Clear, clean, vibrant skin is the best visual indicator of overall health. Acne is not just unsightly; it is a sure sign of a body that is undernourished and full of toxins. Though it comes as no surprise, the conventional medical community does not recognize the link between diet or general health and acne, other than a possible link to a few foods.

Sebum

Other than the palms of our hands and the bottoms of our feet, our bodies are covered with hair follicles. Each of these pores contains sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, a waxy, fat substance that coats the skin. This oil protects our skin from bacterial infection, helps keep it “waterproof”, and keeps skin moisturized.

When sebum gets clogged inside the pore it forms what we call a whitehead or a blackhead. Blackheads occur in follicles that have a wider opening of the pore, which allows the sebum to come into contact with air. The plugs of sebum undergo a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin, which gives the material in the follicle the typical black color. Whiteheads are follicles that are filled with the same clogged sebum, but have very small openings to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the sebum is not oxidized and remains white. When a pore becomes infected it forms what we call a pimple.

Sebum does not cause acne. Infection causes acne. Hormones, poor diet, bacteria, toxin accumulation, poor nutrition, Candida, and allergies can all contribute to the infection.  For instance, an overly toxic liver can cause toxic accumulation in our pores which can irritate the sebaceous glands. When the diet is poor, the fats ingested typically cause inflammation which, in combination with toxins, can cause irritated inflamed pores ripe for infection from bacteria or Candida. In addition, with a poor diet, bacteria and Candida constantly overwhelm the body. This is why treating skin conditions such as acne with topical solutions like antibacterial soaps often have limited effect. Topical solutions do not treat the source of the problem.

Hygiene

While conventional medicated skin care products can reduce and in some cases even eliminate acne, using them is like taking aspirin for a headache. It may work, but it’s treating only the symptom, not the cause. Chemically laden conventional skin care can seriously age the skin. And the skin can become dependent on its use. For instance, oily skin seems to be controlled by the chemical cocktail that causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Or dry skin feels better for an hour or two, but the sebaceous glands don’t produce more oil. The goal is infection free skin with healthy sebaceous glands that produce the right amount of sebum. This is an internal balance.  A healthy diet and skin care that nourishes the skin allows infection to heal, an end to inflammation, and healthy sebaceous glands that work properly.

We have tested Terressentials, Lusa Organics, and Tilvee skin care products. They are the best products we have found.  Products of this caliber do not strip away the skins nutrients. They do not toxify the skin or the body. Using high quality, chemical free healthy skin care products along with a healthy diet is the right way to care for skin. But there are some natural remedies for acne that can significantly reduce pimples and blackheads as well as or better than any conventional skin care product without the chemical toxins.

It should be noted that the skin care industry is rampant with “organic washing”. Even reading the ingredients carefully does not necessarily ensure you are buying a chemical free product because companies don’t have to list all of their ingredients. Even if a skin care product says “Made with organic ingredients,” there is a good chance the product contains toxic chemicals. Buy 100% organic skin care products

Essential Oils for Natural Acne Remedies

Tea tree oil is antifungal, microbial, and antibacterial. It has been proven to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide (the most common medication for acne) in treating acne, with less drying, stinging, and redness.

Neem oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and immune-system stimulating; and works as an antihistamine, antiseptic, or spermicidal.

Oil of oregano is also antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitical, and antiviral.

Any of these oils can be applied directly to an affected area. But use caution. All of these oils, undiluted, can cause skin irritation. If applying these oils to a large area, any one or a combination of these essential oils can be diluted with aloe vera gel in a 5 to 1 ratio (incidentally, aloe vera is great for healing and nourishing skin).

Oil Cleansing for Blackheads and Whiteheads

Oil cleansing has multiple benefits. It nourishes the skin, naturally disinfects, and makes skin supple, smooth, and more pliable, which makes it easier for sebum to slide out of the pore without getting clogged.

Castor oil is an excellent cleanser but can be a little harsh if used full strength on the facial area. The standard instructions say to mix 25% Castor oil with 75% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but we recommend unrefined coconut oil instead. Coconut oil has amazing health benefits and is very good for the skin. Coconut oil is solid up to 76 degrees, so heat it slightly to liquefy. Try adding some neem oil or oil of oregano to the coconut oil and you’ve got a gentle but powerful antiseptic.

Rub the oil mixture gently all over the face and then steam for 5-10 minutes. Wipe the oil with a steamed hot cloth.

Consider adding a small amount of one or more of the aforementioned essential oils for cleansing as well.

