BEAUTY KLINIC

As any soon-to-be-mother knows, pregnancy can be a mixed bag of highs and lows. While you are excited about meeting your new bundle of joy, observing a hundred and one dos and donts can present something of a challenge, especially if you are a creature of habit.

Take for example, the use of essential oils.

Found in many spas, candles and aromatherapy products, they can present a problem to a mothers unborn child. The problem is many women use these items for holistic skin care regimens or a relaxation tools. Being told that they can no longer use these products may cause a sense of despair as impending motherhood can cause skin reactions and stress.

However, it is best for a pregnant woman to stay away from these oils. Understanding why could go a long way in aiding women to firm their resolve in avoiding these substances.

Harmful affects of essential oils

Botanical products are normally very beneficial to adult humans, but these same oils could cause birth defects or premature delivery, especially when used in certain doses.

This is because some of these oils produce hormone like affects that can trick the uterus into contracting. Others, while normally okay, can be highly toxic to an unborn child. Since oils can quickly absorb into the skin and into the blood stream, this is not a good thing.

A few oils to avoid

While it may seem like a bit of an over kill, you would be wells advised to consider what oils may not be safe to use.

There are literally hundreds of oils that are off limits during your pregnancy. To be certain which ones may cross the placenta and pose a threat to your unborn, ask your doctor or do an online search.

There are even a few pregnancy forums where mothers gather to swap anecdotes, ideas and advice. You may be able to get the info you need from such boards.

While the list can be fairly comprehensive, there are few common oils that most people use that would be best to avoid, and they are:

Basil, black pepper, citronella, clove , jasmine , lemon , nutmeg , peppermint, rose wintergreen, rosemary and chamomile in certain doses.

Many of these are uterine stimulants and can cause contractions. Causing early contractions, as you may know, may result in premature labor.

To avoid this, stay away from these particular oils altogether. Again, when in doubt about an essential oil, consult your OB/GYN for guidance.

Safe alternatives for Mom and baby

Women who find that their skin is now breaking out or are seeking new ways to relax and unwind may feel at a loss of what to do.

The answer is relatively simple.

There are many products especially made for the pregnant woman that contain organic ingredients like Shea butter oil, which is safe for use during pregnancy. While these may be a tad bit on the expensive side, you can console yourself by the thought that a) you will only be using them for a few months and b) you are doing it so your baby can remain healthy.

Besides, dont forget that daddy can be an indispensible help during this time. Ask him for occasional gentle messages to relieve stress and promote relaxation. You may be surprised, but the request will make him feel useful in a time where he may feel left out.

A happy, healthy pregnancy

Being pregnant can be an amazing time in a womans life. It can be hard and extremely stressful, yet alternatively rewarding. Yes, there may be things, like essential oils, that you have to worry about in conjunction with a million and one other things, but when you finally hold your child in your arms, giving up a few habits here and there wont seem quite so bad.

As organic skin care grows in popularity, people are starting to realize just how unhealthy mainstream make up, lotions and basic heath items are. With this awareness has come a mounting alarm that these products are not FDA regulated and manufacturers can get away with using a lot of additives that pharmaceutical companies cannot. As a result, potentially life threatening chemicals are being placed in everyday items like baby oil, lotions and creams putting consumers at risk.

Many of these items can create adverse skin reactions and rashes that turn men and women off from the use of these otherwise beneficial items.

Below is a list of some of the things you should look out for when purchasing regular skin care products that may cause irritation or be potentially toxic.

Parabens

Parabens are a collective group of preservatives that have been used by the cosmetic and beauty aid industry to reduce bacterial growth in their products. Many Parabens start with the prefix of methyl, ethyl, butyl, or propyl and are extremely hazardous to health as well as irritating to the skin.

Below is a list of some of these parabens as well as other toxic chemicals that can be aggravating to the largest organ of the human body as well as contribute to a host of ailments.

- Color and Fragrance - both of these substances do not provide anything other than an aesthetic or scent related effect, however, both have properties in them that create skin sensitivity. They are also carcinogenic, meaning that they could cause caner.

- DMDM Hydantoin. Another preservative, this chemical has been attributed to the releases of formaldehyde. This harmful byproduct not only causes skin irritation, it creates allergies and joint pain as well as a long list of hormonal problems.

- Triclosan. This chemical has been categorized by the EPA as a chlorophenol, a high level carcinogen. Just a tiny bit can create major health problems and wreak havoc on the body. The continued use of Triclosan has been linked to hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

- Propylene Glycol (PG) - petroleum based preservative this substance has been cited among the many numerous skin irritants in cosmetic and beauty products. It is also so toxic that handlers have to wear safety gear just to touch it.

- Butylene Glycol - also a petroleum based chemical, both butylene and propylene glycol is dangerous and extremely deadly and some cases. Butylene has been linked to cancer and numerous other chronic disorders.

- Mineral Oil - yet another petroleum product, mineral oil clogs pores creating aggravating break outs and rashes in many users. It also interferes with the skin?s ability to renew and repair itself. This can create a host of problems outside of mere acne issues as the skin needs to function properly for other important organs to work efficiently.

On an even scarier note, most baby oil is made up of 100% Mineral Oil!

There are hundreds more chemicals that can adversely affect the skin or cause illness — to find out what they are, you should do further, in depth research on the topic.

Other problems associated with mainstream skin care products

Continued use of over the counter, mainstream skin care products can contribute to hormonal imbalances, allergies, severe skin irritations leading to rashes and dermatitis, disorders like CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) headaches, depression, mood swings and hyperactivity.

The answer

Using organic skincare products can alleviate some of the risks commonly associated with the use of mainstream beauty products. Be careful in this regard as many manufacturers may claim something is all natural or organic yet have chemicals in them.

