Ask a teenager about plastic surgery and the youngster will have enough to say about the contoured bodies, broad shoulders and the picture perfect features of the cine stars. For most of them, plastic surgery stands for cosmetic plastic surgery and they strongly believe in what the so-called reality TV shows show – a slight downsizing here and a little enhancement there is going to change their lives. But why just blame the youths? The older generation is doing no better either. There seems a great need of setting their notions right.

Plastic surgery is actually a reconstruction or restoration of deformed, destroyed and injured parts of the body. This corrective surgery improves the appearance of the patient and at the same time adds to the functionality of the once deformed, defective part. Thus, birth defects like cleft lips and palates, disfigurements resulting from accidents like burn-marks or for that matter a deformity acquired in the process of disease treatment (removal of one or both the breasts as part of breast cancer treatment) can be set right by plastic surgery specialists.

The history of plastic surgeries runs back to the days of the ancient Egyptians. The word ‘plastic’ in the name is derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold. The molding surgery became popular after the First World War (countless casualties with body disfigurements was an aftermath of the war).

Plastic surgery is real surgery, involving cutting and stitching. Hence, the plastic surgery specialists always emphasize on the patients emotional and physical fitness in order to handle the stresses of surgery. Plastic surgeons, therefore, make it a point to check medical history of patients. An ideal plastic surgery specialist agrees to give a surgical treatment only if he/she finds that the patient is a perfect candidate – nearly the ideal age, ideal weight, not ailing and sticks to a healthy lifestyle. Thus, some surgeons will not perform certain procedures like Rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose) and breast implants on teens.

Plastic surgery costs are a bit exorbitant and especially if you go to a certified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, considering the complexity involved, you should never be taking any risks. Moreover, if you are undergoing plastic surgery for the right reason (and surgery becomes a dire necessity) you shall have insurance coverage. In case you are opting for a cosmetic plastic surgery and simply want to undergo a metamorphosis from an ugly duckling to a beautiful angel, you will have to bear the costs.

Do not let yourself be fooled by each celebrity plastic surgery news! It may not be possible for you to check for the authenticity of the news but you know, there are simpler and safer ways of changing your looks and gaining confidence if you are thinking of plastic surgery as a makeover option.

For instance, TCA peels and laser treatments are external treatments that result in younger looking skin and can treat or even cure many skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to sagging skin and sun spots. TCA peels have been used in Hollywood by the stars for years on reality shows like The Swan, MTV’s Made, even on Oprah. Unlike Laser treatments, which are only available as a in office or spa treatment, TCA peels can now be purchased for at home treatment and they are considered to be the most effective spa treatment available by numerous plastic surgeons and dermatologists alike. For more information on TCA peels for home use and other spa treatments please see the link below.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Your skin tells a lot about you. Someone who looks at your face can often tell if you haven’t had enough rest, if you’ve been slacking on your diet, or if you moisturize regularly. Your skin can also tell someone a lot about your state of mind.

It’s pretty obvious when you’re embarrassed because your face will get flushed. That’s not what I mean. I’m referring to life’s problems that pile up, stress you out, and keep you from performing at your ultimate best. Long periods without good nutrition will make skin pale and flaky, while a lack of moisture in your body can make skin tight and pinched-looking. Late nights and stressful situations can cause breakouts, oily skin and a tired, harried appearance that can keep you from looking your best.

With our busy lifestyles, it’s hard to imagine how we can sleep more, eat better and stay hydrated enough to keep life’s problems from showing up on your face. Fortunately, you can easily combat some of these problems by carefully choosing quick ways to relax and rejuvenate your body that won’t break the bank.

Natural skincare products containing essential oils will not only help to improve your skin’s appearance, but they have a double-duty effect with their aromatherapy benefits. For example, lavender essential oil is beneficial for people with minor cuts, scrapes, rashes and mild sunburn. It is also great for relaxation, making lavender a useful tool for eliminating stress.

