Nutritional. We may crave certain foods because our bodies are missing some nutrients, or needing more calories.
2. Physical. If you’re working late and you’re tired, for example, your body knows you need energy, so it will urge you to get some through a sugar craving. If you’re about to go for a run and you feel a sudden craving, it may be because your body knows you will need the energy.
3. Emotional. “During my divorce,” Alex jokes, “Ben & Jerry’s kept me company. Our bodies are very smart. They know if we eat ice cream, especially if it has chocolate in it, that we will feel good. That ice cream will help us avoid pain. During emotional cravings, our bodies just want to feel good, immediately, as fast as they can.”

What’s the Solution?

While it’s all well and good to know how and why you have cravings, the bigger question is, how do you cope with them without sabotaging your diet and health goals? Alex says the first step is to identify your triggers. In her four-video series, “Cure Your Cravings,” she helps you figure out whether you are more of a nutritional, physical, or emotional eater.

“When you start noticing your triggers,” she says, “you’re going to notice that you’re hungry or thirsty because of something going on physically—like you’re tired—or something going on emotionally, like you’re feeling down or stressed. It may also mean that you’re diet hasn’t been the greatest lately, and you need to stock up on more nutritious items.”

Once you understand and become aware of what’s triggering you, you can make smarter choices. “Instead of grabbing that donut,” Alex says, “maybe you decide to get up and take a walk instead.”

Giveaway—Check It Out Today!

Alex has kindly agreed to donate two videos to Cinco Vidas readers. Go to her four-video “Cure Your Cravings” series to identify your triggers and take the steps needed to get over your cravings once and for all.

In this series, Alex shows you how to:

• Identify your triggers.
• Care for yourself. “We often treat our pets better than we treat ourselves,” Alex says. “We need to see eating as part of the ‘care and feeding’ of our bodies.”
• Set up better habits. Create structures in your life that help you stick with the healthier habits you’ve chosen, and build yourself a community of like-minded people who also desire to live healthier lifestyles.

For your FREE video from Alex, “Desk Yoga for Neck and Back Health,” click here! Or, for more information on Alex and her coaching, see her website.

Sources

Jennifer LaRue Huget, “Why do some people crave alcohol?” The Washington Post, January 11, 2012, http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-checkup/post/why-do-some-people-crave-alcohol/2010/12/20/gIQAlTJlrP_blog.html.

Whether you’re an aspiring makeup artist, are in the beauty industry and want to brush up, or just want to know how to improve your own appearance, this is a class you won’t want to miss.

Mark June 3, 2013 on your calendar, and come join Rebecca from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(Sign up here.)

 Rebecca Has a Wealth of Knowledge

Rebecca has worked in the fashion and entertainment industry for nearly 13 years, and has taught for some of the top makeup schools and brands in the country. With a strong belief in personal confidence, she loves helping people look their best.

“My mom taught me at a young age,” she says, “that when you look good, you feel good. I later learned that the reverse is also true—when you feel good, you look even better. These powerful ideas have shaped my lifestyle, my self-esteem, and my professional philosophy.”

A victim of acne herself, Rebecca turned to whole foods and a plant-based diet to help her skin heal from the inside out. “I gradually found that my skin began to heal,” she says. As she started caring more about what she was putting in and on her body, Rebecca started researching standard brands of skin care and makeup and was surprised by what she found.

“I was surprised to find that most commercial brands contained chemicals that were toxic to our bodies as well as the environment,” she says. “Yet, I was not convinced that we have to sacrifice our health to achieve beauty, so I spent years researching and testing cosmetics that are free of harmful ingredients. I was excited to find safe and healthy products that still delivered the beautiful results we all desire.”

What You’ll Learn at the Master Class

For this master class, Rebecca plans a hands-on experience, and encourages attendees to bring their own notebook and makeup brushes. Then sit back and get ready to learn about the following:

• How to prepare the skin for makeup application
• How to choose the right color and type of foundation for any skin tone and type
• How to use the color wheel for color matching and corrective techniques
• How to define and bring out eyebrows
• Techniques to best apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and fake eyelashes
• When and where to use blush and highlighters
• How to finish off the look with the perfect color and texture for lips

You’ll get to practice makeup application while in the class, and gain tips from Rebecca to improve your technique. If you want to pursue a career in makeup artistry, Rebecca will also teach you how to get your career started, build a portfolio, and assist established artists.

“I love sharing my experiences and inspiring others to follow their passion, so I thought this was a great place to start,” Rebecca says.

Special offer for CV readers:

Sign up for this class by May 20, 2013, you can bring a friend for FREE!

This is her first master class, but Rebecca plans to do more in the future. For now, don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Sign up today for Rebecca’s Master Class, or check out her website for more information.

I have personally attended one of Dr. Richey’s much-needed workshops and was blown away by the response from the beautiful patients that needed the information so badly on how to deal with all the side effects on their hair, skin, and nails. I am so proud of Dr. Richey and his mission.

In this recent article, Chico News & Review talked about Dr. Richey’s accomplishments with Brighter Days. If you’re going through cancer treatments and you’d like some help for skin conditions or makeup tricks, check out his website for more information.

Helping People with Side Effects on the Skin

During cancer treatments, oncologists can focus so much on getting rid of the tumor and getting rid of the cancer that they can forget about the other ways that the patient is affected by both the illness and the treatment. Some of the most serious and difficult side effects are those on the hair, skin, and nails.

Dr. Richey started Brighter Days seven years ago, and today the all-volunteer organization supports patients in seven cities and three states. The goal is to bring together a dermatologist and cancer patients for one session each month in these various locations. During the session, the dermatologist shares tips for addressing side effects of cancer treatments, then lets the patients share their frustrations and possible solutions with one another.

“These people are hungry for information,” Dr. Richey says. “When they come in, they’re scared, they’re sad. When they leave, they have a lot of information and they’ve talked to each other, and there’s a real power in that.”

Personal Consultations and Group Therapy

At the first part of the session, the dermatologist conducts a 20- to 30-minute presentation on the effects of cancer treatments and the basic remedies to deal with skin conditions like dryness, open wounds, weeping areas, burns, hyperpigmentation, acne, and others. After the presentation, participants get a one-on-one consultation, where the doctor addresses their particular concerns.

Finally, patients have the chance to talk about their challenges and to tell their stories. “It kind of becomes group therapy,” Dr. Richey says. “They share with each other how they deal with things.

Expanding to Other States

Brighter Days has expanded over the years to now include sessions in Santa Rosa and Newport Beach, California, as well as Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Richey continues to see other dermatologists who are interested in conducting sessions in their area. He says for him, the experience is very rewarding.

“Some people, this really touched their heart, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”

If you’re a dermatologist interested in helping cancer patients in your area, please contact Dr. Richey through his website.

Sources

Evan Tuchinsky, “Touching lives,” newsreview.com, April 18, 2013, http://www.newsreview.com/chico/touching-lives/content?oid=9618281.

If you haven’t yet taken the plunge to join our safe skin care revolution, we have five reasons why you should below!

A Big Thank You to Those Who Have Supported Us!

We wanted to raise $35K to help get our safe products into hospitals and cancer centers around the nation. So far, we have raised $14K.

We want to send a big thank you out to all those who have contributed so far. As you can see by this picture, we’ve been working really hard. Here, our campaign is featured on the Thomson Reuters Sign in Time Square. It’s amazing what we can do as a community, and my heart goes out to all of you who have taken your time and energy to show your support.

If You Haven’t Contributed Yet—Here’s Why You Should

Did you know that according a 2012 survey, participants stated that they hoped to land “impact jobs” that would make a difference socially or environmentally? In fact, they said landing an “impact job” was more important to them than having a prestigious career, wealth, or even being a community leader. Over half said they would take a 15 percent pay cut to work for an organization “whose values are like my own.”

We like to feel that what we’re doing at CV Skinlabs is making a difference for others in our society. I know that’s how I feel. I want to do work that matters, and that somewhere down the line, helps others. I think the readers of this blog are people who believe in safe products that have nourishing ingredients, rather than questionable products with harsh, irritating, and even sometimes carcinogenic ingredients.

