What are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are single, semi-permanent hairs that are glued on your own eyelashes to make them look longer and thicker. Most are made from synthetic fibers. How long they last depends on the type of adhesives used and the rate of your own eyelash growth—from a couple weeks to a couple months with touch-ups.

How Are They Applied?

Eyelash extensions are applied one-by-one to your real eyelashes using a waterproof, black adhesive. There are clear glues available also, but black is the most popular because it gives the illusion that you’ve used mascara.

The adhesives used in eyelash extensions vary from medical or pharmaceutical grade (non-irritating and fume-free) to glues that dry faster and last longer, but may be more irritating.

Formaldehyde in Most Adhesives

If you’re considering eyelash extensions, it’s important to check with the salon (or with the manufacturer) to find out what type of adhesive is used. Medical or pharmaceutical grade is highly recommended, which is the same type of adhesive used in surgical procedures.

Unfortunately, studies have found that many of the current adhesives used for extensions—including those that come with at-home kits—have formaldehyde in them. This can cause dermatitis in sensitive people, and the fumes can cause eye irritation. In fact, you’ll find that may people who have gotten extensions complain about the discomfort of the glue fumes.

A brand called “NovaLash” advertises their adhesive as the first formaldehyde-free option. They explain, however, that though their testing confirms the lack of the chemical, once the adhesive is opened for use, tiny amounts of formaldehyde are produced.

Other Chemicals Used

Other chemicals used in adhesives may include ethyl-2 cyanoacrylate, which is rated a “5″ on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database as a moderate hazard because it can be toxic to the immune system and may cause allergic reactions.

Adhesives may also contain fragrances, which are made up of undisclosed chemicals. Cheaper adhesives made in China may contain other unknown hazardous toxins. These are industrial quality adhesives that may not be approved for cosmetic procedures.

What to Look For

Considering that any eyelash adhesive may contain traces of some potentially harmful chemicals, if you’re still sold on pumping up your lashes, take the following precautions:

• Read labels. If you’re going to a salon, ask to see the product they’re using. It should be medical quality surgical glue safe for use on the eye area. (Should say “pharmaceutical grade.”)
• If the extensions are offered at a bargain price, think twice. Most likely this means the products used cost less, and therefore may be made up of potentially toxic chemicals. Again, ask to see the adhesive.
• Go to a quality salon. These are your eyes we’re talking about. Don’t skimp on price and put yourself at risk. Find a reputable, healthy salon that ensures safety. Realize that extensions can be expensive—about $200 for the initial procedure and more for touch-ups every month.
• Make sure the person putting on your extensions has the proper hands-on training. Ask for proof of the training.

Have you found a safer eyelash extension alternative? Please share your tips.

Sources:

“Consumer Protection Board Discovers Formaldehyde in Eyelash Adhesive,” Eyelash Extension, Adhesive and Glue Information, July 13, 2005. http://eyelashadhesive.org/.

Flirtatioius Lash, NovaLash. http://www.flirtatiouslash.com/novalash.php.

“The Soaring Popularity and Dangers of Eyelash Extensions,” Evoke Elegance, March 14, 2011. http://blog.evokeelegance.com/2011/03/soaring-popularity-dangers-of-eyelash.html.

“Health and Safety of Eyelash Extensions,” Luxury Lash Lounge. http://www.luxurylashlounge.com/health/index.html.

Photo courtesy HonoluluEyelashStudio via Flickr.com.

Health Dangers of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can cause a lot of problems, including exacerbating the severity of asthma symptoms among adults and children, increasing the occurrence and severity of headaches and respiratory symptoms, and causing fatigue and dizziness. Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) consistently rank indoor air pollution as among the top five environmental threats to public health. The United Nations Development Program estimated in 1998 that more than two million people die each year due to toxic indoor air.

Opening a window once in awhile, investing in a quality air purifier, dusting and vacuuming often, keeping up with the cleaning, and avoiding pollutants like smoke from candles and cigarettes, can all help improve indoor air quality. When it’s cold outside, however, and difficult to air things out, there are other items that can help reduce the toxins in your household air—houseplants!