Another great essential oil for mood enhancement is clary sage. It helps to balance the skin’s natural production of sebum, making it a suitable choice whether your skin is too oily or too dry. At the same time, clary sage is well known for its hormone balancing effects, eliminating the mood swings and cramping that often occur during your menstrual cycle.

When you are choosing skincare products with essential oils, look for ones that contain little to no fragrance so you receive the full benefit of the aromatherapy at work. Also check the labels for chemicals which may cause allergic reactions and thwart your efforts to clear up your skin. With the right products, you’ll begin to feel better emotionally, your appearance will change for the better, and people will certainly take notice.

Burgundy Shank makes natural skincare products using essential oils and other nutrient-rich natural ingredients. To download her FREE Report, “The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products,” sign up for her newsletter, “Beauty Secrets from Around the World” at http://www.burgundysoap.com

Omega 3 fatty acids and protein are great for healthy skin. Hair, skin and nails are mostly made of protein, though the minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals we get from the best type of carbohydrates - fruit and vegetables - are also crucial if skin care is your goal.

Protein is needed to repair cells, it is important for energy levels, balancing blood sugar levels, and is involved with glutathione production. Glutathione is an important antioxidant, and antioxidants are essential components of eating your way to beauty.

So what are some good sources of protein that are somewhat under-represented in our average diet?

Fish is excellent as it supplies both protein, and the omega 3 fatty acids, which are believed to contribute to skin health. The oily fish like salmon, tuna, cod and mackerel are good natural sources of omega 3, that have the advantage of avoiding the reflux problem associated with many fish oil supplements. Being a whole food, these fish also have DMAE, which is excellent for protecting cellular membranes and improving skin tone. (Angyal) Recommended sources of DMAE from fish are anchovies, sardines, and wild salmon.

Canned salmon is a good option, generally. Although it may seem strange to encourage people to eat canned salmon over fresh salmon, it has some important advantages that are the direct result of farming practices for fresh fish. According to Erica Angyal, the author of Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days, canned salmon is typically wild salmon. Wild salmon and farmed salmon that was raised in crowded pens made of nets (think of an underwater battery cage), have some important differences in nutrient value.

The food farmed salmon are fed is very different to what wild salmon eat. Wild salmon eat other sea residents such as shrimp and krill. And it is this diet that gives them the lovely pink color we associate with salmon. On the other hand, farmed salmon are fed soybean pellets and other cereal based food, which changes their ratio of essential fatty acids. They become characterized by higher levels of saturated fats and omega 6 fatty acids (linoleic acid), which we get plenty of in our diets anyway, and their levels of the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids become lower. Given that the whole point many people eat fish for is to change this very ratio in themselves, it seems to negate the point somewhat.

On top of this, farmed salmon, like their counterparts in the poultry and beef industries, are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and protect the farmer’s investment. There is an expectation of cost effectiveness and market value that determines the type of conditions farmed salmon grow in. To compensate for the lack of pink color, colors are added that can be made both naturally and synthetically. Whether they are natural or synthetic is generally up to the farmer.

This is not to say farmed salmon is bad, or has no omega 3 fatty acids. It does, and it is better than nothing. And fresh fish is a lovely meal. But like eating free range eggs in preference to battery cage eggs, wild salmon is an infinitely better nutritional choice.

References: E Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days (Lothian, 2005)

Do you have acne? Learn which vitamins and minerals are best to help repair the skin and manage acne in this acne nutrition article. Or learn more about the effects of carbohydrates on acne in this diets to clear acne article.

Staying young and beautiful is an important factor in many of our lives. The thought of getting old, wrinkly and losing our faculties is rather daunting to say the least.

Scientists who have studied aging are now saying that your genes only have 40 percent of the deciding factor to how old you look and feel, the rest is due to what you eat, drink and your state of mind. According to these studies, this means you can delay aging symptoms by years, simply by taking small steps to improve your diet, fitness and by trying to cut down the levels of stress and negativity in your life.

