The Importance of Being Flexible

I am a scientist with over 300 inventions related to health, longevity and medicine. This newsletter installment is about stretching, flexibility and its effects on your body.

Bone Up on Your Stretching

You attempt to bend down and lift your cat but your lower back creaks, seizes up and complains. Your hamstrings are tight as two boards of plywood from years of running, but will not allow you to reach down to pick up your grandchild. You stretch for the bar of soap in the shower but your shoulder tightens in its rotator cuff. Your body rattles, grates and squeaks like the tin man as you stiffly maneuver through your busy day.

If you want to retain a youthful flexible body that will bend at your request, then move the toxins out and get the oxygen in to the connective tissues and joints. You may not ever be ready to run away with the trapeze lady at Cirque de Soleil, but you will be able to bend down and pick a flower or tie your shoe all the way into your 70’s if you give in to a routine practice of stretching.

Flexibility is a health issue for many adults as the average person loses up to 70% of flexibility between the ages of 20 to 70 if they do not take conscious action to stretch their joints, ligaments, and bones. Although not life-threatening, lack of flexibility is a health concern for those who exercise, and for those who don’t, because of its debilitating effects on the human body, as joint stiffness increases and muscles become less limber with age.

Stretch These Old Bones

Extended periods of inactivity bring about chemical changes that can limit flexibility. Underused connective tissue loses elasticity as it becomes stiff and dense. The human body goes through a similar process as it ages, but a flexibility program will not only improve physical fitness, it can give you a more youthful body. Stretching will increase suppleness by stimulating the production of chemicals that lubricate the connective soft tissue. Stimulating the production of lubricants between connective tissue fibers promotes hydration and as a result, the pliancy and agility of the movements of your body, slowing down the aging process.

Flexibility is defined as the absolute range of motion available in any joint. It is joint specific. How far will the joint yield to slow steady stretches while breathing deeply. It is also movement specific. You may be flexible in one shoulder stretch, but not in another. Flexibility training promotes relaxation both mentally and physically. Body awareness, aligned posture, and proper breathing patterns will be enhanced and carry over into your daily life, which is the ultimate goal of all exercise and health care. You exercise to increase the quality of your life through taking care of the body. Stretching quickens the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients, while speeding the removal of lactic acid and other waste products. It is vital to hydrate, and re-hydrate after deep stretching, to help remove the toxins from the body and to promote suppleness and lasting health.

Recommendations for Flexibility Training

1. Stretch and flexibility training should be done when the body is warm.

2. Yoga is an amazing practice to strengthen and stretch the body and mind.

3. Never stretch to the point of pain, only slight discomfort.

4. Slow long inhales and exhales will aid you to get into a stretch, and ease the muscles over time into relaxing more deeply.

5. Hydration is a necessary way to keep healthy, removing the toxins from the muscles, joints and connective tissue.

Water These Old Bones

Some of you may say, "Well, I hate water and I don't want to drink anymore than I have to," and while I want to enforce that water is essential to our bodies and minds, seeing as how we are mostly comprised of it, there are other ways to make the most of the water that you do drink.

Make sure you can absorb the nutrients with proper hydration. That means enough of the right kind of water each day. The naturally present water in raw foods is a great source but also make sure your water has a low surface tension.

Though most tap and bottled water has high surface tenions, there are ways to make water more available to your body's cells.

Silica is a natural mineral and special forms of microcluster® silica are small enough to change the absorption properties of water. Ask your vitamin store for it.

How Stress Effects Neurotransmitters

The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily stress. When the brain requires larger amounts of endorphins to handle increased stress, the ratio of many of the other transmitters, one to another, becomes upset creating a chemical imbalance. We begin to feel stress more acutely -- a sense of urgency and anxiety creates even more stress. As a result, harmful chemicals are released in our bodies that may do damage, causing more stress. This vicious cycle is called the "stress cycle." Emotional fatigue might result and be experienced and felt as depression.

The body responds to emotional stress exactly as it responds to physical danger. Without our being aware of it, usually not feeling it at all, our bodies are continuously reacting to emotions such as frustration, irritation, resentment, hurt, grief and anxiety. We physiologically respond to these mental and emotional struggles with a primitive "fight or flight" response designed to prepare our bodies to face immediate danger. Today, we usually don't fight, we usually don't flee. Instead, the high-energy chemicals produced in many everyday situations insidiously boil inside us.

Most all of our body organs and functions react to stress.

Your body responds to stress with a series of physiological changes that may include increased adrenaline secretion, blood pressure elevation, heartbeat acceleration, and increased muscle tension. Digestion may slow or stop. It is likely that within one to two days after a stress-anxiety-anger reaction, physical symptoms will occur. Excessive stress could manifest into illness.

Increased adrenaline production causes the body to increase metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to quickly produce energy for the body to use. The pituitary gland increases production of andrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the release of cortisone and cortisol hormones. These hormonal releases may inhibit the functioning of disease fighting white blood cells and suppress the immune system's response.

According to NeuroGenesis, Inc., researchers estimate that stress contributes to as many as 80% of all major illnesses. Studies by the American Medical Association have shown stress to be a factor in over 75% of all illnesses today.

Is there any alternative?

There are many natural products on the market that may help with disorders where stress is a factor. Do your homework before making a choice. "beCALM'd" is one such product that may be useful in helping to reduce stress. NeuroGenesis states that “beCALM’d” has 13 years of successful use in over 700 clinics, hospitals, drug and alcohol rehab centers.

NeuroGenesis also states that the ingredients in “beCALM'd” provide cells with the required nutrients to produce the necessary amounts of the neurotransmitters the brain needs to stay in balance.

Always be sure to check with your health care provider before you take any nutritional supplement. Some supplements may not be right for you.

History

Chandler (2005) argues the relative success or failure of American and European chemical companies is explained with reference to three themes: "barriers to entry," "strategic boundaries," and "limits to growth." He says successful chemical firms followed definite "paths of learning" whereby first movers and close followers created entry barriers to would-be rivals by building "integrated learning bases" (or organizational capabilities) which enabled them to develop, produce, distribute, and sell in local and then worldwide markets. Also they followed a "virtuous strategy" of reinvestment of retained earnings and growth through diversification, particularly to utilize "dynamic" scale and scope economies relating to new learning in launching "next generation" products.

Chemical companies

The largest corporate producers worldwide, with plants in numerous countries, are BASF, Dow, Shell, Bayer, INEOS, ExxonMobil, DuPont, SABIC, and Mitsubishi, along with thousands of smaller firms.

In the U.S. there are 170 major chemical companies.^{[citation needed]} They operate internationally with more than 2,800 facilities outside the U.S. and 1,700 foreign subsidiaries or affiliates operating. The U.S. chemical output is $400 billion a year. The U.S. industry records large trade surpluses and employs more than a million people in the United States alone. The chemical industry is also the second largest consumer of energy in manufacturing and spends over $5 billion annually on pollution abatement.

In Europe, especially Germany, the chemical, plastics and rubber sectors are among the largest industrial sectors.^{[citation needed]} Together they generate about 3.2 million jobs in more than 60,000 companies. Since 2000 the chemical sector alone has represented 2/3 of the entire manufacturing trade surplus of the EU. The chemical sector accounts for 12% of the EU manufacturing industry's added value.

