The Dark Side of Conventional Hair Dyes

Many people use conventional hair dyes and probably do not think twice about it.  I know I was one of those people.  I usually just scan through the information packet and really just want to know how to mix the product and how long it should sit on my hair.  I genuinely knew the product was not great for you, the chemical smell alone proves that, but I actually took a moment to sit down and read the insert information and I actually got a little scared after really reading it. 

I did not buy some unknown brand.  This is from the Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam.  Under the important safety instructions it reads:

Do not use this product if you have experienced any reaction to hair color products, or have sensitive, irritated or damaged scalp.  In these cases consult a doctor before using any hair color product.

There are also tips on what to do if you have a reaction to the product during and within 48 hours of coloring your hair.

If during coloring you experience any stinging, burning or rash, discontinue use as this may be an indication of a more serious reaction.  Do not color your hair again before consulting a doctor.

Any rapidly spreading skin rash, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath or swelling to eyes/face, rinse immediately and seek immediate medical attention.

If after coloring or on the following days you experience problems, such as itching, rash, swelling to eyes/face, blistering or skin/scalp weeping, seek immediate medical attention. 

I am not trying to scare anyone away from coloring their hair as I have colored my hair regularly over the years and have not had any side effects, but after carefully reading the insert, I am going to take a break from coloring and see if I can find out more about what is actually in hair dyes and try other natural alternatives.  I’ll pass along what I find out.

Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion Final Review

Two weeks are up and I have been using the Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion exclusively and here’s what I think about it.  I am very pleased with the overall results of the product.  My hands after two weeks of use in the winter are smoother than they have been any other winter that I can remember.  It has overall been a more mild winter, but the weather did get much colder last week and my hands are not drying and cracking as they usually do.   I love that a lighter lotion gives such great moisturizing benefits.

If I were to choose their lotion again I would go with the daily moisturizing formula.  The scent was a bit heavier than one I would prefer and I don’t seem to feel any more calm and relaxed after using the product. 

As for the ingredients, I do feel like it is one of the better products on the market and does meet their philosophy of using new and natural ingredients, though I feel their marketing really stresses the natural ingredients.  Also, be careful as you choose different products in their line as I did find some of their products had parabens in them. 

Overall, the product is a good quality one for the price ($7.99 for a 12oz bottle) and it is often on sale.  It is easily found in the major retailers and performs as promised.

In Store Natural Product Deals for the Week of January 22-January 28th.

CVS-  Organix Body Lotion- $4.99 with card.

             Organix Hair Care- Buy 1 Get 1 50% off with card.

             Simple Skin Facial Washes and eye makeup remover- $6.99 with card.

Target-  Simple Skin Care 5oz facial wash and smoothing facial scrub are $6.99

Rite Aid- If you buy $15 of Simple Skin Care you get $5 UP Rewards for your next purchase.

Why I Choose Paraben Free Products

Some of you may have heard of parabens, for some of you this may be a brand new term.  The reason I am mentioning the item is that if you buy mainstream beauty and cosmetic products you are almost guaranteed to find this as one of the ingredients.  It is usually listed as methylparabens, ethylparabens, propylparabens, and butylparabens.

Parabens are a type of preservative found in cosmetic products and are used to extend the shelf life of products.  They can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, spray tan solution, makeup, toothpaste, and most other beauty products.

I like to find products that are as chemical free as possible, but parabens I feel most strongly about as parabens have been found in low doses in breast cancer tumors and imitate artificial estrogen (which is linked to breast cancer.)  I first became aware of this through the Wikipedia article on parabens.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben.  I then took a look at the referenced article called: Significance of the Detection of Esters of p-Hydroxxybenzoic Acid (Parabens) in Human Breast Tumours. Philip W. Harvey and David J. Everetthttp://www.maxgreenalchemy.com/images/ParabenEditorialDarbre.pdf 

If you don’t want to read the article it basically explores how parabens were found in low levels in breast tumors and how possibly they got into the system through under arm deodorants and other beauty products.  It also talks how parabens show characteristics of hormone activity, specifically oestrogen which is a major factor in the growth of breast cancer. 

Parabens are usually found at the bottom of the ingredient list which usually means that there are low levels of the ingredient in the product, but take a look at nearly every body product you own:  lotions, body washes, shampoos, face washes, moisturizers, foundations, concealers, blushes, deodorant.  There may be small amounts in each product, but these are products that you use at least once, sometimes twice a day.  It may not be something that would affect you immediately.  My concern is just that this exposure over many years may cause problems in the long run.  The above article was from 2004 and now being 2012, there does not seem to be much progress in this area and just feel people need to be aware of what they are being exposed to.  I am just concerned about the lack of awareness of what is in the products we use everyday and feel people have a right to know what they are placing in and on their bodies. 

In Store Natural Product Deals for the Week of January 15-January 21st

CVS-  All Aveeno Hair Care is $5.99 with card.

Target-  10% off all Aveeno Baby toiletries.

Rite Aid- Tom’s of Maine: Toothpaste, Mouth Rise, or Deodorant  $3.99, but get $3.00  

                    UP Rewards with card.  It’s like getting it for 99¢.

                                                       

Burt’s Bees-  When you purchase $20 worth of their, Lip, Facial, and Skin Care products you get    $5.00 UP Rewards on your next purchase. 

Simple-  (a UK line with no artificial dyes, perfumes, or harsh irritants)  Buy one get one 50% off.

Simple Skincare Products being offered in the US

          

Simple is a UK’s #1 skincare line that began in the 1960’s and they claim to use only the purest ingredients.  The line is free of dyes, artificial perfumes, and harsh irritants.  As of right now the line is just being launched in Rite Aid Stores.   Initially, I am pleased with the line as European standards are much more strict when it comes to what is allowed in beauty products.  As soon as I can get my hands on some, I’ll let you know what I think.

If you want to check out the line the US site is: www.simpleskincare.com