Cutting down on stress is one of the most important things you need to think about, prolonged stress can be hazardous to your health. Studies have shown there is evidence that chronic stress weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Try to be positive about your life, if you are not one of life’s natural optimists it will be worth learning to become one by practicing positive thinking, such as; If you find yourself reacting to an event in a destructive way, stop for a moment and focus on positive areas of your life or think of a good time in your life and reflect on the best features about yourself, once you have managed to get into a better state of mind take another look at your problem or event, is it actually as important as you first thought?

Is there an easier way to go about your problem? Or perhaps there is someone who you can ask for help to lighten the load. By believing in yourself, thinking that things can only get better and that this situation is temporary, you will be surprised how much happier and calm you can become.

Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and a minimum of one portion of oily fish a week, this will boost your immune system and help give you more energy to go about your busy lifestyle. By eating your recommended portion of fruit and vegetables, scientists also say you cut your overall cancer risk by twenty percent. Eating oily fish at least once a week can cut your risk of heart attack by forty percent. Fish also helps to reduce risk of several forms of cancers and can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Drink eight glasses of water each day to keep your body fully hydrated. Water can help build up your bodies immune system and is also known to increase the elasticity of the skin, which keeps your face and body wrinkle free for longer.

When dieting if you drink a large glass of water before each meal your stomach will be fuller to start with so you will not need to eat as much food to fill you up thus making dieting much easier.

Keep on the move, staying physically fit is an important factor in achieving a healthy lifestyle, by doing as little as twenty minutes of exercise a day will do you the world of good, especially if you stick to a routine, it will build up your strength, balance and flexibility.

Always wear sun lotion, by wearing sun lotion with a high sun protection factor you can protect your skin from exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB. Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage such as wrinkles, lowered immunity against infections, aging skin disorders and cancer.

There are many more things you can do to improve your health and fitness, but if you follow these few steps it will be a good start and will make a huge difference to your life and future.

Cheryl White is the author of http://www.money-4-work.com and http://www.work-n-earn.com

Summer vacations in an archipelago like the Philippines are often spent on the beach, frolicking in the water, enjoying the sun and surf, or idling the time away on the sand just watching other people have fun. To many people, the coming of summer means a return to the gym or health club in order to whip one’s body back to shape, shedding excess pounds, burning the fat away, in order to look as good as possible in skimpy bikinis or swimming trunks.

For many who do not have the time nor the motivation to spend hours working out in the gym, cosmetic surgery offers a quick solution to the problem of how to look good in swimwear without having to exercise. The popularity of cosmetic surgery coupled with its increasing affordability has made cosmetic surgery a viable option for many who desire an attractive body shape.

What better way is there to get curvy or flat contours other than liposuction? In 2005, it is estimated that more than 270,000 people underwent liposuction in the U.S.A. alone, making it the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. Such big numbers indicate a desire of a large number of people to have an attractive figure. For men, this generally means having a flat abdomen coupled with straight flanks on both sides. Women on the other hand undergo liposuction to get thinner waistlines and to remove localized fatty bulges that are most difficult to get rid of even with rigorous exercise. Areas where fat deposits are the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, as well as on arms, knees, calves, upper torso, neck and under the chin.

Liposuction is a safe procedure when done by a well-qualified plastic surgeon. Patients with young, healthy elastic skin who have localized areas of fat are the best candidates for liposuction. This procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, if the fat to be removed totals 5 liters or less. (For amounts greater than 5 liters, it is recommended that patients stay a night or two in the hospital). After liposuction is performed, patients are advised to wear compression garments for 2 weeks, in order to prevent accumulation of blood (hematoma) or serum (seroma), and to enable the skin to adhere to underlying tissues.

There may be some swelling and bruising after liposuction, but these usually subside within 6 to 8 weeks. Patients are advised to restrict their activities for the first two weeks following surgery. Sports activities are resumed gradually on the third postoperative week. Direct sun exposure of liposuctioned areas should be avoided until all bruising has disappeared, usually within 2 to 4 weeks. This schedule for gradual resumption of normal routine should be kept in mind by those who would like to be active on the beach by the time summer starts.

