Monday, September 1, 2008

An Article by Michael Lee (Daisy Blue Naturals)

I ran across an article by our dear and much loved Michal Lee which was Published on Buzzle.com
(link for original article: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-18-2005-73316.asp)
I'm a copyright nut - so I want to make sure you all know - who wrote it and where it came from!

Michael is the Best!!! He really is! It is always a joy to talk to him and he always, I mean always has the answers for you! Enjoy his article and be sure to read more of his stuff at www.buzzle.com

What is Truly Natural?

"Natural" is an abused word in the marketplace today. A stunning number of products claiming to be "natural" are not. Find out what you should look for when purchasing natural skin care products.
In a society where the word ‘natural’ sells, you have no doubt seen store shelves lined with so-called natural products. Shampoos, lotions, and other topical crèmes are being marketed as natural. But how do you know if the product you are using truly is pure and natural?

If you desire truly natural products, you will need to seek them out. It begins with learning to read and understand labels. In the United States, correct labeling of cosmetics is enforced by the FDA. Manufacturers and sellers of cosmetics are required to list ingredients on the label of their products in the order of their concentration, commonly referred to as the FD&C Act. (This act does not apply to soaps, candles, air fresheners, or cleaning products, which do not have to list any ingredients!)

These labels will tell you what is in the products. It will not tell you which ingredients are truly natural. There is currently no law that requires any part of a product to actually be truly natural in order to be labeled as such. Do not feel duped. Millions of American consumers fall victim to this practice daily.

You want the healthiest and highest quality products you can find for both you and your family. So, what is it you should look for specifically?

First, avoid, AT ALL COSTS, products containing anything related to petroleum (petrochemicals). Petroleum distillates are common in the skin care industry and go by the names of propylene glycol, petrolatum, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil.

Ironically, petroleum by-products do the very thing they claim to combat. Over time, they actually dry out the skin by stripping away natural moisture. Petroleum products immediately clog our skins pores, not allowing our skin to breathe. (Think of this as wrapping your body in a layer of plastic wrap!) Many companies will use petroleum based products as ingredients because the cost is unbelievably cheap. Still worse, most of these products are marketed to mothers with infants (i.e.mineral oil-baby oil).

Another ingredient to avoid is "Sulfates". These can be in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. They are used in care products primarily for their lather and bubble producing properties. They have absolutely no benefit as an ingredient for your skin. Virtually all shampoos, liquid soaps, and body washes on the market today contain this ingredient in one form or another. When this ingredient is used for bubble baths, the FDA requires warning labels on the product. Don’t be fooled. There is no natural or naturally derived sulfate.

Artificial preservatives, which include Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydratoin, and Quaternium-15 show up on ingredient labels and are used primarily as chemical preservatives. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these ingredients have been shown to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions.

Now, take a second and gather your thoughts. This seems like alot of information to digest, doesn't it? Most companies do not want you discovering what these ingredients actually do. Ignorance is their ally. What can you do? Become informed and use truly natural products for your skin!

Not only does using natural products benefit your skin, they benefit the environment as well. Look for products labeled: cruelty free, no animal testing, vegan friendly, and recyclable.

You do not have to be a chemist to know how to spot suspect ingredients.

By reading labels carefully, you can become an educated consumer. As well as avoiding the above mentioned ingredients, do look for the following ingredients which are GOOD for your skin.

•Shea Butter- This natural plant lipid contains a high concentration of non-saponifiable fatty acids, which help our skin retain elasticity and moisture. It forms a breathable barrier on our skin, and is a gentle alternative to petroleum-based products.

•Jojoba- Pronounced ho-ho-ba, the composition of this ingredient is liquid wax esters, which parallel our skins own oils produced by our sebaceous glands, which makes this natural ingredient readily absorbed and utilized by our skin. Pure jojoba also contains a good amount of natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E).

•De-ionized Water- purified water using ultraviolet (UV) light to remove ions, and will remove not only the solids, but will destruct bacteria, mold spores, protozoa, viruses, and yeast! UV light is the safest way for total purification. Unlike other water purification systems, DI water does not have additives added to the water. The most efficient, effective, and environmentally-friendly process.

•Vegetable Glycerin- In a concentration that is beneficial to the skin. This product has gotten a ‘bad rap’ as being drying, but if the product made has the proper concentration it is very beneficial at keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized.

•Natural preservatives – this includes the following: potassium sorbate, vitamins E, C, and A, grapefruit seed extract, neem oil, and rosemary oil extract. Essential oils and other herbal extracts also are used as a preserving agent in products.

•Essential Oils- Aromatherapy using pure essential oils can be misleading; it does not work solely through the sense of smell. Each essential oil has an individual combination that will interact with the body’s chemistry, which affects certain organs or systems as a whole. Be aware of oils that are in the product, and what the benefits of using that oil are. The label should list the item as an essential oil, not a fragrance.

•Vitamins & Minerals- vitamins contain different blends of essential fatty acids, making them a good addition to skin care. Minerals could be in the form of a natural clay (Kaolin Clay), or listed as the exact mineral, another building block for our skin to remain healthy.

•Herbs & Herbal Extracts-Different blends of herbals will achieve desired effects, depending on the placement of them.

Why is it important to use skin care that is good for you? Skin is body’s largest organ and we are only given this protective layer once. It is up to us to keep it healthy and glowing. Beautiful skin is a reflection of following a natural approach to better health. Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized not only keeps it looking and feeling younger, it is healthier for your mind and spirit, as well as your body.

