In honor of the 3 year anniversary of Affordable Mineral Makeup™, Purely Natural Minerals is giving away $15 of free makeup to one lucky winner!! Pretty Sweet!

Go here to check out the details and make sure you enter!

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that the risk of cancer could increase by 75%".  The information shocked me so much that I ALMOST didn't hit the snooze button one last time.

How scary! Personally, I have not used a tanning bed very many times - usually only out of necessity - you know, like Prom.  Not because I don't like it - I do - but because my Mom complained about it every single time I went and reminded me how bad it was for me to go.  So, thanks Mom!  If it wasn't for your nagging comments I may have gone more often. Ps. To my Mom - this in no way indicates that you were right about everything. ;p

Here is the full article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32187497/ns/health-cancer/

Tues., July 28, 2009

LONDON - International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators.

"The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

So what do we do now? Well, we can't go back in time and delete any of our 15 minute tanning bed sessions so we just have to move forward and be smart and safe. Don't go to tanning beds - even if you have a vacation in Mexico coming up (Not that "I" have ever done that, of course) and wear sunscreen that is safe for you when you are outdoors. For information on sunscreens that are safe for you and your family, go here.

As you know, just because a label says "all natural" doesn't mean ALL the ingredients are ALL natural. The only way you can make sure you are getting what you want is by reading the label. Makeup is the same way. Just because it is advertised as "Mineral Makeup" doesn't mean that the product you are looking at is truly only mineral makeup. Many "mineral makeups" contain extra ingredients known as fillers such as talc, bismuth, cornstarch, etc. And many "mineral makeups" contain chemicals and toxins that are the same as what is found in liquid makeup. Eeek!

Check out the ingredients in some of these common mineral makeups. Is the makeup you are using actually "all natural"? If not, I urge you to try a brand that is all natural and see the benefits for yourself.

I will start with my favorite (*wink*). Notice how few ingredients are used.

Affordable Mineral Makeup: Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide

Titanium Dioxide is widely used in cosmetics and skin care for its thickening and whitening properties. It also has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.

Mica s a sheer, translucent and skin-hugging mineral. Reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.

Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.

Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne, it has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Avon Mineral Foundation: Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 5.0% Inactive Ingredients: Iron Oxides, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Nylon-12, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Kaolin, Lauryl Pca, Zinc Pca, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Pca, Lecithin, Urea, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Atelocollagen, Beta-Carotene, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Tocopherol

As you can see by the list of ingredients, many of the ingredients are non-mineral ingredients. It also contains Bismuth which is known to irritate the skin and parabens.

Bare Escentuals and bareMinerals Mineral Makeup: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides

Based on the ingredients, Bare Escentuals is a much more pure mineral makeup. It does contain Bismuth which has been known to cause skin irritation for some people.

Jane Iredale: Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 14%, Zinc Oxide 6% Other Ingredients: Mica , Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Plankton Extract, Algae Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract. May contain: Iron Oxides , Ultramarines

Boron Nitride (BN) is a synthetic, inorganic powder (produced from boric acid or boron trioxide). When used in cosmetics, it has absorbent properties similar to those of natural powders such as talc.

Zinc Stearate is a creamy, white, non-carcinogenic powder used as a filler in powdered cosmetics. It has excellent adhesion and coverage properties as well as water repellency properties... but it can irritate the skin.

Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer.

Mary Kay Mineral Makeup: Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Zeolite, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, BHT, Iron Oxides, Mica

The first two ingredients that are listed are fillers and many of the other ingredients are discussed above and not beneficial. This makeup does not contain Titanium Dioxide which gives makeup it's SPF properties so if you chose to wear this makeup, make sure you also put on sunscreen. Additionally, this makeup contains parabens and many chemicals (such as Sorbic Acid).

Pür Minerals: Titanium Dioxide 8% Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, Silica, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides

This makeup contains Boron Nitride and Bismuth

These are just a few of the many brands of "mineral makeup" on the market. As you can tell, it is EXTREMELY important that you read the list of ingredients before you buy so you are confident in what you are putting on your face.

One of the reasons that I love Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is because it is so pure. I know each ingredient listed and why it is used. I feel confident that I am making a good choice for my skin while still getting an exceptional product at an affordable price.