The second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure is breast augmentation. Current norms of beauty regard women with full shapely breasts and thin waists as more attractive than those with breasts of lesser dimensions. It is no secret that women with bigger breasts will get more admiring looks from men compared to those with flatter chests. Do you still wonder why "Baywatch" is the most watched television show all over the world?

Following breast surgery, patients may have minimal to moderate pain which is controlled by painkiller medications. Antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent infection. Patients are advised bed rest and limited activities for the first few days after surgery. Sutures are removed in 5 to 7 days. After one week, massage of recommended to keep the breasts supple. There may be numbness around the treated area but this is usually temporary. There may be swelling and discoloration, but these disappear in a few days. Scars from the incisions are initially pinkish in color but this will gradually fade with time. Patients who wish to undergo breast augmentation should schedule their surgery around a month before summer starts in order to allow time for recovery and resumption of normal activity.

Dr. Carlos Lasa Jr. is a Filipino plastic & reconstructive surgeon who trained at the University of the Philippines, Institute of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Georgia, USA, & Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Ohio,USA. He is currently based in Metro Manila, Philippines, where cosmetic surgery is very affordable due to favorable exchange rates, and lower overhead costs and professional fees. Dr. Lasa specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, rhinoplasty (noselift), breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhytidectomy (facelift), and more. For more information about having safe and affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines, visit his site at http://www.cosmeticsurgeryphil.com or email clasamd@cosmeticsurgeryphil.com

People can spend years searching for their perfect skin care solution. Finding the right products can be a constant struggle. Many offer quick fixes or cures for skin conditions. Most experts agree that a skin care solution regimen includes several basic steps. Cleaning your skin is an important first step to healthy skin. Finding a cleanser that fits your skin type is best. Toners are a more aggressive product while astringents are the strongest of all these types of products.

Moisturizing your skin is the third step in a skin care solution. Chilling your moisturizer in warm weather and warming the moisturizer in cool weather helps your skin to absorb the moisture more readily.

Another important part of a skin care solution is protecting your skin in extremely hot or cold climates. Extended sun exposure can lead to serious skin problems. A skin care solution can help ease the symptoms of various skin conditions. Dry skin, a common skin condition, can be caused by many factors. Dry skin can affect the entire body. Dry skin can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Finding the Right Products Will Help You Develop a Skin Care Solution Lotions, balms, sun protect ants, cleansers, moisturizers, and many other products exist to relieve and cure skin conditions. Readily available products can often relieve most mild cases of skin conditions. Living with dry skin or other skin conditions can be annoying and frustrating. Finding the right skin care solution may take some time and effort; however, the benefits of working on your skin’s health far outweigh the difficulties in finding appropriate skin care products.

Dermaglow offers ranges of organic and natural skin care and beauty products. http://www.dermaglow.co.uk

David Stanton 2005

Aromatherapy tips enhance the way you look, for aromatherapy is the art of massaging volatile, non-oily essences of plants and flowers for enlivening mind, body and soul of all. Aromatherapy oils include geranium, Rose, Neroli, Lavender, Lemongrass, Basil and Roman chamomile, which are mingled with base oils like almond, walnut, and grape seed and other vegetable oils to produce a wonderful effect on everyone.

Aromatherapy tips for using the oils

Since ancient times aroma is favorite to all. So the aromatherapy oils not only soothe your senses but also heal all physical pain and mental depressions. So before you start using aromatherapy oils, you should know how to use these oils. The aromatherapy massage oils are used in the spas and healing centers but you can also use it for self-massage in your own home.

In case of self-massage make your own personalized oils by blending neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, nutmeg, and peppermint in the base oils and also add a few drops of basil to make a wonderful mixture. While bathing you can add oils like lavender, Roman chamomile and rose to the waters, so that you feel fresh. Diffuser means dispensing essential oils into the air. You can add the scented oils to a bowl of water placed on a radiator and inhale them to realize the effects.