The Magic of Houseplants

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University found that common houseplants like the spider plant, snake plant, and golden pothos reduced ozone levels. NASA also conducted a similar study and found that common houseplants can remove several key pollutants associated with indoor air pollution. In fact, NASA was so impressed that they’re going to launch some plants into space as part of the biological life support system aboard  future orbiting space stations.

What Plants Clean Out What Chemicals

According to the NASA study, some of the top plants most effective at cleaning out potentially hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde (found in insulation, particle board, and consumer paper products), benzene (found in inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber), and carbon monoxide from the air include the areca palm (also called the butterfly palm), the lady palm, bamboo palm, rubber plant, philodendron, dracaena “Janet Craig,” and the Boston fern.

Alive magazine published a recent article about houseplants and indoor pollution, and the following chart comes from that article, which you may read in depth here. Give it a try—you may find that a few more plants makes your air a lot more pleasant to breathe.

Have you increased the number of houseplants in your home to help clean out the air? Please share your experiences.

Sources:

“It’s Winter: Beware the Indoor Air Pollution,” Public Health News Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, January 26, 2005. http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/articles/2005/buckley_indoor_air.html.

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Indoor Air Pollution Increases Asthma Symptoms, Study Suggests.” ScienceDaily, 19 Feb. 2009. Web. 11 Jan. 2012.

Illinois Department of Public Health Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, Environmental Health Fact Sheet, Illinois Department of Public Health. http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/indoorairqualityguide_fs.htm.

American Society for Horticultural Science. “Houseplants Cut Indoor Ozone.” ScienceDaily, 8 Sep. 2009. Web. 11 Jan. 2012.

“NASA Study House Plants Clean Air,” Zone 10, The Plant & Garden Zone for Homeowners. http://www.zone10.com/nasa-study-house-plants-clean-air.html.

Will Richter, “The Best Holiday Houseplants,” Alive, http://www.alive.com/articles/view/23316/the_best_holiday_houseplants.

Greg Seaman, “The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Toxins,” EarthEasy, May 13, 2009. http://eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/.

Photo courtesy Chiot’s Run via Flickr.com.

I have such fond memories of Father’s Day. It was a big deal in my house. Today, I miss my father dearly, but feel blessed that I get to honor him every day through Cinco Vidas!

Though I may not be able to give my father a gift this year, he’s certainly on my mind, and I’m sure many Cinco Vidas readers are looking for just the right thing to get Dad. Here’s an idea: skin care.

Think the father in your life doesn’t need to take care of his skin? Think again. Here are a few reasons why safe skin care products are the perfect gift for Dad:

• Men like to age gracefully. In today’s world, men, just like women, often feel the pressure to look youthful and vibrant as they go about their jobs. Smooth, healthy skin can go a long way to helping a man feel confident and self-assured.
• A man’s face often suffers even more abuse than a women’s. Shaving every day is a natural exfoliant, but it can also break down the skin’s outer layer, leaving it prone to dryness and cracking. Men who work outdoors often subject their skin to wind, dirt, harsh temperatures, and pollution, further damaging skin’s texture and appearance.
• Because of the hormone testosterone, men often have oilier skin than women, making them more prone to acne.
• Men use several products a day, potentially exposing themselves to harmful chemicals that are linked to health problems.

In addition to these four points, what do you want to bet the products your father uses are not the best for him? Men often don’t think about these things. They get the cheapest cleanser on the shelf and forget about it. Unfortunately, many skin care products are full of potentially harmful ingredients, some of which are particularly concerning for men:¹

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP), found in products containing “fragrance” like aftershave, cologne, shaving cream, etc., has been linked to sperm damage in adult men.
• Lead acetate, found in men’s hair colorants, is considered toxic to human reproduction.
• Coal tar, found in dandruff shampoos, is considered a human carcinogen.
• Formaldehyde, a byproduct in many shampoos and body washes, can trigger skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
• 1,4-dioxane, another byproduct in shampoos and body washes, contaminates our water ways and is considered toxic to the kidneys and respiratory system.

