May 2014
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Chemicals to Avoid in Cosmetics and Personal Care.. Right Now
For many, a commitment to health sounds more like a commitment to a life of paranoia and deprivation. The most common argument I hear is that it isn’t “healthy” to spend a life in fear of every product that is out there. For those with a busy lifestyle, it sure may seem overwhelming to think of adding more things to watch out for on top of our existing concerns. While I understand this perspective, I am writing this article to make it simpler for you. Remove the words paranoia, deprivation and concern from your vocabulary, and replace them with “Being Informed”.
Being informed will simply allow you to make more intelligent and conscious choices for yourself, your family, and the planet as a whole. You might lose a couple of seconds of your life while looking for detrimental chemicals on product labels, but is that any match for the healthier years you’ll add to your life, the illnesses you’ll avoid, and the example you will be in support of a more sustainable world?
The truth is, many of the ingredients in personal care and beauty products aren’t so pretty. U.S. researchers have found that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products are hazardous industrial chemicals. This means that 10,500 industrial chemicals are used as cosmetic ingredients, many of which are carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts) and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks). And these go on our skin and into the environment…
Did you know that everyday chemical exposure is among the leading causes of the most common cases of chronic disease in America?
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS TO AVOID IN COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS:
1. Parabens
Used in makeup, moisturizers, shampoos etc. May interfere with hormone function. Associated with breast cancer. Look out for ingredients with “pararaben” in their name (methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, ethylparaben). Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.
Why Used?: Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. They are also used as fragrance ingredients, but consumers won’t find that listed on the label. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients. An estimated 75 to 90 per cent of cosmetics contain parabens.
Why Harmful?: Parabens easily penetrate the skin and are suspected of interfering with hormone function (endocrine disruption). Parabens can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. In one study, parabens were detected in human breast cancer tissues, raising questions about a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive functions. In addition, studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.
Parabens occur naturally at low levels in certain foods, such as barley, strawberries, currents, vanilla, carrots and onions, although a synthetic preparation derived from petrochemicals is used in cosmetics. Parabens in foods are metabolized when eaten, making them less strongly estrogenic. In contrast, when applied to the skin and absorbed into the body, parabens in cosmetics bypass the metabolic process and enter the blood stream and body organs intact. It has been estimated that women are exposed to 50 mg per day of parabens from cosmetics. More research is needed concerning the resulting levels of parabens in people. Studies conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did find four different parabens in human urine samples, indicating exposure despite the very low levels in products.
Regulatory Status: There are no restrictions on the use of parabens in cosmetics in Canada. International regulations are stronger. The European Union restricts the concentration of parabens in cosmetics.
Related Ingredients:
Methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben are some of the most common parabens in cosmetics. Other chemicals in this class generally have “paraben” in their names (e.g., isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, etc.).2. DEA, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA (Related chemicals: MEA and TEA)
In creamy and foaming products such as moisturizer, shampoo. Can react to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
Why Used?: DEA (diethanolamine) and DEA compounds are used to make cosmetics creamy or sudsy. DEA also acts as a pH adjuster, counteracting the acidity of other ingredients. DEA is mainly found in moisturizers and sunscreens, while cocamide and lauramide DEA are found in soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. Industrial applications of DEA include its use in oil refineries to “scrub” hydrogen sulphide from process gas emissions.
Health and Environmental Hazards: DEA and its compounds cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation. In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid. The European Union classifies DEA as harmful on the basis of danger of serious damage to health from prolonged exposure. DEA compounds can also react with nitrites in cosmetics to form nitrosamines, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as a possible human carcinogen. Nitrites are sometimes added to products as anti-corrosive agents or can be present as contaminants. The degradation of some chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics can release nitrites when the product is exposed to air.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency classifies cocamide DEA as hazardous to the environment because of its acute toxicity to aquatic organisms and potential for bioaccumulation.
Regulatory Status: The use of DEA compounds in cosmetics is unrestricted in Canada, although Health Canada has categorized them as “moderate human health priorities.” They have been flagged for future assessment under the government’s Chemicals Management Plan. Nitrosamines are prohibited on Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. However, when these chemicals are present in a product as contaminants (i.e., unintentional ingredients), the Hotlist restriction does not apply.