That’s why I came to you in the first place. I knew the Cinco Vidas community would be interested in spreading the word about safe skin care. I knew my readers would be willing to take that extra step in making a commitment to change. I knew that given the chance, people who share our values would want to make a change in the personal care industry, and move us closer to the day when we won’t have to worry about suffering dryness, hormonal changes, diabetes, early onset menopause, developmental problems, or other health issues because of the ingredients in our personal care products.

Five Reasons Why You Should Contribute Today

Okay, as promised, here are the five reasons you should contribute today, while you still have time.

1. We need your help! We haven’t yet reached our goal of $65,000, and we need you!
2. Patients need our help. Patients in hospitals and cancer centers are suffering as we speak with painful, red, irritated, inflamed, and weeping skin conditions. Our products can help, but we need the money to get them to these patients.
3. It’s time to make a change. If you’re tired of finding phthalates in your nail polish and parabens in your moisturizer, by helping us today you’ll be contributing to an organization that is working toward making lasting change in the industry.
4. Giving feels good—and you become part of something bigger. Scientific studies have shown that when you do something for someone else, it feels great! Just try it—contribute $10 or more today and see if it doesn’t improve your week! Not only will you feel like you have done something to help others, but you’ll become part of making a change in our world.
5. You get perks! We have lots of cool perks for our contributors. Things like CV Skinlabs products, copies of my book, detox sessions, in-person sessions with me, T-shirts, and more!

Help us to help those with painful, inflamed skin conditions to feel better. Contribute today at our crowdfunding page—deadline is May 8, 2013!

Sources

“People Want Jobs That Make a Difference, Even If It Means a Pay Cut,” Fast Company, http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679904/people-want-jobs-that-make-a-difference-even-if-it-means-a-pay-cut.

(Go now to our crowdfunding page to contribute and get rewards—we have only 5 days left! No contribution is too small and we thank you for becoming part of this very important mission.)

Because typically people who are going through cancer or are in the hospital have unique skin conditions that require extra TLC. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), cancer fighters and survivors “may experience a host of skin, hair, or nail problems as a direct result of their therapy that may require additional treatment….”

Mario E. Lacouture, MD, associate member of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said at the 69^th annual meeting of the AAD, “Prior to cancer treatment, most patients are not warned about the dermatologic side effects that can occur from these potent therapies. In a sense, the skin becomes an innocent bystander to cancer, with far-reaching psychosocial, physical, and financial implications for patients.”

Skin Problems Ranked as Most Troublesome by Cancer Patients

You may be surprised to learn that according to Lacouture, in a recent survey of 350 cancer survivors, in which patients were asked to rate their most bothersome side effects from cancer treatments, skin irritation and dry skin were the two most troublesome effects reported—more than other side effects like insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

These side effects are not only inconvenient, but painful, embarrassing, and so uncomfortable that medical treatments sometimes have to be delayed because of them.

“It’s important to minimize these symptoms,” Dr. Lacouture said, “as patients who already may not feel good from radiation have added discomfort from this painful skin rash. The financial cost for the patient…is not insignificant when you take into account the cost for medications, supplies, and office visits. However, when left untreated, these skin rashes can significantly compromise a patient’s quality of life and, in severe cases, interrupt vital cancer therapy.”

Fragile Skin Requires Careful Care

Those who suffer from skin conditions caused by illnesses, eczema, dermatitis, and other problems have skin that is red, inflamed, itching, painful, and sometimes weeping, bleeding, peeling, and cracking. As I learned when my father had a painful rash from chemotherapy, you absolutely cannot put standard over-the-counter or department store products on skin like that. The outer barrier has been compromised, which means that any harsh, irritating, or even slightly bothersome ingredients are going to cause more problems than they’re going to solve.

“People in health care settings are particularly susceptible to health complications when skin integrity is compromised,” states Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers. “The body is already stressed and busy healing…leaving the skin more vulnerable to infection.”

That one word—vulnerable—sums up challenged and fragile skin. It’s vulnerable to everything around it, including germs, UV rays, drying air, etc. More than ever, this skin needs tender care with nourishing, soothing, and safe ingredients.

How to Care for Damaged Skin

If you or someone you love is struggling with a difficult skin condition, go now to our crowdfunding page and become a part of our Safe Skin Care Revolution!

Second, try these tips for careful care of fragile skin:

• No harsh chemicals—do not use any skin care products that have fragrances, sulfates, parabens, ureas, or any of my other ingredients to avoid
• Use only natural and organic products—CV Skinlabs products are completely safe and effective for those with fragile, damaged skin
• Keep it clean—wash with a gentle cleanser, but be careful not to use anything that will strip the natural oils
• Moisturize—damaged skin loses hydration easily, so moisturize with natural ingredients like sunflower seed oil, triglycerides, and jojoba oil; our Calming Moisture works great on sensitive skin
• Calm—fragile skin is most always inflamed, so you need to use ingredients like chamomile, cucumber, water lily, and aloe vera to soothe and cut back on inflammation; our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect for calming inflamed, reddened skin
• Soothe and repair—compromised skin needs extra moisture and soothing nutrients to be able to regain its strength; our Restorative Skin Balm helps fragile skin fight back
• Protect—fragile skin needs extra protection from germs, sun exposure, and dryness; apply moisture more often, and use sunscreen always

Help us to help those with painful, inflamed skin conditions to feel better. Contribute today at our crowdfunding page—deadline is May 8, 2013!

Sources

“Skin conditions could hinder treatment in cancer patients, negatively impact quality of life,” AAD, November 4, 2011, http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/skin-conditions-could-hinder-treatment-in-cancer-patients-negatively-impact-quality-of-life.

“Skin and Wound Care,” Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers, http://www.rainbowrehab.com/RainbowVisions/article_downloads/articles/art-sp10-med_skin.pdf.

I’ve also reported that phthalates have been linked with childhood asthma, developmental problems, thyroid issues, lowered IQ, and infertility.

Now, a new study shows that exposure to phthalates, through our cosmetics and other products, could cause us to go through menopause as much as 2.3 years earlier than we normally would.

Not only would that be inconvenient, but it could be dangerous, as early onset menopause can cause a number of other health problems.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and to help hair spray, nail polish, and perfume adhere to your hair and skin. They’re also used as solvents, to help dissolve materials into a solution. You’ll find them in hundreds of products, including:

• Vinyl flooring
• Detergents
• Lubricating oils
• Plastic clothes (like raincoats)
• Automotive plastics
• Plastic bags, garden hoses, inflatable toys
• Personal care products like soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, nail polishes
• Packaged foods

Phthalates have been linked to all sorts of health problems, and have also been found to be widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers have found measurable levels in the general population, indicating that “phthalate exposure is widespread in the U.S. population.”

Further, the CDC states that adult women have higher levels than men do of phthalates used in soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and other personal care products.

What the Study Found

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 5,700 women. They found that those exposed to higher levels of phthalates were at a greater risk of starting menopause as much as two years earlier than the average age of 51, than women who had lower levels of phthalates. For some women, menopausal symptoms began as much as fifteen years early, while they were still in their mid-thirties.

Early onset menopause that occurs before the age of 40 increases risk of:

• Overall mortality
• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Neurological disease

“Early menopause has a lot of impact on your health,” said Dr. Natalia Grindler, one of the authors of the study.

How to Reduce Your Exposure

More and more studies are linking these chemicals to serious health problems. Taking steps to reduce your exposure to phthalates is a no-brainer.

• Avoid synthetic fragrances—use those based in natural ingredients like essential oils
• Try toxin-free nail polish (often called “3-free”), like that made by Vapour Beauty, or go without nail polish completely
• Choose natural deodorants as often as you can
• Do your research on your makeup—buy only from companies that care about using safe ingredients; check out my post for where to shop for safer ingredients
• Avoid air fresheners—they pollute the air with phthalates; try citrus essential oils in distilled water and spray
• Seek out eco-friendly cleaning products, or make your own
• Buy unpackaged produce, or use products only from companies that use non-leachable packaging

Are you concerned about how phthalates may be affecting your health? Please share your thoughts.

