Sterling Minerals® Skin Care Guide

Are Cosmetic or Skincare Products FDA Approved or Certified?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:05:00 +0000

WOW... Now I Know These Products Are Safe

As I do my ongoing research and participate with scientists in discussions about the industry and all the facets within it, I find these claims all the time, "our products are FDA approved" or "our products are manufactured by an FDA certified lab."

So naturally, the consumer who may not realize the facts of the situation take it at face value. I know this because I have had many customers contact me and pose these questions. Or they will share their stories of past products, stating they knew they were safe because they were supposedly FDA approved.

I can't even count the websites within my industry that make this claim as well.

Let Me Make Things Perfectly Clear And Dispel This Myth

The FDA is solely responsible for protecting the public health by regulating human and animal drugs, biologics, medical devices, food and animal feed, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

The FDA does NOT approve or certify any cosmetic or skincare products on the market today. The only ingredients in cosmetics that are FDA approved are the colorants that go into products. And the FDA has a separate division for this.

They DO NOT approve or certify manufacturing facilities, and they DO NOT approve or certify labs.

But They Are FDA Registered

As an FDA registered facility ourselves, this does not mean the FDA endorses, approves or certifies our products are the best or safe or proved promise of efficacy. We are not manufacturing drugs here. This is of course a voluntary program and as a cosmetic formulator, I believe this is vital to credibility of the products we provide as complying with all FDA regulations....such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).

The FDA DOES inspect facilities to make sure they (we) are complying with those GMP guidelines because if they do discover violations, it can be grounds for being shut down or penalized.

FDA registration however, is mandatory for owners and operators of domestic or foreign food, drug, and most device facilities are required to register with FDA. Blood and tissue facilities also must register with the agency.

What The FDA Does Approve Or Certify

Mammography facilities must be FDA certified. Mammography facilities are required to display their FDA certificates where patients can see them. The certificate indicates that the facilities have met stringent standards and can provide quality mammography.

New drugs and biologics must be proven safe and effective to FDA's satisfaction before companies can market them. In fact this is where some of the confusion occurs and the truth gets stretched. Since the FDA does not develop or test products, they rely only on FDA experts which review the results of the private laboratory, animal, and human clinical testing done by manufacturers, and if FDA grants an approval, it means the agency has determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use.

So even though a manufacturer gets a product approved under these stringent regs, it does not make their facility an FDA certified lab. So I guess if one were looking for a lab to produce a product for them, then a track record of sorts on the labs products gaining approval from the FDA is beneficial as showing a standard of producing exceptional quality using GMP.... but that is as far as it goes.

Colorants for purposes of cosmetics........

As I stated earlier about colorants, the FDA does approve these and they are found in food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, and some medical devices. These color additives (except coal-tar hair dyes) are subject by law to approval by the agency, and each must be used only in compliance with its approved uses, specifications, and restrictions.

In the approval process, FDA evaluates safety data to ensure that a color additive is safe for its intended purposes. This is why some of our colorants used are clearly noted that they are not safe for lips, such as Ultra Marines, so these should never be found in a lip color. If they are found in a lip color for sale then these would be determined as a violation and deemed unsafe for use.

As a whole FDA does not, nor ever has approved cosmetics such as perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations.

FDA field investigators inspect cosmetic companies, examine imports, and collect samples for analysis. FDA may take action against non-compliant products, or against firms or individuals who violate the law. This can also be said for making medical or anti-aging claims since then this would put the product into the DRUG category whereby requiring compliance with the approval process, anything short of this is a violation of FDA regulations.

Side Note: Some may think Sunscreens are approved by the FDA since they are considered OTC drugs. However, the FDA does not approve the sunscreen per se, but only the ingredients used to create sun protection are approved. It is still up to the company to validate their SPF levels as proof of efficacy, followed by submission of their testing to the FDA for approval, and then comply with all drug monograph labeling practices.

So always be suspicious of labels that try to claim FDA Approval. False and misleading statements are a violation and should be reported to the FDA when located, whether at the point of sale, such as websites, or on the product packaging itself.

This Is My Favorite Most Of All

"Our products are certified organic by the FDA and ECOCERT."

FDA does not define or regulate terms such as “organic” and “natural.” However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does regulate the use of the term “organic” when used in terms of agricultural ingredient marketing. There are also private organizations that certify “natural” and other claims; however, these organizations are in no way affiliated with FDA. ECOCERT and NOP (National Organic Program) would be an example of these organizations, however separate and apart from the FDA.

Also, remember that all cosmetics are required to be safe, regardless of the sources of their ingredients. An ingredient’s source does not determine its safety. Even natural ingredients can cause potential harm to a person if they should be allergic to it... in science and chemistry, nothing is perfect absolutely.

However, even products that are created under these organic certifications are still regulated by FDA, and are subject to their jurisdiction under the law. The USDA requirements for the use of the term “organic” are separate from the laws and regulations that FDA enforces for cosmetics. Cosmetic products labeled with organic claims must comply with both USDA regulations for the organic claim and FDA regulations for labeling and safety requirements for cosmetics.

In A Nutshell

So there you have it, the facts surrounding the bogus claims of "FDA Approved" or "FDA Certified" made by many cosmetic and skincare companies....and I have seen them on doctors websites turned skincare entrepreneur, making the offense worse since one would think they should know better. Unfortunately, this just doesn't exist in reality.....and of course one more thing that those within our industry stoop to just to try and compete in the beauty products market.

Hopefully, a time will come when this practice of deceiving customers will stop and all of us will be on a level playing field helping customers make educated decisions based on the true science and benefits that any one product may provide.

UPDATE: Green Tea Extract in Mineral Makeup: Was I Wrong?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Professionalism Is Key

Well.... it seems I have been nicely called out on the carpet again by someone claiming to be an ingredient supplier that provides Green Tea Extract to many cosmetic manufacturers, including well known mineral makeup brands. This was discussed in my last article Mineral Makeup with Green Tea Extract, Just More Hype?

And as is fitting, I will always attempt to share both sides of the equation on an ingredient as I did with my Bismuth Oxychloride article with comments by the ingredient supplier. I then was faced with making corrections to the Diamond Powder article with an updated Response article to address our many email exchanges we had many moons ago. These two ingredients, I felt were not beneficial in the manner they were used through my own research. I also had further consultations with the actual chemists that have gone through extensive R and D to create and provide many improved alternative, innovative ingredients to cosmetic manufacturers.

As luck would have it, I am no stranger to controversy since I am currently the liaison for my state in regard to ongoing cosmetic legislation and I will challenge and debunk marketing hype, along with addressing completely inaccurate pseudo science that is presented as I continue to do through my blog and over at Personal Care Truth. I will only acquire and provide scientific facts within my research data and not support snake oil salesmanship that goes on within my own industry. In case you missed it: Beauty Industry Professionals May Be Their Own Worst Enemy!

The supplier who contacted me in regard to my latest article on Green Tea Extract and other antioxidants was nothing short of professional and courteous, however they replied under the veil of anonymity through my blog, as was the similar case with the Bismuth Oxychloride and Diamond Powder article (using a Pseudonym). This started a firestorm of comments on the BO article from many users of this potential skin irritant, and the Lumiere Diamond Powder caused me to prepare an updated response and correct the original article.

The supplier of this particular antioxidant conveyed to me that my description was not completely accurate. It seems it did not correctly depict other available delivery systems which help to stabilize and prevent degradation, while preserving the phytochemical efficacy necessary that the antioxidant properties of herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals provide.

So, I stand corrected in this regard, yet I chose to not publish their comments left anonymously since this leaves me at a disadvantage and lacks professionalism. I decided after the comments on my Bismuth Oxychloride and Diamond Powder articles, those conveying their message under the shroud of the internet curtain will not get my full attention. If someone wishes to engage me in a discussion and declare a statement as fact and present the science, then they should also stand behind it and the name the supplier or affiliation they represent. However, out of respect for my customers and as a professional courtesy, I will acknowledge their comments were still worth noting and forced me to research the facts further, so let's just say for a moment, "not so fast!"

Researched and Documented

There is unequivocally no dispute as to the skin health benefits of Green Tea Extract. It is proven to be quite effective as are vitamins A, C and E along with many other extracts. It is the method of delivery that is called into question.

The supplier explained to me, and I am paraphrasing, through a liposome preparation, the freeze dried antioxidant can be delivered and preserved for extended periods so skin can benefit based on a liposome utilizing mild penetration enhancers. Once it is encapsulated, sustainability and delivery of phytochemicals is improved and increased.....the length of sustainability was not determined or clarified except to be noted as many months. Unfortunately, further research did not yield me an exact shelf life so I cannot comment further in this regard.

Now of course, I have discussed in past articles about delivery systems, including the use of penetration enhancers which have been proven beneficial based on substantiated research.

I located two PubMed articles.... the 1st PubMed is as it relates liposome use in treatment of skin cancer, and the 2nd PubMed also reporting similar research in support of the claims this ingredient supplier made to me about antioxidant delivery and sustainability. My long time readers know I am always about presenting true and accurate science on any ingredient, not marketing claims made by suppliers, company chemists or cosmetic formulators willing to stretch the truth so it sounds much better than it is just to sell a product.

In this case, however, I am impressed with the research and pleased to share it with you. But as the article concurs with my past articles, these types of antioxidants are destroyed by light and oxygen, so sustainability is vital whether the ingredient is stabilized and delivered with liposomes or with the use of a preservative system and additional penetration enhancers. Furthermore, based on scientific accuracy, these liposomes are delivered through the mean size of nano scale. Although liposomes have been used for many years in delivery of vaccinations, medical creams and other beauty treatments, I'll limit my comments to cosmetic uses only, except for purposes of comparison.

Does This Information Negate My Last Article

Well let's see if what I presented is still accurate. In followup, I did further research and contacted suppliers of this liposome ingredient, including acquiring a direct informational page about Liposome delivery of green tea extract.

Unfortunately, some cosmetic ingredient suppliers are not timely in their response or they ignore the email altogether. And a phone call.... well I may be able to discuss it with them, but sometimes the hard questions about an ingredient can get muddied up or avoided if the question might challenge the "love" for their ingredient as exampled in my other two articles above.

Quite frankly, there are enough of the blind leading the blind in our industry, from product labeling to medical claims and SPF claims, or all natural cosmetic creators slamming synthetic cosmetic creators based on a belief of harm and not actual science. And for me ethically, it is and always will be about the chemistry and the science of any ingredient I may choose or not choose to use in my cosmetics and skincare products.

One Company known as Cosmetochem International offers a technology known as Liposome Herbasec.

This is a novel range of concentrated / standardized, liposomal-based botanical extracts in a lyophilized powder form.
Phospholipids and lecithin are the safest, mildest, natural substances which allow the penetration of actives into deeper layers of the epidermis.
Unsaturated phospholipids (used in Liposome Herbasec) have been shown to be excellent penetration enhancers.
INCI Name: Maltodextrin, Plant Extract, Lecithin

Cosmetic and Toiletries also gave this company props for their innovation on providing a wonderful delivery system of antioxidants for many skincare or personal care products.

However, I was made aware that depending on the composition of the overall formula, an adverse effect can occur causing a loss of liposome stability, making it ineffective, (example: use of emulsifiers) so cosmetic science must be sound in regard to the delivery system for best purported benefit.

Liposomes themselves are penetration enhancers, whether purchased in aqueous solution or freeze dried requiring some form of liquid be added. It is vital to be cognizant of what they are being combined with since other less desirable ingredients entering into the deeper layers of skin may cause concern and further argument from NGO's. With them it is always about blood brain barrier interaction of what chemicals, synthetic or natural, can cause...proven or unproven...it doesn't seem to matter. Hence why different types of penetration enhancers are used extensively in the delivery of topical drugs, such as cortisone creams and HRT for their ability to cross the blood brain barrier.

Dr. Gabriele Blume wrote an abstract and extensive article on Liposomes

So can green tea extract in mineral makeup offer similar benefits in the same fashion as it does in liquid preparations? Scientific research and ingredient descriptions along with the recommendations of usage dictates the answer.

Back to the subject at hand....

With the links I provided above, along with my many science based articles published at PCT, and through countless discussions I have shared with cosmetic scientists whom I have a long standing relationship with, including those that are located in the EU which have been guest writers for my skin care guide as well.....the actual chemistry and science cannot be manipulated or refuted for the purposes of pseudo scientific bogus claims.

It is this same fight we currently are dealing with yet again, as in the case of the most recent draft of the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act 2013.... onerous regulations being proposed based on non peer reviewed science, cosmetic medical claims by our industry, and the precautionary principle.

Furthermore, this is prompting some physicians to also share their views about cosmetic companies pushing the envelope on over promising and under delivering in order to sell skincare and cosmetics. Dr. Ourian expressed in an interview we need better regulation to control these misleading claims, which falls back on my article about our beauty industry leaders being their own worst enemy. Large to small companies do it because they can and they are only damaging the rest of us in the beauty industry that won't fabricate science. However the larger firms like Loreal, the parent company of Lancome are beginning to get slapped for some of their anti-aging claims because they are highly visible, while smaller companies violating FDA and FTC regulations fly under the radar....

I believe it is only a matter of time before more whistle blowers, especially with new regulation, come forward to report those in violation....large or small.

Final Answers To This Debatable Question

Is Green Tea Extract wonderful as an antioxidant?.... absolutely.... as I conveyed in my last article by applying directly to the skin after brewing tea or delivered within a skincare product containing the hydrated form. But, I also now have been further educated on how liposomes have improved on the delivery system of antioxidants based on the science of skincare and cosmetic products.

Is it absolutely possible for freeze dried liposomes to be blended into mineral makeup.....of course....yet without compromise due to shearing.... well that is another story, but that point is moot. Plus, based on the suppliers recommended dosing which is as high as 5%, nice efficacy can be achieved.

However, the key factor in all research articles and ingredient information as it relates to skin health benefit when used dry is irrefutable; an aqueous solution or similar is used and recommended in order for this ingredient to become viable as demonstrated.

When used in mineral makeup, the benign liposome encapsulated Green Tea Extract will happily sit atop the skin without harm or penetration .... not a bad thing and definitely safer since no blood brain barrier confusion would occur with NGO's like the EWG or Campaign for Safe Cosemetics....well maybe. So used in this application, science shows, that enjoying any skin health benefits is highly improbable.

Bottom line and with all due respect to the cosmetic supplier's valid point on sustainability, as science is shared with me through direct contact with actual innovators of these types of delivery systems and ingredient preparations... no matter how hard one tries to meet a marketing agenda, you can't change the science as to how and what any ingredient is capable and incapable of achieving.

I am always grateful to those in the science community for providing pertinent information in regard to this valuable research as it pertains to improving sustainability to a beneficial antioxidant for skin health. You may also enjoy this very informative editorial by BioEncapsulation Research Group addressing encapsulated ingredients used in personal care products today and in the future, presenting excellent innovation on bio-encapsulated research for many other consumer products we use for delivery of healthy nutrition in our foods as well.

I continue to learn something everyday. Though it happens rarely, for those challenges that come my way from cosmetic ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and formulators, I will always meet them head on respectively where respect is given. I am beholding to them as well since they encourage me to continue my research which keeps me on my toes, which in turn helps me to maintain the integrity I strive for in truth in marketing and labeling, and to make corrections when necessary.

Education is never-ending as Science is ever evolving!

Oops I Did It Again, So Here Come The Emails

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

My Brain Cramp

Last week I wrote my article on Dove Skincare products and their marketing escapades. I then went on to mention what real SOAP is and how I love to use it on my skin. Well the emails started arriving in my inbox asking me what type of soap do I use and can recommend.

I can't believe I forgot to post a link to the company I simply love. With all that goes on in my life, trying to find balance with work, play, exercise while listening to my iPod, and blogging, sometimes my brain cramps and I fail to present the logical, simple thing....A WEBSITE LINK!

Instead of answering each and every email, I opted to put it out in my blog, so it will reach everyone that reads it. For those of you that wish to try truly remarkable skin quenching soap with the use of only saponified butters and oils for a wonderfully rich moisturizing experience, then SARVA Soap is the one and only in my book.

I have been using her soaps for more than 4 years now. Michelle Gilbert is an independent hand crafter and has created an excellent skin loving, luxurious bar of soap. I have tried many of her different soaps, and no matter my selection, I have never been disappointed. Do I have favorites? Of course, but they are not always available, depending on her manufacturing status. But I can always find an equal substitute that is just as wonderful.

Peruse SARVA Soaps and see what your next favorite soap will be.

Higher Alkaline On The Skin

Some have also asked about the higher pH on soaps, making them tend to be more alkaline and creates worry this will cause issues for the skin.

The saponification process requires lye to create your luxurious soaps and this is why it is extremely important to find a soapmaker with the talent of precise measurements like Michelle Gilbert of SARVA.

A talented cold-process soapmaker first looks up the saponification value for each unique fat on an Oil Specification Sheet for each fat. Oil Specification Sheets contain laboratory test results for each fat, including the precise saponification value of the fat. The saponification value for a specific fat will vary by season and by specimen species. This value is used to calculate the exact amount of potassium hydroxide to react with the fat to form soap. The saponification value must be converted into an equivalent sodium hydroxide value for use in cold process soapmaking. Excess unreacted lye in the soap will result in a very high pH and can burn or irritate skin; not enough lye leaves the soap greasy. Most soap makers formulate their recipes with a 2–5% deficit of lye, so all of the lye is converted and excess fat is left for a gentler soap.