The chemical industry has shown rapid growth for more than fifty years.^{[citation needed]} The fastest growing areas have been in the manufacture of synthetic organic polymers used as plastics, fibres and elastomers. Historically and presently the chemical industry has been concentrated in three areas of the world, Western Europe, North America and Japan (the Triad). The European Community remains the largest producer area followed by the USA and Japan.

The traditional dominance of chemical production by the Triad countries is being challenged by changes in feedstock availability and price, labour cost, energy cost, differential rates of economic growth and environmental pressures. Instrumental in the changing structure of the global chemical industry has been the growth in China, India, Korea, the Middle East, South East Asia, Nigeria, Trinidad, Thailand, Brazil, Venezuela, and Indonesia.

Chemical industry

The chemical industry comprises the companies that produce industrial chemicals. It is central to modern world economy, converting raw materials (oil, natural gas, air, water, metals, minerals) into more than 70,000 different products.

Products

Polymers and plastics, especially polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and polycarbonate comprise about 80% of the industry’s output worldwide.[citation needed] Chemicals are used to make a wide variety of consumer goods, as well as thousands inputs to agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and service industries. The chemical industry itself consumes 26 percent of its own output.[citation needed] Major industrial customers include rubber and plastic products, textiles, apparel, petroleum refining, pulp and paper, and primary metals. Chemicals is nearly a $2 trillion global enterprise, and the EU and U.S. chemical companies are the world's largest producers.

Product Category Breakdown

Sales of the chemistry business can be divided into a few broad categories, including basic chemicals (about 35 to 37 percent of the dollar output), life sciences (30 percent), specialty chemicals (20 to 25 percent) and consumer products (about 10 percent).[citation needed]

Basic chemicals are a broad chemical category including polymers, bulk petrochemicals and intermediates, other derivatives and basic industrials, inorganic chemicals, and fertilizers. Typical growth rates for basic chemicals are about 0.5 to 0.7 times GDP. Product prices are generally less than fifty cents per pound. Polymers, the largest revenue segment at about 33 percent of the basic chemicals dollar value, includes all categories of plastics and man-made fibers. The major markets for plastics are packaging, followed by home construction, containers, appliances, pipe, transportation, toys, and games. The largest-volume polymer product, polyethylene (PE), is used mainly in packaging films and other markets such as milk bottles, containers, and pipe. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), another large-volume product, is principally used to make pipe for construction markets as well as siding and, to a much smaller extent, transportation and packaging materials. Polypropylene (PP), similar in volume to PVC, is used in markets ranging from packaging, appliances, and containers to clothing and carpeting. Polystyrene (PS), another large-volume plastic, is used principally for appliances and packaging as well as toys and recreation. The leading man-made fibers include poly-ester, nylon, polypropylene, and acrylics, with applications including apparel, home furnishings, and other industrial and consumer use. The principal raw materials for polymers are bulk petrochemicals.

Chemicals in the bulk petrochemicals and intermediates are primarily made from liquified petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and crude oil. Their sales volume is close to 30 percent of overall basic chemicals. Typical large-volume products include ethylene, propylene, benzene, toluene, xylenes, methanol, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), styrene, butadiene, and ethylene oxide. These chemicals are the starting points for most polymers and other organic chemicals as well as much of the specialty chemicals category. Other derivatives and basic industries include synthetic rubber, surfactants, dyes and pigments, turpentine, resins, carbon black, explosives, and rubber products and contribute about 20 percent of the basic chemicals external sales. Inorganic chemicals (about 12 percent of the revenue output) make up the oldest of the chemical categories. Products include salt, chlorine, caustic soda, soda ash, acids (such as nitric, phosphoric, and sulfuric), titanium dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide. Fertilizers are the smallest category (about 6 percent) and include phosphates, ammonia, and potash chemicals.

Life sciences (about 30 percent of the dollar output of the chemistry business) include differentiated chemical and biological substances, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, animal health products, vitamins, and crop protection chemicals. While much smaller in volume than other chemical sectors, their products tend to have very high prices—over ten dollars per pound—growth rates of 1.5 to 6 times GDP, and research and development spending at 15 to 25 percent of sales. Life science products are usually produced with very high specifications and are closely scrutinized by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration. Crop protection chemicals, about 10 percent of this category, include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Specialty chemicals are a category of relatively high valued, rapidly growing chemicals with diverse end product markets. Typical growth rates are one to three times GDP with prices over a dollar per pound. They are generally characterized by their innovative aspects. Products are sold for what they can do rather than for what chemicals they contain. Products include electronic chemicals, industrial gases, adhesives and sealants as well as coatings, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals, and catalysts. Coatings make up about 15 percent of specialty chemicals sales, with other products ranging from 10 to 13 percent.

Consumer products include direct product sale of chemicals such as soaps, detergents, and cosmetics. Typical growth rates are 0.8 to 1.0 times GDP.

Every year, the American Chemistry Council tabulates the U.S. production of the top 100 basic chemicals. In 2000, the aggregate production of the top 100 chemicals totaled 502 million tons, up from 397 million tons in 1990. Inorganic chemicals tend to be the largest volume, though much smaller in dollar revenue terms due to their low prices. The top 11 of the 100 chemicals in 2000 were sulfuric acid (44 million tons), nitrogen (34), ethylene (28), oxygen (27), lime (22), ammonia (17), propylene (16), polyethylene (15), chlorine (13), phosphoric acid (13) and diammonium phosphates (12).

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of physical science (e.g. chemistry and physics), with mathematics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In addition to producing useful materials, chemical engineering is also concerned with pioneering valuable new materials and techniques, an important form of research and development. A person employed in this field is called a chemical engineer.

Chemical engineering largely involves the design and maintenance of chemical processes for large-scale manufacture. Chemical engineers in this branch are usually employed under the title of process engineer.


Chemical Engineering Timeline

In 1824, French physicist Sadi Carnot, in his “On the Motive Power of Fire”, was the first to study the thermodynamics of combustion reactions in steam engines. In the 1850s, German physicist Rudolf Clausius began to apply the principles developed by Carnot to chemicals systems at the atomic to molecular scale.[1] During the years 1873 to 1876 at Yale University, American mathematical physicist Josiah Willard Gibbs, the first to be awarded a Ph.D. in engineering in the U.S., in a series of three papers, developed a mathematical-based, graphical methodology, for the study of chemical systems using the thermodynamics of Clausius. In 1882, German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz, published a founding thermodynamics paper, similar to Gibbs, but with more of an electro-chemical basis, in which he showed that measure of chemical affinity, i.e. the “force” of chemical reactions, is determined by the measure of the free energy of the reaction process. Following these early developments, the new science of chemical engineering began to develop. The following timeline shows some of the key steps in the development of the science of chemical engineering:[2]

* 1805 – John Dalton published Atomic Weights, allowing chemical equations to be balanced and the basis for chemical engineering mass balances.
* 1882 – a course in “Chemical Technology” is offered at University College London
* 1883 – Osborne Reynolds defines the dimensionless group for fluid flow, leading to practical scale-up and understanding of flow, heat and mass transfer
* 1885 – Henry Edward Armstrong offers a course in “chemical engineering” at Central College (later Imperial College), London.
* 1888 – There is a Department of Chemical Engineering at Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College offering day and evening classes[3].
* 1888 – Lewis M. Norton starts a new curriculum at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Course X, Chemical Engineering[4][5]
* 1889 – Rose Polytechnic Institute awards the first bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering in the US.[6]
* 1891 – MIT awards a bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering to William Page Bryant and six other candidates.
* 1892 – A bachelor’s program in chemical engineering is established at the University of Pennsylvania.
* 1901 – George E. Davis produces the Handbook of Chemical Engineering
* 1905 – the University of Wisconsin awards the first Ph.D. in chemical engineering to Oliver Patterson Watts.
* 1908 – the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is founded.
* 1922 – the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is founded.
* 1942 – Hilda Derrick, first female student member of the IChemE.[7]

Chemical reaction

A chemical reaction is a process that always results in the interconversion of chemical substances. The substance or substances initially involved in a chemical reaction are called reactants. Chemical reactions are usually characterized by a chemical change, and they yield one or more products which are, in general, different from the reactants. Classically, chemical reactions encompass changes that strictly involve the motion of electrons in the forming and breaking of chemical bonds, although the general concept of a chemical reaction, in particular the notion of a chemical equation, is applicable to transformations of elementary particles, as well as nuclear reactions.

