Cosmetics Industry Overview

Cosmetics have been around in one shape or form for many years, the earliest documented use of cosmetics is around 4000BC way back in ancient Egypt days where eye decoration and scents became common place. From then to now, very little has changed in the use of cosmetics, they are still used to contour and highlight the skin and features and to mask any body odour, although odour issues are not as big an issue now as it was back in those days.

The word "Cosmetics" is a rather broad term targeted towards many market sectors, its dictionary definition is;

1. A powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.

2. Cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive.

A sub category of "Cosmetics" is "Makeup" this encompasses most modern day beauty products and is targeted to Facial cosmetics such as Eye Shadow, Lipstick, Mascara etc.

Today's Cosmetic market place is a huge global economy worth approximately $40 billion, mostly generated in the western countries but it is ever expanding into other global markets and these develop. One of the best known and oldest cosmetic providers is L'Oreal. L'Oreal first started in 1909 specialising in hair colouring products in France, this grew rather rapidly and eventually caught the eye of some now established cosmetics companies in the USA. The year 1910 was when the likes of Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein began their global domination of this now lucrative market. These companies were not joined by any others till Revlon joined in shortly before WWII and Estee Lauder just after WWII.

The cosmetics industry has developed rather rapidly since these early days of limited products as the quest for beauty has become ever more important. Brands are now represented by key celebrities around the world in a bid to increase the market share of this $40 billion industry. The modern Cosmetics range includes: Skincare, Lotions, Powders, Perfumes, Lip Colour, Nail polishes, Eye Makeup, Face Makeup, Hair Colour, Hair Care, Baby products, Bath Products, Party Makeup, Special FX makeup.

As with any growing industry using chemicals, the Cosmetics industry has been in resistance with Governing bodies from the word go as it brought into question the chemicals in use with these products. Most countries now have a governing body controlling the quality of allowable ingredients used within cosmetic products; the USA has the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). The FDA is a government Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for the safety regulation of many things including Cosmetics. Because of the involvement of this regulation it has forced many companies to look at the ingredients used and eliminate some of the synthetic ingredients, thus the trend of the new "Good for you" makeup.

Many products now available boast not only a visible benefit to the skin but a nutritional one also. In terms of development cosmetics could be viewed as take a step back in the history timeline to ancient Egypt times. For years synthetic ingredients have replaced natural ones due to their ease to work with and the visible results. With that in mind these governing organisations have benefited the consumer, giving them better products using Natural or Organic materials. Natural products contain mineral and plant ingredients and organic products are made with organic agricultural products.

So when on the next makeup shopping spree bear a thought for what is on sale and weight up the price verses the benefits, as Natural Mineral makeup may have more of an impact on the wallet, but will come with the added benefit in protecting and nourishing the skin.

How to Choose a Good Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Cosmetic Surgery is on the rise! The prime reason for this is that almost everybody wants to look and feel younger and more attractive. Of course there are many methods to enhance beauty and youth, like Makeup, Yoga & gym sessions and of course a good diet. Celebrities use plenty of cosmetics and apply make up expertly to enhance their look and personality. In addition, they work out in the gym regularly and have a healthy diet to attain that youthful glow.

As well as healthy lifestyle and proper diet, medical procedures focused on beauty and anti-aging include injectable treatments and facelift surgery. Today, there are many reputable and even renowned Cosmetic Surgery Clinics in UK and Ireland. In order to find a good and reputable cosmetic surgery clinic, there are certain factors that one should consider. A few of them are listed below:

Location: The location of the cosmetic or cosmetic surgery clinic you are considering is very important. The location should preferably be near to your home or at a convenient reach so that you can travel to and from the clinic easily before, during, and after your treatment. This applies to non-surgical wrinkle treatments or surgical procedures.

Quality; Quality is one of the most important factors when making a choice for a face surgery clinic. Investigate the quality & reputation of the Clinic, the qualification and experience of the cosmetic surgeons and doctors and if possible talk to people who have had treatments at the clinic.

Different Types of Procedures: Check out the types and range of procedures and treatments that the Cosmetic Surgery clinic provides. To this end, a good quality and reputable clinic is likely to offer a range of varied face surgeries and other treatments such as Wrinkles and Lines Treatment, Skin Treatments, Fat removal, Chin & Cheek Augmentation, Mouth & Lip Enhancement, Non-Surgical Nose Shaping, VASER Lipo Body Contouring, Kontour MD Skin tightening, 4D Sculpt, Breast Augmentation, Dark Circles, Male breast reduction, Skin acne & much more.

Payment: Apart from the above mentioned points, you should properly check for the ways of making payment. The mode of making a payment should be transparent. There should be a provision for direct payment at the time of treatment. This is the best in all respects from other methods like installments or making a payment through an approved bank loan.

These points are only a few of the important aspects of choosing a reliable Cosmetic surgery clinic. Before going to a surgery, one should look for and assess these aspects of a Cosmetic surgery clinic diligently. Hope these tips will help you. If you currently seek a good and reliable cosmetic surgery clinic in Dublin then look no further than Venus Medical.