So basically you are left with a highly super fatted soap with no lye residual which is what causes the skin irritation that commercial brands complain about. Although these complaints are not accurate by any sense of the word when using a properly cold processed soap.

In fact, once a soap comes from the mold it is safe to use the soap since saponification is in essence complete. However, cold-process soaps are typically cured and hardened on a drying rack for 2–6 weeks before use. During this cure period, trace amounts of residual lye are consumed by saponification and excess water evaporates.

I have never experienced any skin irritation so her saponification process is down to a science, plus she also emphasizes her time frame of curing is more than 3 weeks before sale. This further hardens the soap and the pH continues to drop through the curing process. And believe me, I have experienced the burning of natural soaps from other hand crafters due to an imbalance of ingredients, but NEVER with SARVA.

Giver her a try, her soaps are fantastic for the body! As always I still recommend NOT using soap on the face as a rule, but if you prefer it, then go for it.

BONUS: She also typically throws in sample soaps to try with every order.

Does DOVE Skincare Marketing Go Too Far?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Dove Has My Vote For Reasons Other Than Their Products

On so many levels I love this brands achievement for reaching out to real women, including young girls. They have helped give women courage to unveil their true selves by building on self esteem through global television and they include the Self Esteem Fund.

This photo of the two comparisons, sadly, is quite telling and what many women for some time have aspired to be like a Victoria Secret Model. When the majority of women resemble those in the Dove campaign, yet some women in VS may look like this without trying, they are the exception, not the rule. Photoshop and airbrushing do amazing things to change a look or shape of a woman's body and unfortunately, the image becomes distorted in our minds eye.

This in and of itself scores huge with me. As I age and hold on to the pounds a bit more myself, and I see young girls along with my own customers feel bad about themselves, whether through weighty issues or being depressed over skin issues, this is one company that I feel has done an excellent job of bringing us back from the precipice of shame for not having perfect skin, or not being skinny enough, or not having the perfect overall look.

Of this, no doubt, they have done a wonderful thing for all women, young and old, today. So I "heart" them!

Dove Pushes The Envelope On Marketing At Times

Now when it comes to marketing Dove skincare products, as a whole they have a lovely concept. It is only when they take it beyond credible that I have to furrow my brow.

Their main campaign has always been about their Dove Beauty Bar or their Body Wash being infused with 1/4 cup moisturizing cream. In the latest commercial endeavor they like to show how "soap" supposedly strips skin like a piece of pink paper they had placed on other brands, plus their own, and we watch through time lapse photography as the other soaps dissolve the paper, yet the Dove beauty bar example stays in tact. If you are reading this via email or RSS Feed, you'll need to "click here" to view the actual commercial.

First off, pink paper does not extrapolate to real skin making this a non starter. Plus, there is no way to actually watch what is really happening and any paper placed under water and/or with a soapy content, will dissolve. This is pure hype all the way. Plus the bars of soaps they compare to for leaving a film on the skin or break down the moisture on your skin are not "true" bars of soap. They are examples of deodorant bars or just cheap soaps using essentially the same synthetic surfactants and other inorganic ingredients as Dove Beauty Bars.

Real Soaps are loaded with fatty acids, triglycerides, and wonderful skin softening butters or oils which go through a saponification process, which in turn creates a real moisturizing soap rich in Glycerin. Anyone who has used real soap, has experienced soft, slippery skin which in turn protects the acid mantle of our skin. So the comparison is not really valid and misleads the public that may not know the true meaning of a bar of SOAP. I personally use handcrafted soap bars and my skin feels wonderful, never left dry or itchy.

I selected Dove's beauty bar for sensitive skin for the purposes of comparison since this should have the gentlest of ingredients...Right?

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate – Surfactant, will dry skin
Stearic Acid – Humectant, typically no problems
Sodium Palmitate – Surfactant, can dry skin
Aqua (Water) – Solvent for dispersion of ingredients
Lauric Acid – Humectant, can be a skin irritant still for those with delicate skin.
Sodium Isethionate – 3rd Surfactant, not known to be a skin irritant
Sodium Stearate – 4th Surfactant, same as above
Cocamidopropyl Betaine – 5th Surfactant for very gentle cleansing
Sodium Palm Kernelate – Yet another Surfactant, this is a lot of artificial soaping going on
Glycerin – Humectant, skin conditioner and is very low on ingredient list, so offers little value to skin
Sodium Chloride – A Binder so to speak which helps to bind and harden the bar of soap
Zinc Oxide – Colorant added obviously for making the soap white and it is an anti inflammatory
Citric Acid - Antioxidant, pointless in this type of application
Tetrasodium EDTA – Sequestrant, used to stabilize a product or a preservation system
Tetrasodium Etidronate – Sequestrant, same as above
Alumina – Not sure why it is in her but it is used primarily as an abrasive, anti-caking agent, anti-bulking agent and as an absorbent.
CI 77891 – Colourant, can be eye and skin irritant as can soap overall depending on tolerance

Don't see that 1/4 cup of moisturizing cream (lotion) in this list of ingredients....Do you? ....hmmm...interesting

So let's use critical thinking and realize that most of what we see on commercial tv boils down to marketing which is accomplished nicely through editing and time lapse photography without really seeing the entire process of the example.

One Product I Won't Go Without

I do LOVE their antiperspirant and it is what I have used for years. Especially once they came out with the Clinical Protection. Dove Original Clean Scent is the one and only for me and it truly does work and keeps with the marketing credibility. No complaints on this one and the scent never overpowers or conflicts with any other fragrance I may wish to wear.

So out of their many products they offer, this would be the only one I could actually recommend! And I give them props for truth in advertising on this product only.

Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act Reintroduced for 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Facing More Over Regulation, Yet Again

The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2013 legislation is simply a new premise added onto an old Bill revisiting my industry once again. These proposals have been rewritten so many times the past few years, I have lost count and basically was so sick and tired of all the demagoguery based on mindless supposition and theory, after putting in many hours of research and participation to stop it since it was initiated back in '08, I withdrew from the whole process for a time.

The many different versions fortunately, were so onerous to small manufacturers and with the overreaching regs without scientific evidence to back up the claims offered, it simply couldn't hold any ground for legislators thus far, especially during our economic downturn.

But once again, Jan Schakowsky (D. Ill) and Edward Markey (D. Mass.) are attempting to revive legislation that has been defeated before by creating more regulation based on "no" science evidence but merely, supposition, theory and what we call the "precautionary principle." If we suspect harm, we must ban!

In this newest piece of legislation, these two state Reps are claiming, "it will close major loopholes in the federal law that allows companies to use ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products known to damage human health and the environment.”

Show Me The Science Please!

But to date, there literally has been no peer reviewed science presented to back up the claim; products in our industry have and / or will cause harm to the end user, when the fact of the matter is, they have been used safely for decades. Nor is it any personal care products manufacturers intent to cause harm to the public, let alone use anything remotely toxic for human consumption. Many studies have been published including those by the EPA, which verify and have shown testing on animals, such as mice, does not extrapolate to humans. Furthermore, the dosages are so extremely high in order to cause harm, that no average consumer will ever be exposed to such a dose once, much less over a lifetime. I have provided in previous articles these studies as pertained to past attempts of legislation to over regulate our industry.

At PCT (Personal Care Truth) they have provided a neat breakdown of other attempts of regulations, outlining the major points of the legislation known as H.R.4262 Cosmetics Safety Enhancement Act of 2012 and H.R. 4395 Cosmetic Safety Amendments Act of 2012. These of course never went anywhere, but it bears repeating that this is an ongoing concern for the personal care products and cosmetic industry. Also feel free to further explore PCT for science data and factual research based on evidence only, not fear or paranoia brought about by certain self proclaimed officials (NGO's).

An overview below is an initial outline of what they are trying to accomplish, yet the final draft on this has yet to be seen.

Cosmetic and Ingredient Testing and Safety: FDA would establish a list of ingredients prohibited from being used in cosmetics. This includes carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins.

Post Market Testing: Requires the Secretary of HHS to conduct annual random sample tests for pathogens or contaminants in cosmetic products.

Registration of Cosmetic Companies and Registration Fees: Cosmetics companies would be required to register with FDA and pay a registration fee based on annual gross receipts or sales. Small businesses with less than $2 million in revenues from cosmetics would be exempt from registration; businesses with less than $10 million in revenues from cosmetics would be exempt from registration fees.

Market Restrictions: Provides the FDA with recall authority for products that are misbranded, adulterated, or otherwise fail to meet the safety standard and can request a voluntary recall or order the ceasing of distribution of any such cosmetic product.

Mandatory Reporting of Adverse Health Effects: Cosmetic manufacturers, packagers, and distributors would have to provide the FDA with reports of adverse health effects associated with the use of a cosmetic.

Worker Issues: Requires companies that manufacture cosmetics for salon use to provide information on any health hazards linked with those cosmetics.

States Rights: States may set more stringent standards.

Without seeing the final draft, it is hard to say what direction they are trying to take this, however based on these initial outlines the "States Rights" portion is still problematic.

The Negative Impact This Could Have On Our Industry

Although the entire industry standard has always been about providing safe products for consumers, allowing states to set possibly stricter standards will be far overreaching and detrimental. This is where the incredible, onerous paperwork would begin. My mineral makeup and skincare products are sold globally, yet primarily in the U.S. and to perhaps require me now to have different labeling practices, or different formulating practices, etc. so I can sell to various states...I mean can you imagine? This will make it impossible at not only accomplishing any continued success due to the time an money it will take, but make many entrepreneurs either say "oh forget this" or won't even be able to start up at all due to the financial obligations it will require to accomplish this major task as it is written in the legislation.

California is a prime example and epitomizes the overreach of their state government of continually trying to take away free choice in the market place through a belief of harm when there actually is minimal to none under this context. I have many customers in this state who love our products and with the stroke of the pen over an ideology of something they deem hazardous without science or by ignoring it, can literally prevent customers in this state from further receiving our products if they are determined to target the latest ingredient as unsafe, whatever it may be. In fact, Titanium Dioxide is under consideration for being added to Prop. 65. This is a main sun blocking agent found in the majority of mineral makeup products.

Other states can follow similar legislation if the current legislation above is passed. This is not a question as to me being overly concerned since this is no joke or something I am just bloviating about. Simply refer to the Dunkin' Donuts issue over something as simple as Coffee and the natural constituent it has within the coffee bean, known as "Acrylamide". This article is quite telling and other links are provided with continued research done and the conclusions to that research. Basically, the Swedish study was overblown and inaccurate, yet look at the harm it caused multiple industries in the state of California.

Starbucks and other food companies were sued as well over this ingredient and labeling practices based on how their current legislation reads, allowing zealots to become litigious even without any proof of harm or without even using the product, just based on a label they research and finding noncompliance.

Acrylamide isn't added, but is naturally occurring, and coffee has been shown in multiple studies as to its' many health benefits, such as reducing stroke, colon cancer, heart disease and many other forms of cancer. This type of targeting of ingredients based on theory rather than on the practicality or science of products we have used for generations, safely, is unfortunate for many consumers. Frankly, I'll keep drinking my cup of Joe for the health benefits it is proven to provide to the coffee drinker.

Food Police....Just The Real Facts (Science) Please

There are certainly many foods you may want to avoid with elevated levels of this constituent if you are concerned, but to avoid it overall in our diets, is next to impossible, especially when this ingredient is also found in lower levels in Apples, Broccoli, Asparagus, Green Beans, Spinach, Cherries, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, Olives, Cocoa (chocolate), Plums and Prunes, to name a short list. Should we ignore the obvious health benefits of these foods to override undue fear of a tiny amount of constituent they contain?.....

I pause and wonder, why are food growers exempt from having this label? Clearly there is a certain amount of hypocrisy in these regs. So basically, you can eat the food containing lead or acrylamide under Prop 65, but you can't use it in a skincare product without testing it first for the safe levels allowed, or you must place the prop 65 warning label on the item. Last I checked, ingesting a chemical of concern is far more likely to cause harm than smearing it on your skin which is actually an impermeable barrier to protect the body. When it comes to our government, this type of obtuse thinking has absolutely baffled me.

Let me state however, most of the foods with elevated levels of Acrylamide, we shouldn't be eating anyway based on the other well known health problems they cause with consumption of these same foods. Some interesting facts and figures about this constituent and how it is formed are in the links below:

FDA Study On Foods Containing Acrylamides

Acrylamide Facts: Q & A

Don't Misunderstand This Viewpoint

I believe that Prop. 65 was headed in the right direction for a safer environment and to reduce hazardous chemical use when it was created back in 1986, and I am all in for reducing environmental toxins, but only unless and until the scientific evidence supports the objective. But unfortunately, through the proposals and passing of amendments of the original legislation, pushed by power hungry, ambitious NGO's, unscrupulous parties have exploited Prop. 65 by those wanting to make a buck or push an environmental agenda against certain ingredients which can also contain constituents in question, and then trying to extrapolate harm through a theory rather than from actual science.

Basically, to show a further example as it relates to this latest cosmetic and personal care products act; acrylamide can be found in cocoa butter which is used in many skincare products for application on the skin. So because of Prop. 65, as I understand it, if this ingredient along with its' constituent is being used, supposedly a warning label is required on the product in the state of California which reads:

And any amount seems to trigger the Prop. 65 regulation. Again, an ingredient applied to the skin does not extrapolate to causing harm or injury of similar in the same way as something we may ingest or inhale, but the personal care product containing a questionable ingredient would be affected nonetheless based on California mandate. For me, this is government run amok beyond best intentions. And it worries me to say the least since my wonderful customers in California and others should this spread federally, could have their personal choice be removed of enjoying the many benefits our mineral makeup and skincare products offer to the consumer.

On Google images you can view a virtual sea of Prop. 65 warning labels as they pertain to many industries. After looking at these, it strikes me as odd that California State Legislators are declaring some sort of omnipotence over its citizens as to what is best for all, and overkill on warning about the possibility of harm which in turn will more than likely create an apathetic public due to this bombardment. Basically becoming ineffectual! Consumers will want what they want and will recognize the absurdity this has become based on how Prop. 65 went from a good cause to being grossly abused.....but the final question is, at what cost to everyone?

Key Points Of Why Legislation Similar to Prop 65 Would Cause Undue Hardship To Small Business

For one, putting the warning label on a product is not required if the amount of the identified hazardous chemical is below the danger level. But, without the government’s classification of the allowable level, it is the business’ responsibility to find out what the level is using acceptable scientific methods. This would mean additional expense and effort for the business owner. This alone would add cost to products which will be passed on to the consumer or wipe out the business altogether if this cost is absorbed by the company. Ultimately this is a lose, lose proposition.

Secondly, when a certain product has the warning sign, it may be because the manufacturer chose to put it on due to the chemical being actually present, even without verifying if it has exceeded the safe level or if it may even be zero. The business owner would rather include the warning rather than risk violating the law or spending effort and money to determine a chemical’s safety level. Also a tact they may choose to implement in order to avoid being sued by litigators who have nothing better to do than destroy cottage industry.

Thirdly, it is not a violation of Prop 65 to post a warning, however unnecessary. These warning signs have become so commonplace that consumers don’t take notice anymore and it loses its purpose to educate and inform them. Hence the reason they are now ineffectual to say the least and consumer safety is not actually improved at all.

Fourthly, now instead of growing a business or working on creation of personal care and cosmetic products, onerous research and inordinate amounts of time will be spent keeping tabs on all 50 states making sure they have not added some new piece of legislation or named some new chemical or its' constituent, whether it be synthetic or natural, to the list deemed unsafe or causing harm. Without this knowledge, a company could end up being in noncompliance. Remember Dunkin' Donuts?

Beyond Comprehension

Maybe it's just me, but when I see states legalizing Marijuana and people treating it like the next best thing since McDonalds, basically ignoring and violating federal law themselves, but yet legislators want federal law with this latest proposed upcoming legislation, stipulating states can impose stricter regulations, it just seems to me our state and federal governments don't have a clue.

They only seem to do what feels good at the moment instead of comprehending the all encompassing ramifications this type of regulation will cause to many entrepreneurs and consumers alike. And quite frankly, I am at a loss ....yet still believe, allow the consumer to choose best for their families with their hard earned dollar. Stop over regulating job creators right out of business or policing our decisions as to which products to buy by eliminating them altogether through overreaching regulation..... that is NOT Consumer Freedom!

The LA Times wrote an article about Prop 65 showing two sides of this argument and attorney Lisa Halko has it correct. She clearly shows the argument with the problem of targeting constituents of an ingredient (natural or otherwise as natural products will not be exempt) or foodstuff and this is what the personal care products and cosmetic industry as a whole knows will come to pass at a federal level.

You can read Rep. Markey's and Rep. Schakowsky's remarks HERE....which are full of innuendo and as overstated as they are, in my opinion, are designed to scare consumers since I reiterate......Where is the SCIENCE? And as consumers, we too should be demanding they show us the science, not base an entire summary of harm on the "precautionary principle."

Until the final draft, the key points listed look tame initially, but review the links above on past proposed legislation to see how onerous and out of touch this legislation would have been as it relates to financial harm. And the drafts were created out of skewed science and research provided by NGO's such as the Environmental Working Group and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to create hyperbole. It has been these sister organizations M.O. to find and locate and then cherry pick a non peer reviewed single study, twist it and use it for their financial gain, ignoring all other actual peer reviewed research studies which refute the Swedish study, such as Acrylamide shown in the Dunkin' Donuts link above, since the true and correct science would not fit with their agenda. Scaring consumers is big business and business is GOOD it seems!

