Is your "natural" bronzer toxic or non-toxic?

Consumers may be spending more time and money than necessary to avoid products that are "unnatural" and, therefore unsafe. This comes to the controversy over the ingredient-bismuth oxychloride, a chemical compound found in products labeled "natural". This ingredient is popular in mineral powders, bronzers, blush, eye shadows and nail polish.

What is bismuth oxychloride and what is it used for? Bismuth oxychloride is a synthetically prepared compound derived from natural elements. Oxygen and chlorine (oxychloride) is being approved for use up to certain concentration levels in cosmetics in many products. So, the questionable element is bismuth. Bismuth is a natural metal. It's actually a non-toxic heavy metal approved for use as a color additive in cosmetics by the U.S. FDA. It is also widely used for it's ability to create a shimmery look and silky feel in addition to its ability to adhere to skin.

Why all the conflict if approved for cosmetics? Bismuth is in the same family of elements as arsenic, and thus resembles bismuth. Another concern by opposers of the compound is that it is listed in Material Safety Sheets (when handling the ingredient in the raw), that bismuth oxychloride can cause skin irritation. This may be the reason why some people feel they are sensitive to mineral powders, when it's actually this ingredient sensitizing the skin. Also, by applying the mineral powder and blushers more than twice a day to "fix up" their make-up may intensify the sensitivity.

Approved by the FDA, cosmetic consumers will continue to see bismuth oxychloride on the list of ingredients found in many make-up labels. It is up to the individual if she will continue to purchase these products with this ingredient. Persons with sensitive skin should try to avoid it. If you absolutely love your cosmetics with this ingredient in it and the side effects are of no concern, then continue with your favorite brand.

By Sandy Alcide, founder Motion Medica skin care. A division of Fitness Botanical Skin Care Co.
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Your face does not get all the anti-aging attention!

A rather frequently asked question to me: Why Does the Face Get All The Anti-Aging Attention? My answer: "It doesn't".

Read my recent article in Always New You, the publication for today's modern, mature woman and find out what else the eye is drawn to even with flawless face skin.

Click here: Always New You

Is it sunburn or sun damaged skin?

As a contributing writer for the publication Always New You. Please read my recent article Is It Sunburn or Sun Damaged? Most persons mistake it as a mere sunburn. Click Here: Always New You

Confusing information about exfoliating blackheads

Many people are sometimes confused about new information they hear about or read. A popular day time television show recently e-mailed me about how they wanted to do a segment about "exfoliating blackheads". I replied, "Although I appreciate the offer, I can't provide you with any information because this will worsen peoples' skin with this ailment". I don't know if it ever aired, I haven't had time to watch day time television in many years.

So why should you not use this skin care method with blackheads? What exactly is blackheads? They are the result of excessive oil and dirt in our pores. Medically defined as, "open comodone", are usually the first stages of acne. They may or may not develop into skin inflammation and infection = a pimple.

The "black" of the blackhead is not dirt. The oils blocking your pores when exposed to air, oxidize causing oil to become solid. The blocked pore reflects light and looks black.

Getting rid of blackheads is easy. You are only removing clogged oil from pores. Exfoliating them will not get rid of them but will irritate it and cause acne. Blackheads need to be extracted-correctly. If you don't know how to extract blackheads visit a skin care specialist. The most important element in not having blackheads is preventing them to occur. This is where exfoliating your skin comes into a major role among one of the benefits of exfoliating.

Buying a cleanser and buying an exfoliating wash is not necessary. Simply use a 2-In-1 exfoliating cleanser with the correct ingredients. One that has exfoliating agents that will not abrade delicate skin tissue incorporated into the cleanser with salicylic acid-and other natural ingredients that will promote healthy skin is even better. Use one that avid exercisers use because avid exercise promotes more excessive oil and dead skin cells.

Hard scrubbing with excessive motion will not only irritate your skin but will worsen the condition. Scrub gently with warm water in a circular motion and you'll see greater results. Using a facial brush of any kind, even when it comes with the product is not only unnecessary but will cause irritation. Blackhead strips have minimal effect and have been found to cause excessive inflammation because only the surface of the blackhead is removed. Not getting "into" the pore leads to pimples. A strip can't do this.

Adhere to a regular routine of cleansing, for both face and body. A daily exfoliater is not necessary in addition to other skin care steps. The best exfoliater only needs to be used 3-4 times a week. This will clean away excess oil and dirt and dead skin cells that trap these into your skin. You'll also help give your skin a radiant boost and prevent anti-aging. For ladies, avoid wearing excessive make-up and make-up that is not water based. Allow your skin to breathe. Never exfoliate more than once a day. Too much of a good thing can be bad for your skin.

