Archive for December, 2010
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
Parabens are chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics. They are most often found shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, toothpaste and even some pharmaceutical creams. Parabens are used to help eliminate and keep out bacteria and fungi out of products.Some of these chemicals have been found in plant sources, such as blueberries. However, all parabens that are used in commercial products are synthetically produced.
Seems like a good thing, right? That is actually up to debate. Parabens have also been known affect hormones. Though it has never been linked as a cause to cancer, low concentrations of parabens have been discovered in breast cancer tumors.
If it seems like such a bad thing, then why is is not regulated? According to the FDA, The Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetics act does not require the ingredients in cosmetics products to be regulated, nor is the FDA authorized to do so. Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient to their liking, so long as it is not a list of banned items that are in face being regulated.
The conclusion? The FDA has conducted numerous studies over the past 20 years and had concluded in 1984 that parabens were safe to use in cosmetics at levels up to 25 percent. Another study was conducted in 2004 and the FDA strengthened their original statement. The FDA is aware that forms of breast cancer is associated estrogenic activities, and parabens are known to mimic estrogen, so causal link has been concluded between paraben and cancer.
Although Denmark, and a few other countries have banned parabens in cosmetics for children (specifically propyl and butylparaben), the European safety commission has released its opinion on the matter as well. Parabens (butylparaben and propylparaben) as preservatives are safe to use so long as the sum of the two do not exceed .19 percent.
There you have it! The opinion of a few different nations. It’s up to you to decide for yourself now.
Tags: cosmetics, FDA bans, Organic, Paraben, Preservatives, Safety
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Green Living, Healthy Living, News, Safe Cosmetics Act, cosmetics | No Comments »
Friday, December 17th, 2010
Christmas is almost here! The kids are home from school and they have a nice, long break. You might even have some college kids finally back at home again. You probably have plenty of cleaning to do since family is coming over in a few days! The holiday spirit is in the air, but you can’t quite catch it yet, you still have shopping to do!
This is the busiest season of the year for businesses and consumers alike, but most importantly the mom! Don’t forget to spend a little “me” time every day and just enjoy what you have. This is a season to give and forgive and cherish everything and everyone that you have. We only have about a week left!
If you have the chance, swing by these websites to try and win a travel candle:
Mommy Kat and Kids
Cool Canucks
A Spicy Boy, A Cat, & My Fat Ass
It’s Friday and the work day is almost over, so take it easy, and have a nice relaxing weekend. And if you haven’t yet, follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest Scandle news and giveaways!
http://amoroccan-acat-and-my-bigass.blogspot.com/2010/12/day-8-12-days-of-christmas-giveaways_08.html
Tags: christmas, friday, giveaways, Holiday, shopping
Posted in Scandle Candle | No Comments »
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
These are the busy months. Work is much more hectic. You need to finish your holiday shopping. You need to get ready for the entire family to come over. When are you going to get the time to yourself? As much joy as this season may bring, winter can be very harsh on a person, let alone your skin. Don’t let your skin get dry or your lips get cracked. Let us help you provide a little extra TLC for your skin.
- As for everything, to keep your skin healthy (and yourself!) make sure to drink plenty of water and exercised. Exercise is a word we all dread, but will energize you greatly, and give your skin a nice boost in color as well. Keeping your body hydrated will also keep your skin cells healthy. Along with this, water-enriched vegetables (such as lettuce) are also good for giving your skin that natural glow.
- Control your environment. Adding a humidifier to your room will protect your skin from the dry air. Also keep your showers short. Exposing your skin to too much can also dry your skin out. Sometimes lukewarm water is the best option. Try not to crank up the heat inside your house, either. Turn your thermostat down to the lowest temperature at which you feel comfortable, and your skin will thank you later.
- Products are a plus. You may not like the idea of rubbing things onto your face and body, but just keep an eye on the products, and help your skin out. Switch out your soap bar for something a bit more mild if you want to be a little more friendly to your body. Don’t scrub or be rough, and just dab at your skin to dry it. If your skin tends to be extra dry, you can use some aloe vera or sesame oil. Be sure to moisturize your skin, and keep an eye on your lips. No one wants to smooch with dry, chapped lips.
-Be mindful of your feet and hands, where skin has more of a tendency to crack and peel. Try to use a hand and foot treatment at least once a week. If you get a moment to yourself, treat yourself to a nice foot soak while you’re catching up with your DVR.