With each passing day of new regulations becoming commonplace, our government contributes to a stifling environment not conducive to the needs and growth of small businesses anymore. They literally are making it more difficult to next to impossible for start-ups to even gain a foothold, and the future of our industry is in the proverbial cross hairs of our federal and state legislators as I conclude this article. (sigh)

TopStyler Heated Ceramic Styling Shells Review

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Caught Up In The Excitement

I admit it, this even happens to me on occasion. My wallet got picked by the infomercial fairy.

I was watching early morning t.v. about 2 years ago, and on comes the infomercial for the TopStyler Heated Ceramic Styling Shells. The way it was presented got me all excited to try it as soon as possible. Women with beautiful flowing curls, lush and non frizzy. I couldn't dial the phone fast enough since they had an offer of upgrades which included a full second set of clam shells....today they offer a second hair styling unit.

I love when hair has the loop dee doop curls that cascade around the face. Even on short hair to the nape of the neck, looked great. I was SOLD!

This new concept by TopStyler of heated clam shells lined with ceramic definitely intrigued me. No more curler lines from being crimped in a hot roller, plus no hot curling irons which I have yet to master without cooking a finger or singeing the side of my face.

And of course they made it look so simple. You can either twist the hair around an index finger, or use the tail of the comb they provide with the kit. They heat up like traditional hot rollers, except they are a self clamping shell that also have mini teeth for grabbing your hair in order for them to stay in place. Hair pins or curler clamps are a thing of the past.

They offer two sizes as well, one for smaller tighter curls and another for a larger looser curls.

Surprise, Surprise, Not Surprised

Once my TopStyler Heated Ceramic Styling Shells arrived, I was quite pleased at the quality of the item. It is very well made in all aspects and was a nice surprise to see instead of cheap plastic junk. This first picture features their original offer that I took advantage of.

Was it worth the $125 clams I shelled out for it? ...(no pun intended...well maybe a little bit)... It depends on your perspective. I did get double the clam shells with my order, plus a lifetime guarantee for as long as I own the product of FREE replacement if it should die or something.

Surprisingly, this item can now be found, on Amazon and at Target for around $100.00 which is typical after a product has been on the market for a while, but it doesn't include the bonus items I received.

Not surprisingly, after owning this for a couple of years, I don't feel it was worth the expense or ends up working out the way it is described. After growing weary of the amount of dexterity it takes to use this curling tool, I finally quit trying. It is far from being fast and simple to use and by the time I was done, I would say it took a good 30 minutes or more to curl my entire head, not including cooling time of the shells.....exhausting! It now has been relegated to the back of my bathroom vanity cabinet, probably to forever remain in exile.

Did I get great curls....YES....did they last all day....YES....was it as easy as they portrayed in the infomercial....NO....is anything every as easy as they show on t.v.?

Plus, the lifetime guarantee is a great selling point, yet if you end up like me, disowning the dang thing, they will rarely if ever, have to fulfill on this promise to any consumer that finds this hair curling tool to be less than suitable for their hair styling needs. So, bottom line, they'll always come out ahead on this one.

What I Can Say About My TopStyler Heated Ceramic Styling Shells

Pros:

Beautiful Voluminous Curls
No Frizz Curls
No More Burned Fingers, Face or Scalp
Nicely Made, High Quality
Pretty Zippered Heavy Duty Case with Storage for Extra Clam Shells
Safety Shut Off
Provide Tutorial and Additional Styling Comb
Lifetime Warranty (pay additional)
Okay for Using on Others (doing hair for them) Still Requires Dexterity

Cons:

Requires a High Level of Dexterity
Requires Long Fingers for Wrapping Curls (my fingers are too little)
Requires Patience and Difficult to Use on Oneself
Major Learning Curve (can be exhausting)
Need Second Set of Clams (extra clam shells are needed if you want to be able to curl entire head)
Snags Hair and Hair Shifts if Clam Shells are NOT Closed Correctly or Hair is too Thick
Will Not Work on Curl Resistant Hair without Styling Aids
Styling Comb Worthless for the Task of Wrapping Curls (major slippage of hair)
Too Expensive for What is Provided Retail, unless you purchase from their website (but who needs two units when one failed?)
Takes an Inordinate Amount of Time
Need a Hair Stylist to do it for You IMHO (I consider this on the level of a stylists professional tool)

In A Clam Shell

This is a nicely made unit for those that enjoy quality, but if you are not very dexterous, you'll find this styling tool a challenge. Some of you may still wish to give it a try, but if you are on a budget, they will woo you with "shiny and new" and all the "bells and whistles" only to find out, it wasn't "all that". Plus be aware that the 30 day Free Trial they offer on their website for $14.95, is a waste of money since this is in addition to the purchase price. It is not included in the total sales price if you decide to keep it, but a tack on for the privilege of trying it out. They still offer the trial period, but spring for the whole amount to save the $14.95, and their latest offer is giving you two TopStyler units and is demonstrated by this second photo of their current package.

Also if you are of mature years, like me, it is difficult for me to keep my arms up over my head, while trying to wrap hair around a tiny finger, and then clamp and release the hair from my finger without tiring out. The demo on the infomercial provided by models and the demonstrator of the brand, trust me, had major practice before presenting the so called "ease of use" they try to portray. It is nothing like what you see on t.v. once you get it home and use it for yourself.

Simply put, this hair styling tool may work for some and they'll love it because they possess that natural talent of doing all things to their hair (my daughter included), but in my opinion, I got snookered in and learned the hard way once more, infomercials offer way more to the consumer, than the actual product will or can ever deliver....and never underestimate what it takes to look great with hair all coiffed, as I did.....looking this good never is fast and easy....silly me!

Besides, if after reading my review you're still unsure, then take a look at what others are saying over at Amazon, and then decide for yourself if it will be suited to your hair styling needs.

Mineral Makeup with Green Tea Extract - Just More Hype?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

The Next Generation Of Mineral Makeup Hype

As mineral makeup is getting more and more popular, it seems that many companies are doing their level best to try to take their products to the next level by touting all the fantastic benefits of additional ingredients for anti-aging. Such as mineral makeup now with Japanese Green Tea Extract.

But what I find most disconcerting and a bit dubious, not just as a formulator but as a consumer as well, is the manner by which some also try to extrapolate purported ingested benefits of a certain ingredient, to performing the same in a mineral powder applied to the face.

With all the mineral makeup hype out there, you may not even begin to know which way to turn or where to begin.

Some newfangled additive ideas are listed here and are all freeze dried:

Green Tea Extract (Japanese)
Vitamins A, C and E
Lavender
Chamomile
Herbal Extracts

Although this is a fantastic marketing concept or gimmick depending on your perspective, these ingredients actually do nothing for the skin when provided in a mineral cosmetic powder. Basically this is a marketing campaign focused primarily on baby boomers.

Unless the addition of a botanical ingredient is in the mineral makeup formula to boost the skin health properties like ours, by increasing the benefits of soothing skin irritations through the use of rice powder or allantoin, or maintaining pH levels and controlling sebum production on skin such as with Jojoba Oil, all others are strictly a selling point to make a standard mineral makeup appear better than what the main inert ingredients provide to the user in the first place. Zinc Oxide for instance, is a sun blocking agent and is well known for its' anti-inflammatory properties, and is a main component in most mineral makeup brands.

I wrote an article a couple of years ago titled Anti-Aging Ingredients In Mineral Makeup and Skincare for those that wish to learn more about the viability of such ingredients when used in mineral makeup products vs actual benefits that can occur when found in skincare regimens.

Antioxidants Benefits and Shortfalls

Benefit:

Green Tea Extract is a powerful antioxidant for fighting free radicals, it has also been tested and shown it can assist with fighting skin cancer when used in combination with other UV filters. It does provide some anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin A, in the right concentration, has been found to be very effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and exfoliating the skin.

Vitamin E and C help fight free radicals when they are found in higher concentrations, and are also used to stabilize an emulsion when utilized in combination with other preservatives. The Vitamin E portion is a nice emollient ingredient added to enrich a skincare formula.

Herbal Extracts fall under the same context as Green Tea Extract based on their various skin benefits.

Shortfall:

Antioxidants used in a powder, fail in this context. A powder is not designed to be absorbed by the skin which is where a beneficial ingredient needs to go in order to have any purported benefit. Mineral makeup essentially will always sit atop the skin, or at the most meld with the skins natural oil or your moisturizer, and is designed to soothe and assist with reduction of inflammation and irritation of the skins' surface. And the last thing any mineral makeup will do is "nourish" skin.

Herbal Extracts and Green Tea in particular, in my opinion are the epitome of mineral makeup marketing hype due to the amount that can actually be incorporated into the minerals. It is green in nature when fresh, and any supposed significant beneficial amount of this extract used for skin health, can and will alter the color of the minerals. This is why you'll see Green Tea Extract (Japanese) at the very most, be listed as the last ingredient or after the colorants on the label placing the concentration somewhere around 1% or less of total product, at which point, if there were any actual skin benefit, would be lost at this ratio. Concentrations mean everything when it comes to skincare enhancement and benefit, and the use of antioxidants in mineral cosmetics cannot deliver on a promise or claim.

Furthermore, what many don't know, is that antioxidants used as a stand alone additive rather than a natural constituent of another ingredient component such as Jojoba Oil, are destroyed by the air we breathe once exposed to oxygen. Without a supporting preservation system, the antioxidant loses its' potency of any benefit it may offer in short order. Literally within a matter of a few minutes on the skin and within hours once the jar is opened.

Herbal Extracts aside, Green Tea Extract will also age quickly on the shelf in their dry form due to environmental stressors, showing signs of degradation by turning brown so any and all antioxidant benefit has oxidized, whereby aging a cosmetic and now creating a mineral makeup which has a shortened shelf life based on the skin benefit claim alone.

Another wrinkle, Vitamin A, C and E are in freeze dried form and much of their efficacy is lost in the process of the actual freeze drying. Plus Sunlight and Oxygen are these ingredients worst enemy. Furthermore, without a catalyst or stabilizing agent to rehydrate them, they pretty much are chemically benign, whereby negating any purported benefit for the skin.

PubMed has shown through science and research testing on Green Tea Extract, along with additional articles you can find in the right hand column, the shelf life of this ingredient of maintaining its antioxidant properties. The overall consensus seems to give this ingredient 12 to 16 weeks of shelf life storage, not counting a quicker deterioration with everyday use.

Skin Care Can Have The Added Benefit

This is why recent studies have shown it is best to use creams or cleansers utilizing herbal extracts / antioxidants, especially Green Tea Extract, that can be absorbed by skin through the use of penetration enhancers, be worn under your sunscreen or mineral makeup. In fact, research provided by more PubMed Articles, has shown it is best to combine green tea with sunscreens. It can be as easy as brewing some green tea and then putting it on your skin, and then applying your favorite sunscreen over it. Zinc oxide for instance, is a chemically inert mineral and will not react with green tea. (Some synthetic chemical sunscreens might have a chemical reaction, especially in sunlight as some research has shown, such as the case of Oxybenzone which is still under debate).

So mineral makeup will work best atop another skincare product that utilizes antioxidants but not when used as part of an ingredient profile in dry form. Green Tea can have skin soothing properties to be sure, but then so does many other ingredients. But for anti-aging claims based on the properties of the antioxidants listed above, it is definitely a huge stretch to make this claim.....let alone the fact that the term "anti-aging" is frowned upon by the FDA unless the scientific studies of the actual product it is used in, has been shown to support the anti-aging claim. Basically reversing aging on the skin by structurally altering it permanently, which is something to date that only plastic surgery and inject-able drugs offer at the present time.

A Friendly Reminder For Skin Safety

Antioxidant usage is also why it is essential to take notice of all natural brands without a preservation system that may only be utilizing antioxidants to support a certain formulation. This type of preservation which is geared toward spoilage and not actually killing any bacterial contamination, will degrade within a matter of days once the cap is popped. Antioxidants can only be further stabilized with an excellent preservation system used in combination with them.

But just remember, only a youthful appearance can be assisted and maintained as long as one continues to use their skin care regimen daily, otherwise, once stopped, the skin again begins to show the years of accumulated sun damage along with our natural aging processes. Genetics and our environment always play a key role in how our skin ages and skincare is only designed to help fight and protect the skin from further damage....but is never the complete magic bullet.

Followup Article : UPDATE: Green Tea in Mineral Makeup: Was I Wrong?

Jojoba Oil - The New Liquid Gold, Literally!

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Why We Love Our Jojoba Oil

As all of my customers know, our mineral makeup foundation formulas and our Evening Rose Veil, all contain a generous portion of Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil). It is literally what helps contribute to balancing skin sebum, (oil production) and maintains the pH balance of skin while leaving the face feeling velvety soft, never greasy or oily. It is one of the key ingredients that gives our mineral foundation and mineral veil that fluffy, crumbly looking texture, and why our minerals meld so beautifully to the skin, creating a flawless finish.

The best part is, the Jojoba Oil we use is Organically Grown, Cold Pressed and Unrefined. Due to its characteristics, it has an indefinite shelf life since it is actually a wax ester and not a vegetable oil, so it will not turn rancid and is not subject to oxidation. Our oil is 100% pure and is the only oil found to have the closest affinity with the skin. It is soothing to those with acne, rosacea and sebborheic dermatitis.

Women with any skin type can use Jojoba, including those with oily skin. Jojoba oil is a powerful anti-oxidant and is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C and contains minerals of Chromium, Copper, and Zinc. Perfect for aging, delicate skin.

It mimics our own sebum, and will act as a replacement for the loss of natural oils and collagen as our skin matures, making it excellent for fighting wrinkles. It aids in smoothing surface roughness, flakiness and fine lines. It further aids in reinforcing your skins outer layer, (the Epidermis) and when melded with the skins natural oils aids in reducing further moisture loss, keeping skin soft and supple.

Knock Me Over With A Feather

What my ladies may not know is, Jojoba Oil is suffering from global shortages and is becoming literally a challenge to find from our distributors, essentially forcing us to look elsewhere once more. Just any Jojoba Oil will not do. It is our pledge to continue with the certified organically grown version in order to maintain continuity in our formulations.

Due to this shortage, Jojoba Oil has gone through the roof in price. You think a gallon of gas is causing sticker shock at the pumps as it continues to edge up?.....

How about.....are you ready.....$384.00 per gallon for our precious Jojoba oil.....consider me knocked over with a feather.....followed by mini heart attack.....I know.....right?.....INSANE!

This used to be one of our less expensive ingredients, but not anymore since this price has nearly tripled in the past 4 years, serving up a hefty helping of stock piling when we can. We try to do this in order to delay the inevitable increase we will see again as Jojoba continues to grow in demand within the cosmetic and skin care industry.

My Precious

Again, as my ladies understand and enjoy the incredible finish and silken texture they achieve for their skin, is it any wonder they refer to their mineral makeup as "precious" to them?

With this huge spike in cost, just think, your Sterling Minerals Cosmetics are not only the holy grail for you and many others, but if we look at the precious commodity of what contributes to perfection, then as Sterling Minerals customers, you really are holding Liquid Gold in your hand.....Holy Shnikeys!

Keep being Bold, Beautiful, Naturally.

Cheers

Bacterial Cause Found In Rosacea Patients

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Could Be The Next Cure For Rosacea Sufferers

The Journal Of Medical Microbiology published a review that scientists are closer to establishing a definitive bacterial cause for the skin condition rosacea. This will allow more targeted, effective treatments to be developed for sufferers.

As many of us know who suffer from rosacea, the many trials and medications we use, seems to be endless in our search to cure it. So this latest research is welcomed news.

This is a basic synopsis of the article; Rosacea is a common dermatological condition that causes reddening and inflammation of the skin mostly around the cheeks, nose and chin. In severe cases skin lesions may form and lead to disfigurement. Rosacea affects around 3% of the population -- usually fair-skinned females aged 30-50 and particularly those with weak immune systems.

A new review carried out by the National University of Ireland concludes that rosacea may be triggered by bacteria that live within tiny mites that reside in the skin.

The numbers of Demodex mites living in the skin of rosacea patients is higher than in normal individuals, which has previously suggested a possible role for the mites in initiating the condition.

Studies have shown patients with varying types of rosacea react to the molecules produced by this bacterium -- exposing it as a likely trigger for the condition. What's more, this bacterium is sensitive to the antibiotics used to treat rosacea.

Dr Kevin Kavanagh who conducted the review explained, "The bacteria live in the digestive tracts of Demodex mites found on the face, in a mutually beneficial relationship. When the mites die, the bacteria are released and leak into surrounding skin tissues -- triggering tissue degradation and inflammation."

He further added, "Once the numbers of mites increase, so does the number of bacteria, making rosacea more likely to occur. Targeting these bacteria may be a useful way of treating and preventing this condition."

Learn More at the complete article: Bacterial Cause Found For Skin Condition Rosacea

Keeping Fingers Crossed

This latest research will hopefully lead to achieving the best results for rosacea sufferers. Many that currently use creams that also cause their own fair share of problems on the skin, like acne or further irritation, will be pleased to learn that science is working toward helping those with this ailment.

Being on the end of "this is all we can offer you right now" just to have repeated bouts of whatever my affliction is for the year, I sincerely hope that the science will lead us to a cure for the many women and men that suffer from what can truly be a painful and embarrassing skin condition.

Here's hoping and praying for those many ladies who are also my clients, that this will end rosacea for them and the damage it causes to their skin and self esteem, in the near future.