Read all skin care product labels and above all, strive to make sure that you replace harmful chemical based products in your home with truly organic purchases. Though a bit more time consumptive, you will be rewarded with a better health and more luxurious and thankful skin.

In 2004, American cosmetic buyers indicated that 66% of them use organic make up products. The market for these products has also risen from $190 million to $318 over a five year period. Because of these numbers, organic cosmetics are becoming more mainstream and can be found in well known stores all over the country. This promising trend underlines current attitudes regarding green causes and a desire to lead healthier lifestyles.

As manufacturer grows to meet the demand, they look fro more outlets to sell their products.

This opens the door for individuals who wish to start a small home business pedaling organic beauty merchandise. For these entrepreneurs, the prospect of providing customers with products that are moving like hotcakes is alluring but how does one get started and is a license necessary to market these items?

Legal Licensing

The answer to this can be a bit tricky. Although the organic cosmetic industry is a bit unregulated, selling any item, no matter what it is made of, is not. If you wish to start a business you will need to obtain a license - the kind of license may depend on the way you structure your business.

Brick and Mortar businesses

Dermatologists, cosmetologists, aestheticians, makeup artists and health care professionals will most often already have a license. In many cases these licenses will allow them to sell beauty products from their offices.

If your expertise falls within these parameters, you should check and see if you need a specialty license to advertise and traffic organic beauty products. Laws may differ from state to state but chances are you will be okay if you already have a license in the beauty trades.

Online and Home based

For individuals with no formal health and beauty certification, a license to hawk organic products may be necessary. This is because anyone who starts a business has to be licensed. Once again, laws may differ from state to state, so check with their local governmental agency about what may be required regarding the purchase of a business license.

You may find that some laws are written to where you may not need a business license if you only sale a certain amount of product a month or annually. In some instances, an individual can own a sole proprietorship but may not necessarily have to have a license.

When you call the commerce related government agency in your city, be sure to ask in depth questions that cover all of these bases.

There’s money to be made

The organic cosmetic industry is not only an exciting one to enter into, it can be quite lucrative, in fact; experts postulate that natural and organic cosmetics sales will reach $6.6 billion by 2010. This figure can be very enticing, just be sure that you have what it takes to make your cosmetic business work. Although the company will more than likely provide you with the merchandise you will need to get started, you will have to work to build your clientele and partake in the billions that can be made in the coming years.

Venture capital

The main thing that keeps people from starting their own business is the assumption that they do not have the money to begin. The wonderful thing about a cosmetic business however, is that it often doesn’t take a lot of money to start, in fact, in some instances, it may only require a initial willingness to receive the product.

Once again, if you are interested in investing in an organic cosmetic business, contact the company you are interested in working with and have them send you information about their set up.

With the right mindset, you should be able to excel at an organic cosmetic business and make a significant amount of money to boot!

You hear a lot about organic cosmetics these days. This type of makeup is really becoming quite popular, but if you aren’t sure what all the hype is about, it`s easy to dismiss this as just another trendy, like glittery lip gloss or blue eyeshadow. However, these new types of cosmetics are here to stay, and for good reason.

What Are Organic Cosmetics?

Most makeup has chemicals and assorted non-organic ingredients to create the effects wanted. Unfortunately, these aren’t the best for your skin and some people even find that they are allergic to the ingredients in mainstream cosmetics.

When the ingredients are natural and organic, this basically means that you are getting the purest of ingredients to apply to your face. No chemicals are included, Nature`s own ingredients are used to work with the skin and provide that healthy glow as well as actually making your skin healthier.

The Benefits

Did you know that your skin actually absorbs much of what you put on it? Those chemicals that are used in regular cosmetics are passing through your skin into your bloodstream, even in small amounts. While this might not cause any immediate effects, you still have to wonder what will happen in the long term. Organic cosmetics are worth using, if only for the peace of mind you`ll have!

Some further benefits of these 100% natural cosmetics include the following:

- Fewer allergies. Most people are sensitive to at least a couple of chemicals and these can actually get worse with extended use. Natural Makeup with natural ingredients tends not to trigger allergies, though there are a few people who may still be sensitive to some natural ingredients. - Healthier skin. Avoid clogging up your pores with aluminum based products, instead use natural makeup to promote healthier skin. - Better health in general. What you may not be aware of is that often the ingredients used in natural cosmetics actually have other health benefits.

For example, certain herbs hold aromatic properties to stimulate your sense, while others are absorbed through the skin and can actually make you feel better. - No more clogged pores. These types of facial products tend to be lighter and easier on the skin. This means no more clogged pores and fewer pimples. - Repair damaged skin. If you`ve suffered from sun damage or even rashes and outbreaks from using chemical-based cosmetics, then going 100% organic is an excellent idea. The natural materials contained in these products will help repair that damage and create smooth, new skin. - Less is more. The fact is that organic cosmetics tend to be more concentrated, which means you really use less to get the same effect. It equals better coverage without plastering the makeup on, too.

You`ll find that with organic cosmetics, you can enjoy great looks without worrying about what you`re putting on your skin. There will be fewer zits and outbreaks simply because your makeup won`t be clogging your pores like before and the natural ingredients will help your skin stay healthy and glowing . . . even when you`re bare faced!

While these products may be slightly higher in price than regular, chemical-ridden ones, the benefits are many and since you can use less to get the same effect, it`s really worth the cost. Not to mention, you`ll have fewer skin problems that need to be treated, meaning you will have fewer products to purchase, which is also a major area of savings. 100% organic is the way to go when you want to look good, without lasting effects and guilt.