Are You a Green Beauty?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in all sorts of beauty products. According to the FDA, a study published in 2004 (Darbre, in the Journal of Applied Toxicology) detected parabens in breast tumors. The study also discussed this information in the context of the weak estrogen-like properties of parabens and the influence of estrogen on breast cancer. However, the study did not show that parabens cause cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group, parabens are widely used synthetic preservatives found in most of the nearly 25,000 cosmetics and personal care products. Parabens can disrupt the hormone (endocrine) system.

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Mineral oil is produced as a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil and therefore wastes fossil fuels in its production and use. It's always best to look for products free of mineral oil as well as synthetic fragrance, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens.

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Henna is great for giving your hair stunning all natural shine and luster. The henna plant produces a red-orange dye that has long been used to color hands, hair, and more. In modern times the color has been neutralized and today it's colorless but gives full conditioning and shine benefits.

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Mercury is used as a germ killer and preservative in mascara. It makes the product last longer than it normally would and it's used to prevent bacteria. Federal law currently allows cosmetic eye products to contain up to 65 parts per million of mercury. It has however been removed from a good majority of mascara products because of the toxicity that mercury can cause when it builds up in the body but the Environmental Working Group found mercury in Paula Dorf, listed as the mercury preservative thimerosal.

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Vinegar helps to stretch the use of your nail polish. Olive oil is a great lubricant that helps to maintain healthy hands and nails and vitamin B helps to strengthen your nails. All three of these everyday products are great for your daily nail maintenance.

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Sardines are important to keep hair thick. Biotin is an essential B vitamin found in sardines that's good for maintaining the texture of your hair, similar to protein. It helps maintain the hair once it grows in so that it doesn't break. You can find biotin in sardines, egg yolks, and salmon.

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Yes, it's true! Phthalates are a toxin found in tons of beauty products that's known to really take a toll on the male sex organs. They can also cause infertility in men and sperm damage as well. It's best to avoid phthalates which tend to pop up in beauty products where you wouldn't expect.

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But it may as well because, similar to asbestos, it can increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers. Shopping for cosmetics is like shopping for groceries, you have to read the ingredients.

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Aluminum, which is commonly used in antiperspirants, has been found to block pores. It prevents the body from eliminating toxins through perspiration, which reduces the body's ability to regulate its temperature. Instead of using antiperspirant, try using natural deodorant brands that don't contain aluminum, or try the crystal stick which uses natural mineral salts.

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Rosacea is a persistent redness, flushing, and cluster of rough patches that spread all over the skin. It's totally unattractive and seems to refuse to go away but it can be cured with licorice.

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Rosacea and Your Skin