Diet

Diet is what it’s really all about. In most cases (almost all cases) eliminate gluten, refined foods, MSG, and dairy and the acne disappears. Focus on raw, fresh, organic produce. Slow kidneys are another common reason why acne happens, and the aforementioned diet will help the kidneys too.

Conclusion

Even if you suffer from oily skin, give essential oils and oil cleansing a try. Oil dissolves oil. Furthermore, oily skin is often a symptom of the body over compensating for dry skin. When the body is not as healthy as it could be, the oils secreted may not have the proper nourishing, moisturizing effect.

Balance the gut and detoxify the kidneys first. Then, if need be, balance the hormones. Then, after a little more time, you can forget all those topical remedies; you won’t need them.

Recommended Supplements:

• Shillington’s Kidney/ Bladder Formula
• Shillington’s Liver/Gallbladder Formula
• Shillington’s Blood Detox
• Oil of Oregano – Gaia Herbs
• Coconut Oil
• Lymphagogue Compound – Wise Woman Herbals
• Lavender Essential Oil – Wise Woman Herbals

Further Reading:

• How to Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem
• The Power of Our Hormones and How To Balance Them
• Make Your Immune System Bulletproof with These Natural Remedies
• Inexpensive Easy Detox The One Gallon Challenge

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the new, seemingly natural products on the market—just walk down the beauty aisle of your grocery store or step into a Sephora. What’s not so clear is what’s genuinely better for our overall health. Organic products cost more—sometimes a lot more. Are they really worth the extra money?

PARABENS—As Bad as They Sound?

Parabens are used to extend the shelf-life of most of our beauty products, but having products that stick around for long periods of time may not be as desirable as you may think. According to the American Cancer Society, “Studies have shown that parabens, which are used as preservatives in many skin care products (like lotion, make-up, and sunscreen), can be absorbed through the skin. In 2004, a small study found traces of parabens in some samples of breast cancer tumors.” What’s more, parabens have estrogen-like properties, which cause your cells (cancerous or not) to grow and divide. However, it’s important to note that the study did not look at paraben levels in normal tissue.

More cause for concern lies in the fact that the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act doesn’t authorize the FDA to approve cosmetic ingredients. Within the FDA, there is virtually no regulation of the ingredients in our makeup, hair care, or lotions. Instead, companiesvoluntarily test their products with the Cosmetic Industry Review (CIR) process. This is in stark contrast to the European Union that has some of the strictest cosmetic laws in the world. To put things in perspective, the EU Cosmetic Directive bans 1100 ingredients, whereas the FDA has banned only nine. In a 2008 statement given by Jane Houlihan, the Vice President of Research at the Environmental Working Group, she said, “Companies are free to use almost any ingredient they choose in personal care products, with no proof of safety required.”

PHTHALATES—The Truth About Plastics

Phthalates are found in plastics—plastic storage containers, water bottles, and some food packaging. They have become a part of our modern lifestyle. The Environmental Working Group has found, “Phthalate plasticizers [are] linked to birth defects of the male reproductive system.” The statement went on to say, “Over the past four years, scientists have published at least 10 epidemiology studies linking phthalates to birth defects in baby boys, reproductive problems in men, abdominal obesity, increased diabetes risk, thyroid problems, as well as asthma and dermal diseases in children.”

It should come as no surprise to learn that the EU has banned several types of phthalates, whereas none are banned in the U.S., though the evidence of the harmful effects phthalates have on the human body is very clear. Not only do these plasticizers interfere with human development, evidence also suggests these chemicals weaken bones, and current research is being done to determine whether or not phthalates are endocrine disrupters.

FRAGRANCES—Should We Avoid What Smells Good?

Who doesn’t want to use fabric softeners or dishwashing liquid that smells like lemons or lavender? The fragrance-free versions often seem bland in comparison. But a lot of people are highly sensitive to fragrances which should lead us to wonder, what’s in those fragrances? And more importantly, what are the effects of using fragrances on our skin, on our clothes, and in our cleaning products?

According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, “Fragrances and perfumes in cosmetics, personal and household products are leading causes of allergy, sensitization, and irritation. Animal toxicity studies have found many to be hazardous. Fragrances are called ‘indoor air-pollutants’ by chemically sensitive individuals.”

Thousands of synthetic ingredients are used by the fragrance industry to create the perfumes and lotions we love to spritz and slather on. What’s more, fragranced products contain phthalates, which pose countless health concerns. In America, individual perfume ingredients don’t have to be listed on the product. Typically we only see “fragrance” on the label when in fact it may have taken twenty-five or more ingredients to make that one unique fragrance.