Visible results of clear, blackhead free skin will result if you use the above suggestions. Give it a try.

By Sandy Alcide, founder of Motion Medica skin care.
Sandy is a published author about effective skin care and President of the American Athletic Skin Care Association-Raising Awareness Among the Rise In Melanoma Among Outdoor Athletes.
Copyright 2011 all rights reserved.

Second thoughts about Safe Cosmetics Act 2011

"I own my words. Even if I have to occasionally eat them". I took this pledge with Blog With Integrity. Rather than deleting my original post about the new Safe Cosmetics Act 2011; I am admitting I hastily agreed with it until I read the Act in full. I agree with some of the new Act. I certainly don't disagree about synthetic chemicals in cosmetics and skin care that can cause cancer but congress went a bit over-board into misleading persons that natural ingredients, even cold pressed essential oils from fruit should be banned if not properly listed on the ingredients label. One essential oil they are opposed of is Orange Essential Oil. I can't write about this any better than Michelle Rhoades on her blog The Hive. Click here for her informative article.

The new HR 2359 bill for Safe Cosmetics Act is now publicly available and you can read it here.

There are lots of petitions from credible organizations who support all natural ingredients that are opposing this bill. When you click on the link to read about the new bill you can support or oppose it.

By Sandy Alcide founder Motion Medica skin care

The Safe Cosmetics Act- finally!

On Friday June 24Th, 2011 the announcement was made introducing The Safe Cosmetics Act, H.R. 2359. Considering I was active in this campaign, this was great news to me. I've had additional information sent to me that I can now finally share with consumers.

I give Washington due credit for giving the FDA recall authority for products misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet safety standards.

Why am I excited about this? Besides the well-being of the consumer it gives smaller companies who followed strict procedure before the law was passed due credit over the big companies who felt invincible to follow strict procedure. Ironically, many consumers seem to trust the ad campaigns in slick glamour magazines and commercials, from the big skin care and cosmetic companies and don't take the smaller companies seriously.

This year's bill included changes signed to ease any potential burdens a small cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers and clarify intent of the bill.
"The health risks caused by harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, in cosmetic products demonstrate the pressing need to see the products we use are safe. The Safe Cosmetics Act is critical to ensuring that personal care products do not compromise the health of the workers and consumers". Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis said.Key provisions in the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 include:

* Post market testing. Requires the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct annual random sample tests for pathogens or contaminants in cosmetic products. (I love this).

* Cosmetic companies will be required to register with the FDA.

* The FDA will establish a list of ingredients prohibited from being used in cosmetics. (Europe has been doing this). This includes carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins (often disguised by another ingredient name). Your favorite model and/or actress, doctor who is endorsing your favorite cosmetic or personal skin care brand may not realize the product has toxic ingredients). There is a skin care line always on television commercials with two dermatologists endorsing and taken credit for developing the product line. I wonder how they disguised one ingredient that is common household bleach. This line targets acne sufferers.

* The FDA will have recall authority for products that are misbranded, adulterated or otherwise fail to meet the safety standard. The FDA will be able to order ceasing of distribution of any cosmetic or personal skin care product. (Uh-oh, some big companies are scrambling to figure out what to do to avoid this).

Now you can feel a bit at ease knowing the government will be providing help to you. Many consumers don't have time to read and study up on the ingredients they apply on them. And, they shouldn't have to. I'm quite glad this Act went into effect. I hope you are too.

By Sandy Alcide founder Motion Medica skin care
Copyright 2011

Lotions & potions to reduce cellulite now targeted for athletes

With daily exercise and great nutritional diets-athletes are not cellulite free!

You may think this is a bit unfair but even with great lifestyle habits cellulite is predominate in woman over 30, and as young as woman in their twenties.

Cellulite refers to fibrous tissue and subcutaneous fat that causes dimples in the skin. Fats and toxins that build-up in the body usually accumulate in thighs and buttocks.

Expensive specialty lotions that claim to remove or reduce the appearance of cellulite is not needed!

Any regular skin softening product and method will have the same effect as these expensive products and you'll get an added bonus of saving a lot of money.

How do you help the appearance of cellulite without the potions?

To help with the appearance of cellulite keep your skin soft by massaging it with a product that has alpha hydroxy acids AND sloughs off dead skin cells (exfoliater). Follow with a body cream that has no oil in it.

If you really are bothered by your cellulite with all the working out and proper nutrition you discipline yourself to; liposuction is another temporary surgical method but could be risky and costly.

By Sandy Alcide, founder Motion Medica skin care.Copyright 2011