The solution? Like I say to everyone—take more care in seeking quality skin care products. Read the ingredient lists, and take my Ingredients to Avoid card with you when you go shopping. Check out my post on where to find safe products for some great online stores, and consider the following tips:

• Take the bar soap away, and find a cleanser that draws out impurities with safe ingredients.
• Choose a toner that helps balance pH level and moisturize. Ingredients like eucalyptus, witch hazel, and tea tree are good here.
• The right moisturizer can be tricky—find a light one that won’t clog his pores, but that’s full of nourishing goodies like aloe, almond oil or jojoba oil.
• Try a vitamin serum—most quality brands are light and good for rejuvenating skin that has to stand up to the elements.

Did you get some quality skin care products for Father’s Day? Let us know!

Source

1. Michelle Witherby, “Think Skin Care is Just for Women? Men, Think Again!”, Natural Triad Magazine, June 11, 2011.

Photo courtesy strotter13 via dignitana.com.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, as many as 15–24 percent of Americans will experience hives at some point in their lives, while allergic dermatitis affects between 10–20 percent of children and 1–3 percent of adults.

¹ What causes these allergic reactions? Often it’s hard to nail down exactly what any one person may be allergic to, as the possible culprits are many. But there are a few that seem to be common irritants—including those listed below:

1. Latex. Found in rubber gloves and balloons, this is a common skin allergen that may cause dermatitis or even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

2. Dyes. These are the chemical colorants added to personal care products, which may commonly cause skin irritation.

3. Fragrances. Synthetic fragrances found in most personal care products, perfumes, and colognes are common skin irritants.

4. Preservatives. Chemicals used to prevent contamination in products are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. These include parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone.

5. Lanolin. Once a popular moisturizer, lanolin is processed in a number of ways, and some of these processing methods involve other chemicals and by-products that can irritate sensitive skin.

6. Chemicals that release formaldehyde: These chemicals are added to products for other reasons, such as to moisturize or keep the product at a certain consistency, but they may release formaldehyde and cause allergic reactions. Examples include quaternium 15, MDM hydantoin, DMDM hydantoin, and ureas.

This list only skims the surface. People with sensitive skin may also be allergic to dairy, gluten, PABA, alcohols, and nut ingredients, among others. The important thing is if you have a skin condition, particularly any of those listed above, an allergy is probably to blame. If you can pinpoint those items you’re allergic to, you may be able to reduce your flare-ups and enjoy more comfortable, attractive skin.

Your first step should be to contact your allergy doctor (or dermatologist) and ask for what is called a “patch test.” This is a common test used to identify substances that may create an allergic reaction for you. You can help your doctor by telling him/her of any substances you came into contact with before experiencing the reaction. He/she will then determine which substances you should be tested for, and place these in direct contact with your skin, usually on the upper back or on the forearm. After 48 hours the doctor will remove the patches and take an initial reading of any reactions, and then take another reading again 48 hours later. If your skin becomes red, swollen, or blistered as a result of contact with any of the substances, your doctor may conclude that you are allergic to that substance.

Once you have the results of your tests, you will probably have better luck avoiding the items that caused problems for you—and enjoy more comfortable, healthy skin in the future!

Have you had a patch test on your skin? Please share your story and suggestions.

Sources

1. Diseases 101: Skin Allergies. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/skinallergies.asp.

Photo courtesy tkym via Flickr.com.

Another dangerous chemical that’s in children’s products: pthalates. This particular toxin is especially harmful to the sexual development of young boys, so much so that there is now a “pthalate syndrome”—a condition in which the developing fetus experiences reproductive abnormalities, and may be born with undescended testes and a lower sperm count, and perhaps be at greater risk for tumors in the testes later in life. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found phthalates in three-quarters of the 72 name-brand products tested.

Such toxins as these are dangerous to everybody, but particularly to children. Their systems are more vulnerable, since they are just developing. Their cells are multiplying at a more rapid rate, their metabolic rates are higher, and they may retain more toxins per exposure because their immune systems are not yet as adept at weeding out the “bad” stuff. Is it simply coincidence that childhood asthma, autism, diabetes, and cancer are increasing at an alarming rate?