Picture courtesy Stuart Miles via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Sources

Lynne T. Shuster, et al., “Premature menopause or early menopause: long-term health consequences,” Maturitas 2010 February; 65 (2): 161, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815011/.

Shelley Emling, “Early Menopause: Study Says Common Item Can Be a Trigger,” Huffington Post, October 29, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/29/early-menopause-makeup-triggers_n_2024131.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false.

We are thrilled with all the amazing feedback and testimonials from all our loyal customers—from beauty editors to doctors and more. Watch our one-minute video now and listen to why people love CV Skinlabs.

News Flash

We are also so proud to share that since we launched the CV Skinlabs Skin Care line last year in March, we have not had a single return or complaint about any of our products. What a great testimony that is!

Praise for CV Skinlabs

Here’s just a glimpse of what some of our experts and customers are saying:

• Sara Mercer, Whole Living Expert says: “I just don’t feel comfortable with anything that’s not 100 percent pure getting anywhere near her.” (Speaking of her unborn baby.)
• Krisin Arnett, International Makeup Artist says: “The reason I think this product is different from anything else on the market is because it is one of these universally great-for-you moisturizers. A man can wear it, a woman can wear it, it’s fantastic for so many different skin types.”
• Rebecca Casciano, Celebrity Makeup Artist, says: “I love that fact that it’s plant-based and all-natural, and that it’s so soothing and healing to the skin.”
• Rhian Watson, Yoga Instructor, says: “What I love about CV Skinlabs products is that they work! They leave your skin feeling healthy, and well moisturized all day.”
• Dorivee Shapiro, Cancer Survivor, says: “Cancer also made me aware of many chemicals, many toxins that cause cancer. This cream and this bottle doesn’t have any of that, and it has the results that I’m looking for.”
• Rachel Dealto, Speaker and Author, says: “CV Skinlabs is so different from anything else that’s out there because it’s cause this luxurious feel to it.”
• Frank Lipman, Integrative Doctor and Author, says: “…and one of my favorite skin care lines, clean ones, is CV Skinlabs, and actually my favorite remedy in that line is Rescue + Relief [Spray]. It’s fantastic for sensitive skin.”
• Jessa Blades, Natural Beauty Expert, says: “What I love about CV Skinlabs is that it’s the real deal. The products really work, they’re effective, and they have great ingredients.”

Award-Winning Products

For those of you who may not have heard, on April 22, Earth day, we won “Best All-Around Healer” with our Restorative Skin Balm, given by Healthy Lifestyles & Spa’s Magazine at their Annual Earth Day Beauty Awards. The beauty editors loved this healing, soothing balm because it’s great for dry skin, cuticles, and lips, as well as for eczema, dermatitis, cuts, scrapes, chaffed areas, scars, and more.

Purchase with a Purpose for a Limited Time!

You can purchase any of our CV Skinlabs products (which have been featured not only in Healthy Lifestyles & Spa Magazine, but in Real Simple, Organic Spa, and US Weekly as well)—and make your purchase count—by going to our crowdfunding campaign between now and May 8^th, 2013. Your purchase will help us achieve the very important mission of getting safe skincare into hospitals and cancer centers across the nation.

Click on our indigogo page, go to the right, and you’ll see several of our perks listed there. Choose the one that best fits your desired contribution level, and you could receive your own CV Skinlabs products to try, while helping us help others with sensitive and fragile skin.

No contribution is too small. Even $10 will propel us closer to our goals—and help us all change the world to include fewer toxins for everyone!

Go to our crowdfunding page at www.igg.me/at/cvskinlabs and contribute, choose products to enjoy, and share your thoughts about our mission today.

If you want to try this award-winning product for yourself, and help us get it into hospitals and cancer centers, contribute today on our Crowdfunding campaign!

This Year’s Rewards

The award winners for the Earth Day Beauty Awards weren’t chosen by chance. Each of the products named in this year’s list were tested and re-tested to come up with the results.

On their website, HLS describes their criteria this way: “This year, we tested and re-tested more natural and organic products than ever before: hundreds of samples from over 50 of the best brands in the biz. We’d give them all a gold star, but only a select few are worthy of the Healing Lifestyles and Spas Earth Day Beauty Award Seal.”

They go on to say: “We vetted each product not only for scent, feel, and efficacy, but ingredients as well. As always, our award-winning products do not contain our 15 Red Flag Ingredients, including phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates and chemical sunscreens.”

Restorative Skin Balm Wins!

Check out HLS’s website to see our Restorative Skin Balm featured as the Best All-Around Healer. “There’s always something in need of a little natural TLC,” HLS says. “This balm takes care of them all, with ingredients that have real healing benefits (not just a barrier of petroleum and silicone.”

Our balm is 100 percent natural, with healing ingredients that instantly soften severely dry skin. It’s perfect for the following conditions:

• Very dry, flaky skin
• Ezcema and dermatitis
• Inflamed, red skin
• Dry lips and cuticles
• Scars
• Cuts, scrapes, and IV areas
• Abrasions, chaffing
• Any area needing TLC

About Healing Lifestyles & Spas

Healing Lifestyles & Spas started out in 1997 as a company spreading awareness about healing spa treatments for people from all walks of life. Since then, the magazine has grown to cover healing spa treatments people can do themselves in their own homes, and now provides a spa directory online. HLS’s mission is to help more people experience the benefits of spa healing remedies, alternative medicine, and natural living.

“We all need to slow down, press pause, and nurture this absolute need to give back to ourselves,” they say on their website.

Get Your Balm Today

If you’d like to try our award-winning balm for yourself or someone in your family, you can order through our regular website, or help us get our entire CV Skinlabs line into hospitals and cancer centers where they’re needed most by contributing to our crowdfunding campaign.

Go to our crowdfunding page now at www.igg.me/at/cvskinlabs and choose our perks including the award-winning Restorative Skin Balm to try it today!

Many of you have asked me to come speak at your community groups and organizations about reducing the toxic load in our lives. Others have asked me privately about one-on-one sessions to help you choose the non-toxic cosmetics that are best for you.

In response to these requests, I’m introducing my new “Detox Series Packages”—for a limited time only! (Expires May 8^th, 2013.) Go to my campaign here to see details on the packages and how you can sign up.

As you may know, I’m running my first-ever 30-day “safe skin care revolution” campaign from April 11 to May 8, 2013, to raise money to get CV Skinlabs to those who need them most. As part of this campaign, I’ve created three detox sessions to help people like you get started on a new, cleaner, and healthier life.

About the Sessions

These three separate sessions are tailored to your specific needs. Ask yourself—do you:

• want to start using safer products, but have no idea how to begin?
• have allergic reactions to cosmetic products, or keep breaking out and don’t know why?
• need guidance on where to find non-toxic cosmetics, foods, and cleaning products that are safe for you and your family?
• wish for a personalized routine for your skin needs?

Most of us know that toxins are bad for us, but we feel confused about how to change our lives in such a way that we feel more energetic, vibrant, and focused.

This is where I can help!

Three Programs Tailored to You

1. One-on-One Personal Detox Overhaul: Britta evaluates your current personal care & home care routine/products before your session, then provides you with a 60-minute, one-on-one session via Skype. You’ll learn how to pick the right non-toxic skincare or makeup products for your skin type, discover how to read labels, and find out what ingredients to avoid for your optimal health. Includes email support for 2 weeks, CV Skinlabs Sample Kit, and Britta’s detox system for your personal care, cosmetics and cleaning products.
2. VIP Day with Britta in NYC—Personal Detox Overhaul Intensive: Includes all of the above, plus a private shopping tour of the right products for you (personal care, makeup, foods and cleaning products—products purchased on tour not included). Also includes an organic lunch, CV Skinlabs full-size products, and a 14-day detox plan from Dr. Lipman. (Travel to NYC not included.)
3. The Personal Detox Signature Lecture from Britta—In Your City! For this session, I’ll tailor my presentation to your organization. Let me inspire you to reduce your toxic load, choose safer products, manage cancer side effects, and detox your world! Ideal for spa and salon owners, non-profit organizations, community groups, book clubs, and volunteer care and caregiving personnel. Up to 50 participants. (Travel and accommodations must be paid for by participant host.)