Are Mineral Cosmetics the Best Choice For Your Skin?

Mineral cosmetics have become very popular over the last several years since many people want to reduce their exposure to the various chemicals found in conventional cosmetics. Some synthetic compounds found in conventional products are phthalates (found mainly in nail polish), ethyl acetate (found in mascara and nail polish), talc (found in eye shadow and deodorants), and petrolatum (found in almost all cosmetics). It is important for us consumers to know if these chemicals can negatively affect our skin and possibly undermine our health.

Most cosmetics sold at department stores contain a number of different chemicals and several of these compounds have been shown to be hazardous to our health. Phthalates are classified as chemical solvents and these compounds are capable of dissolving one or more other substances. Some side effects reported with exposure to phthalates are damage to various organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs. Another toxic chemical found in nail polish is toluene. This compound is flammable and can make the nails dry and brittle. Instead of using the chemical based polishes found on the market, you could use a natural water based polish. In these natural formulas, a good percentage of the product is composed of water and not chemical solvents such as toluene and phthalates. The coloring agents in these formulas are naturally derived from carmine (a dried insect, when boiled its color is extracted), mineral sources such as the iron oxides, from beets, and a yellow spice called turmeric.

Each day a woman applies several different cosmetics to her skin, she is being exposed to many toxic chemicals including the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and arsenic. These metals are not only found in facial cosmetics but also exist in shampoo, deodorant, and perfume.

Most women use eye shadow on a daily basis and this cosmetic contains a chemical called polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). This compound has been shown to cause an allergic reaction in some people. It is important to read all product labels before purchasing any brand of eye shadow and avoid those that contain PVP.

Lipstick is another cosmetic product that is used by women on a daily basis. News reports over the past year have detailed that this type of cosmetic contains lead and exposure to this heavy metal is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Children who were exposed to lead were shown to have impaired school performance, and a lower IQ as compared to those students who did not come in contact with this heavy metal. When choosing a safe product for your lips, select a formula that does not contain synthetic colors or preservatives and is lead free.

Natural lipsticks are a better and safer choice since they do not contain petroleum, chemical fragrances or any FD&C colors. A major ingredient in lipstick and chapstick is beeswax. The coloring agent mainly used in these products is derived from iron oxides. It is important to note that there is a natural and synthetic form of iron oxide. Natural iron oxide is mined from the earth's surface and will contain some levels of the heavy metals lead and arsenic; this compound is considered safe for use in cosmetics. Synthetic iron oxide is not a natural product and is also considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Many natural lip products also contain moisturizing agents such as shea butter, aloe vera gel, and jojoba oil since they help keep the lips moist. Since what we put on our lips is easily ingested, it is important for us to avoid those products that contain toxic chemicals or synthetic coloring agents.

If you suffer from acne or any other skin condition, it is important that you read all product labels before purchasing any cosmetics. Foundations in the form of blushes and powders highlight and add color to the skin. Some of these conventional cosmetics contain talc and these formulas should be avoided since that chemical compound has been linked with cancer. In addition, most cosmetic foundations contain mineral oil and this compound has been shown to clog pores. Any cosmetic that contains mineral oil should not be used by those people who have acne.

A healthier choice for your skin and health is to use an organic foundation. Most truly organic cosmetics will contain essential oils and they are derived from plants that have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides. The chemicals found in these pesticides can cause skin irritation and or an allergic reaction in some people. In addition, choose a foundation that does not contain talc but instead uses clays derived from either bentonite or kaolin. It is also important to avoid using any formulas that contain the synthetic preservatives methyl or propylparaben since both of these compounds are skin irritants. In addition, some medical reports have documented that these chemicals have been found in breast tissue.

As we can see, there are many benefits in using mineral cosmetics for our skin. They are not only a safer choice for us but are also non toxic and will not pose any threat to our health or the environment. It is also important for us to understand that not all so called natural cosmetics are safe. We cannot assume that if a product is labeled as natural or if it contains organic ingredients that it is chemical free. It is important for us consumers to read the entire list of ingredients on each label of the product you are interested in and research any of the compounds that you do not recognize. Take your time before deciding upon a particular brand of natural cosmetics so that you can make the best informed choice. The best formulas are manufactured by smaller companies who manufacture vegan products in smaller batches, are chemical free, and use ingredients produced from strictly organic sources. Daily use of these products will highlight your skin with vibrant natural colors and not cause any allergic reactions or pose any serious health risk.

Natural Soaps And Their Benefits

Natural soaps are made using natural ingredients and include no chemicals at all. The chemicals contained in most soaps can be the source of skin issues and problems and it is therefore more beneficial to buy natural soaps to keep off ugly skin reactions. It is actually very common for people suffering from different skin problems to be advised to switch to natural options as a way of getting rid of the problems.