Even through your hectic winter days, make sure to keep yourself healthy and sane. Always take a little time each day to pay attention to yourself because even the busiest mom needs a little extra tender, love and care. So before you head out to that last bit of holiday shopping, put on a natural lip balm and some sun protection and make yourself feel just a little more at ease.
Tags: Busy Moms, Health, Holiday, Lifestyle, Skin Care, Winter
Posted in Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Scandle Candle, Sensitive skin, Skin & Body Care/Treatments, Skin Care, Skin Damage, Sun Damage, Winter Care | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
The hospital is where people usually go to get better. If we’re sick, the hospital cures us. If we’re hurt, the hospital heals us. They make our pain go away and help us feel better. At least that’s how it’s supposed to be.
We are not doctors, we are not experts, we have no prior medical training. We were asked to bring this to the attention of the public. Health care professionals are there to help us, but even then, patients are at the risk of infections such as blood tract infections, UTIs, surgical site infections and pneumonia.
“Not on My Watch” is a prevention campaign that is raising efforts to prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). They believe that health care professionals need to continually update their knowledge of infection management in order to help protect the patient. In order to help them through their busy schedules, the HAI Education Program created this campaign and is providing participation facilities with a toolkit that contains fliers, posters, patient safety tips.
HAI Education Program is working in association with Kimberly-Clark to raise awareness of the “not on My Watch” Campaign. To find out more, you can read up on HAIs through the Center for Disease Control, or visit the HAI Watch FAQs page.
Tags: Campaign, Disease, HAI, Health care, health risks, Infection, Kimberly Clark
Posted in Healthy Living, News | No Comments »
Friday, December 10th, 2010
Thank goodness it’s Friday! The work week is over, the weather just keeps getting colder, and it’s time to do some holiday shopping! If you want to avoid those long lines and that dreaded parking lots, try shopping online! Make sure that the shipping ensures that your gift will arrive in time for the holidays.
Check out the giveaway happening this week by reading A Spicy Boy, A Cat & My Fat Ass, and always be on the lookout for more giveaways!
Also, if you’re interested in purchasing some of our Scandle Body Candles, or any of our other products, you can save 10% when you spend $30 or more! Just enter SNOWMAN at checkout.
*Offer valid for this weekend only. Not to be combined with any past or current offers or with past purchases.
Have fun at your holiday office parties and watch out for that mistletoe!
Posted in Scandle Candle | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
“Natural” and “organic” are words most commonly thrown around when dealing with food and cosmetics. So which one is better? Marketing studies have shown that consumers most often prefer natural products over the organic ones. As similar as they may seem, the word “organic” seems to have a negative connotation in the mind of the consumer. Organic items, whether you rub it in your skin or put it in your body, are thought to be more expensive than their natural counterparts. This being said, do you really know what the difference between these two terms are?
In order to pick the winner of this war, you must first know what each word implies. For organic products, the USDA National Organic Program has different standards than the commonly seen NSF organic certification sticker. The smallest label that USDA provides is must be at least 70 percent organic, and may not include a USDA Organic seal. In order for a product to include have direct organic claim, the product must be 95 percent organically produced, and the rest ingredients must be found on an approved list. The NSF states that a product must contain 70 percent organically produced ingredients, however, some the extra ingredients on their approved items list may be found on USDA’s banned ingredients list. When it comes down to it, organic just means that the product, or however much of the product, was produced in a chemical-free environment.
Now the word “natural” is more of a loose term. As opposed to organic, natural products are not regulated. There is no government institution or program to regulate the use of this phrase, so consumers need to just use their best judgment. The word natural is up to interpretation. “Natural” usually does not usually define how the product was raised or grown, but the products and ingredients of the final product.
It is essentially up to you, the consumer, to determine which is better, natural or organic. You may not even prefer either. The best thing to do is flip the product over and read the ingredients and fine print. It’s always best to know what you’re using.
Tags: cosmetics, Natural Treatments & Products, Organic, USDA
Posted in Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Green Living, Healthy Living, Natural Treatments & Products, Safe Cosmetics Act, Scandle Candle, cosmetics | No Comments »
Monday, December 6th, 2010
We all want to do it. Turn back the clock on a few wrinkles. Who wouldn’t want to look younger? These days, you have to take so many precautions to stay young, like avoiding age spots caused by traffic and pollution. With all the new innovations and discoveries, there’s no point in rubbing numerous chemicals on your face anymore.