Make the Decision to Change Your Life

Science is coming to light almost every day now showing us that the chemicals around us are affecting our health. A study published in 2000, for instance, stated that chronic fatigue syndrome often comes about after exposure to pesticides, or because of “sick building syndrome,” in which chemicals inside buildings gradually affect those living and working inside them.

Meanwhile the CDC and the EPA have shown that we are all running around with measurable levels of toxins inside us, including phthalates and even wood preservatives! It’s time to make a change. If you want to change your life, start feeling better than you ever have, and contribute to helping others—all at the same time—go to our crowdfunding site and sign up for the session that sounds best to you!

Go to our crowdfunding page now at www.igg.me/at/cvskinlabs, choose your detox session, and become a part of our safe skin care revolution!
Source

Delia Racciatti, et al., “Chronic fatigue syndrome following a toxic exposure,” The Science of the Total Environment 270 (2001): 27-31.

(Reminder—WVE helped get Johnson & Johnson to agree to take out potentially harmful ingredients from their products last summer.)

We wholeheartedly agree with WVE’s mission to get these fragrance ingredients included on product labels.

That’s why we’re running our “Safe Skincare Campaign” right now in an effort to get toxin-free products into the hospitals and cancer centers where they’re needed most. (You can help–click here!)

Meanwhile, WVE is working to get big corporations to join in by making their products safer for us all.

Fragrance Irritations and Reactions Increasing

Right now, companies don’t have to tell us what the up to 200 ingredients are that they’re using to create that clean or powder-fresh scent. The problem is that many people are allergic to some of these ingredients, and are thus risking serious allergic reactions every time they use a product with fragrance.

According to a 2012 study, contact allergies to fragrance chemicals are increasing. Researchers conducted patch tests with 25 fragrance chemicals and fragrance mixes on 100 participants, and found that the more irritating the fragrances were to the skin, the more likely the person was to develop an allergy to it.

You don’t have to have sensitive skin initially to develop reactions to fragrances, by the way. While those with sensitive skin may be more vulnerable to irritation from fragrances, anyone can develop reactions after so many exposures—and we are all exposed to these chemicals several times a day. A study in 2011 even found that scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents!

Women More Affected Than Men

The WVE’s new report notes that millions of people are affected by skin allergies caused by chemicals in fragrance. Not only do we have to be concerned about the fragrance chemicals themselves, but many products use hormone-disrupting phthalates to make the fragrances stick to skin and hair. (Phthalates have been linked to diabetes and childhood asthma.)

WVE’s report notes that fragrances in household and personal care products are some of the most frequently identified allergens. Women are also more likely to have these allergies than men, they say, potentially because we’re exposed to so much more through cosmetic products.

Yet companies aren’t required to disclose those ingredients, so it’s very difficult for consumers to find them—and difficult for dermatologists to test for allergic reactions to specific chemicals. So while you may suffer from red bumps, itchiness, blisters, and blotchiness in the skin, you will probably be unable to determine exactly which product or fragrance chemical is responsible. This means that you’ll have to stay completely away from fragrances altogether, which is a difficult thing to do in today’s market.

“Every day too many women suffer from reactions to secret chemicals used in fragrances in their household products,” said Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research for WVE.

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned about secret scents and not knowing what chemicals you’re breathing in and putting on your skin and hair, please join us in taking action to make a change.

• Read WVE’s full report, “What’s That Smell?”
• Sign up for WVE’s Action Network to learn more about how you can support policies that protect us from toxic chemical exposure.
• Until companies start telling us what’s in their fragrances, choose fragrance free personal care products and healthier alternatives to fragranced cleaning products.

Join CV Skinlabs in our Safe Skin Care Revolution and enjoy non-toxic products delivered to your door!

Do you suffer from fragrance allergies? Please share your story.

Picture courtesy Ambro via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Sources

Nagtegaal MJ, “The role of the skin irritation response in polysensitization to fragrances,” Contact Dermatitis, 2012 Jul;67(1):28-35, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435471.

Hannah Hickey, “Scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents,” Cleaner Indoor Air, August 24, 2011, http://cleanerindoorair.org/scented-laundry-products-emit-hazardous-chemicals-through-dryer-vents/.

You may think that such a diet would limit my options when eating out, right? Not so much! I can find something to eat almost anywhere. I still really enjoy some vegan and raw options—even though I discovered from trial and error that I can’t be completely meat-free.  I need lean protein.

I wanted to share my top healthy restaurants in my area that serve fresh, healthy foods and are delish! If you’re in the New York City area and are looking for quality dining, try the following, then let me know what you think!

1. Pure Food and Wine: This is the top raw food restaurant in the city. (Raw food simply means that it’s fresh, unprocessed, uncooked, and vegan.) All meat, dairy products, flour, and refined sugars are banned from the kitchen, and they don’t serve coffee, but their wine is organic with no sulfites (which can cause headaches). The menu changes often, and all the items are healthy and really tasty. And it’s got one of the best patios in NYC!
2. GustOrganics: This is New York City’s only certified organic restaurant, which means that a third party has actually inspected the place and granted it organic certification. One-hundred percent of what they serve is made with certified organic ingredients. They offer a wide selection, from vegetarian options to grass-fed meats. They also offer delivery and catering.
3. Le Pain Quotidien: The mint tea here is real mint—you’ll find the leaves right in your pot! They use organic ingredients as often as possible, and offer gluten-free breads and vegan options, as well as some turkey and salmon dishes. I am obsessed with vegan gluten-free quiche! To die for. And I adore their pesto salad dressing. Plus they have the best smoked salmon in the city, and it’s even wild! Great lunch spot at decent prices.
4. Angelica Kitchen: This place has been around since 1976, and has very satisfying vegan meals. They use no refined sugars, preservatives, dairy, eggs, or animal products whatsoever. You may be surprised vegan can taste this good—get ready for great grains, beans, tofu, veggies, and wonderful, flavorful soups.
5. Peacefood Café: Another great place to enjoy light, vegan, and gluten-free meals. Their famous bakery is stuffed with delectable muffins, cookies, and pastries you won’t be able to resist. Fresh juices and great sandwiches are common—how about a roasted pumpkin sandwich or chickpea fries?
6. Eataly’s Le Verdure: A shrine to Italian food, Eataly’s all-vegetable restaurant puts a new spin on Italian dishes. I love the vibe here! The Verdure Alla Piastra, for example, has warm, gently cooked veggies served around a faro salad, with simple seasonings that really bring out the flavor. The Portobello Con Pesche pairs Portobello mushrooms with peaches, which amazingly, complement each other really well. Nothing is over done here—you get to enjoy the true flavors of a vegetable diet. One of my faves for sure!
7. Caravan of Dreams: These guys serve vegan-kosher food, with vegan interpretations of Italian, Asian, and Mexican dishes, along with some Spanish and Middle Eastern specialties. Try the tempeh burrito, for example, or the marinated-tofu quesadilla. You can also choose raw dishes with nut butters, veggie juices, stir-fry dishes, shitake burgers, and squash spaghetti. Yum!
8. Candle 79: This is “NYC’s premier vegan oasis,” with foods fresh from farm to table, and organic wines. You’ll find a complete vegetarian menu of homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, with plenty of gluten-free options including desserts. The pasta is handmade on site daily. This place has a reputation for converting even meat lovers! Find the Candle 79 Cookbook featured on Well + Good NYC. My favorite dishes include the seaweed salad (sans the edamame since I gave up soy), their lentil and kale salad, and I adore their polenta fries when I feel like a treat!