Most of the natural soaps in the market are well labeled to guide you when purchasing for you and your family. They are usually made up of organic ingredients which are safe for the skin and general health. The most common ingredients include organic oats, aloe, peppermint and prickly pear cactus. They also contain different natural ingredients such as olive oil, cinnamon, wild carrot, goat's milk, wild yucca root, horsemint, Moroccan red clay and unrefined African Shea butter. Sunflower seeds and petals, essential oils and sea salt are also common ingredients in natural soaps.

1. The organic, natural ingredients are usually grown without the use of pesticides and chemical hence they do not end up polluting the air. When you switch to a natural option therefore, you will be playing a role in protecting the environment. The soaps have a bunch of benefits and they include the following.
2. They are gentle and therefore very suitable for sensitive skin. They can actually soothe the skin thanks to the important natural ingredients they are made up of.
3. They do not lead to any skin reactions and problems basically because they do not contain any harsh chemicals that can be damaging to the skin.
4. They don't cause that dry skin feeling that most chemical based soaps give after a bath. They are gentle on the skin and with the organic ingredients they contain they leave the skin soft, smooth and supple.
5. They contribute to the protection of the environment since they rely on ingredients which do not support the use of toxic chemicals. The reduction of toxins makes the environment a better place to live.
6. The soaps keep the skin well moisturized naturally. Hence, you will have improved skin.
7. They do not contain any synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives which can be harmful to the skin or certain sensitive parts of the body such as the genitals.
8. They are suitable enough for individuals with different skin conditions, allergic reactions and chronic skin dryness.
9. Natural skin care products are generally safer and end up promoting good skin health. Everybody cares about how the skin appears especially the face and when using natural soaps, you can be sure to have glowing beautiful skin without any risks.
10. The soaps are inexpensive since most of the ingredients are naturally occurring unlike chemicals which have to be formulated to make the other regular commercial soaps that are non-organic.
11. They last considerably longer compared to chemical soaps and this will save you money and maintain good skin health at the same time.

Detox Your Skin For True Natural Beauty

Taking care of your skin is a necessity not a luxury.

The skin is by far and away the body's largest organ and is constantly in contact with all the earthly elements. Pollutants like dust and dirt, as well as smoke-filled rooms and stale air, can clog up the pores and lead to unwanted skin outbreaks!

A poor diet and circulation problems can be the root cause of blemishes and unexplained redness. Healthy skin is also an important part of other bodily functions and acts as a barrier against dangerous outside influences on other organs, and thereby supports the immune system.

Learning how to detox your skin will give you the chance to show off beautiful, glowing skin that feels as beautiful as it looks.

Clean up inside first!

Your skin is the outward sign of what is going on in your body. Too much sun, stress plus an unhealthy diet, can result in skin problems such as uneven skin tone, blemishes and dull looking skin. These issues develop because the skin cannot perform its function of eliminating toxins properly when the body is toxic. This can damage collagen and elastin in the skin, the elements that help the skin stay young.

Research has shown that a major issue with skin eruptions and a lifeless-looking complexion, is too much acid in the system as a result of bad eating habits. A good way to start a healthy eating plan, is to make certain that your acid/alkaline levels are in sync and that the acidic overload in your system is reduced.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Cut out as much refined foods as possible from your diet. Alternatively, drastically cut down on your intake of things such as cakes, biscuits, bread rolls, bread, pasta, fizzy drinks, sweets and chocolates. When these delicacies hit the stomach they turn into acid, rendering the body unable to deal effectively with the excess acid. Skin breakouts and rashes often result.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. A balanced diet of acid/alkaline foods will ensure that good nutrients are sent to the skin.
Reduce alcohol intake. Give up or cut down smoking. The impurities in cigarettes always show in the complexion as dry, old looking skin.

Stick to your healthy diet and you will soon begin to feel better physically and see a difference in the appearance of your skin, even before you detox!

What are my options for detoxing my skin?

Your skin helps to eliminate waste from the body mainly through the sweat glands. Dead skin cells are also a form of bodily waste, which need to be removed, to assist the growth of new epidermal cells to replace those which are constantly being shed.

There are various ways to detox the skin, such as having a sauna to encourage sweating, or adding apple cider vinegar and Epsom salts to your bath which will draw toxins out through the skin. You can even try a natural clay mask for the face.

However, a highly effective, yet simple method, known as exfoliation, will undoubtedly be your best option.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of the dead cells on the surface of the skin, a process which has been used for many years to maintain healthy skin.
Exfoliation is beneficial because it gets rid of stubborn dead cells that make your skin look lifeless and dull, and reveals younger, fresh cells below.
Regular exfoliation also helps to combat signs of aging by removing damaged skin and encouraging the growth of new skin.
This process needs to be performed no more than once or twice weekly, with extra care being taken of the delicate facial skin.
Exfoliation is a cost-effective, simple protocol which unclogs blocked pores and is beneficial to the entire body.

Are there special tools I need to use?

Exfoliation gloves are all you will have to purchase. The gloves are designed for use on every part of the body, and are especially useful for use on the legs and other large areas, where anything smaller than an exfoliating glove will be too time consuming, and certainly not as effective.

Beauty junkies, for a brand new flawless complexion, an exfoliation glove is the way to go!