Instead of buying random products that promises to hide those wrinkles and age spots, make sure you know what you’re rubbing on your skin first! Anti-aging and natural beauty care go hand-in-hand now. Everyone is going green now, so help your body go the earth-friendly route, too.
The easiest way to go natural is to make sure your products are growing. Durian, argan oil, red tea, acai berry and bearberry are 5 of the most common natural ingredients when it comes to anti-aging. Antioxidants are another key word to look for. They’re not only good for your health, but great for your skin. Also, make sure your products contain some sort of UV protection. That tan may look good now, but the sun will not be so friendly as you age.
Always go for the ingredients you know, rather than the ones you can’t pronounce, when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. If you can keep your hands moisturized and hide those wrinkles, you’re already a step closer to that young, natural look. A few things to remember: exercise, eat well and relax. It’s all up to you.
Tags: Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, natural beauty, Skin Care
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Beauty Care & Treatments, Healthy Living, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Natural/Fruit infused treatments, Scandle Candle, Skin & Body Care/Treatments, Skin Care | No Comments »
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Let’s face it. We’ve all been through it. The great night before. Whether you’re partying at a kegger or sipping martinis at a Girls’ Night Out, the morning after is nearly inevitable. You don’t have to wake up trying to piece together the night before to feel like your head is going to burst from the inside. Whether you’re trying to pop pills or pouring coffee down your throat, neither one is a great way to cure the pain.
If you want to ease your pain, you may want to try some of the more natural cures for the dreaded hangover. Below are a few tips for you to remember before you head out to your company Christmas party.
- *Studies have shown that eating asparagus before or even after a good night out boosts enzymes that break down alcohol.
- *Ginger root, say in tea for example, is supposed to help the nausea.
- *Water is the best way to replenish your system and rehydrate your body. (Also helps to drink lots of water in between your drinks, that way it keeps the alcohol ratio in your body low, too.)
- *Vitamin B and lots of it. Heavy drinking diminishes the B12 in your body, which helps break down foods, including alcohol. Try eating broccoli or spinach before and after your fun night.
- *Vitamin C is also a rich enzyme that is responsible for breaking down the alcohol. Try some orange or grapefruit juice before or after you drink. Maybe a Screwdriver will give everything a nice balance then.
If you’re skeptical about any of these remedies, then you can always just try a relaxing, hot bath or a good night’s rest to let the rest of your body catch up with itself. Also remember that pure alcohols, such as gin, vodka and white wine will treat your body better than “dirty” ones. That being said, please drink responsibly, take it easy on your body, and don’t drunk text your ex.
Tags: Alcohol, Drinking, Hangover, Natural Remedies, Remedies, Vitamins
Posted in Drink Recipes, Healthy Living, Natural Treatments & Products, Vitamin C | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
Most of us know rosemary as an herb that is aromatic and a quality ingredient in good cooking in the kitchen. It has a very distinct flavor that is very commonly used in breads, salads, vegetables, meats and stuffing. It is from the evergreen family with a bittersweet taste. It is from the Mediterranean and people have been using it in their cooking for ages.
Substances in rosemary have been proven to improve circulation, stimulate the immune system, and improve digestion. It is also believe that this herb has increased concentration and strengthen the memory.
As much good as it would do to ingest this delightful herb, it works just as well in the spa as it does in the kitchen. It has a very invigorating scent that makes it a favorite for spa treatments. It is commonly used in anti-aging formulas, as well as increases blood flow, relieves skin congestion and reduces puffiness. Rosemary on the skin makes it firmer, which means it increases skin tone.
Our Detoxifying Blend contains a nice mix of rosemary along with the aromatic scents of oregano and basil with a few other ingredients.
Rosemary proves itself to be a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen as well as the spa. With the right oils and some sugar, crushed rosemary could make for a very good exfoliating hand scrub. There’s some food for thought!
Tags: Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, basic personal care, Scrubs, Skin & Body Care/Treatments
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Beauty Care & Treatments, Body Scrubs, Essential Oils, Healthy Living, Natural Treatments & Products, Skin & Body Care/Treatments, Skin Care, Spa | No Comments »