Do you have a favorite organic, vegetarian, or raw-food restaurant in New York City? Please share!

Did you know?

• We all have measurable levels of hormone-disrupting phthalates in our bodies, but women have more of them, most likely because of personal care products?
• The average woman wears over 500 chemicals a day?
• Even teen girls have makeup chemicals in their blood and urine?
• People with sensitive skin are much more likely to experience painful and irritating reactions to harsh chemicals in personal care products?

My father, for example, suffered a painful, burning rash on his face when he was battling cancer. A high-end, so-called “sensitive cream” actually irritated his skin even further, and I was shocked to also find out it also had ingredients linked to cancer and hormone disruption!

Enough is enough. It’s time we demanded better for ourselves, our friends and loved ones. I’ve taken the first step by creating CV Skinlabs, a skin care line that’s 100% free of potentially dangerous chemicals and has been clinically proven to repair sensitive skin and restore radiance. But now I want get these products out to those people who need them, and for that, I need your help.

Passion Inspired by Father’s Cancer

I know you’ve been there, too, where someone you cared about suffered from redness, inflammation, and even confidence issues because of skin conditions—and then struggled even more trying to find safe, natural and effective solutions for them.

The search is over. After years of research and hard work, the products are here, and now it’s time to get them out to the people who need them. To that end, we here at CV Skinlabs are running our first ever crowdfunding project starting April 11^th, 2013, in an effort to raise $65,000.

We would be honored if you would contribute what you can. Contributions start at only $10, and in return, you’ll receive rewards like CV Skinlabs products, a signed copy of my book, t-shirts, my book When Cancer Hits, or even an individualized “detoxing your personal care product session” with me via Skype.

It’s NOT Just About Skincare. It’s About Creating CHANGE

It’s easy to lend your voice to our efforts. Just go to our crowdfunding page at www.igg.me/at/cvskinlabs and contribute what you can between April 11th and May 8th, 2013. You’ll find all the information you need there, plus a list of details on our rewards.

No contribution is too small—even $10 will help us out! We will lovingly honor your name and the spirit of your contribution at our headquarters in New York City.

Most of us know how frustrating it can be to struggle with sensitive skin. Others of us have relatives with cancer who deserve to have access to skin care that doesn’t further aggravate their fragile hands, face, and body. And all of us deserve to have products that don’t put our health at risk.

Join our skin care revolution today, and add your voice to the many around our nation pushing for lasting change!

Go to our crowdfunding page now at www.igg.me/at/cvskinlabs, and contribute whatever support you can. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Source

“Average Woman Wears 515 Chemicals a Day,” Reuters, November 19, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/11/19/us-britain-cosmetics-idUSTRE5AI3M820091119.

“Phthalates,” CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html.

Willis CM, et al., “Sensitive Skin: an epidemiological study,” Br J Dermatol, 2001 Aug:145(2):258-63, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11531788.

“Unfortunately, I burned my arm with a curling iron yesterday,” says one forum member. “Today my arm feels fine, although there is a nasty dark spot now.”

“I burned myself on my curling tong again this last week,” says blogger Zoe Foster. “I burn myself because I’m usually in a rush, and not being mindful that the tool in my hand is a scorching, skin-sizzling 220 degrees, and am doing odd angles with my arms and hair….”

I think this is really why most of us get burned—we use the curling iron so often that we become careless with it. Regardless of why we get burned, the important thing is to treat that burn right away. Like any skin wound, it can leave a scar, which is definitely something we don’t want!

1: Cool It Down

Healing a burn from a curling iron is similar to healing any burn—your first step should be to cool it down. Apply cold water immediately! The faster you can cool the burn the more you’ll be able to prevent damage to the skin, which reduces the risk of scarring.

After the initial cooling, if you can, continue to cool the burn for about 20 minutes by applying cold water or cold compresses. Don’t use ice, however, as that can further damage the skin.

Once you’ve tamed the initial burn, try my Rescue + Relief Spray (store in the refrigerator) for cooling, healing relief.

2: Protect the Area

The second thing you need to do is protect the burned skin. You can apply an antibacterial ointment to keep the wound moist and sterile. Some people like to use natural protective salves like tea tree oil and yogurt. These may help, but they can also cause irritation, depending on how bad your burn is. Aloe has been shown in studies to help burns heal, and it’s also a natural antibacterial, so this one is usually a safe bet—just make sure it’s pure aloe, not a 10% solution.

Next, cover the area with a band-aid or sterile gauze to protect it as you go about your day. Avoid applying makeup to the area so that it can heal without risk of infection. Continue to protect the area until the skin has closed and the scab is gone. No matter what, don’t pick or scratch at the wound, as that only increases scarring.

3. Start to Moisturize

Once the wound has healed over and is no longer open or oozing, it’s important to start moisturizing. This will help keep the skin supple to avoid scarring. Try my Body Repair Lotion for burns on the body—it contains calming aloe and calendula. Use my Calming Moisture for burns on the face. It also has aloe as well as oat extract, which helps reduce post-healing itching and redness.

4. Treat the Scar

Once the wound has healed, it typically leaves behind a dark-colored scar. When your skin reaches this stage, you can treat it like you would any scar. First step—exfoliation. Try gentle acids like malic, lactic, and salicylic to break up the scarred tissue, but avoid rough scrubs that may further damage skin. You can use the same products you would use on your face on the scarred area, even if it appears on your arm or your neck.

Next, continue moisturizing. Try my Restorative Skin Balm overnight, as it is made for reducing the appearance of scars, and will help protect the skin as it continues to heal.

You may also want to try a lightening product—look for those that include vitamin C, licorice root extract, uva ursi extract, and white tea extract. These are all natural ingredients that encourage skin lightening and brightening and will help fade the scar over time. While you’re treating the skin with both exfoliation and lightening, don’t forget to protect the area from the sun. Even five minutes of UV-exposure can erase all your progress, so cover the scar with clothes or use zinc oxide sunscreen.

Prevent the Burn!

It may take time, but your curling iron burn will most likely eventually fade. Best bet—don’t get the burn in the first place! Try these tips for preventing curling iron burns:

• Invest in a curling iron with a plastic tip to protect your fingers.
• Set the heating level as low as possible for the results you want—this is not only good for your skin, but for your hair as well!
• Go slow—if you’re in a hurry, pick a hairstyle that doesn’t require curling.
• Use a comb between the curling iron and your scalp.
• Be conscious of your forehead and neck when you curl—most burns occur when doing bangs or the short hairs at the back of the neck, so use extra caution when curling these areas.
• Look for a curling iron with a heat resistant, comfortable handle that makes it easy to keep your grip while styling.
• Consider using hot rollers instead—they create softer, more natural looking curls, and cause less damage to the hair and skin than curling irons do.

Have you suffered from a curling iron burn? Please share your tips on treatment or prevention.

Picture courtesy Surachai via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Well believe it or not, spring is on its way! To celebrate, I am excited to tell you about this very special event put on by my dear friend and international makeup artist Kristen Arnett.

The Renew Yourself Party is on March 24, 2013, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. (Talks begin at 3:30) If you want to shed the winter blahs and renew, rejuvenate, and refresh your look, come learn from the industry’s best—and enter to win a complete set of CV Skinlabs products!

What You’ll Learn

New York City’s top pros in eco beauty and wellness are coming together to help show you how to wake up, revive, and fresh from the inside out through diet and daily rituals. If you want to get your energy moving and flowing and get that vibrant glow back into your complexion, this event will help you do that!

Experts will include:

• Jennifer from Shobha Salon, who will share the dos and don’ts on hair removal.
• Danielle and Whitney from Sakara Life, who will talk about eating balanced, organic meals that nurture and detoxify your body.
• Stefanie Iris Weiss, author of Eco-Sex, who will talk about how you can bring healthy romance into your life.
• Michelle Joni, founder of “Michelle Joni’s Skipping Club,” who will show you how to use your “magic” powers to live a more authentic, fulfilling, and happy life.
• Makeup artist Shirley Pinkson, who shows you how to achieve a healthy, youthful, luminous complexion in seconds.
• Eco-makeup artist (and my dear friend) Kristen Arnett, who will show you how to refresh your look with bloom-inspired hues for cheeks and lips.