Is The Tide Turning?

Over the last few years there has been increased pressure on cosmetic companies to produce cleaner, safer products—and it looks like the companies are starting to listen. According to the Environmental Working Group, Whole Foods, the largest natural food retailer in the U.S., has disallowed the use of phthalates in products bearing its Whole Body Premium Standard Seal. It’s also worth noting that The Body Shop has already phased out many phthalates in its line of products.

But there is still more work to do. If you are interested in getting involved in the fight for better regulation of our cosmetic products, make a point of contacting your local government officials or state officials. Let them know cosmetic industry regulation is important to you and your families. Another way to get involved is to simply buy from companies that have taken measures to eliminate toxic chemicals. Look for products that are paraben-free and fragrance-free or better yet, 100% organic. And pay attention to the packaging of your foods and beauty products, which all too often contain phthalates. Look for glass containers. Remember, you can send a message with every dollar you spend.

For more information on product safety check out:

Healthystuff.org—A comprehensive website that allows you to search by brand to see what may be lurking in your apparel, children’s toys, and pet products. Healthystuff.org has tested thousands of products and keeps consumers informed of the latest news in consumer protection

Cosmeticdatabase.org—This site contains the Skin Deep database created by the Environmental Working Group. This database is very comprehensive—you search for a brand and you can immediately learn whether your product is considered to be a low hazard product or a high hazard product. You can also learn safer shopping tips and explore the frequently asked questions page, which offers an abundance of good information.

Many companies make “organic” sunscreens that contain synthetic chemicals. But that’s not the worst of it. According to our research, sunscreens give users a false sense of security in that while they effectively prevent sunburn, they do little or nothing to prevent skin cancer or the accelerated aging of the skin caused by sunlight.

There is a substantial body of evidence that shows there is an increase in cancer when sunscreen products are used. We’ve done a lot of research into sunscreens. The bottom line is this: we have found no sunscreen ingredients which we consider to be safe. So now you’re thinking that the chemicals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural and might be “safe” sunblocks, right? Isn’t that what “natural” personal care products manufacturers have suggested?

The shocking truth is the fact that both petrochemical sunscreens (avobenzone, methoxycinnamate, padimate-o and the like) and physical sunblocks (chemically-reacted synthetics titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are not natural and have been found to generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight, which then can attack the nuclei of your skin cells and cause mutations. That’s right, they can cause skin cancer. Furthermore, sunscreen chemicals have been found to pass through the skin and mimic the effects of estrogen, which may disrupt the delicate balance of the body’s natural hormones.

The following excerpt is taken from a book called Sunscreen Photobiology—Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Aspects:

Illumination of titanium dioxide suspensions with sunlight can degrade organic materials and purify drinking water, while illumination with short wave UV kills human cells. This work shows that the distinction between “chemical” sunscreens and “physical” sunscreens, attractive though it may be to those who market them, is not based on any significant difference. Both varieties have the potential to produce reactive species that can attack biological materials (human skin cells) when they are exposed to normal sunlight…

What is established is that particles of titanium dioxide as large as 220 nm can enter human cells in culture, and so it seems entirely plausible that if titanium dioxide does pass through skin it could enter cells under the skin (carrying with it the absorbed UVA and UVB radiation and hydroxyl radicals).”

Titanium dioxide is now being used as a new treatment for window glass because it attacks and degrades anything that touches it, thereby helping to keep windows clean. You probably don’t want to have anything attacking your skin! Small amounts of sun are healthy; overexposure is not. Instead of using sunscreens to prevent sunburn, we recommend loose fitting clothing, shady trees, and big floppy hats. Organic cotton is a good way to go!

There’s something really disturbing to me about dowsing my skin or my children’s skin with a bunch of chemicals that I can’t even pronounce. I prefer natural skincare products. But these days the words “all natural” and “from nature” on a label are meaningless; usually it’s just a marketing ploy. Too many companies that started out with the best of intentions have been bought out. The products we once trusted are now filled with the cheapest preservatives, making them no better than their conventional counterparts. I find the lack of conscience in the skincare industry to be very sad and, in many cases, downright infuriating.

Enter Eaurganic. I was so excited when I came across this company. Their ingredients weren’t listed on their site, so I got on the phone with them to learn more. I was assured that these products, made in Canada, were certified organic by a very strict third party certification. In fact, we were told that Eaurganic was the ONLY skin care company in Canada that met this very strict criteria, putting them head and shoulders above the rest.