What can you do to protect your child? First of all, cut back on the amount of products you use. When you consider that shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions, toothpastes, hair sprays, sunscreens, and more are applied every day, you can see how toxins can build up in little bodies. “The main thing parents can do is use fewer body care products on their children or look for those products with fewer ingredients,” says Sonya Lunder, MPH, of CSC and the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Next, the EWG’s Cosmetic Database advises you to read product labels, and avoid any that contain these seven ingredients:

1. 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol
2. BHA
3. Boric acid and sodium borate
4. Dibutyl phthalate & toluene
5. DMDM Hydantoin
6. Oxybenzone
7. Triclosan

While you’re reading labels, try to stay away from other things like synthetic fragrances (choose natural-based fragrances instead, such as those from essential oils), synthetic dyes (colors), benzyl and isopropyl alcohols, ceteareth and PEG compounds, and parabens (preservatives). Finally, avoid the use of baby powder on infants, as it’s been shown to contain phthalates.

Some safer products you may want to try:

• Burt’s Bees, California Baby, and Jason Natural shampoos and conditioners
• California Baby body washes & liquid soaps
• Blue Lizard and California Baby sunscreens
• Seventh Generation baby wipes

To increase your child’s risk of living with fewer toxins, don’t stop with personal-care products. Buy organic produce to lessen exposure to pesticides, drink milk free of antibiotics and hormones, and feed children a healthy diet to help strengthen their immune systems.

Do you have some great product recommendations for kids? Please share!

Source
“Children’s Bath Products Contaminated with Formaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane,” Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Press Release, March 12, 2009. http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=425.

Photo courtesy of ember via Flickr.com.

A new study conducted by scientists from the National Cancer Institute followed 25,000 industrial workers in formaldehyde-producing plants for three decades, estimating the amount of formaldehyde each was exposed to while on the job. Workers with the highest exposures were 37% more likely to die from any blood or lymphatic cancer, and 78% more likely to die from myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. Highly exposed workers were also nearly four times more likely to die of Hodgkin lymphoma. (Overall, the risk of cancer was low, causing only 319 of the 14,000 deaths during the study period.)

In 1995, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimated that approximately 2.1 million workers in the United States were exposed to formaldehyde. Professionals like lab technicians, mortuary employees, textile workers, and industrial workers who produce the chemical are exposed more than the rest of us. However, since the vapor or gas is easily released into the air, we all can come in contact with it through automobile emissions, pressed-wood products, cigarette smoke, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and personal-care products. In March of this year, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) reported that most of the children’s bath products they tested were contaminated with the chemical. Insane, isn’t it? (Read our post on formaldehyde in baby products.) Even hurricane Katrina victims suffered respiratory ailments when exposed to formaldehyde in the trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to complete their risk assessment for the chemical, which would provide nationwide guidance on its danger to human health. The Formaldehyde Council, apparently, seeks further delays, pushing for a review by the National Academy of Sciences.

While government agencies take their time, what can you do to lower your risk? If you work in one of the aforementioned professions and you’re concerned, check your safety regulations on dealing with formaldehyde and strive to limit your exposure. In the home, keep rooms well ventilated, reduce humidity levels, and ask about formaldehyde content before purchasing pressed-wood products like cabinetry and furniture.

Finally, avoid nail polishes, nail hardeners, and bath products that may contain the chemical. Stick with organic brands from reputable companies like California Baby, Burt’s Bees, and Dr. Remedy. Again, this is why we all have to become our own authorities and read labels before purchasing any beauty, personal care, and baby products.

Has anyone in your family suffered from cancer as a possible result of formaldehyde exposure? Please share your story with us.

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

Somebody’s finally getting fired up. And it’s about time.

In March of this year, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) reported that most of the children’s bath products they tested were contaminated with two chemicals linked to cancer and skin allergies. Later that same month, acting on behalf of parents or other consumers who had purchased the products, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro (HBSS) took Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, Kimberley Clark, and other manufacturers to court.

“Parents are frightened by these findings, and rightly so,” said Steve Berman, attorney representing the plaintiffs and managing partner of Seattle-based HBSS.

According to the study, 82 percent of products contained at least 54 parts per million of formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. The results are disturbing for anyone, not just parents—these chemicals are found in many brand-name personal-care products. 1,4 dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and penetrates readily into the skin. The U.S. National Toxicology Program lists formaldehyde as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer.” It’s also known to cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. And both these chemicals are listed as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Unfortunately, neither one appears on the ingredient deck, so it’s difficult to tell if you’re being exposed. Both are by-products of the manufacturing process, created as a result of reactions between the other ingredients. You can watch out for “sodium myreth sulfate,” “PEG,” “oxynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth,” and “polyethylene,” which are all potential precursors of 1,4 dioxane. As for formaldehyde, stay away from Quaternium-15 and other chemical preservatives that can release it. (Find out more about reading labels.)