They will cover some of the Spring’s most important beauty topics, from detoxing to learning how to feel more alive to gaining new confidence in your step.

What You Can Win

In addition to learning from all these great experts, you’ll also take home a goodie bag worth $100! The eco-goodies inside will include things like:

• A gift certificate for a free waxing service at Shobha Salon
• All-natural full and travel-sized cosmetics
• Additional surprises!

On top of that, you can enter to win $200 worth of CV Skinlabs skincare and a signed copy of EcoSex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable. What better way to jump start your switch to natural, safe products?

What You Can Enjoy

This is the perfect evening out for you and your girlfriends. There will be organic food and natural mocktails to enjoy, plus a photo booth, so get ready to play with new beauty products and have fun!

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013
• Time: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. (talks begin at 3:30)
• Location: Shobha Salon, 65 Broadway (at Rector St.) in the Financial District, 4^th Floor, NYC
  

Register Now!

The last event like this sold out in advance, so don’t wait—reserve your spot now by buying your ticket. You can get 25 percent off the regular ticket price by doing the following:

1. Register on this website, or
2. go to the main event page, and use the special code “cvskinlabs” to get your discount.

You can get your tickets now, which I would recommend, so you don’t miss out! Tickets will be on sale until March 23^rd, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. EST, or until they sell out.

For more information on the event, please go to Renew Yourself Event Page.

According to Women’s Health, 72 million women in the U.S. suffer from bloating or a general swelling in the abdominal area. Not only does it makes us feel miserable, it can also contribute to a temporary weight gain of 5-8 pounds. Talk about discouraging!

I’ve found ten steps that have helped me beat back the bloat on most days. I invite you to try these yourself, and let me know if they help you, as well!

Note: Consistent and painful bloating may be a sign of another health problem, so be sure to always check with your doctor.

1. Avoid chewing gum. It’s a simple change, but it can make a difference. When we chew gum, we swallow air that can lead to bloating.
2. Combine foods carefully. When you eat certain foods together, they can ferment in the stomach and digestive tract, releasing air that causes bloat. Eat proteins only with vegetables, eat fats and proteins at separate meals, and eat fruits by themselves. Breaking foods up in this way helps your system digest them more easily. Find a helpful graph on food combining here.
3. Manage stress. Anxiety can lead to bloating, as when you’re anxious, you tend to over-breathe, taking in more air than you need. Anxiety can also stress the digestive system, put pressure on the abdomen, and upset hormone balance. In fact, the digestive system is particularly susceptible to stress as it tends to shut down in response to the “fight-or-flight” syndrome that occurs when we’re feeling threatened. I find yoga and meditation help me remain more calm and centered, but you can also turn to aromatherapy, calming music, or whatever works for you.
4. Exercise. A daily workout helps your body naturally get rid of excess gas. It also promotes better digestion overall. If you add some crunches, twisting yoga poses, or Pilates moves to your weekly routine, you’ll gain even more benefits. The gastrointestinal tract is a muscle, so the more you work it, the more efficient it will be.
5. Try digestive enzymes. As we age, our internal levels of digestive enzymes decrease. These are the tools our body uses to break food down into nutrients. Without them, our digestive systems become less efficient. I’ve found that adding enzyme supplements before a meal can help my stomach digest my food a lot better, reducing the risk that I’ll bloat up afterwards.
6. Think about going gluten-free. I mentioned in my former post that my doctor—Dr. Frank Lipman—suggested I stay away from gluten because it can be hard to digest. Some people have celiac disease, which means they can’t digest gluten at all. I don’t have celiac disease, but I’ve found my stomach is a lot happier—and flatter—now that I’m avoiding gluten.
7. Reduce the fat. Here’s another reason to cut down on the fat in your diet—it’s harder to break down. Particularly saturated fatty-foods like burgers, fries, ice cream, and the like, can slow down digestion, increasing the risk that you’ll experience bloat.
8. Slow down. Wolfing your food down in a hurry is a sure-fire way to end up bloated. Fast eaters take in more air while they’re eating, increasing the air present in the stomach. Eating fast also overwhelms the digestive system, and it can’t keep up. Slow down and chew eat bite. Slower eating also helps reduce overeating, so you get two benefits out of this one trick!
9. Skip the sugar-free sodas. Though they may have fewer calories, many sugar free sodas contain “sorbitol,” a sugar alcohol that can’t be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It sits in your stomach instead and ferments, causing gas. Full-sugar options may be no better, since the carbonation can trap gas in the belly. Choose lemon water or tea instead.
10. Enlist the help of herbs. Many natural herbal teas can help reduce bloat. Try peppermint, ginger, dandelion, or fennel. My favorite combo: a full lemon, 2 tea bags of ginger tea and a bunch of fresh mint leaves. Make a pot and sip in the evening!
11. Get colonics. These are a type of enema that cleanses the entire colon. Also known as “colon hydrotherapy,” technicians use warm water and to help remove toxins and waste buildup that can be harmful to digestion and general health. Some of the benefits to colonics can be improved digestion, reduced bloat, increased energy, and a better overall feeling of health and vitality. My favorite place to go is LYT in New York City. Always check with your doctor first.

Do you have regular bouts of bloat? Please share any tips you have for getting rid of it!

Picture courtesy Ohmega 1982 via freedigitalphotos.net.

Source

“Beat the Bloating Blues,” Women’s Health, October 24, 2011, http://www.clickondetroit.com/lifestyle/good-4-you/womens-health/Beat-the-bloating-blues/-/4201430/3967894/-/14vba17/-/index.html.

I have acne-prone skin. Trust me, putting oil on my skin every night was the last thing I thought I would be doing, but I am amazed at the results—natural oils, along with some diet changes and supplements, have made my skin look radiant and clear.

We have the misconception that oils are a bad idea because we’re afraid they’ll encourage the skin to be oilier, which increases the chance for acne. Most of us have experienced using an oily moisturizer that was a disaster, but usually these are petroleum-based moisturizers that can clog pores. The key is to use the right kind of oils in formulas that don’t contain other clogging ingredients.

Here’s what I’ve learned about natural skin oils that are beneficial for those with acne. I invite you to try them and let me know what you think.

Oils Beneficial for Acne-Prone Skin

You want to be sure to choose those oils that will not clog pores—the following options are all non-clogging options.

What’s great about natural oils is that they not only hydrate without clogging pores, but they provide antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory properties—both key steps in reducing acne outbreaks. These oils can also help fight bacteria, calm irritation, soothe sensitivities, balance oil production, and hydrate without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel on your skin. Plus, they work naturally with the skin to support collagen and elastin production, rather than breaking down or drying skin cells, like most conventional, drying, acne products do.