International regulations are stronger. The European Union Cosmetics Directive restricts the concentration and use of cocamide and lauramide DEA in cosmetics, and limits the maximum nitrosamine concentration in products containing these ingredients. vii
Related Ingredients: MEA (monoethanolamide) and TEA (triethanolamine) are related chemicals. Like DEA, they can react with other chemicals in cosmetics to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Credit: Collective Evolution
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Michelle Phan Demonstrates Jersey Shore Sun Sans Tan Sunscreen in Graduation Video
Professional make-up Artist, Michelle Phan, AKA Story Teller, Dreamer and founder of Ipsy Glam Bag , demonstrates Jersey Shore Sun® Sans Tan All Natural Sunscreen in Graduation Beauty Tips video, which also includes Michelle's graduation speech. Michelle Phan has best wishes for 2014 graduates and gives them amazing make-up and skin care tips, which includes applying best selling all natural, Jersey Shore Sun, Sans Tan Anti-aging Sunscreen in her recent make-up demonstration video for 2014 graduates. See video and hear Michelle Phan's graduation speech here. -
Sun Safety Tips
Sun Safety Tips for Your Skin Many people love the warm sun. The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But our love affair isn't a two way street: Exposure to sun causes many of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces and is the number one cause of skin cancer. In fact, sun exposure causes many of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place. The skin also bruises and tears more easily -- taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life. How Can I Protect Skin From the Sun? Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can sometimes repair itself. So, it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. Follow these tips to help prevent sun-related skin problems: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and then at least every 2 hours thereafter, more if you are sweating or swimming Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection Wear sunglasses with total UV protection Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts, and pants Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths Eighty percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child Avoid tanning beds - MD Web -
About
Jersey Shore Cosmetics was formulated with family and community in mind by Jacquelyn Foster Quattro, a cosmetics industry veteran. After years of working with makeup and skin care, Jacquelyn noticed questionable ingredients in popular brands and began extensive research on safety to oversee the formulation of her own products. Coming from a large family of outdoors enthusiasts, and having children of her own, she set out to offer the best in sun care and anti-aging products, suitable for all ages, to be worn year-round for all outdoor activities. Working with chemists, herbalists, and green manufacturers she came up with non-toxic, petrochemical- free sunscreens created in small batches in the USA, using simple, organic, non-GMO ingredients. Her sun care lines Jersey Shore Sun and Jersey Kids are top rated by The Environmental Working Group, gluten free, offer some vegan, and suitable for babies under 6 months. Since the launch of Jersey Shore Cosmetics, the line now includes USDA certified organic lip-conditioners, a range of color cosmetics, and alcohol and fragrance-free hand cleanser; perfect for children and people with sensitive skin. As a proud Jersey Girl, Jacquelyn chose her company name to remind people that great things come out of New Jersey, and she doesn't just mean Bon Jovi! -
Sun Smart
Until recently, the full dangers of unprotected sun exposure were not known. Now, we know how hazardous it can be spend too much time in the sun without the proper protection. One of the biggest dangers of too much sun exposure is skin cancer. The sun’s rays contain destructive UV light, which penetrate the top layers of skin, damaging cells in the under layers and creating the right environment for cancer to develop. Overtime, as more and more cells are damaged, not only does the skin begin to look wrinkled and aged, it also begins to break down. Nothing on earth can break down collagen and elastin in the skin like UV light. It was once believed that “getting some sun” was good for a person, and people would spend hours walking outdoors or at the beach, soaking up the rays. This led to a surge of skin cancer reports, especially among women who would suntan for cosmetic purposes. In order to combat this growing trend, companies began developing sunscreen, which could be applied topically to the skin to protect it from the sun. While this was an important step forward, it introduced another danger into our environment. Many sunscreens are formulated with harmful chemicals and hormone disruptors which can often be as dangerous to our bodies as the sun’s rays. Just as it is important to protect our bodies from the sun, it is vital that we shield ourselves from these unsafe chemicals and ingredients. The solution, however, is not to go without sunscreen. Instead, the solution is to find an all-natural sunscreen that contains only all natural and organic ingredients, that has been tested and approved by organizations like The Environmental Working Group, (EWG.org) PETA and Livestrong.com, who are devoted to helping to bring only the safest, most effective products to the market. First and foremost, we recommend light, protective clothing and accessories. Of the few sunscreens that has been approved by The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org), PETA, and Livestrong.com, Jersey Kids All Natural, Jersey Shore Sun, Sans Tan Anti-aging and Jersey Shore cosmetics mineral sunscreens tops the lists. Jersey Kids sunscreen is organic, vegan, petrochemical-free, and even safe for babies under six months old. Livestrong.com voted Jersey Kids, as the #1 All Purpose sunscreen, while at the same time, Jersey Shore Sun, Sans Tan was topping PETA’s 2013 “Summer Must Haves” list. Jersey Shore Sun, Sans Tan sunscreen is as effective as Jersey Kids, but with the added benefit for being an anti-aging sunscreen with added vitamin D. Formulated with only all natural, organic and non-GMO ingredients, our sunscreens are of the few sunscreens on the shelves that are marketed as all-natural and actually is all-natural, without petrochemicals, hormone disruptors, or toxins. Jersey Shore Cosmetics donates to various cancer organizations, centers and foundations. [caption id="attachment_10" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sans Tan Travel Size; great for the Golf course or Tennis court![/caption] -
Welcome to our new site!
At Jersey Shore Cosmetics, we aim to bring you products which are truly safe and free of petrochemicals. Our products are eco/ reef friendly and cruelty- free. Jersey Shore Cosmetics brands offer truly safe and healthy products for you and your loved ones without compromising on effectiveness . Jersey Kids and Jersey Shore Sun are highly rated brands which are phthalate-free, cruely-free and free of petrochemicals.
A sunscreen doesn't need to contain any unhealthy synthetic or chemical sun filters, yet unfortunately many do. Invariably, choosing a pure mineral sunscreen instead, like non- nano particle zinc oxide to protect your skin is a far healthier option. Beyond that, if the sunscreen is bolstered with organic natural ingredients that nurture the skin at the same time as protecting it, you will have chosen the best possible organic sunscreen option. Choose to have safe fun in the sun. Choose Jersey Shore Cosmetics brands.
Both, Jersey Kids and Jersey Shore Sun, Sans Tan organic sunscreens are top rated and recommended with a score of 1 on the Environmental Working Group's "Skin Deep" recommended sunscreens list. (EWG.org)
Jersey Kids sunscreen is voted #1 All Purpose Sunscreen by Livestrong.com.
Jersey Shore Cosmetics, safe fun in the sun for the whole family.
Jersey Shore Cosmetics is a Cruelty- free Eco- friendly Company.
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