Etsy Removes Product Categories With Medical Claims

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:42:00 +0000

What Did They Expect?

Well, things are a changing and quite frankly, I am not surprised by the move by Etsy, a fast growing online store providing a way for many small hand crafters to sell their products online without the use of an actual website.

Etsy is removing subcategories that influence, intimate, or have the connotation that products on the category pages listed below will somehow provide curative, healing, reparative, correcting properties, or prevent ailments to the skin. They are basically forcing their online merchants to comply with FDA law whether they like it or not. And if they don't comply, their products will essentially be removed for them by Etsy.

The categories at the time of this writing are as follows: Anti Aging, Acne, Anti Itch or Diaper Rash.

Unfortunately, this seems to be some of the fallout of claims made by many naturalists and / or herbalists that wish to sell products that are free of all (harmful) chemicals. Which as I have explained in great detail, all things are chemical so this claim alone, is a misrepresentation of the actual science as it relates to skincare formulas. Now what is happening, the medical claims criteria is being enforced by an online entity wishing to follow FDA law, so now those selling through Etsy seem utterly shocked and surprised....but I have to ask, "what did they expect?" Some Etsy store owners on message boards, admittedly know the FDA Regulations, but choose to ignore them.

In part, based on my article: Beauty Industry Professionals May Be Their Own Worst Enemy I went into detail about the "us against them" mindset of what makes a product the best for any one person and the marketing claims that would eventually come back to bite us as an industry.....OOPS!

I am reading some blogs by those that have created naturally derived skincare products, yet are now upset with the new policies on Etsy. They discuss how they were in support and signers of the EWG and CFSC proposed legislation, which would create manufacturing regulations that would have literally brought small businesses to their knees, and crushed the beauty industry as a whole. But what was being fed to these small natural companies by CFSC, is their natural and organic products somehow, would have been exempt, when actually they would have come under more scrutiny due to the many constituents a natural ingredient harbors.

Furthermore, based on the pressure by those that supported the petition put out by the EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, to create new legislation removing harmful ingredients from skincare products and to basically get the FDA more involved, this will more than likely become a common occurrence as the FDA begins the crackdown on companies that make certain claims including SPF, without the required FDA approved testing. And it seems that the majority of these medical claims are coming from herbalists and naturalists offering skincare remedies with curative properties based on historic folklore and not actual scientific studies, but to not exclude anti aging claims made by many larger conglomerates.

Don't misunderstand me, as I too believe in many of the curative properties of holistic ingredients. I furthermore, support homeopathy and other forms of alternative medicine. I have witnessed what they do for the embodiment of health and for skin, mine included, but I simply cannot make those claims without actual FDA approved Clinical studies. SPF included! I simply wish to follow the law without enforcement and operate in an ethical manner. Do I like the regulations?.....No, but I have no choice at this time.

The Oops Moment Has Arrived

This is the problem however.......the smaller brands trying to sell their concoctions by making marketing claims they can't back up, and by trying to create the belief, natural or organic is better and healthier than synthetic ingredients with no substantiation of these claims, is proving to be a conundrum for them.

Also, as I was one of the many that disagreed with the new proposed legislation and its' wording put out there by EWG and CFSC, which had the potential to harm all small businesses, synthetic, natural and organically derived alike, this is only a small taste of what happens once the spotlight has been placed on the smaller and some larger companies utilizing the premise, that any companies using synthetics are the ones that are making us ill or killing the global population.

If your products are not tested or scrutinized, then you can't claim safer, better or healthier for us....period! Maybe by choice of the consumer and their belief, is a healthier one, but this of course is all anecdotal and personal experience, not based on any actual science. Plus you can research many holistic ingredients and the benefits they offer on many websites, it just can't be at the point of sale of your products. In fact, the evidence supports homeopathy and benefits of organic or holistic health care, however, there simply is no science to back it up in relation to topically applied, only historical anecdotes and testimonials.

If you're not sure to take much of this seriously, you can review some FDA Warning Letters below:

Examples of FDA Warning Letters

ETSY forum is all abuzz about the new policies and there are some still misinformed based on their comments, and there are those that simply don't understand, or they don't think it is fair as to what is happening. Or questions are asked about vitamin supplements getting away with this, so why is skincare being targeted?

From an Etsy Admin Lauren Engelhardt has posted these responses on another discussion:

“(several sellers) have raised questions about “spiritual” or “metaphysical” claims.

The policy prohibits medical drug claims about an item, so if the listing is making claims that the product may cure or treat a mental illness, that would be prohibited. Claims for spiritual effects are not necessarily considered medical drug claims.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the policy pertains to all listings on Etsy. A seller may not make claims that using their product (whatever the item may be) correlates with the cure or relief of a health condition or illness.”

In regard to vitamin supplements, unfortunately, vitamins fall under a food category and ingesting something is far different than applying something and intimating it will alter the structure of the skin. I don't pretend to understand FDA logic, but regardless, it is the law as it pertains to skincare and cosmetics, and herbalists and naturalists alike with certain food brands have also had their fair share of battles with the FDA. They have even won a few against the FDA, however, unlike skincare, the science has been shown what diet does for our health when we eat more whole foods, but these same benefits, must not extrapolate to skincare without clinical studies. Vitamins essentially fill a hole in our diet when it is lacking, or we can't consume enough of a certain food source with a health benefit that we can get in concentration through a supplement....ie lowering cholesterol.

So the companies simply can't have it both ways, they can't support removal of certain ingredients produced by commercial brands, through legislation, that they don't like, some of which also try to make far fetched marketing claims, only to try to exploit the notion their natural ingredients are safer because for the simple fact, "they are natural" (not actually tested for efficacy or safety), and then not understand why they also must remove any testimonials associated with their products at the point of sale, stating that they cured or changed some skin malady. They believe that historic folklore and anecdotal evidence is substantiation, yet the FDA standpoint is, NOT EVEN!

Standing Firm On Principle Maybe At Their Own Peril

I have also found some interesting feedback on Poppy Swap provided by those that are planning to move over from Etsy since they don't like the new rules. Some have gone as far as to be defiant and state that Etsy won't tell them what to do and that they are regulated enough by the FDA.

What is clear to me, they aren't really understanding the implications of this move based on "standing firm" on their ideals. Though an admirable quality, it is still in violation of FDA law and Etsy is only now enforcing that law.....so don't shoot the messenger so to speak.

Others that wish to make the move to Poppy Swap also seem to believe that since the FDA doesn't regulate the internet just yet (or is it due to the fact they simply can't keep up with the exponential growth of it?), they can continue down the same path of marketing hype. However it doesn't make the claims any less illegitimate or illegal, and ignoring FDA Regulations won't make them any less mandatory. So basically, they are going to continue to use the marketing claims they make until such time as the FDA does bang on their proverbial door, only further causing harm to themselves and the many others in the industry wishing to comply with FDA Regulations.

Bottom line, we have not seen the end of these mandates carrying over to online stores and I believe Poppy Swap will soon follow suit......as we all know, as companies grow, spotlight grows bigger and gets the attention of the FDA and the FTC. Poppy Swap will not be immune to FDA regulations as won't any one of us, especially as we grow larger and claim a bigger chunk of the pie.

So they are selling at their own risk, because this is only the beginning of what's to come as we move into 2013. Remembering the old adage, "be careful what you wish for, you just may get it."

Good or bad.....you decide!

Beauty Industry Professionals May Be Their Own Worst Enemy

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Making Claims To Push The Envelope

I cannot even count anymore how many upstarts have come into the beauty industry game with little to zero knowledge on what they can and cannot say in regard to marketing claims. They are consistently pushing the envelope for trying to make claims on their cosmetics that would be tantamount to being categorized as a drug. Basically trying to gain any edge over their competitor even if it means s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the truth.

The war is waged it seems within our industry as those who defend synthetics battle with the organic / natural crowd, until one day there will be a winner, and it may be our government with overreaching, onerous regulation founded on misnomers, beauty claims, and non scientific rhetoric. Many in the beauty industry will come out the loser, and it will be in part, for the types of marketing claims they are making, including negative campaigns on certain ingredients. This area should not be black and white, because you can combine science with nature to create great products using all types of ingredients to achieve excellence. It doesn't have to be an either or scenario. Us against them is detrimental to our industry as a whole. We should all be on the same team and work together to continue to create safe beauty products.

Furthermore, many claims that are made by beauty insiders are way over the top or are without any sense to the claim....basically, it just isn't a logical statement.

However, this is not isolated to newbies in the market, but is also being propagated by those in business for 10 years or more, or by well meaning beauty bloggers...... because they can. Just because the FDA or FTC has not rapped on their proverbial door, doesn't mean what they are doing is valid, legal or proven.

Why Beauty Insiders Can Be Their Own Worst Enemy

The multitude of claims some of my fellow beauty entrepreneurs make without scientific evidence to prove their claim, hurt us as an industry and are part of the reason we have the EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics breathing down our necks. They instill fear through ignorance, which then foments to hate, all based on theory or an ideology by their target market.

However, with that stated, the EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lose credibility when they use these claims made by the indiscriminate beauty professional to create their scare campaigns with little to zero evidence of said claim to support their assault on many different ingredients. Unfortunately, watchdog groups gather strength to try to create new legislation out of the unsubstantiated claims made by the beauty industry. So we have no one else to blame to an extent, but ourselves when things go awry.

An example: A beauty product, once upon a time, made a claim as to 60% of the product is absorbed for the nourishing, age defying benefit of it's lovely ingredients. Basically instilling in the potential customer, that their exceptional product will feed and replenish aged skin, restoring it to it's youthful appearance. However, toxic chemicals that can be absorbed into our blood stream, and there is no denying they are out there, such as chemical pesticides, and can even affect our nervous system, should not extrapolate to those used in cosmetics or be lumped into the ideology, "it is a chemical, therefore we absorb it." All chemicals are not created equal.

However, based on this simple marketing proclamation, the CFSC and EWG played on this hook and have used it throughout their literature as to supporting that 60% of all chemicals, harmful or otherwise, are absorbed through the skin into our blood stream. This has been totally misrepresented and has been regurgitated by.... oh so many bloggers, and there is no evidence to support this, other than taking a marketing claim and spinning it to the detriment of us, and the benefit of the argument goes to the opposing team, EWG and CFSC. The Beauty Brains had a similar open discussion about how "5lbs of chemicals are absorbed by the skin every year".....c'mon now, does this seem logical to you? Can you or I even utilize that much product in a year?

This type of ideological proclamation is a primary example of what our industry has to deal with on a regular basis. Fortunately, more and more individuals are seeing through the facade of these types of claim.

Through the use of different types of penetration enhancers we can achieve great things, not only with skincare products, but with pharmaceuticals. So penetration enhancers aren't necessarily the enemy as EWG and CFSC would paint all of them with a broad brush. However, factual studies have shown that various penetration enhancers will only go so deep and something designed to deliver medicine through the skin to the bloodstream, will not typically be utilized in a beauty product.

Penetration Enhancers - Friend or Foe is an article I wrote, providing the science in regard to how they work and the incredible, even problematical factors it requires for an ingredient to penetrate our otherwise impermeable barrier, the skin. Basically it requires a 'perfect storm' to create the advantage for which they are used.

Ten Most Common Claims Which Also Reflect Myth

Free From ~ This statement has become the mantra for large commercial brands, with the smaller brands following suit as a way to convey that their product is somehow safer than their competitors.
- Danger of Claim: It can reinforce the idea that if something is "free from" a certain ingredient, that the missing ingredient is somehow "dangerous." And what was once part of the formula has since been removed, when it may have never been in the product in the first place. This is marketing to the consumer that has been led to believe natural is better and everything else will kill them. Example: Parabens, sulfates, etc. get a bad rap, when there is actually scientific data that shows these are perfectly safe for personal care use in the recommended dosages within the cosmetic formula. Or if it is a leave on or rinse off product will also determine ratios. Any chemical in its full strength has the potential for causing harm, yet these are not offered to the end user, ever.
Chemical Free ~ Another claim that bears no reality in truth or common sense. Nothing formulated can be without chemicals as all things are chemical....natural or synthetic, makes no difference, it is just the manner in which they are derived or created. Again, shamelessly used for SCARE tactic marketing.
- Danger of Claim: This connotes the idea, all things chemical are hazardous to our health.....think of water, essential oils, olive oil, etc.....these appear to be benign now don't they? However, from the point of view of the overstated 60% absorption claim, these are all potential penetration enhancers. This claim also overlooks the fact of what the product is packaged in. There is no getting around the chemical processes that goes into creating the packaging, such as a jar or tube, technically.
Hypoallergenic or Noncomedogenic ~ These terms are not even recognized by the FDA and there actually isn't any proven data in clinical trials, and has yet to be tested by the US Food and Drug Administration as to the validity of such terms.
- Danger of Claim: Any ingredient could cause a problem for any individual and this connotes that it won't cause a problem....sorry, but trial and error only, unfortunately. Up to 10% of the population can and will have a reaction to something the majority of the population won't have. This includes a developed allergy after using an ingredient for years. Our bodies are ever changing. Those with acne may have a similar reaction. What won't cause acne on one individual may be horribly occlusive to another.
Dermatologist / Clinically Tested ~ This is a claim that can be made based on a single doctor trying it out on themselves or a patient. Based on this perception it is theorized by the end user, it must be a proven product. A clinical study performed by the manufacturer on a small number of people will not constitute nationally, what can occur if millions use the product.
- Danger of Claim: Gives the perception that it must be safe and work because a doctor or a clinical study said so, but is not necessarily the reality. Safety and efficacy data will change as high volume of users join the pool, and this is PURE marketing!
Anti-aging Formula ~ This ties into penetration enhancers being utilized within a skin cream and are designed to assist beneficial ingredients in penetrating into the otherwise impermeable surface layers of the skin to restore soft, supple skin with more elasticity.
- Danger of Claim: EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have underscored this message as a penetration enhancer being the carrier of chemicals to the blood stream. When in reality, penetration enhancers for the purpose of cosmetics are only skin deep and are not geared toward penetration through the dermis layer into the blood brain barrier as would be the desired effect with a topical drug. Permanent change does not occur with any cosmetic, and only maintains the skin as long as the product is being used.
Non Toxic / Harmful Chemicals ~ What does this even mean? Who and what entity is deciding what is toxic or not? This is yet to be determined and will continue to be debatable since EWG and CFSC think anything, other than naturally derived, is toxic to our bodies. The majority of scientific research does not support the validity of this marketing claim. Plus, too much of anything natural or synthetic can cause issues for some.
- Danger of Claim: This statement plays into the fears of the consumer and reinforces the CFSC's campaign rhetoric against beauty industry leaders and their products. Such as lead being added to lipstick which is categorically FALSE and is considered a contaminant, which is found also in drinking water and the foods we eat that are grown in the ground.
100% Pure / Natural / Organic ~ This connotes that only natural chemicals are safe for the body and that synthetic chemicals are the bane of our existence and will give us cancer or worse. There is no human scientific data to support this claim. And animal studies do not extrapolate to humans despite how hard watchdog groups try to convince us.
- Danger of Claim: Beauty products labeled as natural are less tested and scrutinized than are synthetic products and pharmaceuticals. In fact, most compounds as they exist in their natural state cannot be formulated into skin care products. They first must be chemically altered before they can be incorporated into cosmetics, thereby negating the claim of being pure and natural.
FDA Approved ~ This marketing claim gives the unwitting consumer the idea the product is endorsed by the FDA, and the product must have been tested by the FDA to show proof of the companies claim of safety and / or efficacy.
- Danger of Claim: This is outright FALSE and is actually in violation of FDA regulation. FDA does not approve any finished product for the end user in the cosmetic and beauty industry. Only prescription and OTC drugs and medical devices are FDA approved for their intended purpose.
Does Not Contain Fillers ~ This marketing claim is designed to intimate that their product is formulated with nothing but pure and essential ingredients only, and that no fillers are used to create a less than desirable product, supposedly.
- Danger of Claim: This insinuates that somehow a filler ingredient is cheap and makes another product substandard. Unfortunately, this bears no weight in actual truth. Those that claim their ingredients are the ultimate and then claim fillers as bad, are also ingredients that are used as filler. Mica for instance is not only an essential ingredient to the formulation of the majority of mineral makeup, but it is also a FILLER ingredient. By definition a filler ingredient is used for finish of product, bulking agent, or any ingredient utilized for the desired effect for smooth application. There is no actual separation of the two. Water can be considered a filler ingredient, since it is not typically essential but makes up the bulk of many skin care products.
Non Irritating ~ This gives the end user of a product the assurance that their otherwise sensitive skin, will not have any problem with the product. This expands on item 3.
- Danger of Claim: The problem with this claim is everyone's skin is different. There are ingredients that have a long standing history of safety and efficacy, yet there will be the small percentile that will have irritation when using it. Mineral makeup for instance works well for the majority of women, Bismuth Oxychloride excluded, but for a small number, no matter how much they hope, they will always have an irritant reaction and can never wear minerals, no matter its' popularity. We disclose this fact, by using only ingredients with known lower irritant risk factors, but still, only the end user will determine what is right for their skin or how they'll react through testing it on themselves. It may not be a single ingredient, but when used in combination with another or its presumed ratio is where the problem lies. So by not purchasing something because one may see a certain ingredient of concern, they may be missing out on what otherwise could be fantastic for their skin. Always TEST...TEST...TEST the product for absolute certainty.

The American Academy of Dermatology wrote an excellent article on Cosmeceuticals and addresses in a common sense language, how and why skincare is devised for providing actual benefit to the end user. They further establish the premise of many claims and what is reality versus marketing puffery.