1. Tea tree oil: This oil is a heavyweight champion when it comes to getting rid of bacteria, which is why it’s great for acne-prone skin. In fact, studies have found it to be as effective at treating acne as benzoyl peroxide, so why use harsh ingredients? Just be sure to use it diluted in some water, or try an organic natural acne treatment.
2. Lavender oil: This oil has a great reputation for wound healing, and is also known to be effective against bacteria and oxidating free radicals. It’s been found to be specifically effective against the bacteria that causes acne, and is found in many natural acne formulas. Because it’s so soothing, it can calm any redness and inflammation.
3. Jojoba oil: This oil is very similar to our own skin oil (called “sebum”), and therefore can “trick” the body into making less sebum. Less sebum may mean less oily skin, and less acne. Jojoba mixes easily with our skin oils, and can cleanse and purify. It takes several days to weeks of regular use to see the results, so be patient.
4. Hemp seed oil: Considered a natural acne solution, hemp oil is a natural moisturizer and can help heal acne scars. It has natural essential fatty acids that help heal skin lesions, balance dry skin, and fight skin inflammation—yet it’s non-greasy.
5. Borage oil: This oil has a natural compound that can have a strong anti-inflammatory action on your skin. Supplementing your diet with borage oil can help reduce overall inflammation. Topical application may also be effective—borage oil is also a natural source of salicylic acid, which is regularly used in anti-acne skin care. Most products use the chemical form, however. Your skin will adapt to the natural form much better.
6.  Evening primrose oil: This oil has a great reputation for taming inflammation. It also contains essential fatty acids that help balance and firm skin, making pores less visible. Evening primrose also helps dilute skin sebum so it’s less likely to clog pores.
7. Chia seeds: These are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and can help regulate hormones and stabilize insulin. Don’t apply these to your face—instead, incorporate them into your diet to gain the acne-reducing benefits. They’re great in smoothies!
8. Chamomile: This plant is strong in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties—the perfect combination for reducing acne. In fact, you may already find this ingredient in some over-the-counter acne products. Unfortunately, they often have other harsh chemical ingredients as well. To enjoy the benefits of chamomile, make a face wash with 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flower heads in one cup boiling water, then apply the solution to the face with cotton balls. You can also chill a chamomile tea bag and press it lightly against pimples, or use cooled chamomile tea to cleanse skin.
9. Echinacea: Research shows that Echinacea can help kill acne-causing bacteria and counteract inflammation. Look for Echinacea toners and face masks.

My favorite oil for oily skin, by the way, is the one from Suki Organics. Their Pure Facial Moisture—Balancing contains chamomile and Echinacea, and it’s perfect for using on top of your serums instead of a moisturizer because it’s light, breathable, and helps normalize your complexion. It’s recommended for nighttime use, but I use it during the day in the harsh winter months as well.

What to Avoid

In addition to using the oils listed above, be sure to avoid the following, as they can make acne worse:

1. Dimethicone: This is a pore-clogging ingredient found in many skin care and cosmetic products today. It can be hard to avoid, but it’s worth it—many people have found that their acne cleared up after they stopped using products containing dimethicone. Read more about this ingredient on my dimethicone post.
2. Clogging oils: These include wheat germ and mineral oils.

Do you have natural solutions that have worked well for your skin? Please share your tips.

Picture courtesy marin via freedigitalphotos.net.

If you’re tired of dull, dry, winter skin and want to turn things around for spring, you don’t want to miss this event!

My friend and eco-beauty makeup artist, Rebecca Casciano, and I will be speaking about this topic at Shecky’s Girls Night Out, NYC. Here are the details. We’d love to see you there!

What is Shecky’s?

In case you haven’t heard, Shecky’s is a community that believes girlfriends are a source of strength, nurturing, and inspiration. To help us connect and secure our relationships with the special women in our lives, Shecky’s started the “Girls Night Out” events to help women come together to discover, experience, and learn new things in a fashionable new way.

Now, over ten years later, Shecky’s is going strong, hosting up to 80 girlfriend-gathering events across America. And these aren’t your usual stiff-necked gatherings—instead, expect fun, laughter, and a club-type atmosphere that you’re sure to enjoy!

How to Get Glowing, Luminous Skin

We all want to know about how to get flawless, beautiful skin, right? You couldn’t learn from a better source than Rebecca Casciano. Makeup artist, green beauty expert and holistic wellness coach, Rebecca has worked as a celebrity and fashion makeup artist for over 12 years. She also discovered her own, holistic approach to curing her acne, turning to whole foods, a plant-based diet, yoga, herbs, and meditation to help her skin and body heal. She’s now committed to nurturing, safe beauty products without toxic ingredients.

Can you see why we blend together so well? (ha)

One of the main focuses with CV Skinlabs is to be able to bring an immediate radiance to dull, dry skin. So together, Rebecca and I have a few tricks up our sleeves! We’re going to show you all the insider makeup secrets to help celebrities and models look great, and we’ll speak about how you can get glowing, luminous skin from the inside out, without having to resort to chemicals or harsh treatments. Plus, we’ll add some quick and easy steps to transform your skin from dull to glowing in seconds. You’ll walk away with a lot of new ideas you can try in your own life to look and feel your best.

Event Details

Here’s the scoop on the events. As you can see, you have four chances to come learn all you can about getting beautiful, radiant skin!

            Thursday, March 7th and Friday March 8th (2 sessions each night)

1. 5:00p-5:30p You are Glowing!: How to Get Glowing, Luminous Skin in 10 Easy Steps
2. 7:00p-7:30p You are Glowing!: How to Get Glowing, Luminous Skin in 10 Easy Steps
   

Here’s where we’re going to be:

 SIR Stage37

508 W. 37th St. (10th & 11th Aves.) New York City, 10018

 Don’t wait. Get you tickets here!

 Please come. We’d love to see you there!

 For more information on the event, please go to Shecky’s website.

My Story 

I have always suffered from acne and blemishes. When I was in my early 20’s, my dermatologist prescribed birth control as a way to reduce the outbreaks, and for a while, it worked. In the past 5 years, however, as I have been researching toxins and understanding what causes disease, I knew that getting off birth control was something I wanted to do.

Unfortunately, when I tried to get off it and a month or so later, all the acne came back. Since I dedicated 2012 to my health—which included getting off the pill and getting to the bottom of my acne—I started working with Dr. Frank Lipman last year.

After several tests, blood work, and trial and error, we discovered that I have a sluggish thyroid and a hormonal imbalance. (Other than that, I’m basically healthy—yay!) So I’ve been working with my doctors to correct this imbalance through diet, supplements and what I use and avoid on my skin.

Dr. Lipman helped me with diet and supplementation, and I dove into my own research on acne and found these two books to be incredibly helpful:

1. The Acne Diet
2. The Clear Skin Prescription

Inflammation is the Cause

One of the interesting things I discovered in my research is that the main culprit in causing acne is inflammation inside the body. In fact, studies are showing that inflammation and free radical damage both play big roles in creating conditions perfect for the formation of acne.

Diet is a big contributor to body inflammation, as is stress. Knowing that stress was a big one for me, I knew I needed to create an “anti-inflammatory” plan that worked from every aspect of my life—diet, supplements, and skincare—as well as some stress-management practices like yoga and meditation. (These were already part of my life, but I recommitted to them when I found out that in addition to being good for my mental, physical, and emotional health, they help reduce acne!).

Below are some of the tips that have helped me enjoy clear skin without prescription drugs.

Twelve Tips for Clear, Radiant Skin

Here they are—twelve tips for clearer skin. If it all seems overwhelming, just try a few steps a day, and keep adding on. Pretty soon it will seem like routine, and if you notice improvements in your skin, you’ll be even more motivated to continue with the rest of the changes.

