Blog - Be Natural Organics

Why Choose Organic Skincare Products?

Feb

Organic Skincare Benefits

What are the benefits to you and your skin and the world of using Organic Skin Care Products as against traditional products?

Firstly, you are avoiding all the harmful chemicals that penetrate into your system through the skin.

In fact, some say putting chemicals on our skin or scalp may actually be worse than eating them. When you eat, enzymes in the saliva and stomach break down what’s ingested and flush it out of the body. However, chemicals on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream without any filtering. Just imagine what the cumulative effects of long-term use may do.

With some of these skincare ingredients linked to cancers, allergies, neurological disorders and reproductive issues, it’s really time we started reading labels on everything we buy.

Secondly, not only are you avoiding chemicals but you are actually feeding the skin as nature intended. Nature put everything we need on this planet. Products that are close to nature are absorbed and tolerated by your skin so much better than synthetic ones. Your skin will drink them up and will start to develop a healthy glow.

The Dark Secrets Of “Fragrance”

Also the synthetic fragrances found in most traditional products could have almost anything in them. As perfume is recognized as a ‘trade secret’ the manufacturers do not have to declare what they contain, they merely have to put on the ingredients label ‘fragrance’. This loophole is very disturbing. Natural and organic products only use essential oils.

Manufacturing Processes Make A Big Difference

It is not just the raw ingredients that are so much better for you. The processing and manufacturing is also much cleaner and more earth friendly. It is a ‘soft’ manufacturing process and certainly has no irradiation of the end product or the botanical ingredients.

Organic Skincare Helps Our Planet

Thirdly using organic means a better planet. It means higher levels of animal welfare, no GMO, lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilizers and more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment – this means more bees wildlife!

You are choosing a better world as well as a healthier body when you choose organic. Choose your products like you choose your food, ingredients matter!

Batch Codes for Skin Care Products

Nov

Have you ever snacked on stale chips or sipped some spoiled milk because you forgot to check the expiration date? That sell-by date you see on your food is there for a reason: to keep people in the know about when their food will no longer be fresh. Similarly, your organic skin care products should have a batch stamp code in order to determine product freshness!

Organic skin care companies will provide their customers with either a batch code or an expiration date for their skin care products so you can be sure it’s fresh. If you think about it, food expires, and there are food-based ingredients in organic skin care products. Don’t you want the ingredients in your organic skin care products and cosmetics to be fresh?

How to Read Our Batch Codes

A batch stamp is a code which helps the organic skin care company identify when the product was produced and in which batch it was made. Hence, the term “batch code.” The code will be visibly stamped somewhere on the product.

A batch code typically consists of a set of six or seven numbers which can be easily deciphered if you know what to look for. For Be Natural Organics, each of our skin care representatives has a designated number. The first number of the batch code on our products represents who made that specific product. The second two numbers represent the specific month of the year. The next two numbers represent the day of the month, and the one after that is the year.

High-Quality Organic Skin Care Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require over-the-counter cosmetics and skin care products to have batch codes, so it’s not surprising when you see someone with a collection of old makeup and beauty products. Although an odd smell, color or separated ingredients can indicate an expired or outdated product, it’s not always so obvious when your skin care products expire. Organic skin care companies use batch codes for traceability and to ensure freshness of their organic skin care products.

Did You Know?

Keeping organic skin care products away from heat and humidity helps prolong the life of your products.

Shea Butter – A World of Good

Nov

It’s that time of year again: dry, irritated winter skin. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, you know that winter skin needs to be moisturized with extra care. Be Natural Organic’s Shea Butter Lotion uses rich, certified organic shea butter to moisturize, avoiding the toxic petroleum base so common in well known brands.

In fact, shea butter is a powerful moisturizer high in fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F. Shea butter has been used for centuries to nourish and protect skin from harsh climates. Traditional uses of shea butter include: treatments for dry skin, blemishes, skin discoloration, scars and wrinkles, and even as a mild sun screen. As good as it is for your skin, did you know using shea butter supports sustainable development in impoverished communities?

The work of collecting and processing shea butter is an exclusively female activity and serves as additional income for the women of West Africa. This yellow-white to ivory-colored butter starts as the nut of the Shea tree, which grows only in West Africa. Once collected, the nuts are boiled, sun-dried, shelled and then prepared for extraction by women. As one of the few economic commodities under women’s control, this work positively correlates with improved educational levels and overall economic development.

At BNO, we strive to support women in small business by using ingredients that are not only good for our bodies but also good for people everywhere.

Do Sun Screens Cause Cancer?

Nov

In Canada, Europe and Australia only three active ingredients are allowed to be sold as sun blocks; avobenzone (Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. They come in two forms: Chemical and Physical Sunscreens.