If you have any questions, please contact me at Brenda@purelynaturalminerals.com

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Sources: http://www.mineral-makeup-reviews.com/Mineral-Makeup-Ingredients.html, http://naturalglamourminerals.blogspot.com/, http://www.purminerals.com, http://www.ehow.com/facts_5147638_dimethicone-makeup.html, http://www.theconservatorie.com/products/Zinc_Stearate-53-4.html, http://www.cosmeticscop.com/dictionary_term.aspx?tid=932&lid=498&term=boron+nitride

I am really excited about one of my newest purchases that I just received in the mail yesterday!

I bought these adorable toothfairy pillows - shaped like a tooth and have a tooth pocket in the back - from a new etsy store called "Skiptomylue".

The pictures really don't do them justice but you still get an idea of how cute they are. I knew that K-man would love the baseball pillow and the owner, Danielle Lue, let me pick out the fabric for V-girl's pillow.

No more plastic ziplock bags for my kids, they now have a special pillow! I wonder if that will impress the tooth fairy? I think it is a pretty good possibility!

There are a lot of other great items in her shop, like these adorable bibs and burpies:

Only 1.5 weeks more and I find out what we are having! These are already on my list!

Thanks Danielle, I love my pillows! http://www.skiptomylue.etsy.com

"May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing  wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true!" ~ Irish Blessing

It is that time of year again - when we can enjoy the sunny outdoors!  But we have to be careful or those fun, sunny activities are followed by painful, dangerous sunburns.

But what is just as bad?  Many of the sunscreens on the market!  According to Natural News, new studies say that 84% of sunscreens on the market are harmful to us.  Many contain inadequate protection, ingredients that break down in the sun, or even chemicals that are harmful to us and are known to cause cancer.

Don't fret though! SkinDeep.com has come to your rescue and rated (from 0-10, low hazard-> high hazard) 1,095 common, and not so common, sunscreens to help you pick what is best for you and your family.

Top 10 products (limited to one product per brand)

Soleo/Atlantis Resort Organic chemical free sunscreen SPF 30+

Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Sunblock, SPF 30

California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30

Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick spf 30

Marie Veronique Organics Creme de Jour Tinted, SPF 30 (light face screen made with non-micronized zinc oxide)

Devita International solar protective moisturizer 30

Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40

Corrective Skin Care Anti-oxidant sunscreen non water proof UVA & UVB protective SPF 30

UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

Here are some that might be easier to find -although they don't all have quite as good as rating.

Recommended products from popular brands

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Sensitive, SPF 30

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Baby, SPF 30+

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Face, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion Natural Bug Blend, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion Everyday/year-Round, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunblock Stick Everyday/year-Round, SPF 30+

CVS Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 45+

Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock, SPF 30+

Kiss My Face Face Factor Paraben Free, SPF 30

Kiss My Face 100% Paraben Free Sunscreen with Oat Protein, SPF 30

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin, SPF 30

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, SPF 30

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, SPF 30

Solar Sense Clear Zinc, for Face, SPF 45

Walgreens Sunblock with Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose & Ears, SPF 45+

And just as important, here is a list of major brands that have no recommended sunscreens.  All of these are rated a 3-6, moderate hazard or worse:

Aubrey Organics (6), Avalon Natural Products (8), Aveeno (21), Banana Boat (41), Biore (1), Biotherm (11), Bull Frog (9), Burt's Bees (2), Cetaphil (2), Clean & Clear (2), Coppertone (41), Cover Girl (4), Dove (4), Dr. Scholl's (2), Elizabeth Arden (12), Eucerin (5), Garnier (3), Gillette (1), Hawaiian Tropic (10), Jergens (2), Juvena (2), La Roche-Posay (5), Lancome (28), LORAC (5), Lubriderm (1), Maybelline (1), Murad (9), Nature's Gate (7), Nivea (4), Paradise Gold (4), Phisoderm (2), Pond's (2), Purpose (2), RoC (6), Skin Simple (1), Target (.method) (1), The Body Shop (3), Vichy (2), Zia Natural Skincare (3)

To check out the full report or to look sunscreens up individually go here.