After receiving the link to a password protected page that contained the product ingredients, I grew a little concerned. There were some chemicals used in the facial cleanser that I wasn’t familiar with and some preservatives in the lotions. They assured me these were mild chemical preservatives and claimed they were necessary. But, why are they necessary? We’ve found companies who make 100% organic, preservative-free skin care products. Granted, they are very few and far between, but they are out there.

I held off judgment until I received the product. The first time I used the facial cleanser, I absolutely loved it. My skin tends to be oily, so there’s nothing like that clean, oil-free feeling. But I know that when my face feels that clean, it’s not a good thing. In the past, every time I’ve used a product that gives me that feeling, I end up swimming in a pool of oil as my skin tries to make up for the oil that’s been lost. It’s a vicious cycle that results in breakouts and the need to wash my face six times a day.

Once again, I decided to keep an open mind. I continued to use the Eaurganic Facial Cleanser and moisturizer. But after about three weeks, I had to discontinue its use. My skin was so oily, it was disgusting.

I talked to a friend who is also the founder of another skin care company. She has created a product line that OLM trusts, (we are not affiliated with them or any ohter company). I told her what was going on with my skin and read her the ingredients in Eaurganic’s cleanser. She confirmed what I had already guessed, that the cleanser itself was causing the oil imbalance. I switched to Tilvee’s Tea Tree Facial Cleansing Bar. After two days, the oils in my skin started to come back into balance, though it took about three weeks to get it totally under control.

If there’s one thing that my skin is teaching me throughout this quest to find real “natural” skincare lines, it’s that I need to not onlybe gentle with it, but to put back what I take away. If I cleanse my face, I need to replace the oils that have been stripped away. My pores don’t secrete lotions or creams, they secrete oil. So if I apply an oil after cleansing, my skin is definitely happier and it’s actually less oily.

If you look on the web, you’ll find rave reviews for Eaurganic. But, for me something just isn’t adding up here. Any company that does not list their products’ ingredients raises a big red flag! The companies that we have come to trust, those that produce truly organic and natural skincare products, are proud to show their ingredients for anyone to see. Eaurganic’s website under ingredients simply lists “54% organic 46% natural/natural origin.” What does that mean? Arsenic is natural, so is kerosene, but I’m not going to put either one on my face!

As for the third party certification, we at OLM have learned to be very skeptical of those claims. Anybody can start their own third party certification company, including the company seeking certification.

Eaurganic is just another company using slick marketing and hyped up claims to sell a not-so-good-for-your-skin skincare product.

Tilvee’s collection of skin care products includes body soaps for adults as well as babies and children, facial masques, creams, oils, lotions, toners, cleansing bars, and lip care. Their soaps do not contain sulfates, chemicals, synthetic preservatives, petro-chemicals, or synthetic fragrances or colors. Instead they contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, essential oils, and nutrient rich fruits like pomegranate, raspberries, avocado, lime, and mandarin oranges.

Just when I thought I would never find another bar soap I like, Tilvee surprised me. This soap foams well, is gentle and moisturizing, and fabulous for sensitive skin. It also lasts—it’s not a soap that melts away in the soap dish.

Though Tilvee has many products, Tilvee’s soap and their Muscle and Joint Recovery Balm are the only products we’ve tested. The Muscle and Joint Recovery Balm is for use “on sore and tense muscles, arthritis, bruising and more.”  The 79% organic formula works quite well, relieving muscle stiffness and does not irritate the skin. www.tilvee.com

LüSa’s products have become my “guilty pleasure.” Why? Because I am hoarding all the samples sent to OLM. I love these products. I refuse to share. Everything about them is appealing – from the packaging to the company’s philosophy and business practices.

LuSa states their intention is, “To make soap so good that you have a better day just for having washed with it. Then your better day inspires another’s better day and the whole world spirals into happiness.” I for one believe in the ripple effect. And these products do make me happy!

I love the packaging. I don’t like clutter on my bathroom countertops, but LuSa’s products remain stacked in plain sight though I have plenty of room in my drawers and cabinets. The cobalt blue glass jars with the grey, lavender, and green labels are very appealing.

LuSa’s products include soaps, essential oil blends, lip balms, body scrubs, bath salts, baby skin care products, and a few other products for mom and baby.

These handcrafted soap bars last two to three times longer than any natural soap I have ever tried, and the scents are heavenly. Just imagine eucalyptus and lavender, lemongrass and ginger, or spicy orange and cinnamon. LuSa’s website offers 21 varieties of handcrafted bar soaps including calendula baby soap, which is also a great facial soap for adults with hypersensitive skin.  Soap bars are sold packaged or “naked” for a savings of 60 cents per bar.