A healthy body begins with a healthy mind. Educate yourself about the benefits of truly natural care products for you and your family. For additional information, visit www.daisybluenaturals.com. The skin you save may just be your own!

By Michael Lee
Published: 7/19/2005

Open House - Sept 21st!!!

Come to the Mountains and Relax at the:

Daisy Blue Naturals Open House
Sun Sept 21st at 1:00pm
Gilpin County Community Center

Map
Why Come?
We will be Enjoying a Peppermint Foot Spa Treatment!
and......
You will be able to sample a huge selection of our product line including our new Fall 2008 products for yourself (Hair care, skin care, essential oils for health, home care products and more)
Learn about the importance of Natural Skin Care - Learn about ingredients you should avoid - you will walk away knowing how to read a skin care label with confidence!
Greener Cleaner Worksheets - Hints a tips for cleaning your home in a safe, Non-Toxic manner!
Bring your questions, concerns, and skin care issues! Nows your chance to get help!

GAMES - PRIZES - FUN!!!
This will be a Mystery Host Party - Meaning someone is gonna win big!
Increase your chances of winning by:
  • RSVPing by Sept 13th!
  • Bringing a friend!
  • Carpooling!
Thank you and have a naturally wonderful day!


September Specials

Daisy Blue Naturals Mineral Make Up is HERE!!!

Daisy Blue Naturals Mineral Make-Up!!!
Why choose Daisy Blue Naturals Mineral Make-up:
- 100% Natural - no hidden anything
- Contains NO talc - which can cause burning or itching
- Contains NO Bismuth Oxychloride - which can cause skin eruptions or redness
- Contains NO parabens - which have been linked to numerous health concerns

- Contains Vitamin C esters - a known antioxidant (no other min. m/up contains this ingredient!)
- Contains natural oxide sunscreens

Visit my Store to Learn More!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Kim's Krazy End of Summer Sale!!!

If you're a regular to the blog, you know each month I like to do a little something extra for my customers, go a little above and beyond the terrific sales offered by Daisy Blue Naturals...September is no exception!

I designed a sale that corresponds with the Hostess Specials this month (read the September Specials Post) It's pretty awesome!

Ohhhhhh.....so you want in on the sale eh? Only one way to do it:

Visit my Virtual Vendor Table at:
Expo-Connector

While you're their check out our Upcoming Vendor Events at:
Upcoming Vendor Events

Also I always do a little something extra for my Hosts - because you help me grow! You help me meet new, wonderful people all the time and I appreciate you! You are the lifeblood of my business! So for September, I'm giving every party host FREE SHIPPING!!! (believe me shipping adds up these days - whoa!)

Plus....you'll all be in a $15 Gift Certificate Drawing....you know those friends you have that booked parties through yours....here's a little gift you can use to shop at their parties!

Get Your September Party Booked Today....

Good Luck Everyone!

Friday, August 1, 2008

What NOT to buy!!!

You already know (or maybe you are just now learning) that we use:

No Petrochemicals
No Phosphates or Sulfates
No Artificial Preservatives
No Animal Cruelty
Recyclable packaging

and we are Biodegradable

If you have ever spoken to a Daisy Blue Naturals Consultant you also know we don't tell you WHAT to use....we educate folks on WHAT NOT to use! Daisy Blue Naturals is all about Educating the public on the dangers of commercial skin care ingredients...because we care. We really do. We have signed on at Safe Cosmetics Campaign and Leaping Bunny.
We are not here to just sell skin care...we want to change the skin care industry!!! We want safer products for our family and friends...we truly want to make a difference.
In that light, here are some ingredients to stay away from (check your labels!)

For more information on the safety of skin care products visit: http://www.ewg.org

Deet – by federal law, products containing deet must include a list of 12 warnings and regulations for use!

Bismuth Oxychloride – a heavy element which clogs pores and irritates skin
Propylene Glycol (PPG) – A derivative of natural gas. It is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Used because it is very CHEAP.

Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and other Petro-chemicals – by-products of making gasoline, they clog our pores and suffocate our skin. Used in skin care only because they are unbelievably CHEAP.

Phthalates – used in fragrances, nail polish, and plastics. They are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones. They are a common allergen (that fragrance that makes you sneeze…) , can damage the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and the reproductive system .

Triethanolamine (TEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA) –Known skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritants. Studies have shown TEA and DEA rob the brains ability to make memory cells, leading to brain damage and memory loss. As with any amines, it has potential to create nitrosamines, which is a known carcinogen.

Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone – used because it is CHEAP. You may see the claim “derived from sand.” Not exactly! It can orginate from silicon crystals (of synthetic or natural origin) that are then reacted with methyl chloride, another chemical that is known to be bad for our health and environment.

Artificial Preservatives (parabens, DMDM Hydration, Ureas, azoles) – according to the American Academy of Dermatology, these ingredients have been shown to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. Also, parabens can mimic estrogen in our bodies, which is known to play a role in breast cancer.

EDTA (Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA) –There are concerns with these ingredients due to the “amine” structure of the chemical.

Sulfates (Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl/laureth sufates, tetrasodium sulfate) – synthetic detergents, they add bubbles very CHEAPLY to shampoos, bubble baths, and body washes. They most commonly cause skin irritations, and rashes. There are NO naturally derived sulfates!

Phosphates – Major cause of skin irritations and allergic reactions.

FD&C and D&C colors – known carcinogens.