Different chemical reactions are used in combinations in chemical synthesis in order to get a desired product. In biochemistry, series of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes form metabolic pathways, by which syntheses and decompositions ordinarily impossible in conditions within a cell are performed.

Reaction types

The large diversity of chemical reactions and approaches to their study results in the existence of several concurring, often overlapping, ways of classifying them. Below are examples of widely used terms for describing common kinds of reactions.

* Isomerisation, in which a chemical compound undergoes a structural rearrangement without any change in its net atomic composition; see stereoisomerism
* Direct combination or synthesis, in which 2 or more chemical elements or compounds unite to form a more complex product:

N2 + 3 H2 → 2 NH3

* Chemical decomposition or analysis, in which a compound is decomposed into smaller compounds or elements:

2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2

* Single displacement or substitution, characterized by an element being displaced out of a compound by a more reactive element:

2 Na(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → 2 NaCl(aq) + H2(g)

* Metathesis or Double displacement reaction, in which two compounds exchange ions or bonds to form different compounds:

NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + AgCl(s)

* Acid-base reactions, broadly characterized as reactions between an acid and a base, can have different definitions depending on the acid-base concept employed. Some of the most common are:

* Arrhenius definition: Acids dissociate in water releasing H3O+ ions; bases dissociate in water releasing OH- ions.
* Brønsted-Lowry definition: Acids are proton (H+) donors; bases are proton acceptors. Includes the Arrhenius definition.
* Lewis definition: Acids are electron-pair acceptors; bases are electron-pair donors. Includes the Brønsted-Lowry definition.

* Redox reactions, in which changes in oxidation numbers of atoms in involved species occur. Those reactions can often be interpreted as transferences of electrons between different molecular sites or species. A typical example of redox rection is:

2 S2O32−(aq) + I2(aq) → S4O62−(aq) + 2 I−(aq)

In which I2 is reduced to I- and S2O32- (thiosulfate anion) is oxidized to S4O62-.

* Combustion, a kind of redox reaction in which any combustible substance combines with an oxidizing element, usually oxygen, to generate heat and form oxidized products. The term combustion is usually used for only large-scale oxidation of whole molecules, i.e. a controlled oxidation of a single functional group is not combustion.

C10H8+ 12 O2 → 10 CO2 + 4 H2O
CH2S + 6 F2 → CF4 + 2 HF + SF6

Organic reactions encompass a wide assortment of reactions involving compounds which have carbon as the main element in their molecular structure. The reactions in which an organic compound may take part are largely defined by its functional groups. Defined in opposition to inorganic reactions. Reactions can also be classified according to their mechanism, some typical examples being:

* Reactions of ions, e.g. disproportionation of hypochlorite
* Reactions with reactive ionic intermediates, e.g. reactions of enolates
* Radical reactions, e.g. combustion at high temperature
* Reactions of carbenes


Chemical kinetics

The rate of a chemical reaction is a measure of how the concentration or pressure of the involved substances changes with time. Analysis of reaction rates is important for several applications, such as in chemical engineering or in chemical equilibrium study. Rates of reaction depends basically on:

* Reactant concentrations, which usually make the reaction happen at a faster rate if raised through increased collisions per unit time,
* Surface area available for contact between the reactants, in particular solid ones in heterogeneous systems. Larger surface area leads to higher reaction rates.
* Pressure, by increasing the pressure, you decrease the volume between molecules. This will increase the frequency of collisions of molecules.
* Activation energy, which is defined as the amount of energy required to make the reaction start and carry on spontaneously. Higher activation energy implies that the reactants need more energy to start than a reaction with a lower activation energy.
* Temperature, which hastens reactions if raised, since higher temperature increases the energy of the molecules, creating more collisions per unit time,
* The presence or absence of a catalyst. Catalysts are substances which change the pathway (mechanism) of a reaction which in turn increases the speed of a reaction by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to take place. A catalyst is not destroyed or changed during a reaction, so it can be used again.
* For some reactions, the presence of electromagnetic radiation, most notably ultra violet, is needed to promote the breaking of bonds to start the reaction. This is particularly true for reactions involving radicals.

Reaction rates are related to the concentrations of substances involved in reactions, as quantified by the rate law of each reaction. Note that some reactions have rates that are independent of reactant concentrations. These are called zero order reactions.

Hair Removal: Hair Removal Creams

For most people, hair removal creams are a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair and can be used on any part of the body. Consisting of a texture similar to body lotion, hair removal creams are applied directly to the skin in the area of unwanted hair growth and are then wiped away only moments later. While not a permanent solution for hair removal, the effects of creams can last 4-5 days longer than shaving.

The question most people want to know about hair removal creams is: “how do they really work?”

Hair removal creams are depilatory agents, meaning that the hair removal occurs at or above the top layer of skin. Essentially, hair removal creams are composed of chemicals that weaken and dissolve the hair follicle, much in the same way that cleansing agents dissolve dirt. Any part of the follicle that is not completely dissolved will be so weakened by the hair removal cream that it will be easy to simply wipe the residue away with a warm towel, thereby leaving the skin smooth and hair free.

In general, the best method for applying hair removal cream is to wait until after a hot shower. The steam and hot water will loosen the hair follicle and actually have the effect of stretching it further past the layer of the skin than if the hair removal cream were applied to skin that is body-temperature.

Apply the hair removal cream liberally across the skin in the affected area. Dab the cream onto the skin; don’t rub, as rubbing will force the hair removal cream into the pores of the skin, thereby risking the chances of the cream becoming unduly invasive. Let the cream sit for 5-8 minutes, or as directed on the packaging.

Once the allotted period of time is over, use a warm washcloth to completely remove all traces of the hair removal cream from the skin. Rinse the skin in warm water to cleanse the pores. If necessary, you can even step back into the shower. Avoid using any other chemical products on the skin, including lotions and makeup, for 2-3 hours. If the skin becomes dry and red, it is okay to apply a small amount of mineral oil in the affected area.

It is important to note that while hair removal creams are effective, they perform the same basic functions as shaving, but with considerably more need for precaution. It is advised that one never leave the hair removal cream on the skin for longer than the amount of allotted time on the packaging. If the hair removal cream is left on for too long, the user runs the risk of damaging and even scarring sensitive skin. Therefore, it is also advised that one purchase and use a cream that has a mineral oil component, as hair removal creams containing mineral oil tend to be less abrasive to the skin.

It is also not advised that one uses a hair removal cream while also on other medications, such as Retin-A, as the chemical components of the two medications may interact. One should never use a hair removal cream around the eyes, even in small dabs. Using a hair removal cream on the face is generally not a great idea.