Do you need to exfoliate? Or want to relax in a warm bath? LuSa’s organic sugar scrubs and bath salts come in four scents: citrus, lavender, mint, and patchouli.  Refills are available at a reduced price.

Gift collections include two collections for baby and two for new moms as well as standard collections and a soap of the month club. Baby products include reusable baby wipes and liquid “Baby Juice” for cleaning baby’s bottom as well as “Booty Balm,” a remarkable salve for skin irritated by anything from diaper rashes to cuts and scrapes.

LuSa Organics is a small family operation committed to supporting local and regional economies. Their ingedients are naturally sourced, primarily organic, and consistently high quality. They scent their products with essential oils and create color with natural pigments, herbs, and clays.  Ten percent of LuSa’s annual profits are donated to organizations creating positive global change.

Check out LuSa Organic’s website to discover all of their products for adults, children, and babies.   www.lusaorganics.com

This month we had the pleasure of trying out an array of products from a small, idealistic company called For My Kids. We fully endorse this company and their products, and we also found their website to be informative. Here is an excerpt: “In an investigation of the ingredients in more than 23,000 personal care products, Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that nearly one of every 30 products sold in the United States fails to meet one or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety standards. They found nearly 400 products sold in the U.S. containing chemicals that are prohibited for use in cosmetics in other countries, and over 400 products containing ingredients that cosmetic industry safety panels have found unsafe when used as directed on product labels, including the U.S.-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the International Fragrance Association. Their analysis of ingredients in more than 23,000 products finds that 751 different products fail to meet one or more industry or government safety standards and 98% of all products contain one or more ingredients never publicly assessed for safety. — Environmental Working Group, Skin Deep (2007).”

Vinegar of the Four Thieves

Vinegar of the Four Thieves is a natural alternative to antibacterial disinfectants. It is based on a well-known formula of vinegar and organic herbs that has been used for centuries to prevent contagious disease. Although they do not, (likely because they cannot) claim For My Kids Vinegar of the Four Thieves is an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antifungal, the ingredients are commonly known to have these properties. Does it work? We really have no idea. We believe it does, but we’d need a lab and a bunch of scientists to check out the efficacy of a disinfectant. The recipe is good and the idea is sound. No chemicals. Nothing we wouldn’t put on our skin. And think about it; if you’re one of those people cleaning your counter tops, your cutting boards, and your doorknobs with Lysol handy wipes or some other chemically derived, superbug creating disinfectant, it’s getting on your skin and in the air you breathe. If you do feel the need to disinfect, either once in a blue moon or 117 times a day, this is the product for you.

All Natural Hand Wash

This all-natural, lavender-scented spray is ideal for times when you can’t get to soap and water. Just spray and wipe your hands together until they’re dry.

My Mommy’s Face Care

The first time one of our testers used this product, she didn’t read the directions. Assuming this was a moisturizer, she used it as such and reported back that it was really good, though kind of heavy or greasy. After reading the directions and discovering this product is actually a facial cleanser that is supposed to be wiped off with a dry cloth, she tried it again and returned with glowing reports. It is a great make-up remover. We wouldn’t recommend it for the morning, though, or as a cleanser to use before applying make-up. The coconut oil and almond oil are great moisturizers, but, in our opinion, would not be a great base for make-up.Vegan Lip Balm

All Natural Vegan Lip Balm (Peppermint)

Made with great ingredients, this lip balm feels very good on your lips and works well. This is one of the very best lip balms we have ever tried.

All Natural Comfrey Salve

This product is for “boo-boos and bug bites.” We didn’t have any kids running around with any “owies” so our editor-in-chief decided to try this salve as an aftershave. He’s a bit clumsy and ends up with “boo-boos” every time he shaves. He also has sensitive skin. Even with the protocol he has developed to get the best shave, he still doesn’t like the way his face feels after shaving. But he said All Natural Comfrey Salve, “… calms, soothes, and worked well. It even absorbed well, and left my face without an oily look. I would repackage this and market it as an aftershave!”
Insect Repellant

We tried, but unfortunately it was too cold for us to find any insects to repel! This repellant does have a nice earthy smell and feels good on the skin, kind of like a moisturizer.
Happy Fun Dough

No chemicals. No artificial colors. We love it!

Conclusion

All of the For My Kids products are made without chemicals and many of their ingredients are organic. And their products work. We recommend For My Kids for both kids and adults.

www.formykidsonline.com