There Is No Getting Around Marketing Claims, Though Less Common

The term "cosmeceutical" is often used in cosmetic advertising and may be misleading to the consumer. In fact it connotes that it might be similar to a pharmaceutical product, so they conclude that cosmeceuticals are required to undergo the same testing for efficacy and safety as required for medication or OTC drugs. The perception by the customer is this has more intrinsic value so this is why they cost more, when in reality, may actually be less effective and/or have substandard ingredients.

However, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act "does not recognize any such category as "cosmeceuticals." A product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination of both, but the term "cosmeceutical" has no meaning under the law.

Additionally, the FDA states that: "Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act defines drugs as those products that cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease or that affect the structure or function of the human body. While drugs are subject to an intensive review and approval process by FDA, cosmetics are not approved by FDA prior to sale. If a product has drug properties, it must be approved as a drug."

To avoid inquiry and punitive action by the United States Federal Trade Commission, cosmeceuticals which do not intend to be regulated as drugs by the FDA, are carefully labeled to avoid making statements which would indicate that the product has drug properties. Any such claims made regarding the product must be substantiated by scientific evidence as being truthful.

Besides, it is to the financial gain of the manufacturer that their products are not regulated by the FDA as drugs, because the FDA review process for drugs can be very costly and may not yield a legally-marketable product if the FDA denies approval. However, to further expand on item 8, the reputation of the product may be falsely enhanced if the consumer incorrectly believes that a "cosmeceutical" is held to the same FDA standards as a drug.

"Pharmaceutical Grade" buzz words also used to describe many cosmetics, including some mineral makeup companies, is no different. This is pure marketing hype, insinuating that the product will perform better than others on the market and the connotation is, it will do something for the skin, such as heal or cure something. Also in violation of FDA since if this claim were true, without the proper studies and / or drug monograph including all the warnings provided on the label, this product would be considered mis-branded. Another reason to pay close attention to labels. I also wrote an article as it relates to FDA approved Sunscreens and their respective SPF. All equates to being an OTC drug which includes the FDA required drug monograph.

Final Word

So don't get caught up in the mumbo jumbo of marketing finesse with claims that "sound too good to be true" because they usually are. I do feel however, that it is important to let the customer know what a product "does not contain" such as gluten, and in this context we offer it as a quick reference to check for any allergic or sensitivity issues. But of course always read the full ingredient list to make sure nothing else might cause problems for your skin.

And to further stipulate, when represented as a reference for making sure nothing is in the product to pose a possible problem, it will not create the same concern that "FREE FROM" can, and doesn't connote that the ingredients listed are somehow "unsafe", but rather, they are an ingredient we have chosen not to add to our products based on two parts, personal preference and consumer demand.

And if we can all get on the same page as an industry, we won't all be standing around scratching our heads in confusion and surprise, uttering the word...........................................................

Pinterest Fun and Pretty, Too

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:58:00 +0000

Love Bandwagons (to an extent)

When it comes to Social Media, one can have all kinds of fun with it depending on your nature and if you enjoy the internet. But I have to say, that even if you don't care for the social media aspect as it relates to the internet, or that it is just a huge waist of time, this is one bandwagon I jumped on when introduced to Pinterest.

I wanted to share this with my readers because Pinterest is a type of social media that is unlike anything else you have seen. It is getting huge in the social media market, gaining traction to the level of FaceBook. It also allows you to sign in via facebook or twitter. If not involved in those two programs, then you can sign in via an email account. Facebook and Twitter accounts just make is faster to share all things across the board without going back and forth through the different media types.

Once I discovered this new version of social interaction, I was engaged immediately, creating my Sterling Minerals page, and was not only fascinated by the simplicity of it, but how fun and easy it was, literally spending hours playing with it the first time I used it. I have created some neat pinboards that inspire me and remind me of things which keep me motivated throughout my day. So much great stuff pinned and repinned by others too.

It Is Different

Now you may be asking, "what makes it different from anything else out there?"

The answer is it takes very little involvement and action on your part compared to tweeting or facebooking where your life is out there for all to see.

It is a beautiful Pinboard of things we love, enjoy, and want to share with others with a click of a button. You can create your own pinboard categories within your account that will be filled with stuff you love without writing about it or having to interact with anyone else, yet tons of people, including any family and friends you wish, will see everything you want to share in a blink of an eye.

You'll enjoy the colorful sequences provided by many others, filled with inspirational messages, pictures, products, scenery, ideas, crafts, home decor, jewelry, fashion, style, parties, funky ideas, organization, books, TV shows, people, celebrities, holidays, religious values, pets, animals, hairstyles, makeup, recipes, foods, garden spaces, photography, fitness, diet, travel, to infinitum.

You can REPIN a photo that you want added to your own pinboards, or COMMENT directly on someones pin, or just LIKE IT. The best way I can describe it, it is the internet version of participating in a scrap-book party on steroids. BONUS: on every photo that you like or add to a pinboard, in most cases it is connected directly to the original article that person may have enjoyed. So the picture can literally be worth a thousand words if it also takes you to the article it was attached to, making for interesting reading.....example, a recipe you may want to indulge in, a makeup or hair tutorial, or a craft idea you wish to try.

Like A Private Network

Now unlike all the other social media out there, it requires an invite from either someone at Pinterest, which can take forever despite what they tell you on their info page, or a friend that is already a member, such as myself. You may view this as a good thing or not. Personally, I like it since it doesn't have the same feel as other media I am involved in.

You can also install a PIN IT icon to the top of your browser bar or on your phone, so you can immediately pin something you found while perusing the internet that is fun and interesting, without the hassle of commenting or anything else....just pin it and go.

If you are excited to get started after you take a peek at it, you can write to me at info@sterlingminerals.com with your email, and myself or one of my staff will send an invite so you too can take part in the fun that Pinterest has become for me.....I LOVE IT~

What do you think, unique and different?......

To Learn more about Pinterest you can Click Here.

What Is A Moisturizer? You May Be Surprised

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Moisturizer Comprehension and Perception

It is amazing how through marketing claims, that many commercial brands of moisturizers have got women convinced that they are doing something great for their skin by using their product. The company brands their product as a moisturizer, in all their advertising they claim "you'll look years younger by using our moisturizer". It has a thick creamy consistency, feels and looks like a moisturizer should, so it MUST be a moisturizer....right? Not so fast!

You're In Good Company

Ingredient profiles continue to be a source of frustration for women. They see the branding of the product as a moisturizer, they then read the incomprehensible ingredient label, throw their hands in the air, and just resign themselves to the fact, "I may not be able to read, pronounce or understand the ingredient label, but it does say it is a moisturizer."

Just this week, I received several phone calls from women trying to understand why they struggle with ongoing dryness or other skin issues, like acne. They have complained they can't read the ingredients of their current skincare products, much less pronounce them, and with all the fancy verbiage of a lengthy INCI name, they don't even know what type of ingredient it is or how it performs.

Is it any wonder more and more women are seeking organic or more naturally derived alternatives? For one thing, they at least feel they are not using synthetics on their faces and that for the most part they understand what chamomile or lavender is.

A Rose By Any Other Name

A prime example about ingredients is in the use of silicone oils and silicone family. For Example:

Dimethicone comes in many other derivative forms such as:

Amino Bispropyl Dimethicone, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Amodimethicone Hydroxystearate, Behenoxy Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, C24-28 Alkyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethoxysilyl Ethylenediaminopropyl Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyldimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone and Vinyl Dimethicone.

Cyclomethicone dervatives are in the form of Siloxanes, different name, but still in the silicone family: (A rose by any other name, is still a rose)

So if you see Siloxane as part of the ingredient name, this is another synthetically created silicone product and can be seen in this context: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, etc. There are many more organosilicon compounds, but they are not typically used in the formulation of cosmetics or skincare.

So you can see, though their names may imply something else, they are still nothing short of a silicone oil man-made derivative. And in most cases, these products leave the skin very soft.

But Is It Moisturizing?

The answer quite simply is "no", "nada", "negatory", etc. Silicone oils are designed for one purpose, to seal the skin and prevent moisture loss. They provide a velvety soft texture which eludes to the belief that it is working at making skin soft and supple...... soft yes..... supple and moisturized..... no.

Without the addition of other ingredients to provide ongoing moisturizing properties, you will have soft velvet skin, but many women have discovered, their dry skin is not alleviated in the long term.

Several high end moisturizers were presented to me by clients and once we reviewed the ingredient lists together, it was then they finally understood what they were using on their skin and why the problems were arising while using them.....new bouts of acne was one.

One such label read as follows:

Purified Water, Glycerin, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Sucrose Cocoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sericin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium PCA, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Glycosaminoglycans, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Cholesterol, Polysilicone-11, Millet (Panicum Millaceum) Extract, Methylparaben, Camellia Oleifera Extract, Cellulose Gum, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ceramide III, Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Superoxide Dismutase, And Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

The bulk of this product is made from water, glycerin, fatty alcohol chains (emollient / surfactants double duty) and a whole lot of silicone derivatives. Any extracts following the preservative, is strictly marketing and no benefit is forthcoming. Glycerin and Sodium PCA are strictly humectants and should not be confused as a moisturizing constituent. They attract moisture to the face pulled from the air, but in a dry climate, this will do little to suffice. So the purified water is the primary hydration of this ingredient, which as we all know, water does what?.....evaporate. So hence the need for silicone oils to slow the evaporation process by essentially sealing the skin.

The remaining ingredients of any significance are bulking agents, emulsifiers and paraffins (by-product of Petroleum). Again, a rose by any other name, is and will always remain a rose. Isohexadecane and Isododecane can be used for skin conditioning to be sure, but they are a pariffin and are typically used as a surfactant, bulking agent and emulsifier. So this luscious thick cream, is a whole lot of creamy goop..... nothing more. Your face may feel soft and conditioned, but so is tanned leather, but I wouldn't call it moisturized leather.

Sericin for instance....did you know it is just another name for silk protein, derived from the silkworm? So for vegans who may not have taken the time to dissect this understandably confusing ingredient label, they may be using a cream that goes against their personal beliefs.

Bottom line, there is not a single solitary moisturizing ingredient in this product except for water, and that only lasts for as long as the product can sustain the moisture loss. Plus with so many silicone derivatives, one gal stated she now has acne, something she has not had since high school. It may not bother sensitive skin types, but it doesn't go far enough to improve skins function either. It more or less can be a very occlusive formula.

What Is A Moisturizing Ingredient?

Jojoba Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Meadowfoam Oil
Neem Oil
Butters of Shea, Cocoa, Mango, Olive

These are sustainable, non-occlusive moisturizers, once placed on the skin. They can remain throughout the day and when utilized with a humectant, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or sodium PCA, then the skin can and will sustain moisture against the surface of the face. In fact, some of the oils listed also have some humectant properties. Silicone oil will actually prevent humectant viability.

Herbal Extracts or Distillates For Soothing, Balancing or Restoration of Skin

Aloe Juice
Chamomile Flower Extract
Green Tea Extract
Fruit Extracts (gentle AHA's)
Comfrey Root (Allantoin)
Marshmallow Root
Oatstraw Extract
Rooibos Extract
Sandalwood Extract
Rose Distillate
Witch Hazel (alcohol free)
Chamomile Distillate
Cucumber Distillate
Lavender Distillate

These are great for treating the skin for some of the issues women face. No gimmicks, easy to understand ingredients, not hidden behind some fancy sounding synthetically created name, that women don't get or know what it is in there for....in other words, how does it benefit her skin?

So put on a Happy Face, because the fog has cleared and a moisturizer is finally clarified.

Final Thought

Think about it for a minute....some of us may have known those that suffer from extreme dry skin of the feet and hands to the point of cracking and bleeding. The resolve for most has been to slather mineral oil or vaseline on the areas and then wrap them in plastic bags for relief before they go to bed at night.

This treatment is trapping moisture in and keeping a heavy coating of an oil on the skin to allow the cracks to close and heal. This example shows in theory, it takes moisture and a sustainable oil to remain on the skin to truly moisturize and improve skins elasticity by definition. For those that don't like petroleum products even though they have worked miracles for those with this affliction, there are those in the list above that will do an excellent job of essentially the same thing, only naturally.

Preference is all that remains as to what you think will work best for your skin. If you think you have been using what you thought was a moisturizer, only to learn it's not, then we do offer ONATI Skin Care as a viable alternative to actually replenishing moisture starved skin. And the best part is, the line was solely created to be synergistic with skins natural function and our mineral makeup to give a beautiful finish to the face.

What Is A Sun Allergy And How To Combat It?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:23:00 +0000

More Good News (not)

Have you noticed raised bumps, a rash, hives or itchy skin lately after being out in the sun? Is this a new condition after enjoying the suns rays for many, many years? You may be suffering from sun allergy.

Personally I am having bouts of sun allergy, and yes it is relatively new to me, yet it is intermittent and difficult for me to assess what is going on.

As we get outside more with the nice weather, areas of our skin that were covered up all winter, are now getting their exposure to the suns wonderfully warming rays. Yet, for about the past few years, when I have gotten a bit too much sun, I get these hive like welts on the areas that also get a bit sunburned. Whether it be the chest, shoulders, upper arms or back portions of my body. Although my legs and lower arms don't seem to be affected.

What The Mayo Clinic Says

Well it seems according to the Mayo Clinic that this occurs in many people and is caused by many varying factors:

"Allergic reactions to sunlight occur when ultraviolet radiation triggers changes in your skin cells. These changes cause your immune system to mistakenly identify proteins in your skin cells as harmful invaders. Your immune system then releases antibodies that attack the cells, and this leads to symptoms.

For most people with a sun allergy, exposing bare skin to bright sunlight during the spring or summer triggers the allergic skin reaction. However, some people can have a reaction during winter months. In people who have a severe sun allergy, an allergic reaction may even be triggered by indoor lights.

Certain medications, chemicals and medical conditions can make the skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). For example, an ingredient in your shampoo or having a condition such as lupus can increase photosensitivity. In most cases this isn't a true allergic reaction. However, it can cause symptoms similar to those caused by a sun allergy — and if you already have a sun allergy, it can make your symptoms worse."

Symptoms of sun allergy also vary widely according to the Mayo Clinic. However the two which seem to be mostly related to my condition are the following. See if you too identify with this perplexing malady:

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) symptoms usually start within minutes to several hours after exposure to sunlight. A reaction usually starts with itchy skin and tiny bumps (papules) that appear whitish or yellowish on a red background. Flat bumps (plaques) may develop. Inflamed blood vessels can cause your skin to become red and swollen. PMLE, sometimes called sun poisoning, may affect the neckline, the backs of the arms, the face and the hands. Symptoms usually go away within a few days when the affected areas are protected from sunlight. For most people, PMLE occurs in the spring and early summer. It's the most common type of sun allergy.

Solar urticaria symptoms start within minutes of exposure to sunlight and can include hives, itching and blisters. Solar urticaria can affect both exposed areas and areas covered by clothes. It occurs most often in older adults. Symptoms usually improve within an hour after covering exposed skin.

Narrowing It Down

Although it has been intermittent for me, I have linked having a strong reaction to the sun when using a synthetic sunscreen other than with those that contain a mineral base formulation.

Certain perfumes that I enjoy wearing, especially on my neck and chest area cause a more severe reaction if I expose these areas to the sun afterward. Even using my after bath splash of Jean Nate, there is a reaction, but to a milder degree. I do love my Jean Nate for it's soft citrus, floral, powdery scent!

Also after my initial exposure to the sun, the occurrence does not repeat itself as I begin to get more of a base tan. Simple exposure to the sun does not cause my sun allergy reaction, but when I actually have spent enough time in the sun that I get some color, yet not necessarily a sunburn. However, a sunburn, no matter how slight, does bring on a stronger allergic reaction.

Coming from the info of the Mayo Clinic, remarkably they seem to jell with what I have discovered on my own in regard to topical applications of certain products. Medications have had a longstanding warning for decades.

Exposure to certain substances. Some skin allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a certain substance and then to sunlight. Some common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants and even certain sunscreens.

Taking certain medications. A number of medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight — including tetracycline antibiotics, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ketoprofen) and sulfa-based drugs. Reactions to oral medications are less common than reactions to medications you apply to your skin.

To Elaborate A Bit Further

In skincare products, many ingredients do wonders at protecting and healing the skins surface, but if certain essential oils have been added to fragrance them, then it is imperative to keep an eye out for these listed on the ingredient list. Citrus Oils can be problematic for enhancing photo-sensitivity of the skin.

However, a key factor to understanding essential oils in the citrus family, is to know that if the essential oil has been steam distilled or cold pressed for addition to a product such as for on the lips.

Many have come to the belief that all citrus oils are phototoxic, and I have received my fair share of this question. But to clarify, the citrus oils that are steam distilled, are not photo-toxic and are rarely used in aromatherapy because they are less aromatic and don't have the same therapeutic qualities as the expressed citrus oils do. The steam distilled citrus oils are mainly used for flavorings, such as in our lip colors.

What makes these steam distilled oils sun safe, is the removal of the chemical agents psoralens and furanocoumarins. Their chemical structure absorbs the energy from UV rays (sunlight or tanning beds) and then releases the energy in a burst to surrounding skin cells resulting in brown spots or burns.

However, according to Tisserand and Balacs in Essential Oil Safety, "the expressed oils of mandarin, sweet orange, tangelo and tangerine are not phototoxic. This is due to the quenching effects of other compounds, especially sesquiterpenes that make the unruly furanocoumarins behave. Myrrh is a perfect example. It contains at least ten types of furanoid compound (20-27%)-more than any other oil, yet it is not phototoxic."