Hair removal creams are safe, effective and a great method of removing unwanted hair. The effects last for up to 3-4 days longer than traditional shaving and are often less time consuming to apply than shaving. If you haven’t tried this hair removal method yet, take the plunge! You’ll love the results of smoother skin.

Negative Side to Conventional Cosmetics

Women and men spend millions of dollars every year attempting to improve the quality and health of their skin. They spend time and money on products and services to refinish the surface of their skin only to return to habits and routines that continue to damage both their skin and bodies. Most cosmetic and beauty products contain additives, preservatives, and chemicals designed to improve appearances at the cost of health. Not only do conventional cosmetics clog pores and weigh down skin, they also contain harmful toxins that absorb into the blood stream and into the body.

Companies create conventional cosmetics and beauty products using oils and fillers that weigh down skin and clog the pores. Although some of these products create the appearance of smooth, even skin, bacteria and dirt become trapped in the skin by the oils in conventional cosmetics and create pimples and blemishes. Most men and women then resort to even more cosmetic use to cover up these skin problems, resulting in an even greater incidence of clogged pores. Skin absorbs the oils and fillers in conventional cosmetics resulting in makeup that literally weighs down the face. Not only does foundation and powder look heavy, it also feels heavy. This heavy feeling results from not just the skin’s absorption of the product, but also the inability of the skin to breath.

The heavy binders and fillers of conventional cosmetics also contain chemical additives that are harmful to the body. Conventional beauty products such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and bronzer contain a myriad of binders, toxins and dyes that absorb into the blood stream. A build up of such chemicals can produce allergic reactions and increased sensitivity in some men and women. Some of these allergies and sensitivities can result in chronic conditions and sustained sensitivity to conventional dyes, cosmetics and perfumes. Hypoallergenic products have risen as a result of consumers’ needs to use products less harmful on the body. Although most of these products still contain fillers that clog skin, the rise of products for sensitive skin proves that consumers have reacted poorly to conventional cosmetics.

Naked Minerals contains no additives, dyes, colors, fillers, binders, waxes, or any other ingredient beyond natural minerals. The Naked Minerals makeup is all-natural and uses only the finest minerals to create a cosmetic that improves skin appearance and quality without clogging pores. There are no oils in Naked Minerals that traditionally clog pores, and the weightless feel and function of Naked Minerals allows skin to breathe. Naked Minerals is completely hypoallergenic with none of the toxins or chemicals traditionally found in conventional cosmetics. All of the colors are naturally derived from their mineral origin and none contain the heavy oils found in conventional cosmetics.

Anti-Aging Skin Care

Anti-Aging Skin Care- Seven Steps To Reducing Wrinkles And Preventing Aging Saggy Skin


Are you wondering which are the best anti aging treatments and ways to rejuvenate your skin?.

What can be done about existing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Traditionally the only solutions available have been painful and expensive cosmetic surgeries, toxin injections, and harsh chemical peels. Each of which has a long list of potentially dangerous side effects. Recent scientific breakthroughs have allowed for the development of more gentle cosmetic products that can reduce saggy skin as well as facial lines and wrinkles without the risks involved with other more traditional procedures.

Probably you are confused with all the different ingredients that we can find in anti aging skin care products, and with so many choices, we don't even know where to start.

Aging is related to accumulation of damage at the cellular level. Offenders include environment, free radicals, and chemicals. The best way to deal with aging skin is to ensure that you take a proactive approach to skin care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent the early onset of aging and keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

STEP 1. Use A Preservative Free Paraben Free Skin Care System

The major key in reducing aging skin and restoring youthful lustre is to avoid preservatives in your skin care products. Preservatives, methylparaben in particular, have been shown to increase the damage to skin caused by UV light, thus increasing the aging of skin .

If you want to prevent aging of your skin you really need to be aware of what you are putting on your skin. While many companies claim their products are “all natural” and of the “finest quality,” a close look at the ingredients reveals they contain toxic synthetic preservatives, ‘suspected’ carcinogens, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrances and dyes.

So make an educated decision to use products that contain absolutely no preservatives . A good book to refer to is “The Truth About Cosmetics…And Some Natural Alternatives” by Haru Naito.

Until recently, most skin care products around the world have contained preservatives that promote skin aging. However, new skin care technology has developed and there are now a few unique skin care ranges on the market that have eliminated preservatives with the goal to support the skin’s state of wellness and protect the skin from premature aging. (http://www.revolutionaryskincare.info ).

In fact a world’s first water-based skincare line has been recently released in Japan, Australia and the US which uses a revolutionary patented water filtration system where fungus and bacteria can not grow thus eliminating the need for any preservatives. You can receive a free report and skin care brochure at http://www.preservativefreeskincare.info

STEP 2. Keep Your Skin Clean

Cleanse your skin with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Make sure you do not leave on make up or allow residue to build up on your skin. This will lead to increased stress on your skin and can cause pores to clog and become infected.

The key here is not to rub, scrape, or be overly abrasive in the process. You will require a gentle cleanser that contains a fine abrasive to get into your skin pores and remove bacteria and soil. New skin care technology uses a fine ground stone which has tiny holes, when you wash our face, the stone goes into the skin pores and removes bacteria and soil from the pores.

STEP 3. Keep Your Skin Properly Hydrated.

Hydrating aging skin and helping it to retain moisture are the keys to reducing and preventing wrinkles. Water provides hydration to our skin. So you require a skin care line that can provide water to your skin cells and plump them up like a grape rather than shrivelled up and dry like a saltanna. Look at the hydration rates of the skin care product you are using and the clinical proven results.

Also many skin care products use carriers to take the moisturising ingredients into the cells. You need to ensure that no carrier chemicals are used which can be absorbed into your circulation and can cause serious health issues. A new water-based skincare line hydrates the skin by 80% after only one use and uses the technology of glyconutrients (plant based nutrients) to carry the water to the skin cell and hold it in. This dramatically reduces wrinkles. Research also shows that glyconutrients in skin care products seal the skin keeping in the water and keeping harmful elements out, meaning skin cells will be regenerated and skin can return to be like a babies bottom.

So use a skin care line that hydrates and uses safe carrier nutrients to fight the visible signs of aging by reducing wrinkles around your eyes, mouth and forehead.

STEP 4. Nourish your skin with healthy ingredients

Nourishing the skin with the proper ingredients is also important.

Use skin care that delivers only healthy nutrients that can protect your skin from premature aging, stress and dryness. Many plants in the world have long been recognized for their therapeutic health benefits. Just make sure the ingredients are natural plant foods or certified organic ingredients. Today many scientific studies demonstrate the numerous benefits of using specific botanicals that provide nourishing properties that assist your body in renewing healthy moisture enhanced skin tissues. This is the foundation of a preservative free skincare product line.

STEP 5. Use A Wrinkle Cream That Is Proven To Work

Wrinkles and spots are normally too deep to be effected by skin care products, but not now with the recent advancement in skin care technology skin cells can be corrected from damage done and create new healthy skin cells.

An anti-wrinkle cream lessens the appearance of your wrinkles, depending on how often you use it, the type and amount of active ingredient in the wrinkle cream and the extent of the wrinkles you want to treat.

Do they work? Consider these points when judging the merits of using a wrinkle cream: Ensure the skin care system you use has been subjected to research and clinical trials to prove their benefit. You’ll likely need to use the wrinkle cream once or twice a day for many weeks before noticing improvements. Remembering that skin cells rejuvenate every 28 days.