Aromatherapy tips for various body parts

Other than typical beauty care, aromatherapy can also heal depression, insomnia, acne, joint pains, stress, cough, and other diseases. Aromatherapy tips can include tips for skin, body, mental concentration, headache, depression and insomnia.

Aromatherapy tips for skin care

When it comes to skin care, aromatherapy can heal acne and dry skin, enhance facial glow, provide pedicure and manicure effects, prevents skin wrinkles and make your skin look soft and smooth. Following are the tips for skin care: Use oils like bergamot, lavender, jojoba oil, sandalwood oil and avocado. Massage every morning after bath and at night before sleeping.

Aromatherapy tips for depression

If dark circles and affected mind is your regular problem then undergo aromatherapy for depression. Following are the aromatherapy tips for depression: Use oils like ylang-ylang, lavender, clary sage, marjoram, frankincense, sandalwood, chamomile and rose. Use the oils in bath, inhale them using a vaporizer or add them in carrier oils for massage.

Aromatherapy tips for insomnia

If you are spending some sleepless nights, then get massages instead of drugs to cure your insomnia. Following are the tips for insomnia: Use oils like neroli, ylang-ylang, marjoram, chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood, and lavender. Mix these oils in warm water and take bath before sleeping or sprinkle few drops in the pillow so that you can smell it for whole night.

Aromatherapy tips for pregnancy

Aromatherapy massage during pregnancy provides relaxation, reduces stress and backs pains, enhances flexibility and decreases your labor pain. Following are the tips for pregnancy massage: Use Tangerine, petit grain, geranium, mandarin, sandalwood, and tea tree. Areas that need massage include legs, back areas, abdomen and body massage.

Precaution tips in aromatherapy

Aromatherapy tips when followed properly can overcome both physical pains and mental stresses. It calms the anxious mind and heals all physical body pain. Following are the forbidden things of aromatherapy massage: Do not mistake perfume oils for real aromatherapy oils. Do not buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated, which will turn the rubber to gum thus ruining the oil. In case of pregnancy, never use oils like cypress, basil, jasmine, juniper, arnica and marjoram.

Now enjoy absolute unique health, excellent mental strength and wonderful physical wellness with aromatherapy tips and procedures.

For more infomative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

First, the bad news: waxing hurts. Think of it as having a large Band-Aid ripped off. How much it hurts is largely attributable to an individual’s pain threshold. But, any way you slice it, pulling hairs out from the follicle smarts.

The good news is there are a lot of things you can do to minimize waxing discomfort.

The most important step is to find an experienced, well-trained waxer. A gifted professional will make the procedure as quick and painless as possible. They’ll know tricks to keep you comfortable. If they do a lot of waxing they’re also more likely to use better, more expensive products like Bombshell Wax which includes essential oils and buffering ingredients to make waxing faster, easier, safer and more comfortable. Seek referrals from friends who wax as this is no time to let your fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages.

Now that you’ve found a reputable waxer and have made an appointment there are a few things you can and should do beforehand. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and sugar for at least two hours prior to treatment as these will increase your sensitivity. Consider taking aspirin, Tylenol, Advil or some other over-the-counter analgesic. Relax and reduce any sources of stress in your life. Try to schedule treatment when you’re most likely to be relaxed. Give yourself time to get to your appointment. Some people find a pre-wax glass of wine or a cocktail helps them to relax and dulls the pain.

When you’re in the room with your waxer communicate any fears or anxieties. Talking through the procedure often helps. Wear loose clothing and take off anything constricting or remotely discomfiting. Ask for a fan if it’s stuffy or hot. Ask for more heat if it’s chilly.