You can learn more about Robert Tisserand and his excellent information on Essential Oils at his website.

Load Up On Antioxidants For Sun Protection

Something I did find interesting in doing research about my latest acquisition of this lovely skin condition as I age, was information correlating with natural sun protection through the topical application and ingestion of copious amounts of antioxidants.

PubMed did a study on topical application of antioxidants which showed excellent results.

I then located several articles and a book publication of World's Healthiest Foods on the benefits of ingesting more antioxidants and actually gave it a try. I loaded up on fruits and vegetables, especially those in the melon category and tons of grapes and oranges throughout the winter, and I consumed lots of tomatoes and carrots, along with having spinach in my scrambled egg whites every morning. Berries are another welcome addition to my food choices during the summer months. Strawberries and Blueberries have wonderful attributes for antioxidant therapy.

Whether you believe in holistic results or not, I have to actually say, that I noticed a remarkable effect take place when I tried this experiment of mine last summer. I was out in full day sun for more than an hour and absolutely had no sun reaction or sunburn occur to my skin, and I was not wearing a sunscreen, just my body cream.

Definitely one to experiment with since nobody enjoys irritating skin conditions, especially those that are caused by simply enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Enjoy your summer with antioxidant rich foods and an excellent skincare regimen.

Protection and Rejuvenation Of Our Pink Parts

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:03:00 +0000

Our Delicate Area

When dealing with skincare, most of us think in terms of what we can see and that the norm is as it relates to our faces and bodies. But what about the parts we don't see?

Sometimes it is assumed that the area in question will take care of itself, at least that is what I thought to be true.....uh not so fast it seems.

As we age, there is nothing more subject to aging and irritation, than our tiny pink parts. Yes, I do mean our "delicates", the vulva and vaginal area. But for duration of this article, I will fondly refer to this area as our "pink parts."

Although I try to be open and honest about things when I explain them to my daughter for instance, the little bit of "prude" holds on from the teaching of my mom and grandmother....so in reverence of their memory, I'll remain as prim and proper as I am able to, but in today's society, this area of discussion need no longer be "taboo." And if there are other women without the benefit of having their elders be there with them throughout their adult years to explore such issues, as I did, both passing away before I was 27 years of age, then I hope what I can offer in this article will help women, young or old, that may be on the same road as I am, or at the very least, will be in the future.

Many things can subject us to dryness, redness, itchiness, soreness and worse, atrophy. Not a subject easily explored, even by me, but I finally had to take a proactive approach when dealing with all of the above, especially now that I am officially through with menopause.

Even though aging causes many of these problems, these symptoms are not irrelevant to younger women. For example, women that have had to undergo a hysterectomy so early in life and typically maintain levels of hormones through the use of hormone replacement therapy.

HRT Not An Option

When I originally tried HRT back in my late thirties as I went through perimenopause, after 5 years of use, I began to suffer from side effects to the progesterone portion of the treatment, including vertigo and drug induced lupus. In the interim however, it was truly a lifesaver for me and helped me to regain my sanity once more. This was a hurdle I don't feel I could have overcome without it during this phase of my life.

Once I removed this from my regimen, fortunately my body stabilized hormone wise and the side effects subsided and completely cleared after about a full year.

In fact, I was unsure of using any form of hormones to assist me with keeping things working with my pink parts based on my past experience. I began to feel "this is it" for me, and an acceptance settled into roost that this is just the sad part of aging, and that any normalcy of intimacy for me and my hubby would be forever different.

Dryness and Irritation

Since I wasn't keen on taking HRT, I researched OTC remedies and discovered REPLENS. Although it does work well on the dryness, it does nothing to remedy the atrophy or all irritation that occurs to our pink parts. It does absolutely nothing for pain.

It also has some ingredients that did cause me some concern, especially utilizing them in an area that has a direct feed to our blood supply.

I did tons of research to see what other avenues I could explore, now getting desperate to fight off this ruinous side effect to women that no longer can produce estrogen on their own.

Sought Help

I have an awesome female doctor, and once I overcame some of my embarrassment in regard to my latest challenge to aging, I decided to make an appointment with her and completely open up about my intimate issues and concerns for using any type of HRT. Wonderfully, desperation can sometimes overrule unfounded fears as I learned in our consult.

She taught me much about my pink parts and explained how they function as to them once being plump like collagen on a face. They are actually puffy folds that expand and contract, yet have now been reduced to shrinkage and atrophy. Correcting the atrophy was the ultimate goal since this is the source of pain and dryness, but I told her I didn't want the estrogen to replace it....what was one to do?

She advised me to stop using REPLENS since she was a bit concerned about it causing some continuing irritation based on the ingredient profile and it was pretty much producing a bunch of gunk.

She then recommended Estrace which is an estradiol vaginal cream. I expressed my reservations about using this in terms of how it is absorbed into the bloodstream and not wishing to introduce higher levels of estrogen into my body....of course making this statement based on a lot of fear generating blogs which don't really understand the chemistry of this treatment. As other women can relate, I'm sure, my concerns are more than likely similar to theirs, in not really wanting to mess with mother nature, but I could not allow my life to deteriorate as I knew it. I wanted to maintain life like when I was younger and full of vim and vigor.

Thank goodness for her kindness and willingness to explain and educate me in the science with no condescension. She told me not to use the applicator and to only use a daub of cream in the immediate area and slightly deeper, and this is all it would take to rejuvenate my tiny pink parts. She assured me, this reduced risk due to dosing and the miniscule amount that would travel internally would be so insignificant as to bodily absorption, should not bear any level of worry on my part, basically no more than what I get naturally from fruits and vegetables. Plus estradiol is a bio identical estrogen our own bodies create or did create. She only wanted to assist with the localized conditions of dryness, irritation and restoring the plumpness and suppleness to the area, just like any good face cream can do.

Taking Care Of Our Pink Parts

Even though there are many of my readers that try to use as much organic and natural products as they can, including myself, such as handmade soaps using butters and oils, they apparently, still should never be used on our pink parts. Things like douches, soaps, cleansing gels, are all problematic and can further contribute to the symptoms stated above.

My doctor advised me that all we should use is warm water during our showers and to only take clear water baths with a touch of skin softening essential oils. We, of course, can absolutely wash the external area of the vulva with a favorite cleanser, but never go beyond this and only use rinse water for gentle care of our pink parts.

Many bloggers have recommended all sorts of concoctions out of our kitchen cupboards such as olive oil and such for vaginal dryness, but although natural, it is never a replacement for actually correcting what our body is going through as we age....it is so much more involved.

Personal Choice

Of course using any type of estrogen cream is a personal choice and some may still have reservations on this issue. The only thing I can add, is to do research as I did, get all the facts as to dose and risk, and then visit with your doctor to see if using a daub of estradiol cream can correct many of the unwanted side effects women get as they age, with minimal risk.

By using topical estrogen for targeted treatment instead of a broad overall treatment with oral HRT, we also eliminate the processes of the liver, whereby further eliminating risk to those that may be susceptible to blood clot related HRT or contribute to hormone related breast cancer by substantially increasing estrogen throughout the body that we no longer want or need otherwise.

As a whole, I am doing fantastic and my body has not missed the estrogen, so I pretty much sailed through menopause with little problem and with zero medical intervention, except for the one important side effect that seems to have been easily remedied. Plus I am now blessed with carrying around a few extra post menopausal pounds which as explained by my doctor, are murder for taking off these days. It is what it is I guess.....

The creation of Estrace cream certainly restored my faith in modern science, and revitalized a new carefree desire in me, and has literally turned back the clock and allowed me to continue to have a fulfilled love life with my main squeeze.....after all we are sensitive, sexual beings from cradle to grave. I thankfully learned, it doesn't need to end at menopause. And after the initial treatment of everyday for a week, I now only need it 2 x per week for maintenance. A small price to pay for keeping me young in more ways than one.

I am coming to the realization, that aging and menopause is not the end of life, but a new beginning of freedom, with modern science lending a helping hand on occasion.

Cheers to my fellow compatriots in life's trials and tribulations.

I Love Tabatha Coffey

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Here I Go Again!

After being with my hairstylist for more than 8 years, (wow, where does the time go) she is getting married now and moving back east to Fargo, North Dakota...... (brrrr). She will be missed since she knew my hairstyle and got it just right each and every time.

Searching for a stylist is never easy and for many women who cherish their wild mane of hair, like me, one screw-up hairstyle can be catastrophic.....well maybe not actually....but darn close.

It also seems as we age and our hair thins, the style even becomes more important so as to hide areas that we may not like, or to sport the haircut that shows off our manes the best without aging us further. I personally, still like my hair a bit wild and unruly and it has been a lot easier these days....plus, fortunately, I still have quite the head of hair, fine in nature, but the texture has become more coarse, creating natural volume.

Incredibly, my hair now maintains a soft permanent type wave throughout ever since I entered into menopause. I used to have to pay over $60.00 every six months just to make my once super straight, curl resistant hair, do what now seems to have become natural......lovin' it.

Struck Out On My First Venture

Of course I tried a new stylist a few months ago, she was young, and pretty much just out of school, so I thought she would be most up to date on the best hair styling trends and cutting techniques. Unfortunately, she and the salon she was in, missed the mark. When she washed my hair, she towel dried it afterwards by briskly rubbing it between the towel in opposite directions. Any good stylist knows, this is taboo on wet hair and creates severe breakage to the hair shaft causing frizzy hair. Always blot or towel wrap the head.

She injured me twice with the comb, where I had to remind her of a mole on the back of my neck and instead of using a hair cutting comb, she used a huge wide toothed comb, injuring my ears each time she raked over them.....PLUS she was chewing gum and doing that popping thing over and over while standing next to my ears....and this by itself almost made me exit my chair and leave before she got started. Fortunately for her, she stopped it once she began the cutting consult and I only heard it once or twice more throughout the hour.

She also wore a huge diamond ring set on her finger, which constantly cut into my neck the entire time. As usual, I typically don't say much, except to make sure she at least gets the haircut close to what I enjoy, but outside of the few remarks about pain, the rest I kept quiet to see overall what I could expect. A lot of banter among the stylists, pretty much ignoring their clients, yet discussion ensued about other clients, and not in a positive way. This to me is a big no-no.

Also, working with a stylist which seems to be angry in their overall demeanor as though their client base is a pain in their a.$.$, then you certainly don't want to let them get a hold of your hair. An angry person with scissors in their hands will definitely make any client cringe under their apron, and potentially injure you in the process of cutting your hair....or possibly worse, leave you looking like your hair was hit with a weed whacker.

Their problems with other clients, is never my business, nor anyone else!

My decision: Nice gal, got my haircut right notwithstanding, her not being conscious of her clients comforts while sitting in the chair, even with gentle reminders of the pain she was causing me. I mean one thing I never want to come across as, is the client from hell. I just ask them to please just pay attention to the task at hand. The Salon was dark and her chair was down in the basement of a renovated old house. Nothing wrong with old houses since many have been beautiful in the past, but no matter the location, I like bright and cheery, along with being able to detect the cleanliness of the salon. Plus her chatting up her fellow stylists instead of focusing on me, the client, gave that dread that she was doing things to my hair that would not leave me happy.

Moving Forward

Well, I usually get a haircut every 2 months, but it is now into the 5th month since my last trial, and I am skeered. My hair has gotten real wild and longer than I like. So, time to bite the bullet and try once again. Looking once more for someone who gets it, and I don't have to listen to complaints about other clients or have to tell them to not hurt me, or be thrown into a cave during my haircut. I also abhor idle gossip or foul language on the floor....eating, chewing or popping gum is also not appetizing and can be quite disgusting for clients.

My daughter tells me to just discuss it with her and make my concerns known. Maybe, however, she had too many things during the session that would have been mostly negative for me so why fight it. I believe if you are going to be conducting business up close and personal with clients, that clients' needs and attention to detail are first and foremost and the proper business etiquette is a given, not something I am willing to go forth and teach.

The salon owner should of course be made fully aware of those she has represent her business and then it is her responsibility to provide that instruction and maintain proper decorum. It really is indicative of a mindset of that person, and if conscientious behavior is not there, then my letting her know how I feel, in most cases, creates hard feelings and then comfort levels are destroyed anyway. Plus, who needs the anguish over having to confront something that should be clearly a professional atmosphere at all times....after all, it is their business at stake, and only they can tend to it.

I have been fortunate and that if something arises in my business, my customers have shared it with me, and it is always handled in a friendly, professional manner. And if a customer does not return without letting me know of a grievance, then I only assume they don't like the product or it is easier to just move on for them. That is why, professionalism is always practiced at Sterling Minerals, because you just never know who is on the other end of placing that order or making that phone call.

I Use "Tabatha Coffey" Reference

I began the process today of calling some salons in my area that also have an internet presence where I can see comments by past and present clients. It didn't take much articulating on my part of what I would expect to find once I crossed the salon threshold, because back when I wrote my article, Choosing The Right Beauty Salon, "Tabatha Takes Over" wasn't on anyone's radar. In fact, every salon I spoke to, knew who she is.....and she is the best with her no-nonsense approach to cleaning up ones act, and I have also learned so much of what is expected by the clients....sometimes I used to think it was just me.

So pretty much all I had to say, was "do you know Tabatha Takes Over Salon series?" If they said "yes," then I would state, "I believe in what she believes, and what I am looking for in a stylist and an excellent salon representation of the industry."

So if we are on this same page, we set the appointment....which is tomorrow btw. So we'll see what we'll see.

Tabatha Coffey is an excellent reference to making a long story short, to cut through the chatter, weed out the chaff, basically in one short sentence. They also will know what they will get in the way of a client. Plus, this let's them know up front my expectations and anything less won't be acceptable. Salon professionalism across the board from customer relations to sanitation, is above all else, the most important when dealing with women, their needs and desires, followed by their emotions of how they perceive the experience.

Accept no less when paying for a service.

I'm A Beautician, Not A Magician

How many of us have seen this little "diddy" pasted up on the mirror of your stylist?

When I see this, it symbolizes to me, that they are already making an excuse for any mistakes or problems with your finished style.

Now granted a hairstylist is not a magician or a mind reader of what or how you want your hair. So if you are looking for the best hair style to suit your face, a consultation works well, but also, you can go on the internet and choose a style from one of the famous celebrities out there. Bring in the photo and this will give your stylist, at the very least, a starting point to knowing what you like and what you expect the finished hair style to look like.....help them out the best you can to understand EXACTLY what you want. Photos go a long way to avoid consultation confusion.

If a stylist cannot look at a picture and recreate the style, then they are not ready for prime time with your hair. It may then be best to find someone else that has the creative juices flowing and can pinpoint exactly what you want when looking at the photo of the style you enjoy.

These two celebrity photos are the examples I'll be giving to my new stylist tomorrow. I wear my hair like this all the time. In fact, Meg's style is what my hair initially looks like when it is first cut, and as it grows out, resembles Blythe's style more. Best of both worlds, and is not an overly complicated hair style for any stylist worth their salt.

Also, the excuse, which I had gotten before, "the great thing about hair, it will grow back" is not an acceptable one, and then still expect payment. If you don't get the style you expected, especially if you provided a photo, then, at the very least, bring it to the salon owners attention and either allow her to attempt to fix the style, or at the very least remedy the situation by excusing payment for the inferior work.

If you simply pay without informing the owner of the problem, then you further perpetuate the belief in the stylist, she can cut hair anyway she wants in spite of the customers wishes, and still get paid. This may be great for getting a fast buck, but it is no way to build a customer base. A business built on newbies with no customer loyalty, is a business that fails.

Here's to wild and sexy hair.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mad As Hell! Pink Slime In My Food....

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Incredibly Flustered

Hmmmm......feel like a big fat juicy hamburger? Me Too! .....actually not so sure anymore.

It isn't very often I allow things to get under my skin, and there isn't any opportunity where I am typically unable to articulate quite well about issues dealing with the beauty industry, but I have to admit this has got my mind reeling.

Things like over regulation, spreading myth, not actual science about harm of certain ingredients applied to the skin, or watchdog groups deliberately skewing facts and figures to try to strengthen their argument. I simply have always tried to show the science, explain the facts and provide in depth papers surrounding the article in links back to the abstract.

Now when it comes to me and my family's health, what goes in our bodies has always been more vital than what I actually put on it, but going as natural as I can is a priority and why I am and have always been about full ingredient disclosure, no matter what it is. In fact when it was mandated that food products must finally show their nutritional values of your daily intake, this was a huge step to eating things in moderation, but was not the silver bullet to better health. People were still responsible for making the healthier choices.

Absolute Disbelief

Well imagine my disbelief when the story broke about "Pink Slime" in ground beef. And that up to 25% ratio content of a package of ground beef sold in stores or in our children's hamburgers served at school, can contain this stuff. It is a filler that is treated with Ammonia to sanitize it.

On top of that, it has been primarily used in the 90 to 95% lean ground meat choice at the supermarkets, which when I have felt like a grilled burger on occasion, this has been the shopping choice for me.....I want to vomit!

Am I sure, that it has been in my ground beef in the past....NO, and in there lies the problem, but since I used to shop at Wal Mart foods, one can hazard a guess....ugh. But it is reported to be as high as 70% of the ground beef sold in U.S. supermarkets and does not need to be disclosed as an ingredient. It is noted to have been most prevalent in fast food meats, something which I haven't eaten now for close to a decade, yet these chains are reportedly making sure it is no longer used in their meats.