STEP 6. Support your skin’s health and prevent premature aging with good quality supplements.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Oxidative stress is the principle cause of aging and premature death. By controlling free radicals, anti-oxidants influence how fast and how well we age. It is virtually impossible to get optimal amount of antioxidants from foods alone. So invest in a good quality antioxidant. After a lifetime of exposure to pollutants, we need antioxidant help. The best antioxidant on the market is provided by the Australian Bush Plum and studies at an Australian University provides the research to prove the effect of this antioxidant which is provided in a capsule food supplement.

PHYTOSTEROLS

Scientists can tell how old you are physiologically based on the amount of DHEA (primary hormone of the body) in your blood. Levels peak at age 25 years and then decline. Most researchers agree to retard aging DHEA levels must be maintained. In our modern diet our daily intake of hormone modulator is severely depleted. A Phyto Hormone supplement provides your body naturally with the building blocks to maintain and enhance normal hormone production. It will support efficient fat burning, help you look younger, feel younger and potentially live longer.

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Science has now established that certain natural plant sugars are vital for maintaining good health. Glyconutrients play a vital role in disease prevention and immune system restoration. Supplementation with a blend of glyconutrients have been shown to improve the immune system and improve the antioxidant level inside cells. In addition research shows that glyconutrients help with reversing 8 of the biological signs of aging. A good reason to start supplementing your diet with these nutrients. There is only one manufacturer of the exclusive source of the complete blend of these nutrients.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Make sure you get a good blend of essential fatty acids in your diet.. Supplementation with essential fatty acids supports your skin to become softer and smoother. They are necessary to make cells membranes and for many of the important hormones and other chemical messengers that tell your body what to do.

In recent years, researchers have been able to determine the reason essential fats are so critical to the formation of soft, smooth skin texture and the management of certain skin conditions. Investigative studies have shown that the link between fabulous skin texture and intake of essential oils is explained by the effect essential fats have on the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones within epidermal cells.

So supplementation with a combination of these nutrients is required for you are wanting to reduce the signs of aging and support your skins health from inside as well as outside.

STEP 7. ADEQUATE REST

Make sure you get enough rest, so that your skin has time to repair itself.

We all know that aging skin can be problematic and sometimes even downright scary. By following the tips listed above and carefully selecting your skin care products, you'll be one step ahead in the battle against aging skin. We all get old but we don't have to look that way!

The bottom line is to know the science and ingredients behind the products you use, look at the clinical trials, ensure the company is ethical and practices good manufacturing practices and then stick to doing business with one that has a solid reputation for delivering results. There are countless products on the market but only a handful that are based on legitimate science. These are the ones to add to your daily skin care regiment.

The one thing you must do is be constant, without getting obsessed, with whatever you choose to rejuvenate your skin. A new era of skin care technology is a huge breakthrough in the battle against our aging skin.

So in summary your Skin Care wish list should include:

1. Preservative Free
2. Anti- Aging
3. Fragrance Free
4. Colorant Free
5. Allergy Tested
6. Suits All Skin Types
7. Non- Comedogenic (not clogging, won’t aggravate acne)
8. No Animal Testing
9. Opthamologist Tested
10. Visible Real Results

Too much in one skin care line. Do your research and you will find that there are limited skin care products that provide all these benefits. Go to http://www.preservativefreeskincare.info for a free report on antiaging and preservative free skin care.

Wild Yam Cream And Progesterone

Some Facts About Wild Yam Cream And Progesterone

Wild Yam Cream has be advertised as a treatment for menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, migraine headaches, mood swings, fertility, larger breasts, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The people who sell these products claim they contain “natural hormones” and “hormone like compounds.” To many people, suffering from these conditions, this seems like the perfect “medicine” to help them. In most cases these creams are not effective because the product advertised does not contain the hormone claimed. The fact is, there is no progesterone in the wild yams, nor can your body make progesterone from the hormone like compound, diosgenin, in the wild yam. So, why is there such confusion about this?

The reason this misinformation exists is because a few decades ago, wild yams were harvested and purified to produce the intermediate chemical, diosgenin, for progesterone and other hormone production in the lab. An intermediate means that this component of wild yams was reacted with other chemicals, in a laboratory, to make progesterone. People not familiar with this process thought that these wild yams actually contained progesterone. This belief is still persistent today and many unscrupulous business people sell products made from “wild yams” and claim that they can cure or relieve the symptoms of many diseases and medical conditions.

As for natural sources of progesterone, that is a misnomer. Today 99.9% of progesterone is made in a laboratory. However, the synthesised version of natural progesterone is identical to naturally occurring progesterone and is referred to as bio-identical progesterone. The term “synthetic progesterone” is often used to refer to products such as Provera®, Cycrin® which are not identical to progesterone. These synthetic versions have additional chemical groups added to the progesterone molecule, for a number of reasons. These reasons include improved absorption (oral dosage forms) and making the molecule patentable. Today, most bio-identical progesterone is made from soya intermediates.

There is plenty of literature discussing the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, however, many people often confuse “natural and synthetic” as “good and bad.” The fact is that bio-identical hormones are available from your doctor, if you specify and state you would prefer to use natural hormones. Just because the progesterone is synthesised in a laboratory does not mean it is synthetic or “bad.” The fact is, the natural form of progesterone, unlike the component diosgenin, which is not found in the human body, is better for you, even though it is made in a lab. It could be more dangerous to use a hormone like substance, like diosgenin, that could be harmful to your health.

It is often claimed that natural progesterone has no side effects, however, it is a hormone, and does have a number of side effects that you should be aware of, these include:

a feeling of euphoria (based on the amounts used)
breast tenderness
possible acne upon initial use as body adjusts
possible suspension of ovulation if used prior to ovulation
possible spotting in women just starting menopause
alteration of cycle time
may prevent sperm maturation in men when used in excess
hives, skin rash, itching
increased sensitivity to sunlight
nausea and headaches

It is always a persons choice as to whether they want hormone replacement therapy or not, but to make that decision on unfounded product information is dangerous and could adversely affect your health. Your doctor can prescribe natural (bio-identical) progesterone if you are not comfortable with the synthetic versions like Provera® and Cycrin®. There are many options for hormone replacement therapy, but make sure you know the facts and avoid wasting your money on products that don’t work, or could be harmful.

Natural Skin Care Products

– Remove Toxins From Your Body And Environment

Why choose natural skin care products? Today, more men and women are trying to live a healthy lifestyle. They go to the gym or take yoga even if their schedule almost doesn't permit it. They buy organic food even if it's a bit more expensive. But a lot of people still don't realize that all the makeup, moisturizers and skin care products that they use could be containing extremely contaminating ingredients.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, almost 900 ingredients used in skin care cosmetics have been known to be toxic. Moreover, there have been hundreds of documented cases where skin care cosmetics caused a variety of ailments on users. Common makeup and skin care products are also a leading cause of accidental poisoning in small children.

Skin care should not be taken lightly. Human skin is lightly porous. By applying typical skincare products on yourself, you are allowing your skin to absorb all the toxins that such cosmetic products contain. Gels, creams and makeup can easily pass through the skin's pores. The answer is to go natural. Natural skincare products use ingredients found in nature and contain no artificially fabricated components. Consumers had better be careful, though, as many of these products claiming to be natural may not be.