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) has countered that the CSC’s report was not scientifically noteworthy, the levels of the chemicals found are not hazardous, and the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel have already concluded that formaldehyde in cosmetics and personal care products is safe at current levels (below 2,000ppm). However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says, “The presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is cause for concern.” The HBSS lawsuit calls for medical monitoring of children and anyone exposed to the products in question.

According to the CSC, manufacturers could easily remove these chemicals. (Some have already done so in organic and other more natural formulas.) Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., president and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund, says, “There is absolutely no reason why manufacturers can’t remove hazardous chemicals in products being applied to babies’ bodies every day. Children are exposed to toxic chemicals from many sources. We need to protect them from these kinds of repeated, unnecessary exposures.” Let’s hope this lawsuit will be the first step toward doing that.

Meanwhile, there are a few toxic-free, natural baby lines that are clear of these two chemicals: we like California Baby, Earth Mama Angel Baby, and organic Erbaviva. The price for all-natural, chemical-free and organic shampoos and lotions can be a bit higher, as the ingredients and manufacturing processes are more costly. However, we’ve found these products to be more concentrated and last longer—you definitely get your money’s worth. When we realize the chemicals that are present in our standard products, and how dangerous they can be for babies and adults, switching to organics becomes a no-brainer.

Fired up over chemicals in your baby products? Please share your thoughts with us!

Photo courtesy of FadderUri, via Flickr.com.

That sharp odor comes from a mix of alcohol, solvents and resins that gives polish its ability to adhere to the nail, deliver the pigment, and resist chipping and peeling. Unfortunately, with repeated exposure, several of these ingredients are highly toxic as well as pungent, especially to sensitive and compromised nails. But since treatment may be leaving your nails brittle and discolored, you’ll probably want to cover up with nail polish. Is there an alternative?

Browse the nail-polish aisle and you’ll find a lot of pretty names like Siberian Nights and Shanghai Shimmer, but the words in the ingredient lists are significantly less flattering. Many brands contain chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde, and some still contain Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)—though the European Union has banned it from their cosmetics.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found DBP and other phthalates—which have been associated with reproductive abnormalities—in the bloodstream of every person they tested, but still the FDA has taken no action to ban the ingredient. The Environmental Working Group attributed the presence of DBP in young woman to the use of nail polish, and warned moms to stay away. Fortunately, many major manufacturers are beginning to create formulas without this toxic ingredient.

Toluene, when inhaled in large doses, has been reported to cause extreme fatigue, mental confusion, nausea, headache and dizziness. As for formaldehyde, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends it be handled as a potential occupational carcinogen. Lab studies have shown rats exposed to the vapors developed nasal cancer. Even simple inhalation can cause throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath, and the chemical is known to absorb into the skin.

And then we have the polish removers. Full of things like acetone (known to irritate the eyes and lungs) and ethyl acetate (highly flammable, can lead to neurological damage), they tend to dry skin and nails, making your hands look worse. None of this sounds so pretty after all, does it?

Thankfully, we can avoid these chemicals and still have pretty nails. As long as your nails aren’t broken or exposing wounded skin, we encourage you to use nail polish, but opt for safer formulas. Gentler products do exist, and they’re usually labeled “water-based” and/or claim to be free of these dangerous chemicals. Some examples: Honeybee Gardens WaterColors and Odorless Nail Polish Remover, Dr. Remedy Nail Products (love this brand!), Acquarella Water Color, No Miss “Almost Natural” Nail Polish Remover, Tate’s Natural Miracle Odorless Nail Polish Remover, Peacekeeper Natural Nail Polish, and SunCoat products.

To determine the toxic rating on your favorite polish, check out the Safe Cosmetics listing of many popular brands. And if you’re getting your nails manicured, make sure to take your gentler polish and remover with you—you’re more likely to avoid infection and stay safe.

Have some non-toxic nail polishes or removers to recommend? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village