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN:
Avobenzone: Avobenzone works by absorbing the harmful radiation from the sun, which it then releases as damaging free radicals on the skin. Although radiation from the sun is known to be a carcinogen, free radicals create the breeding ground for cancer to develop. So while avobenzone claims to offer sun protection, it is actually promoting the growth of cancers.
Recent studies have also shown a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma among women using sunscreens.

PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: In themselves, are not dangerous. However, they leave a white film on the skin that is undesirable. New technology came out with the ability to explode these molecules into nanoparticles which would make them transparent.

Nanoparticles in sunscreens and cosmetics cause skin damage
Scientific studies have shown that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide commonly used in sunscreens produce free radicals, damage DNA, and cause cell toxicity, especially when exposed to UV light. The concern is that rather than offering us sun protection, nanoparticles used in sunscreens and cosmetics could actually result in serious skin damage and premature aging.

A world first study shows harm from nanoparticles
A recent 2009 study by Japanese researchers shows the transfer of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide from pregnant mice to their offspring, with related brain damage, nerve system damage and reduced sperm production in male offspring.
Dr Cedric Garland, professor of family medicine at the University of California, and Frank Garland, director of Naval Health Research Center, have stated that although sunscreen protects against sunburn, there is no proof that they protect against melanoma or carcinomas.

Dr Gordon Ainsleigh has also gone as far to say that sunscreens cause more deaths than they prevent. Various studies have linked sunscreen usage with high incidence of melanomas, birth defects, sterility, and uterine conditions such as endometriosis. It is suspect that the countries promoting heavy sunscreen usage (Australia, USA) have the biggest increase in skin cancers.

Be Natural Organics is founded on the basis that the company will not use any questionable ingredients. If this means we will not be able to have a SPF rating, we’re OK with this. We have researched every natural plant material for inherent sun protection properties, and after extensive analysis we have chosen to use Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil as our base for our new “Day Protection Serum”.

This oil is truly amazing. It contains Vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin, speeds the healing process of damaged skin and is used for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

High levels of Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) make this oil a potent anti-oxidant, allowing for broad spectrum protection. Red Raspberry Oil contains Ellagic acid, an anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic as well as being anti-bacterial and anti-viral.

Be Natural Organics uses organically grown raspberry seeds that actually has a natural SPF rating of 28 to50. We unite the perfect combination of ingredients to create the first chemical and nanoparticle-free Day Protection Serum that is safe and conditions the skin with nutritional benefits.

Go to https://benaturalorganics.com for more information on our newest product: Day Protection Serum.

Why Toxin Free Skin Care?

Nov

The use of personal care products has caused the average consumer to absorb over 4.6 lbs of chemicals into their bodies through the skin.

Many synthetic toxins involved have been linked to side effects from skin irritation, premature aging, to cancer.

Richard Bence, a biochemist who has spent three years researching conventional products, said “We really need to start questioning the the products we are putting on our skin and not just assume that the chemicals in them are safe. “We have no idea what these chemicals do when they are mixed together, the effect could be much greater than the sum of the individual parts.” Mr. Bence, an advocate of organic beauty products, believes that absorbing chemicals through the skin is far more dangerous than swallowing them.

When chemicals enter the body orally, the enzymes in the saliva, and the acids in the stomach and digestive track break it down and help flush it out of the body. Chemicals applied to the skin however, are absorbed straight into the bloodstream and many times accumulate in our organs and fatty cells.

Chemical body burden is a term used to describe the build-up of synthetic chemicals and heavy metals in our bodies. Blood and urine samples may now be used to detect our body’s chemical burden. The American Medical Association (AMA) is now recognizing this term due to the increase of chemicals and metals accumulating in the American people.

Unfortunately, the FDA has not regulated or banned most of the harmful synthetic chemicals still used in personal care products (some having a long history as known carcinogens and hormone disruptors). Currently there are nine cosmetic ingredients restricted or prohibited by the FDA.

For perspective, The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) the regulatory agency that oversees the cosmetic industry in Europe has banned over 1,100 chemicals and the list keeps growing.

It is a known fact that some European cosmetic manufacturers will produce two formulations for the same product, one formula for the European market and one (containing toxins not allowed in Europe) for the U.S. market.

The only protection we have as consumers is through education. It is our responsibility to know what harmful toxins to avoid when shopping for skin care products.

Be Natural Organics is committed to providing the finest organic and natural skin care. We concentrate many of our ingredients into intensive serums which provide significant benefits without the addition of harmful preservatives or fillers.

It’s Time For A Summer Skin Care Routine

Jul

Whether you choose to heed the reality or not, the fact of the matter is that summer ushers in a lot of aggressive environmental stressors that can wreak havoc on your skin, and hair, and make a lasting impact on your personal health.

Warmer summer weather opens the pores, which not only increases sebum production but also allows dirt and pollution to get in. Also, if you have air-conditioning inside, the skin will then cool down, the pores will close, trapping the dirt inside.

Swimming in the ocean or chlorinated water and cooler showers will also sap the natural moisture from your skin. You’ll certainly need extra nourishing after summer activities.