Products claiming to be organic or all-natural, in fact, can have toxic chemicals. Simply adding a natural ingredient shouldn't make a product "all-natural" - unfortunately, there is no strict regulating body that monitors this. Strangely, the FDA does not regulate skin care producers. Cosmetic companies will often use the word "natural" as a marketing ploy, without truly meaning it. The best way is to study the ingredients yourself. If you have difficulty choosing which brand is the best, you should consider asking for some professional help from a skin expert. Consulting a dermatologist, of course, would be the best recourse.

Read the labels of natural beauty products and be alert for chemical ingredients. Normally, natural skin care should not contain any harsh fragrances or artificial colors. When purchasing organic shampoo, lotion, gels or creams, make sure to open the bottle and see how it smells and appears. Organic stores can be a good place to look for organic cosmetic products. While sometimes priced higher than their ordinary counterparts, most organic cosmetic products can be less expensive than high-end brands that are known to contain serious toxins.

If you are not buying makeup and all you want is skin conditioners and lotions, you can be a lot safer by making your own skin care items using all-natural home ingredients. The traditional oatmeal mask is a cliché, but it does work. Ground and rub it on your face to work as an exfoliant; or lightly cook with a small amount of water to use as a conditioning face mask. A sugar and oil rub does wonders to dry skin. Place olive oil on your face and rub table sugar on it. Your skin will be exfoliated and feel incredibly smooth. There are many homemade recipes out there on the internet available for free. Be sure to check them out.

Ordinary skin care products can actually cause skin deterioration. While most of these products tend to provide immediate noticeable results, it's because of the exfoliating or moisturizing properties of the chemical ingredients. However, such results are short-term. At worse, the harsh chemicals can even enter your body and cause health problems. Yes, natural cosmetics can be a bit more expensive, but is your health not worth it? So the next time you groom yourself, think about the many natural alternatives out there and ask yourself if a few dollars is worth the risk. Ask your dermatologist, and you will discover that all-natural skincare products can complete your healthy lifestyle.

Hydroponics Gardening System

Using Hydrogen Peroxide in your Hydroponics Gardening System

There are no doubts about the benefits of using hydrogen peroxide properly in a hydroponics system. This becomes especially true if your nutrient reservoir is kept above 72 degrees. Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, and therefore encourages the growth of more viruses, fungi, and anaerobic bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen to you water and cleans the water of pathanogens. Benefits include healthier root systems, increased nutrient uptake, thicker stems, and bigger leaves.

One expert claims it should be used on all soil gardens as well as in hydroponics sytems. Knowing as much as I do about beneficial fungus and micro-organisms and the benefits they provide to living plants, I am shy in taking this advice. However, when this first line of defense fails and plants become sick I often resort to using hydrogen peroxide treatments on my soil grown plants.

The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. You may notice it is simply water with an extra oxygen atom. In fact, as hydrogen peroxide breaks down in a solution the result is oxygen and water. Its application helps deliver oxygen to over watered plant roots and helps to sterilize the growing media by killing harmful anaerobic (not oxygen compatible) bacteria and pathanogens that cause disease. This includes bacterial wilt, pythium fungi, fusarium fungi, and others.

I avoid using the common 3% hydrogen peroxide you normally find at drug stores. This is because such low percentage solutions are unstable, and chemicals are added to the peroxide to keep it from breaking down before it can be used. I did a little research because I did not know what chemicals were used for this, or if the plants uptake these chemicals, or if there was a health risk associated with any of these stabilizing chemicals.

Hydrogen peroxide is usually stabilized with acetanilide. Acetanilide is a synthetic compound that was first used for its fever reduction and pain killing properties in the late Nineteenth Century. For many years it was utilized as an alternative to aspirin to treat various ailments, but large-scale medical use stopped when the toxic side effects of consuming acetanilide became apparent. This was enough to make up my mind to use 35% hydrogen peroxide instead.

Firstly, 35% peroxide is caustic and should be treated with the same caution as a strong acid. 35% strength hydrogen peroxide should be readily available at any quality hydroponics supply shop. The stronger concentrations do not use the added stabilizers.

The recommended dosage is to add 2-3 ml to each gallon of water, however, I use 5 ml per gallon and have never had any problems. At every nutrient change treat your fresh water with hydrogen peroxide. The general idea is to let the hydroponics sytem circulate the hydrogen peroxide solution for about a half hour to let the peroxide work against pathogens and to let the solution stabilize before adding your nutrients.

The beneficial effects of using hydrogen peroxide last about 4 days. There are some gardeners who add a little peroxide to their nutrient reservoirs every 5 days in between nutrient changes. If you decide to do this, stick to the guidelines and always make sure your solution is thoroughly mixed before exposing your plants roots to it. Another option is to top off your nutrient reservoir with peroxide treated water whenever it is low.

Harmful Chemicals

Harmful Chemicals in the Meat You Eat?

Many people may not realize it, but much of the meat we eat contains synthetic growth hormones and other chemicals that may be harmful to us. Why would cattle owners want to use growth hormones? It is all about money. Ranchers today want to produce more cattle in a shorter period. A rancher may only have about 14 months to get the calf from a small size, say 80 pounds, to a selling size (around 1,200 pounds). Growth hormones help the cattle put on weight to get them ready for slaughter in record time as well as reducing the amount of fat in the meat. Nitrates are a chemical compound that can also be found in meat today, being used to cure meat and give them a healthy color. Most notably, nitrates are found in hotdogs, giving them their red color.

The use of hormones in meat is nothing new. As far back as the 1930s, research shows that estrogen affected the growth rates in both cattle and poultry. By the 1950s, a synthetic (man made) estrogen, DES, was being used to increase cattle size. However, DES was found to cause cancer and is no longer used to "fatten" up cattle and chickens.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) current approves of five different types of hormones used in food production. Of these, testosterone and progesterone are produced naturally by the animals and zeranol and trenbolone acetate are synthetically made. These hormones are approved for use only in cattle and sheep. Poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, and pigs do not gain much weight when given these hormones, so they are not given them. Most of these hormones are given to the animal by inserting a pellet under the skin of the ear. The pellet releases the hormone and the ears of the animals are thrown away during slaughtered.

The concern of scientist and consumers both is that traces of the hormones and chemicals will remain in the meat and pose a potential hazard to humans who consume it. Have you noticed that girls today seem to be reaching puberty at a younger age? It is suspected that this may be due to the steroids found in today's meat. Unfortunately, studies done on the potentially harmful ingredients in meat have proved inconclusive and further studies are needed. One problem when conducting a study is that the animals produce some of the hormones naturally, therefore making it hard to determine how much is natural versus the pellet hormones. Also, the level of hormones produced naturally varies from animal to animal, another hurdle for researchers to overcome. The concern with nitrates, used to cure meats and give them a pink or red color, is that they can be converted into nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are believed to both cause and promote cancer. However, the FDA has no studies that decisively finds nitrates used in meats harmful, therefore continue to allow them to be used in processed foods.

What should you as a consumer do? One thing you can do is purchase organic meat. Organic meat comes from livestock raised without hormones or steroids. Also, the cattle are fed grains with no pesticides involved. In 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture developed a system whereas all organic foods (including meat) would be labeled as such. So when shopping, you should see a label on organic meat that signifies that it contains at least 95% organic ingredients. Some grocery stores carry organic meat, but if not, you may have to visit a butcher shop or health food store to find it. You can even buy organic meat through the Internet and have it delivered to your home. However, if you decided to purchase meat online, you may want to first order a small amount. That way, you can determine if it meets all your specifications for delivery time, freshness, etc. before buying a larger quantity.