Now that you’re ready to be waxed make sure your waxer applies pressure to or rubs the area that has just been waxed. A good waxer will know this without being told. In addition, there are lots of things you can do to take your mind away from any pain or discomfort your body might be experiencing. Nothing works for everybody but you might experiment with one or more of these techniques:

*Hold a towel or stuffed animal to squeeze

*Suck on mints or hard candy or chew gum

*Focus on why you’re there and the end result of your efforts

*Use breathing and visualization (think Lamaze) strategies to disassociate yourself from the procedure and any discomfort

*Bring a friend for support and distracting chit chat

*Arrange for a foot massage or reflexology during treatment

Remember, the first waxing is always the most difficult. Consistent waxing of a body area will reduce the amount of hair that grows in that spot and will make remaining hairs easier to remove. Subsequent waxings will get progressively easier and less painful.

Ben Johnson is the President of Amphora Worldwide, the parent company of Bombshell Wax, premium depilatory waxes and waxing accessories, Cream 100 Calming Balm, and Tonic 86, the cure for ingrown hairs. For more information visit http://www.amphoraworldwide.com or http://www.bombshellwax.com

Imagine your self floating in a gigantic bathtub full of herbs hugging your skin; its magical powers take away your tensions, worries and transforming you to feel complete and new.

Bath is calming way to relax in today’s fast paced stressful life. It is a soothing way to start a new day and blissful send-off to bed. Herbs and its essential oils soothes aching muscles, tense nerves, skin irritations, softens skin and ensures peaches and roses complexion.

Set the stage for your bath with a clean fresh bathroom. Keep clean towels, bath gels, herbs, loofah, etc handy. Choose relaxing music, light aromatic candles around you. All in all make sure that everything you need for your luxury is within arms reach.

While filling tub with warm water, create a bag of your favourite herbs to be used in bathing. It is ideal that you give your skin a quick loofah brush head to toe before you start. To create an herb bag, fill muslin cloth or even an old stocking with your favourite herbs. Dip it in your bath, letting the herbs gently soak in the water. Bath salts, citrus leaves, dried rose petals, dried lavender flowers to name a few to create an herb bag. If you don’t have the fondness of creating your own bag of herbs, you can definitely buy ready made herb bags.

Not more than 5 drops of essential oils should be used in a bath. Dilute it with milk or carrier oil. Common herbs and its essential oils used in bath for calming properties.

- Black Pepper – relief for aching muscles

- Clary Sage - as a perk me up and premenstrual tension

- Eucalyptus - for respiratory problems

- Geranium - for very dry or itchy skin, eczema and PMS

- Jasmine - when you wish to feel luxurious

- Lavender - dry skin, eczema, sprains, hot flashes, headaches, over work, insomnia

- Orange - to pep you up

- Rosemary - to get you going in the morning, a quick pick-me-up in the evening. Also good for aches and sore muscles

- Chamomile, Lavender or roses are good for dry, delicate or irritated skin

- Rosemary, Calendula and Thyme for oily skin

- Lemon Balm - good for hyperactive children

- Citrus & Lavender - soothing and therapeutic properties

- Ylang Ylang - exfoliates and moisturizes the skin

- Apricot and Amber - moisturises, restores softness and suppleness to skin

- Chamomile - aids in relief of aching muscles and nervousness

- Eucalyptus - opens the pores and the vapours from the bath help to clear the breathing passages.

Make sure that your bath time is a time of solitude. Just let yourself luxuriate in the watery haven. And don’t forget to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

Kevin Pederson manages aromatherapies sites providing Aromatherapy recipes for skin care, beauty and hygiene, emotional and physical well-being. The aromatherapy oils make useful moisturizers having good penetrative properties.

You may be amazed to discover that some of the common ingredients found in everyday personal care products are known to be potential carcinogens. Read the warning labels!

It has been a widely held belief that our skin protects us, like a barrier, against potentially harmful chemicals that we would not ordinarily eat or drink. At the same time, medical science has found a much more efficient delivery system for pharmaceutical products in "the patch," which is now used for everything from weight loss to smoking cessation to insulin.