So with all this going on – increased sebum but feeling dehydrated – what is the answer?

Cleanse: Rose Hip Seed Facial Cleanser will get deep into the pores, balance and tone all at the same time. Great for all skin types, this cleanser will leave your skin hydrated and supple. The botanical extracts of Sea Kelp Extract & Saponified Olive Oil restore the skin tone and smoothness and detoxify and heal. Further, the Rose Hip Seed Oil reduces any inflammation and has soothing, firming and tightening properties.

Tone: This not only helps to close the pores after cleansing but is also great for a cooling spritz any time of the day and a quick freshen up. It will help to keep those bits of grime and pollution from getting trapped into the pores when you are out and about. Try our Chamomile Balancing Mist which adapts to both dry and oily skin. Alcohol free so it’s non-drying. Ingredients such as soothing Chamomile, Rose Distillate and Lactobacillus/Kelp Ferment Filtrate add a boost of hydration and nutrients when your skin needs it most. Alternatively, our CoQ10 Balancing Mist also contains Aloe Vera Leaf Juice for extra coolness and healing botanical actives.

Moisturize: Choose a moisturizer with extra hydration and plenty of anti-oxidant ingredients such as our Sea Kelp Moisturizer. It protects against free radical damage while restoring your natural glowing skin. If your skin is on the dry side, use our Liposome Hydration Creme which locks in moisture and forms a protective moisture barrier all day long. It is packed with anti-oxidants and vitamins. Another superb moisturizer to try is our decadent Pomme D’Or Stem Cell Anti Aging Creme.

Protect: Above all else, using sunscreen daily is the best preventative you can take to protect your skin all year long. Try our Organic Sunscreen which has an SPF of 30 and an amazing array of vitamins and natural antioxidants.

We always offer sample sizes so you can choose the perfect product for your skin without the commitment of purchasing a full sized product. Sample sizes are also perfect for your beach bag!

How to Get Rid of Underarm Odor Naturally

Feb

Three of the most common toxins in deodorants we need to stay away from are:

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is the primary ingredient included in antiperspirant deodorants. This metal is used to “block” the sweat glands, decreasing a person’s sweat by an average of 20%. The problem with aluminum is that it can pose serious health risks, like Alzheimer’s Disease and breast cancer.

But doesn’t everything cause cancer? Sure, but we believe your chances are greatly increased when using a product on a daily basis, such as antiperspirant deodorant.

Since aluminum’s main function is to “block” your sweat glands, what happens to all of that sweat? With your underarms being closely knit with your lymph nodes, this accumulation of toxic load from the sweat that isn’t being perspired is potentially causing a mayhem underneath that pit of yours. No build-up is ever good for the body and long-term buildup can lead to cell mutation.

Of course the link between aluminum and breast cancer has controversial studies, it is still convincing that with most breast cancers developing in the upper outer quadrant of the breast (which is the closest quadrant to the armpit where the lymph nodes are located ), that long-term use of aluminum is factoring into the formation of certain breast cancers.

Underarm shaving is also another factor to consider, because women are more likely to shave under their arms than men, allowing aluminum to pass through the skin more effectively. This may be a reason why breast cancer is more common among women.

2. propylene glycol

Another frequently used ingredient found in deodorants is propylene glycol. What is it?

Propylene glycol is a petroleum based substance that is used to create a soft and sleek consistency. It’s a low cost ingredient with a versatile function, which is why it is so common in self-care products. PG acts as a penetration enhancer, so if paired with harmful chemicals, it can increase their absorption.

In recent studies, propylene glycol is considered to be “non-toxic” to the body when ingested. PG is eliminated from the body within a few hours, so it does not bioaccumulate in the body. However, there have been reports on its potential toxicity, linking it to issues such as:

cancer
reproductive complications
developmental abnormalities
neurotoxicity
endocrine complications

Propylene Glycol has one main concern being that it is a skin sensitizer, resulting in allergic reactions in the skin including: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and non-immunologic contact urticaria (hives).

In my personal experience using propylene glycol in deodorants, my underarms are left itching like crazy. Itching profusely under there is not only annoying, but embarrassing! I’d prefer to not look like a monkey in public.

3. phthalates

Phthalates, also hiding under the ingredient listed as “fragrance”, are plasticizing chemicals often used in deodorants and other self-care products for their consistency and ability to help dissolve other ingredients.

Are you seeing a pattern here? It seems that the performance and function of a particular ingredient are more important to conventional skin care brands than the quality and safety of that ingredient.

The product glides on smooth, great! But what are the consequences to follow? Is it worth it to have a temporary fix that can possibly cause a greater problem later?

Phthalates have been linked to several health issues and are considered to be endocrine disrupting. Once phthalates are absorbed by the body, they act as estrogens, which not only conflict with your hormonal function, but cause a variety of complications.