As ranchers strive to find ways to get more cattle to slaughter faster, consumers will continue to be concerned in the methods they are using to do it. Until more research is done, the best thing you can do it try to be aware of all the dangers out there by staying abreast of the current research being done on cattle hormones and chemicals used in processing meats, and purchase organic meat for your family.

Industrial & Environmental Chemical Toxicity

Causation, Science And The Law: Industrial & Environmental Chemical Toxicity

Introduction

Occupational and environmental exposure to potentially toxic chemicals has been reported more frequently in the last five (5) years, most likely as the result of 1) increased public awareness, 2) improved reporting by physicians, 3) unlimited access to the information data banks, 4) more efficient regulatory support, 5) increased recognition by treating and evaluating physicians.

A physician who evaluates and treats patients with toxic exposure has to address the issue of causation. This issue of medical causation in toxic exposures has been the subject of ongoing scientific evolution over the last forty (40) years. As science evolves so does the understanding of causation and scientific evidence.

The Methodology For Establishing Cause And Effect

The evaluating and treating doctor has to establish cause and effect in the process of providing treatment, diagnosis or the evaluation of a population of patients for the purposes of consultations for forensic toxicology opinions. The methodology for establishing causation in the medical profession is not new and has been established and published in various texts, international and national conferences, and scientific peer-reviewed papers. Despite the fact that the methodology required to establish causation in toxic exposures has been well-described, the applicability of that methodology in the forensic medicine (medical-legal) arena has been a subject of deep division among experts, attorneys, and the judicial system.

Effectiveness of Acne Chemical Peels

Many people complain of problematic skin and acne. They have pimples all over their face, and end up getting really depressed about it. It happens not only with teen boys and girls experiencing puberty, but with adults as well. Acne shows up as a result of problems caused by poor treatment of the skin in general. Many adults suffer from acne due in no small part to the horrible things that they do to their skin in order to treat the pimples. A vicious and ironic cycle. Acne treatment is a sophisticated procedure, which requires your fullest attention. Then and only then will the results be positive.

Taking good care of your skin requires effort. You often rub your gentle epidermal cells with cosmetic agents that only dehydrate the skin. It will never help you get rid of those awful pimples, you know. Taking good care of your acne-invaded skin is a delicate procedure. You shouldn’t use those hideous cosmetic cremes that you cheaply buy from your local store. You don’t know how your skin will react to them. Every skin is different and so are the reasons for your acne. You shouldn’t treat every single reason with one and the same cosmetic crème. This can be profitable for one type of skin, but can be dehydrating and destructive to other types of skin. Thus, you have to careful when using all kinds of cosmetic materials.

Acne chemical peels is a traetment that removes the outer layer of your skin. It is widely used these days. Also called microderm abrasion, acne chemical peels are the recent innovation for gentle care of problematic skin. If you suffer from your acne covering half of your face, it is high time you did cure it. This can easily be performed by acne chemical peels.

The operation is harmless, as it removes only the dead layer of cells from your face. These cells are which bring your complexion, when you go sunbathing. When they are removed, the microorganisms that breed on your face are also removed. The acne pimples are an object of removal , too. By making this small and harmless operation you get rid of your wrinkles as well. Especially of those produced by the sun. It is extremely ordinary procedure, and it does not hurt. You should only take a few days off to recover from it, and not sprinkle your face with water during the first week after the operation.

If you are suffering from severe acne, one such operation can eliminate all your pimples at once, and they will not show up for a very long time. Other cosmetic materials only dry your skin, making it prone to wrinkles.

Consider making this operation and you will be amazed at the glorious results. It's time to check into microderm abrasion and acne chemical peels. Just browse through the net to see how many people have done it, and how happy they feel about it. You will discover that your acne induced problems are about to end soon. In addition you will get the perfect complexion that you always have craved for.

Skin Care For Men VS Chemical Skin Care For Men

Organic Skin Care For Men VS Chemical Skin Care For Men

When we men start buying skin care products, we don’t look too much in the components and nature of the product in front of us. We just tend glaze over the counter and read general features, such as “anti-aging”, “no more wrinkles”, “bye bye greasy skin”. However there is one of these features that we should be more aware of: “organic product”.

Organic skin care or natural skin care, refers to the use of all-natural ingredients to take care of our skin. These products are generally made of more than one type of herbs and seeds, that combined are able to bring the same results as a chemical based products. Organic lifestyles and the rediscovery of ancient herbs are making organic skin care increasingly popular in men skin care products, and put chemical based products under the spotlight.

Chemical skin care became popular thanks to its sometimes incredible results in correcting skin problems. And that was the reason they had a higher price too. But as years had passed, medical investigations had shown that some of these components are not safe. Components such as Aliminum, Propulene Glycol and Imidazolidinyl urea, have been proved to be harmful to people. Their effects include links with breast cancer, contact dermatitis, ototoxicity, kidney damage and more. Most of the products with these components have been banned, but there are some that not, even with all the research to back that up. There may be also other components not YET found harmful.

As men we are in contact with a lot of these chemicals, but not as much as a woman. An average woman uses 12 beauty products a day, this adds up 168 chemicals!

However, with all that, we shouldn’t rely so blindly in Organic skin care. Organic products are notoriously under-regulated and some of these so called “All-natural” products use chemicals, and chemical processes to blend the components. Of course not too many people speak loudly about these, and you come to discover the effects by yourself.

The best advice to take is this: Know what you are using. You have to be informed, because it is your skin what we are talking about here. You may think that as a man your skin is tougher, but that is not true. Facial skin is more sensitive in men due to constant bad shaving habits. Do a search on Internet for the ingredients on the product you’re about to buy and if possible ask a doctor for advice.

Side Effects And Benefits

Wrinkle Treatment With Chemical Face Peels: Their Side Effects And Benefits

Ask any women and they'll tell you that when they look great they feel great. And so even though beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder it is important to us individually. And chemical peels are certainly beneficial even with their few side effects.

Our skin is our largest organ and year after year it's exposed to all of the elements. The sun is especially responsible for damage to our skin. And if we're being honest most of us haven't given it all the attention it deserves. It's no wonder that over the years we develop age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

In this article, let's look at the benefits and side effect sof beauty chemical peels.

So what can chemical peels do for me?

There are many over the counter skin care products as well as treatments for minor skin problems but if we have more serious issues such as acne, scaring, pigmentation, and aging problems it's best to see a dermatologist or esthetician and see which type of chemical peel can give you the most benefits.

There are many over the counter skin care products as well as treatments for minor skin problems but if we have more serious issues such as acne, scaring, pigmentation, and aging problems it's best to see a dermatologist or esthetician and see which type of chemical peel can give you the most benefits.

Chemical peels work by removing layers of skin. AHA peels remove only the top layer, TCA peels go deeper, and phenol or other peels can go really deep. Which type of chemical peel is right for you will depend on what skin problems you are dealing with. But one thing is for sure - all chemical peels leave the skin looking fresh, younger, vibrant, and over healthier.

Tricholoracetri peels or TCA peels are the most common type of peel. They are a good choice for many skin problems obtaining a deeper penetration than AHA peels. More effective than AHA but fewer side effects than deeper phenol masks.

The downside of chemical peels

Like any cosmetic procedure, chemical peels may have negative side effects and involve an element of risk. Your skin will most likely be very tight for some time afterwards and may even sting and appear to be red. These effects are usual quite mild, but can be extreme in some cases.