1. Watch your blood sugar. Even if you’re not a diabetic, your diet affects your blood sugar levels. Some foods break down quickly, requiring your body to release more insulin to use up that fuel (in the form of glucose), and scientists have found that more insulin means more acne. In fact, researchers from the Colorado State University found that a diet that leads to elevated insulin levels is involved in the production of acne. Foods that increase insulin are called “high glycemic” foods, and include white bread, sweetened cereals, pasta, baked goods, white rice, sugar-sweetened drinks and foods, and the like. “Low glycemic foods,” on the other hand, break down more slowly in your system, and help you avoid sugar and insulin spikes. In fact, a study published in 2007 found that subjects on a low-glycemic diet had far greater reductions in skin lesions and other symptoms of acne than a control group.
   Limit your sugar intake. Along with watching your overall blood sugar levels, you may also want to make a point to reduce your sugar intake. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006, for example, showed that those participants who had a high-sucrose diet also had a higher level of systemic inflammation than those who had an overall decrease in sucrose consumption. Sugar also spikes insulin levels—and more insulin means more acne. So the more you can lower your sugar intake, the clearer your skin will be. For me, this meant no sugar at all—that was already part of the changes I made last year. I do enjoy fruit (limited to mostly berries, pears and apples) and dates as the occasional sweet treat.
2. Cut back on meat and dairy. Standard brands may be full of antibiotics, but even organic types may contribute to acne. A 2009 review of 21 studies, for example, found that cow’s milk increased both the number of people who got acne and its severity. Dairy foods boost male hormones, which are linked to acne. Beef, as well, can increase insulin levels and inflammation, which contribute to acne. Meats are also acid-forming foods, which means they can affect your body’s pH level—too much acid leads to inflammation. To fight acne, you need an anti-inflammatory diet. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great natural anti-inflammatories (see step 4 and refer to books above for dietary suggestions).
3. Eat less trans fats, omega-6 fats, and fried food. Trans fats are those unhealthy fats that clog your arteries, and they can also increase inflammation that encourages acne. Many of our modern-day fried foods and processed foods are also full of omega-6 fatty acids. These aren’t unhealthy per se, but we get far too many in our American diet, which puts us off balance. They also worsen inflammation in humans—definitely not what you want when you’re fighting acne.
4. Eat more omega-3 fatty acids. Whereas omega-6 fatty acids encourage inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids do the opposite—tame inflammation. Eat more wild fish, flaxseeds, avocado, walnuts, free-range chicken, and organic eggs.
5. Avoid all hormone disruptors in skin care. These include parabens, phthalates, triclosan, PEGs, and bisphenol-A (BPA). Again, these can throw your hormones out of whack, which can lead to acne.
6. Avoid SLS in your skin care products. Sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates are harsh and drying and can lead to more inflammation. Because they strip the skin of its natural oils, they can also encourage the skin to produce more oil to compensate—definitely not what you want when you’re suffering from acne. You’ll find these chemicals in many common cleansers, so read labels carefully to avoid them.
7. Don’t touch your face. It’s hard, and a lot of us don’t think about it, but our fingers contain oils and bacteria that can result in a breakout almost immediately. Practice keeping your hands off your face. It’s also a good idea to avoid pressing bacteria-laden phones to your face, and to change your pillow cases, towels, and washcloths often. In fact, I never use a washcloth twice.
8. Wash your makeup brushes often. At least once a week, you need to wash all your makeup brushes in warm water and soap, then let them air dry. These brushes can harbor bacteria, and then when you apply your makeup, you’re putting bacteria back on your face—the perfect recipe for acne. Check out this post for tips on how to clean your brushes.
9. Never leave your skin naked for more than 60 seconds. Anytime you leave your skin wet or damp, you risk dehydrating it. So right after your bath or shower or after washing your face, tone and moisturize immediately.
10. Take precautions before your period. Women, take note—your menstrual period involves changes in your hormones, which is why you may experience more acne at these times. So right before that time of the month, you want to step up your skin care. This is the time to use alpha-hydroxy acid cleansers, which help exfoliate and get down into the pores for a deep clean. You may also want to up your intake of vitamin B6—it can reduce the skin’s sensitivity to testosterone, which in turns helps the acne cycle—and calcium and magnesium, as well. These last two help reduce sugar cravings, and may help reduce inflammation.
11. Use skin-friendly oils. I never thought that I’d be advocating oils for people with acne, but the right kind of oils can work a lot better for your skin than heavy moisturizers. Some acne-friendly oils include jojoba, hemp, borage, primrose, and chia—they all have some anti-inflammatory effects, and help protect skin from free radicals while moisturizing gently. Personally, I’m sold on the Pure Facial Moisture—Balancing from Suki Organics. It has calendula, jojoba, grape seed oil, and others that are perfect for those with acne.
12. Drink fresh water and lemon first thing in the morning. I mentioned this one in my 10 Changes post, because it is hydrating, full of antioxidants, and helps alkalize the body, reducing the risk of inflammation. It also helps support liver function, which is the main organ that detoxifies the body. If you’re full of toxins, you’re more likely to break out. Milk thistle and dandelion tea are also great detoxing tools. I use about 175mg of Milk Thistle as part of my regime to help keep my system as toxin-free as possible.

What tips do you have for avoiding acne? Please share.

Picture courtesy David Castillo Dominici via freedigitalphotos.net.

Sources

Mark Hyman, M.D., “Acne: Are Milk and Sugar the Causes?” Huffington Post, February 12, 2011, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/do-milk-and-sugar-cause-a_b_822163.html.

Anahad O’Conner, “The Claim: Sugar in the Diet Can Lead to Acne,” New York Times, February 23, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24real.html?_r=0.

“Sugar Intake Increases Inflammation in the Body,” Ground Floor Health, January 16, 2006, http://www.groundfloorhealth.com/diabetes/sugar-intake-increases-inflammation-in-body/.

1. He notes that if all goes according to plan, next month the European Union will become “cruelty-free,” banning the sale of all cosmetic ingredients that were tested on animals.

2. He reminds us that human beings are mammals as well, and right now, we’re all guinea pigs in the giant chemical experiment that is the cosmetics industry.

How Companies Are Using Us as Test Subjects

Most of us don’t like the idea of animals being subjected to cruel studies and tests, and so the fact that the EU may soon be putting a stop to it is welcome news.

Meanwhile, what about human beings? Bittman reminds us that, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), our personal care and cosmetic products are produced with over 10,500 different chemicals, and only about a fifth of those have been assessed for safety by the industry. That means that thousands of these chemicals haven’t been thoroughly tested, yet we’re exposed to them repeatedly day after day.

We already know that formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, which are by-products in many of our nail polishes, shampoos, body washes, hair products, and bubble baths, are known carcinogens. We know that phthalates are hormone disruptors and have been linked with diabetes, and that CDC testing has determined they’re widespread in the population. We know that parabens have been found in breast tissue. We know that many lipsticks contain lead.

And that’s just what we know. What about all those chemicals that haven’t been tested? The FDA doesn’t regulate these ingredients. In our country, it’s up to the companies themselves to ensure the safety of what they’re using.

Couldn’t We File Lawsuits?

Bittman acknowledges that we can always file lawsuits against companies that create harmful products, but the problem is that it’s difficult to trace the damage these chemicals may be doing to us. We’re using very small amounts over a very long period of time, and it’s extremely difficult to set up a scientific experiment to show whether such exposure is hurting us. First, we’d have to get rid of all other possible sources of chemicals in the lives of the participants, then ask a group of people to do nothing but stay in one place using these products over a period of several years. Not likely to happen.

Two guys came close when they decided to spend a week in a condo surrounded by typical contaminants. In Slow Death by Rubber Duck, they demonstrated that personal care products, plastic containers, metal cans, soaps, toothpastes and deodorants raised their blood and urine levels of chemicals like phthalates, triclosan and BPA.

Beyond these types of personal trials, however, it’s extremely difficult to get reliable scientific evidence on our long-term exposure to these products—thus, extremely difficult to put together any sort of evidence we could use in court.

Bittman offers another idea, however. Why not just require that all manufacturers use only those ingredients that have been tested and determined to be safe?

A Step in the Right Direction

On February 1, 2013, I announced in a post that consumer products giant Proctor & Gamble had agreed to significantly reduce the levels of 1,4-dioxane in their laundry products (like Tide). Earlier, in August 2012, we found out that Johnson & Johnson had agreed to remove potentially dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and fragrance ingredients from their products by 2015.

These are all steps in the right direction. Bittman suggests another idea:

 “But there’s a more sensible solution, and that is to use only known-to-be-safe ingredients in all products that come in contact with humans. Using questionable ingredients may be in the interest of manufacturers, but it certainly isn’t in the interests of consumers.”

Bittman goes on to say that we need to encourage our representatives to empower the FDA to safeguard us against unsafe ingredients as well as unknown ones. “After all,” he says, “we’re animals in need of protection, too.”

By the way, there are some companies (like CV Skinlabs) that are already employing this approach—using only safe ingredients that are nourishing and good for the skin and body. (And avoiding animal testing as well, by the way.) Until regulation catches up, our best bet is to continue to use our buying power to support these types of companies. Affecting the bottom line of the big corporations is the best way to encourage change.

What do you think of Bittman’s column? Have you changed your approach to buying cosmetic products?

Picture courtesy Victor Habbick via freedigitalphotos.net.