But the fact remains it is something the USDA condones and either has purchased or is about to purchase another 7 million pounds of this stuff for the government subsidized lunch programs for our children.....but apparently kids will be allowed to opt out.....W-H-A-T? Opt out...wow, how about not offering this disgusting stuff at all, or if they are so sure it is nutritious and safe, then why even offer an "opt out" plan?

But It Is Safe

Is it?......USDA and the FDA have described it as "safe and nutritious" and there are those that will continue to state all this media hype is propaganda and that the media storm now hot all over the internet, is basically spreading misinformation. They further feel that it is pink and made from scrap meat, therefore it is meat. The beef industry even tries to disguise it as resembling ground beef as they have done in this pretty photo, whereas the other photo above is actually more accurate depicting its true paste like texture for being added to ground meat, something typically reserved for the family dog.

Of course, I fully understand all about media hype, since our beauty industry as been fraught with many similar scenarios. Yet my pet peeve, has always been about full ingredient disclosure, not perpetrate economic fraud, leading the public to believe they are buying a lean ground beef, with the remaining percentage to be suet....at least that is what my mother taught me and her mother before her.

The beef industry explains why it is safe and to debunk the myth of discarded scraps originally only used in dog food products, by stating "it isn't discarded scraps, but USDA inspected boneless beef trimmings"....okay, let's go with that for a moment....hmm....small problem, how do we know....

Since pink slime treated with ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) is somehow acceptable to feed to the public without knowing it is part of their hamburger or being fed to their children, how do we know it isn't the junk being scraped up after it hits the floor. I have seen slaughterhouses and how meat is processed and those trimmings do not stay on the table but fall into a vat or directly onto the floor.....hmm, kinda reminds me of the movie starring Charlton Heston, "Soylent Green." Now there's food for thought.

Furthermore, this is not the first time the USDA has turned a blind eye to meat packing plants or been in the back pocket of the meat industry, including the horrific treatment of the animals being pushed, pulled, lifted by bulldozers, trampled and living in filth, all under the watchful eye of USDA inspectors. They say the reason why they use ammonium hydroxide is to prevent E-coli and salmonella from spreading. Hey here's a clue, don't feed us diseased cows or those being rolled in muck. In fact, USDA inspected seal, in my opinion, means very little to me based on their criteria for things that pass inspection.

In fact the Animal Law coalition Reports, Governor Branstad of Iowa just signed into law H.F. 589. The bill creates the crime of "agricultural production facility fraud". "A person is guilty of this crime if, for example, he or she obtains a job at a factory farm or other "agricultural production facility" by making a false statement or representation with the intent to "commit an act not authorized by the owner".

"Anyone who obtains access to an agricultural production facility "by false pretenses" is also guilty of the crime."

"Those who conspire to commit the crime or aid and abet the commission of the crime would be held responsible as well."

And then we are suppose to trust our governments assurances that "what" we are buying at our local grocery store is safe and nutritious with their seal of approval?!

And you know what, it may be that ammonium hydroxide is not proven to be harmful and is even a naturally occurring substance, or that it is used in many processed foods or to sanitize our meats, and again, this is the crux of the matter. Eating foods that are chemically processed for consumption, ground lean beef, obviously now being one of them, is the reason we are seeing more disease, obesity and fetal malformations. It is our consumption and lifestyle choices that create these maladies along with many environmental factors.

No matter what, it is being drummed into our heads by many doctors today, that we should steer clear of stuff in a box, and reach for as whole or unprocessed food as possible. Can they have their own set of problems?... yes, depending on the local or foreign growers or the market where you shop, but here again, thinking about it so definitively, will make one go nuts. We simply must do the best we can with the information provided to us and decide for ourselves.

Wake Up Watchdog Groups - Get Off The Beauty Products Tack

This has been what I have argued about in many past articles and also why I get so angry. EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, may think what they are doing is noble, but they are so off track, this is actually what we all should be concerned about. What we INGEST!

Applying products topically does not and will not ever extrapolate to the conditions we are seeing by what we ingest. Pharmaceutical commercials are expounding the benefit of their pills for your health, followed up with a lengthy dissertation of the harmful side effects they may cause.

A little lead in lipstick has suddenly borne scrutiny and extreme media hype despite the fact lead is ubiquitous, yet there is no comparison to what we are eating without our knowledge, and I find this is more heinous. In fact, if CFSC and EWG have their way, our cosmetics will be more heavily regulated based on absolutely no evidence of harm, than the food industry.....and that is ludicrous. Where is the USDA and our government in regard to our safety in food matters?

Why are we eating and taking this stuff?

So when we really look at all of these separate industries as a whole, why is beauty being more heavily targeted than say, the food industry? As I have argued in the past, is it because food we need to survive and beauty is only skin deep?

Is it because to go after the food industry, would literally remove just about every processed food from the store shelf, even though certain legislation of ingredients could and would do the same to cosmetics and personal care products as well? The fallout in the food industry would spell economic disaster. But since some have determined cosmetics are unnecessary in our everyday lives based on their personal ideology, it is an industry that is easier to attack without merit or substantial unequivocal evidence. It is easier to create pseudo science to try and support their theories and fabricate harm...and quite frankly, this has become so disproportionate, I am sick of it, especially when I see far more unnerving issues surrounding our food industry....because what we eat, is what is killing us.

Just food for thought, I'll stand on the side of doing no harm, versus those that would deliberately conceal some mystery ingredient that I may or may not wish to ingest because it is just so appalling and then try to tell me that it is safe and nutritious....not on their best day.

And relying on our government to determine what is safe, nutritious and ethical is about who they owe favors to. The entire process is corrupt on all sides of government, it is not a partisan issue.

Showing Both Sides

Below are links to some articles that I located showing both sides of the coin. Is it acceptable to you to eat something the USDA deems safe, or should consumers be told what is in the food they eat, allowing the freedom to choose....why conceal it.....why the big mystery?

After all it is legally a separate processed food product, flash frozen and shipped in packets to stores to be added to the ground meat to give it the finished result....period.

Funny, the FDA mandates we must disclose all of our cosmetic ingredients that are used to create the finished product in descending order of ratios, not constituents of course, but finished. How is this any different? Why the two different standards? I would think something ingested would take precedent of having strict regulation over something we apply to our skin, yet the regulation of disclosure for cosmetics is stricter.

This is the problem, concealment of an ingredient that the government determines safe and forces it upon the unsuspecting public, while taking away with the other stroke of a pen, fully disclosed ingredients that beauty industry watchdog groups hate so they want them removed without any substantial facts of harm. I am sorry, but the hypocrisy is mind numbing. Why does the government on one hand get to conceal something they support and then to appease groups with an agenda, demand full disclosure and removal of the offending ingredient in something as benign as a skin cream?

Ingesting food, equals direct route to our blood supply, adrenal system and endocrine glands, which will correlate to much of our health issues today, not the dab of lipstick we apply to our lips.....but as always you decide.

What I particularly like about the last link, is the article addresses similar things like I have written, that just because something is naturally occurring in our environment, shouldn't and doesn't always make it the best choice or safe in our food products. Great analogy provided within.

Pink Slime Is a Myth....put out by the beef industry

Report from CBS News includes video

AARP Provides a well Articulated article and where to find beef without Pink Slime.

Partners In Slime. A product referred to as Soylent Pink...how fitting.

A Look At American Made Meat Products another well articulated article showing both sides of the coin.

On A Side Note:

Our New and Improved Lip Colors are now available for purchase. Enjoy!

A Spoonful Of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:07:00 +0000

The Dread Of It All - Please Give Me Some Sugar

At some point in all of our lives, we experience the dreaded aftertaste or initial flavor of a medicine or supplement we take in an attempt to live a healthier lifestyle. Going back to when we were little kids, we sometimes endured some of the worst tasting stuff.

If it isn't the taste that makes you want to toss your cookies, then it is the ridiculous size of the pill we must swallow in order to get the RDA of the vitamin our bodies need as we progress through life. And for some, this is an impossible task.

Of course it is always best to get as much of your RDA through eating healthy in the first place with fruits and veggies, whole grains and poultry, fish and some red meat if you can. But when we are running on empty in an overloaded world, then supplements are sometimes necessary.

I remember growing up, my father having to chew or crush every tablet he took over the years, no matter the size due to having Polio in WWII. It left him with a partial throat paralysis, making it difficult to swallow all things, including his food or even a sip of wine.

I personally, have a tiny mouth and throat to match, and in most cases, anything larger than an aspirin, causes me to gag. I seek out chewable anything when I need to up my health supplements. This is near impossible since most chewables are for children products only it seems, and of course the RDA doesn't meet adult recommendations.

I mean really......have you seen the size of calcium or vitamin C tabs?.....holy cow.

Or how about the taste of Fish Oil which is recommended for getting our Omega-3's. The tabs aren't any too small either. Never mind the indigestion or the lovely flavor of repeating that occurs with most fish oils I have tried....ugh....I essentially gave up on this endeavor.

Or Flaxseed tabs.....these things are huge and I can barely get them down, even though they are a gel coated tab.

Yes, I have blended some of these into foods to make taking them easier, but you know, sometimes I just want to pop my pill and get on with my day, as I don't always have enough time for the preparation of a good health drink.

What Is A Person To Do?

Of course there are many more supplements out there that are utilized by many, more than I care to count, and if I can't even handle the few I listed above, I certainly am not going to pill pop these horse tablets all day long.

The reason for me targeting these supplements in particular, is due to those of us who are getting older and are either in Menopause or have passed it, these supplements are recommended more and more by doctors to keep our hearts well and to prevent bone loss as our estrogen diminishes. Plus Vitamin D is also necessary for assisting with strong bones, since without it, we will not absorb calcium in our diet. More and more Vitamin D deficiency is occurring as we stay out of the sun or slather on sunscreen. I personally have crossed over as of next month. Free from menstrual cycles for one full year, so nutrition takes on a whole new meaning for me.

Breast Cancer being always a concern, Heart disease now moves up to being the number one cause of death in post menopausal women. And so my heart is now my motivation for taking better care of myself. I have worked diligently to get my cholesterol down and succeeded apparently as was divulged with last months doctors visit. My cholesterol is now within the normal range, but I am still working to make it even lower.

The Supplement Industry Is Catching On

So my quest began yet again. I want to take the things that are most important for my health and I have finally found the magic bullets, even for this non pill swallowing gal.

Exploring my local Costco, I came across two products that have absolutely made me giddy. Of course they have the typical multitude of horse tablets of every supplement they make, but buried in amongst the crate size displays of products, I stumbled on HEAVEN in a bottle.

Can it be?....Gummy Vitamins for Adults in Calcium with Vitamin D3, and Omega 3 in a delicious liquid form, and yep it even contains fish.

The claim to fame of making my life just a tad easier is by Vitafusion Calcium 500 mg with D3 in two tasty chewable gummy squares per day. Sugars are 5 g and they do carry a few calories of 25, but I just add this into my daily intake and realize, it is worth it to never have to swallow another gargantuan pill ever again.

You get two bottles in a packet which is equivalent to about a four month supply. Relatively inexpensive supplement in my opinion. And I treat myself as though it is my 2 sweet pieces of candy each day.

They also provide an entire line of different supplements, even for reducing LDL in your cholesterol. The only downside to their products, I guess, is this could potentially add worthless calories to your diet if all you consumed were the gummy choices....so with that, you must be mindful of the additional calories they provide.

Now the fish thing was scary since I have tried many different types, all guaranteeing to not be fishy or have an aftertaste which is caused by repeating (burp). All lies I tell you, they always made me burp or gave me heartburn. Hated every minute of the process, so I gave up and said "adios" to the fish oil craze.

UNTIL......(trumpets sound) I found a liquid supplement named Nature's Fresh, Omega Blendz. It contains the Omega 3 with EPA and DHA and the source of fish is Salmon oil and Cod liver oil....blech....I think, but then I read on and it has the flavor of Lemon Meringue....they also offer Tropical Fruit and Blackberry, but not at my Costco. It has a Smoothie consistency, but kinda reminds me of lemon pudding or yogurt, depending on your taste buds interpretation.

You absolutely cannot detect any fish odor or taste and it is delish with a capital D. No indigestion or burping.....ever. Again it does add some calories to the diet of 45 per serving but the sugars are ZERO....now there's a plus.

They overall describe it in short:

Tastes Great......Gotta love that
No Fishy Taste....Amen
Rapid Digestion and Assimilation.....Can I get a Hallelujah?
Great for the Whole Family.....Well alright
No Large Capsules.....Yeah Boy!
No Oil Mess......Hurray.

Must be kept refrigerated after opening and it is a 65 day supply for around $20.00. Again not bad at all, and a fantastic price for what it provides in health benefits, and it is like taking two tsp. of pudding each day.....y-u-m-m-y.

So if you are like me and you are sick of swallowing horse tablets or the taste of a supplement or the indigestion it causes, then surely take a peek at these wonderful discoveries at COSTCO. I am sure they are located elsewhere, but probably for not as good a price. You can check out their websites at the links provided on their brand above.

And there is never anything more true than I learned from Mary Poppins....a Spoonful of Sugar does help the medicine go down.

Here's to your health.

Lead In Lipstick: FDA Reality Check

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Reality Check

For many years now we have been concerned about toxic levels of lead in our environment, such as in old homes, paints, water pipes, etc. Then NGO's turned their attention to the cosmetic and skincare industry. Digging as deep as they can to turn up every trace element that can be found in our beauty products.

The problem with their supposition, as always, they try to extrapolate this problem to things we find in our environment and drinking water to somehow being able to cause harm through skin penetration or miniscule amounts that may be licked off, all for a cause without precedent or merit.

I have written many articles showing the science, such as nano particles, penetration enhancers, EPA Report, and every scientific data I am able to include within these articles, to bring an accurate synopsis to contradict the theories the EWG and CFSC have been purporting....they still don't have the science.

What we need to remember, lead is ubiquitous and is found in our soil, water, food, air, etc. It can and will never be completely removed from our lives as hard as we may try. Yes we can avoid it whenever possible, by making good choices, but we drink more allowable lead in our drinking water than what we would find in our cosmetics. And lead in soil can be taken up by the plants we ingest, it is simply a fact of nature.

Lead In Lipstick

Due to the publicity of lead in our environment and the CDC reporting there is never a safe level for lead contaminants, and they along with advocates would prefer "zero", especially in pregnant women and small children, CFSC set their sights on the cosmetic industry and in particular, lipstick.

Testing some 33 name brand products in 2007, initially to prove that lead was found in lipstick, basically to make their argument and to sell books, that lipstick is killing us.

Now ordinarily one may be concerned based on the CDC's recommendations on having "zero" lead in all things, but at the same time the realization is, this can never happen.

The EPA's allowable levels of lead in our drinking water is 15 parts per billion. And let me make it perfectly clear, lead is not added to lipstick, but is a natural contaminant that occurs from ingredients used in the making of lipsticks, particularly "red" lipstick due to certain colorants used.

The EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for lead in drinking water of 0.015 mg/L, or 15 parts per billion, as the legally enforceable standard that applies to public water systems.

I know one thing for sure, I have yet to meet or know of anyone who ingests a gallon of lipstick per day....now when this comes down to the day "pigs fly", I hardly see any concern for consumption of an inordinate amount of lead to be consumed, let alone absorbed, even if you live to be thousand, there poses little risk of lead exposure through your favorite lipstick.

FDA Expands It Report

The FDA recently published the latest information on the levels of lead found in lipstick, and they tested and studied more than 400 lipsticks and chose those based on the market share they controlled, nationally. Since this would obviously reach a larger demographic of women, hence a higher exposure to the contaminant, supposedly.

The FDA also used a private, independent laboratory for their testing known as Frontier Global Sciences in Seattle, WA. I'm assuming to protect the findings from the NGO's screaming "vested interest."

There were some in the beauty industry fighting the claims that the lead found in lipstick at the ratios, which fell well below that of candy, were far safer and were at a lower risk, since we eat candy and not our lipstick. The FDA of course does not support this claim and I also found it to be a poor analogy. The FDA-recommended upper limit for lead in candy is 0.1 ppm. It is not scientifically valid to equate the risk to consumers presented by lead levels in candy, a product intended for ingestion, with that associated with lead levels in lipstick, a product intended for topical use and MAYBE ingested in minute quantities than that of candy. Therefore, the risk is even further minimized.

Also, it was important for the FDA to do updated testing to make sure things had either improved, got worse, or no change. No matter what some say about the inefficiency of the FDA, they strictly regulate all colorants used in food, drug, cosmetics and LIPSTICK. The Safety of Colorants is very important in this regard since many of them are also ingested and not just used to make us look pretty.

Some Still Scream Foul

Of course the CFSC are now screaming "told you so", and are incorrectly skewing the values to make their argument stronger, when in reality, no one has ever denied that this contaminant can be found in most of the large commercial brands of lipsticks. It was denying the accusation of adding lead to lipstick as though it was a "must have" ingredient to make lipstick. This was typically skewed and vague information and / or never corrected by the CFSC, that it was simply a contaminant of another ingredient. It was imperative to their agenda to allow the consumers to be under the misconception that manufacturers were adding lead to lipsticks. After all this would generate more buzz and accumulate more followers of classic phenom as the blind leading the blind. But the actual numbers of lead contamination are so small that looking to lipstick as the reason of what is killing us, is so far overreaching, it becomes comical.