Obviously, the skin is not as "solid" as we had imagined.

So we read the list of ingredients on the shampoo label, and we find things like propylene glycol, and sodium laurel (or laureth) sulfate. In the chemical world, these are industrial antifreeze and engine degreaser. On top of our skin, they are irritants. Inside our bodies, they are free radicals and cellular mutagens.

Sodium laurel sulfate is used because it is cheap, it creates mountains of foamy suds, and when salt is added it thickens up into that "rich" consistency we have been taught to expect and even admire. However, sodium laurel sulfate has been documented (see the Wall Street Journal, 11-1-88) to cause improper eye development in children, and cataracts in all ages; penetration into the brain, heart, and liver; nitrate absorption equal to eating an entire pound of bacon! (Nitrates are known carcinogens.) Yet, almost 20 years later, this ingredient is still found in nearly every cleansing product on the market.

By the way, the salt (yes, regular table salt) that is added to thicken it up is extremely drying to the skin.

SLS stays in the body and brain for five days. So if you wash your hair more often than once a week, you have a constant level of this chemical in your eyes, brain, organs, body, at all times. SLS is found in baby shampoos and body wash and toothpaste, including many so-called "natural" brands. Read the labels for yourself!

Propylene glycol is found in many beauty creams, cleansers, and makeup, as well as children’s products, such as baby wipes. A clinical review published in 1991 by the America Academy of Dermatologists, Inc., showed that propylene glycol has been found to cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation), kidney damage, and liver abnormalities; it inhibits skin cell growth and damages cell membranes.

Propylene glycol is used because it is cheap and available. Its purpose in personal care products is to retain moisture content: for example, it keeps shaving cream from drying out. It works by drawing moisture to itself, either from the surrounding air (in high humidity) or, once applied to the body, from the lower layers of skin. So although it gives a surface feel of moistness, it is in reality drying the skin from the inside out.

Propylene glycol is used in the production of varnishes; the Material Safety Data Sheet states that through skin contact it causes liver and kidney damage. Is it in your body lotion? Read the labels!

Other ingredients of concern include coal tar, a known carcinogen used in shampoos to prevent scalp itching; PEG and nitrosamines which are both easily absorbed and are known carcinogens; PAH in petrolatum (petroleum jelly) which is a probable carcinogen; ethylene oxide which is usually found with PEG and is a probable carcinogen.

There are actually over 10,500 ingredients available for use in cosmetics and personal care products, and nearly 90% of them have NOT been evaluated for safety by the FDA or other governmental groups. Independent research has uncovered substantial data in the area of harmful ingredients and toxins, and some of the research goes back to the Cold War when Russia was looking for a way to “subdue” America for an easy takeover (the chemical to be used was fluoride).

So, what is a person to do? As the public is growing in awareness of the problem, thanks to more and more news articles (such as the June 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times mention of MIT (linked to nerve damage in lab tests) in some hair care products), a few health conscious companies are going to become very well known in the near future. Some of the companies specialize in a certain few products, mostly cosmetics and skin care, but only one has the broad range including skin care, cosmetics, dental, hair, household, pets, plants, as well as nutritional supplements of all types: antioxidants, Noni, trace minerals, weight loss, muscle building, anti-aging, and more.

Neways International manufactures a tremendously wide range of safe products all without the use of harmful ingredients or toxins. It is the only company of its kind in the world. The mission is to produce the safest, most effective consumer products in the world without the use of harmful ingredients or toxins, and to improve the health, wealth, and happiness of people around the world.

Neways has helped hundreds of thousands of Independent Distributors in over 23 countries to achieve financial independence, greater freedom, and improved health. Even if you decide to simply be a consumer only, the safest alternatives available are with Neways International.

Charlotte Colby is an Executive Level Independent Distributor with Neways. She has had a lifelong interest in health and nutrition, and currently seeks to educate the public about the dangers of harmful ingredients and toxins in common everyday personal care products and cosmetics. http://www.ineways.com/healthshop