The more superficial the peel, the less risk is attached to it. The side effects of a superficial peel often last only a few days. However, some individuals may experience hyperpigmentation, or changes to the look and coloring of the skin afterwards. If you have a deep peel then it may actually inhibit the skin's pigmenting ability.

In terms of the benefits and advantages of a chemical peel, the negative effects are simply minor irritations. A dermatologist will be able to assess your wants and needs and recommend the best chemical peel for you. Regardless of whether you have acne or cancer, chemical peels can really boost the health of your skin.

However, you should always weight up the positive and the negatives for yourself before deciding on exactly what you want and need. Just make sure that you get a professional opinion before you make your final decision!

Chasing Dreams or Chemical Relaxing in Sedu Hairstyles

Couple of months ago when I first learned about sedu hairstyles I decided to do the relaxing. My hair is naturally wavy, but it tends to curl every time it’s wet outside. As I live in one of the most humid parts of the country, I have great difficulties with keeping my hair straight.

I thought that relaxing is the best way for me to save my time and to keep the hair straight. The time proved me wrong, and the result was simply disastrous.

When I pulled myself together and went to the salon to make a relaxing, I felt cheerful about fulfilling my dream of straight and sleek sedu hairstyle. When the process was over and I was leaving the salon, I thought of buying a wig.

So, I decided to warn you of such premature decision and describe you how the process goes:

1. Your hair is washed;
2. Then it is combed, divided into separate tresses, and the relaxing solution is applied;
3. After that some time is needed for the chemicals to work;
4. When the time’s up, your hair is rinsed, and the neutralizing lotion is applied to close the scales of the cuticle;
5. Then the hair is conditioned to avoid breakage and swelling.
6. The last stage is the advice not to wash your hair for some time, two-three days at least, because your hair is not fully recovered from the chemicals and can be harmed even more.

Well, all that I learned after I have done the relaxing. Now I know that my stylist made several serious mistakes that ruined my hair and made me cut it really short because of a really great amount of split ends and broken hairs.

Mistake 1: Concentration of relaxing solution

I have fine hair, but as it is really thick it is hard to define the texture and diameter of the separate hair by eye. The girl that was doing my hair paid no attention to the fineness of my hair and applied rather strong solution. As a result, my hair looked over processed and dead in the end.

The good stylist always should study the hair type closely, and define the appropriate concentration of the relaxing solution in order not to harm the hair.

Mistake 2: Time of processing

When the lotion is applied, you hair is left to “cook”. It is important that the time is defined carefully or your hair will suffer great shock and may even dissolve!

For my hair the time was defined badly. After the solution was rinsed out, I saw that my hair was sticking lifelessly in all directions like a hip of hay. I started to think that something was wrong. My sedu hairstyle was gradually fading. I saw it flying away and waving me sorrowfully.

Mistake 3: Incomplete rinsing

Careful and thoroughful rinsing is particularly important in relaxing. It ensures that you hair suffers no longer and starts recovering from the chemical treatment.

During my relaxing rinsing took approximately 5-7 minutes. It may look enough, but I usually rinse out the shampoo for 10 minutes at least!

So, my hair looked more and more dreadful, and I was thinking longily about wavy times of my hair. I spent half an hour on flat ironing every day, but at least the hair looked shiny and smooth, but not like great pile of dead strands.

At the long last, when I left the salon looking awful and feeling completely frustrated, I decided that in no way I will do two things again: go to this salon and make a chemical straightening.

After consulting with the stylist in the other salon later that week, I cut my hair short, bought new shampoo and set for chemically treated hair, and ordered sedu flat iron. I’ve decided that if I want to have sedu hairstyle, I should stick to the product that was first to invent it.

Now two months have passed since that terrible experience. My hair has almost recovered and grows healthy and wavy again. I spend nearly an hour for hair care procedures every day, but it’s really worth the effort. At the long last I have sleek and smooth sedu hairstyle, and I pay no attention that it is short.

Get Chemical

Throw That Pen, Get Chemical Signature

May I lick the contract?

The Chemical Signature is a simple concept: make your ink unique by mixing a new color and adding secret components. Even salt and sugar will do it. Now, the custom ink could have been invented by Da Vinci, but without Internet it would have been very hard to associate a person with its Own Ink. It is possible now for everyone to have a custom ink, adding safety to signatures and rubberstamps. The ink is obtained by mixing standard colors in different proportions. As a first step in validation, the colors are shown in a website, under a code.The additional components that add safety to the OwnInk system are substances that are easy to detect, if you know what you are looking for. If you do not, you need a multimillion dollar lab and many hours of expert chemists or biochemists. To know some of the secret components, the validator needs to register in a website. More components mean more safety levels, and more requirements for validators.

What is wrong with the $1 ball pen?

In these times of digital signatures, nobody pays attention to ink signatures, which are still made as in the Middle Ages, but move billions of dollars every hour. Ink signatures in paper will probably stay around until we extinct all the forests.

However, when handwriting analysts mention technology, they mean a magnifying glass. No changes have appeared in the way we sign and in how the signatures are verified. On the other hand, criminals have now scanners, graphic software and check software, enabling them to easily falsify any rubber stamp or signature, no matter how complicated.

As a result, attempted check fraud in US banks surpassed $4.32 billion in 2001, doubling for the 2nd time in 4 years (American Bankers Association Deposit Account Fraud Survey Report).

Not only banks need to verify signatures: notaries, universities, governments and those who face the globalized economy. And still, they rely on visual examination to compare signatures.

You can sign in any color, as long it is black.

There are a few obstacles for the Chemical Signature. For instance: Will Notaries accept signatures with Customized Safety Ink?. Probably not, because the law favors Black. One reason is that light blue is bad for xeroxing, but there is nothing wrong with other colors. Maybe the law can change. And there is nothing against chemical tracers.

It is also possible to sign in black (with subtle amounts of chemical tracers) and stamp in color. You need a stamp to state that "This document is signed / stamped with Custom Ink #123456".

Another problem would arise when you lose your pen or rubber stamping pad. Your ink can fall in the wrong hands. However, it is easy to implement a reporting system such as the one that Credit Cards have.

Is this document radioactive?

As a matter of fact, yes. If you are reading this in paper, it will be less radioactive than a computer monitor, but it still has a background radiation.

The ink can have radioactive components that are easy to identify and measure. However, if they stay below certain limits, no authority will complain.

Alternatively, some biological components can be added for extra safety and easy detection by a biochemical lab. DNA or saliva could be good options, but the company providing such an ink would be liable for handling hazardous materials. However, many biochemicals are safe enough to be included in the ink.

Fluorescent, magnetic and particulate components are also possible.

The letter is a worthless lie, but the ink is $890

Who is going to profit from the chemical signature?

The banks will save money in graphoanalysts and forged checks. Validator entities will earn from the simple and profitable chemical analysis. Resellers of the ink kits, pen makers and gift shops will also have a bite.

It is not clear how will Notaries perform when the rules of their business get turned upside down. Some will join the innovation and take advantage of it, while others will see their business disappear. Scam artists will certainly spend thousands in chemistry courses and lab equipment.

The product can be segmented into several price ranges. The simplest custom ink with few components and little guaranty will cost about $5, while the ultra-secure variety with a golden pen will go over 800.

Beyond all the safety issues, there is a powerful reason for the Chemical Signature to succeed: the impulse of people to affirm their personality, to be fancy and original.