On a personal note, I have used Badger sunscreen with good results.  This year I plan on trying California Baby sunscreen.  I like all of their other products so much that I want to give their sunscreen a try as well.

Have you tried a sunscreen that is rated as low hazard?  I would love to hear your reviews!

This article published by the SafeCosmetics.org highlights the importance of all natural and organic personal care products for ourselves and our children. Remember, what we put on our bodies, is absorbed into our bodies.

Our Green House offers a lot of great organic personal care products for you and your baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby offers organic products geared towards the health and safety of your baby.

http://safecosmetics.org//article.php?id=414

New Report: No More Toxic Tub

Getting Contaminants Out of Children's Bath & Personal Care Products by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Despite marketing claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to the March 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub."

This study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, including baby shampoos, bubble baths and baby lotions. Many products tested contained both chemicals.

What We Found

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned an independent laboratory to test 48 products for 1,4-dioxane; 28 of those products were also tested for formaldehyde.

The lab found that:

17 out of 28 products tested – 61 percent – contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

23 out of 28 products – 82 percent – contained formaldehyde at levels ranging from 54 to 610 parts per million (ppm).

32 out of 48 products – 67 percent – contained 1,4-dioxane at levels ranging from 0.27 to 35 ppm.

Health Concerns

While a single product might not be cause for concern, the reality is that babies may be exposed to several products at bath time, several times a week, in addition to other chemical exposures in the home and environment. Those small exposures add up and may contribute to later-life disease.

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens; formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. government does not limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, or most other hazardous substances in personal care products.

Where They Come From

The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because they're contaminants, not ingredients, and therefore are exempt from labeling laws.

Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.

1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a chemical processing technique called ethoxylation, in which cosmetic ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide. Manufacturers can easily remove the toxic byproduct, but are not required by law to do so. Common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane include PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20.

What You Can Do

Contrary to industry statements, there are no regulatory standards that limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane or most other toxic chemicals in personal care products sold in the United States. There are signs the U.S. is gearing to catch up, but for now it's up to consumers to consider carefully before they buy.

Here's some suggestions for safeguarding your family's health:

Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.

Choose safety: Search EWG's cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives. Also check out EWG's Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products.

Read labels: Select products for baby and yourself that don't contain the ingredients listed above, which are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane.

Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe cosmetics for babies, adults and everyone in between.

Spread the word: Send an e-card letting friends and family know about this report.

Status Update

A major supermarket in China has pulled Johnson & Johnson products from the shelves amid concerns that the products are contaminated with carcinogens, driven by our testing. The Chinese government is also reportedly testing products. The Vietnamese Drug Administration announced March 16 that it will test baby products in that country. So far, there has been no action by the U.S. FDA.

Go here to see the full report.

It is so important to know what we are REALLY putting on our bodies. All though many products claim they are "safe" or "natural" they are anything but that. I first became aware of SafeCosmetics.org when I was searching out safe sunscreen. I had read an article that explained the many different toxins and carcinogenic ingredients that are included in sunscreens and I couldn't believe that I was religiously and voluntarily slathering this junk all over me and my kids 6 months out of the year.

Thanks to SafeCosmetics.org, I now only buy sunscreen that is considered a "low hazard" so my family and I still get great sun protection without all the dangerous chemicals. I also check on lotion, hair care products, makeup, toothpaste, etc.

SafeCosmetics.org "is a national coalition of nonprofit health and environmental organizations. Our collective goal is to protect the health of consumers and workers by requiring the personal care products industry to phase out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health concerns, and replace them with safer alternatives. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working with endorsing organizations, responsible businesses and thousands of citizen activists to shift the cosmetics market toward safer products and to advocate for smarter laws that protect our health from toxic chemicals and encourage innovation of safer alternatives."

One great thing about Affordable Mineral Makeup™ and Earth Mama Angel Baby™ is that they have signed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" - a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing. We may be small but we care about our customers and the ingredients that go into our products. Read the Compact document or see a complete list of the signers. You can also search companies by name and find out if they have signed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" or if they test on animals (neither AMM™ or EMAB™ test on animals)

Check out SafeCosmetics.org and their database today!