We will consume far more lead in our lifetimes through the ingestion of foods and our drinking water, that lipstick shouldn't even be on our radar as a main cause for concern. True Red lipstick's colorants seem to have the highest level of lead found due to the colorants used (dyes and lakes), so if one is truly concerned, avoid this color altogether. There are many other beautiful colors besides RED lipstick. Also many ingredients used to formulate the large commercial brands have a higher incidence of lead, but where the concern lies according to the FDA, is with overseas manufacturing where there is no regulation for this contaminant and then is imported to the U.S. However, there are some U.S. manufacturers providing some products which contain some trace element of lead.

You can read the chart within the FDA Report link I provided above as to the companies which contain the highest levels of lead to the lowest.

Scientists and Chemists Sound Off

Forbes did an article on the expanded report by the FDA and this began a buzz with chemists and scientists explaining how the lead was extracted to get the results the FDA provided, and the actual mathematical analysis on true risk involved. Emails were exchanged and I would like to share with you some of the facts involved in the study.

Once again Stacy Malkin, Lobbyist, Co-founder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Author (non Science) of Not Just A Pretty Face, responded to the article and as usual over dramatized and inflated the risks to again continue to create fear in women. One of the chemists from the UK, Dene Godfrey, had an email exchange with other scientists and responded to her comment in full detail. You may recognize him from past guest articles he wrote in my blog. You can read the exchange on the link above in Forbes.

Dene Godfrey is past President at the Society of Cosmetic Scientists in the United Kingdom and has over 28 years experience of preservation of personal care products in technical and commercial roles, including NPD (New Product Development). He has a degree in chemistry.

What is important to note, is about how lead is assimilated by the body so as to understand how the body might handle lead found in lipstick.

Email response by Colin Sanders from the UK. He has been a formulator of cosmetic and topical pharmaceuticals for 27 years. Over that time he has formulated nearly every category of product including shampoos, cosmetic skin creams, pharmaceutical skin creams, face masks, lip balms and so on. He has been an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists since 1985 and in 1999 organized the first of the Formulate shows. His degree is in environmental science and he continues to take a keen interest in the impact of human activities on the planet. He regards himself as an environmental activist and all round green.

"The lead is bound up in mineral particles making it hard for the body to absorb it. If you look at the test method the FDA were using they were extracting it using hydrofluoric acid. On top of that the particles are coated with wax. And the amount applied for all but the most dedicated lipstick lover is tiny. And only a fraction gets ingested anyway. And even then, the levels measured were below WHO guidelines for drinking water.

I think it is safe to conclude that lipsticks are safe even with the levels of lead measured in the second study."

Another Email response by Perry Romanowski who has over 18 years experience formulating products to solve consumer problems in the personal care and cosmetic industry. He is also an author who has published extensively about the field of cosmetic science. He is currently Vice President of Brains Publishing which specializes in science education. Perry received his B.S. in Chemistry from DePaul University. He has written and edited numerous articles and books, teaches Society of Cosmetic Chemists continuing education classes in cosmetic science.

"The other thing neglected is that the amount of lead in lipstick would only matter if it were bio-available. I attended a talk by a scientist who was explaining what they had to do to analyze the amount of lead in lipstick. They needed to use the most potent acid available (HF) to dislodge the lead because HCl was not strong enough.

This essentially means that even if the lead from lipstick gets in your body, there is no mechanism by which it would interact with your body metabolism."

In all the exchanges, too many to list so I chose the most relevant, much was learned, but the key issue is the FDA found no health risk in the ppm amount measured and this is echoed by Health Canada as well. Despite the reports and the support of agencies having independent testing done, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics continues a diatribe of disinformation and scare tactics. Furthermore, the irony of CFSC arguing "just take the lead out", I have to ask, what about their compact signers?...... since there are two of them listed on the FDA report as containing low levels of lead contaminant.....interesting.

Our New Lip Colors

For those that still remain concerned, we of course strive for an excellent product, so we are pleased to announce that our newly formulated lip colors are just about ready. They of course, are far improved and the colors are rich and beautiful.

Furthermore, our lab has certified the pigments used to be free from lead. Our colorants are provided by reputable suppliers that ensure the mineral pigments have been purified from heavy metals. Our lip pigments were also third party tested to verify they pass for safety.

But with that, also realize that many pigments utilized by commercial brands may not necessarily create the lead issue. Coal Tars were popular originally for creating dyes and lakes and these were heavily contaminated with lead. Most of today's colorants come from petroleum based formulations, whereby removing much of the concern. Other colorants favored are micas and iron oxides.

Dyes and lakes must be used in order to get those vibrant, flamboyant colors....colorants we will continue to steer clear of and provide only beautiful, deep, soft, rich colors through the use of micas and iron oxides.

Where we may still see some slight contamination, is the lead bound in soil from where plant extracts are taken and then utilized in cosmetics. So by today's standards, removal of lead completely may be near impossible depending on synthetic or natural ingredients used, especially when there are allowable safe amounts designated by many health organizations including WHO (World Health Organization). With this latest knowledge, I feel comfortable advising to continue to enjoy using your favorite lipstick.....or not....the choice is always yours.

What Is A Carcinogen?

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:07:00 +0000

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

When I continually read how this ingredient and that ingredient is a carcinogen or has carcinogenic properties, I have actually wondered, what exactly does that mean? It has always been a completely ambiguous statement and has never had relevance equated with it. Just a lovely statement regurgitated over and over by the many that hate all things chemical....of course not truly understanding the very definition of what a chemical is.

But the word "carcinogen" seems to have become synonymous with "chemical", when in fact to truly understand what a carcinogen is, would make more sense to me rather than the causal link to something proven or unproven. As I have explained in past articles, Doctors have shown and proven that fruits and vegetables are good for us, yet these same healthy foods, including coffee for coffee lovers, have carcinogenic properties, while they provide anti-mutagenic properties as well, such as the health benefits of anti-oxidants. Clearly these benefits far outweigh any slight chance of the same as ever causing cancer, if they weren't we wouldn't be being advised to eat 5-7 servings per day.....so put down that " twinkie".....which is far more harmful to good health than an apple or orange with trace amounts of Acetaldehyde.

This word (carcinogen), like "chemical" creates concern for many, so I decided to delve beyond the inflammatory articles trying to correlate this supposedly scary relation between the two and learn.......

What Exactly Is A Carcinogen? (Guest Article)

I know cancer has probably touched everyone’s life (as it has mine) and prevention is certainly easier than a cure. I spent many years of my life studying cancer and the process of carcinogenesis and even have a few scientific papers to show for it. The intense interest that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group have in banning carcinogens brings up the question as to what exactly is a carcinogen and how dangerous are they? Even though we of course want to protect ourselves as much as possible from cancer, it is not correct to think that anything that is a carcinogen causes cancer. Many of the damaging effects of carcinogens are actually countered by anti-carcinogens that might occur side by side especially in fruits and vegetables. As a farmer and herbalist I need to speak up when someone says they want to ban all carcinogens.

Cancer is a little understood and complicated process that occurs in a multi-step progression taking 20 years or more, which explains why it is more common as we age. It is a disease of cell growth. The normal mechanisms that stimulate and inhibit cell growth are changed in a way as to allow the cell to grow uncontrollably.

There are four definable phases of carcinogenesis (cancer development); initiation, promotion, progression and malignant conversion; each stage lasting years. Testing for carcinogens are just as complicated because different cellular changes occur during each stage.

The first stage, initiation, involves a change in the genetic makeup of a cell. This change can and does occur randomly or when a given chemical interacts with DNA, causing a mutation in the genetic code. Chemicals that cause mutations are known as genotoxins. One important test done to determine if a chemical is a genotoxin is the Ames test. The Ames test, developed by Dr. Bruce Ames in the early 1970’s, is used because it is a rapid and fairly easy screen for DNA mutations. The test uses a single celled bacterium as the indicator organism; an already mutated strain of Salmonella typhimurium. Chemicals being tested are incubated with the bacteria in petri dishes. If the bacteria shows growth in a certain selected media, then this is evidence of DNA mutation or genotoxicity and the chemical can be classified as a carcinogen.

What are some problems with this? Well, lets name just a few:

Bacterial cells and human cells are quite different. If you remember back to high school biology; bacteria are prokaryotes and human cells are eukaryotes.

Human organisms have enzymes that work to detoxify and eliminate mutagens before they can cause damage to the DNA. These enzymes are particularly prevalent in the liver and skin.

The nuclei of human cells have in place mechanisms for repairing DNA that is mutated; proofreading mechanisms.

For cancer to occur there must be more than one mutation occurring in the DNA. Mutations must occur in specific classes of genes that regulate cell growth (or death) and multiple mutations must occur over a period of many years.

When and if cancer cells develop as a result of multiple mutations, they express an antigen that is recognizable by the immune system so they can be removed and destroyed.

The doses used in the Ames test are very high doses that might never occur in humans.

As explained above, cancer requires multiple mutations in specific classes of genes before a cell actually transforms into a cancer cell; not just one mutation in a random gene.

Everyone has mutated and transformed cells in our body at all times. When DNA becomes mutated, the cell first tries to correct that mutation. Because there are many genes that affect cell growth; including those that speed up growth and those that inhibit growth, there are many safeguards in place to prevent a cell from growing uncontrollably and becoming cancer. If those safety mechanisms do fail. there are mechanisms in place to force death in a transformed cell. In other words, that one cell is sacrificed for the good of the entire organism. This process is called apoptosis.

Dr. Ames himself sought to ban many synthetic substances in the 70's because they were mutagenic in the Ames test. However, he later reversed his position saying that there is no scientific evidence that small doses of these synthetic chemicals cause human cancers. Part of his reversed opinion was the finding that many plants (fruits, vegetables, and herbs) also contain chemicals that are mutagenic. He said "There are over 1,000 natural chemicals in a cup of coffee, and only 22 have been tested. Of these, 17 are carcinogens."

Ames realized that regardless of whether chemicals are synthetic or naturally occurring they cause cancer when fed to laboratory animals at extremely high doses. He also found that this was a very politically incorrect conclusion. The environmental activists Ames said, "have a religion" that says that corporations are behind an exploding epidemic of cancer. This religion was promoted by handful of doctors (Samuel Epstein of the University of Illinois at Chicago), by a media looking for headlines, and by celebrity spokespeople such as Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep. "The idea that chemical companies are giving consumers cancer just isn’t true," he said. The main cause of cancer is old age. EPA allows for synthetic pesticides."

Dr. Ames also does not think that low levels of pesticide residues eaten by consumers are harmful. However, the amounts farmhands are exposed to are different and strict rules should be in place to reduce exposure for them and for chemical workers. With only 9% of Americans eating the amounts of fruits and vegetables they should, the cost of eliminating synthetic pesticides would further decrease the amount of fruits and vegetables ingested. Since fruits and vegetables are one proven way to decrease cancer risks this would increase the risk of cancer. Dr. Ames is a well known and well respected scientist and even at the age of 82 he is still Professor of Biochemistry at UC Berkley doing nutrition and aging research.

Information about Bruce Ames came from Michael Fumento's site:

http://fumento.com/cancer/ames.html

For more information on the Ames test see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxE9sYatPAs
http://www.hen riettesherbal.com/faqs/medi-5-4-ames.html

Our Guest Writer: At one time Dr. Cindy Jones, PhD, was a Cancer Biologist doing research on mechanisms of cell growth. She now enjoys her work as a cosmetic formulator and herb grower. Her company is Sagescript Institute, llc.

There Simply Are No Words

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Found this cool display of physics at work while doing my typical research and wanted to share it with my readers....just something a bit different from same old, same old.

For those that can't see this in an RSS feed or email click here to view the video below.

Have a lovely weekend and hoped you too enjoyed the beauty and artistry that was achieved.

Raising Awareness About The Cosmetic Industry in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

It's All In The Facts

For several years now, I have been diligent in keeping those that choose to read my blog, in the know on many factors surrounding the cosmetic industry. Proposed legislation, scientific studies, whether to the negative or the positive, or just plain debunking of many myths propagated by watchdog groups (non governmental organizations; NGO's) such as Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics or even a false product or ingredient claim. These two entities, EWG being the parent group, would like nothing better than to control and dictate what is good or safe to use on our skin through over regulation based on nothing more than myth or fabrication of junk science or skewing of facts, and for the most part, it has been a deafening cry.....after all it is really the only way to justify their bloated salaries or to gain political power and it's prestige....by keeping us scared. They must have us believe they are the unchallenged purveyors of "truth."

It has been an ongoing battle of trying to keep the true science in the forefront of those that are and have been confused about who and what to believe. But at the same time, I have been concerned about also letting my blog become a "bully pulpit" so to speak, to get the information out.

In 2011, I made a concerted effort to keep my readers informed, but to not have it monopolize my time or my blog articles, as I had done in the past in 2010 and before. It is a conundrum to be sure to walk that fine line of offering information before a reader rolls their eyes back into their heads. I hope I accomplished my task.

However, at the risk of eyes rolling, this is a refresher for long time readers or for those new to my blog, "Say Enough To Fear Tactics" written in summer of 2010, which provides the relevance of what I have been keeping readers informed about, can all be found in this particular article, including additional links within it to delve even deeper. It also emphasizes that EWG stands for just that, Environmental, and why they ever decided to leap into the personal care products industry and needlessly attack it.....well, I take that back, it is painfully obvious, it is all about the mighty dollar, the very thing we as an industry are accused of. And please note, that though this is a dated piece, the battle still rages on and is still very much in our face. Complacency would not be prudent, especially in this economic era we all live in.

One thing that I have strove to do during the onslaught of disinformation, was present the science, including findings that show the likelihood of a causal effect when using certain ingredients. I have provided the data and research through links back to the actual studies in every article I have written. This is something that EWG and CFSC and their loyal following have failed to provide.

Their views are and always have been based on supposition or how they would like things to be (ideology), despite the sound science and the continuing discoveries of safety and efficacy in otherwise, maligned ingredients born strictly out of an agenda or bias against all things chemical. Basically trying to lump cosmetic ingredients in with potentially more toxic, harmful environmental ones based on actual harm they do and can cause. These harms however, do not extrapolate to ingredients used in the beauty industry.

Despite this belief, the fact remains, they are mutually exclusive, especially when most ingredients claimed to be banned by the EU by these NGO's, have never even been used in cosmetics in the history of cosmetics and skincare. But the numbers certainly sound scary. And unless one is a sound fact checker, the majority will take what they say at face value, unfortunately.

This of course, is why I have shown in past articles, everything is chemical, whether synthetically or naturally derived....but the word chemical in the context that EWG and CFSC uses it for emotive purposes, connotes "poison" in the minds eye. It confuses consumers, therefore creates suspicion and fear in those less informed on what and how to review the science. That is also why I have created many of my articles, in hopes to convey things in a way that breaks things down and helps the general public understand what it all means.

Has It Been Worth It?

Sometimes, after writing the many articles to help disseminate the science, I have often wondered if I am helping others to balance the science, weigh the information and then decide for themselves of what is true and real. I have questioned myself many times if I should report the latest or create an article more for entertainment value. In the long run, I do believe the balance has been just right and though some may still disagree with me with eternal nay-saying despite the scientific evidence to the contrary, since perception is reality, that is fine, but if I can change one persons mind on some of these issues after reviewing the science, then "YES" it has been worth to me.

I have had feedback from many that pose excellent questions, and concerns are very real about our environmental status, but the reality is, cosmetics and skincare cannot, nor should not be lumped in with things like diesel fuel, arsenic, warfarin, creosote, strychnine, etc. These are just a few of the ingredients that the EWG and CFSC claim have been banned by the European Union. We must keep things in perspective, which includes not creating a fallacy of sorts to create an ugly picture, when there is no relation to a cosmetic ingredient based on an environmental condition.

Now.....I don't know if it is just me, or I have been under a rock of late, but I am pretty sure these ingredients and the vast majority in the directive, will never be found in your cosmetics or skincare...I mean, only an insane person would utilize such things. But of course don't take my word for it. Check for yourself in the EU list of the 1100+ ingredients, that the EWG arbitrarily shouts from the rooftops, have been banned from use in cosmetics and personal care products without ever an identifier of this claim. Council Directive of the European Union

Funny thing though, through all of their bloviating of expounding these half truths, they have never provided the actual paper as I have above, so the consumer can see for themselves the list of supposed toxic cosmetic ingredients. Nor have they disclaimed that within this list, was extensively based on environmental issues and for time and safety sake, was simply carried over into the cosmetics directive. Certainly not that any of these were used in the actual formulation of personal care products....but again it sure sounds scary and paints us, industry leaders, and the FDA as incompetents or just plain greedy at the expense of our customers.....after all they aren't really telling a lie now are they? No....but what they are doing is actually far worse, by deliberately manipulating the public through half baked information to accomplish this self serving task.

One article I found interesting, was published by the American Council on Science and Health after the President's cancer panel filed their report back in 2010. If this article provides nothing else, it certainly resonates with me, a common sense approach that should not be ignored in the wake of all these scare tactics. Crying Wolf about Chemicals and Cancer .

Another article written last month by Center for Consumer Freedom, was prompted due to the EWG releasing their market shift report at year end. The article you can read by Clicking Here, also contains links to take you within the Science of Toxicology and FDA for further review.

Thanks To A Reader / Customer

One such scenario that I would like to share with you, is a reader took the time to write to me, not only about our products, but also wished to convey her heartfelt thoughts on what my newsletters had done for her in wading through the muck and to get at the core of actual science. It is with this testimonial that informs me that I am changing minds, albeit one at a time, and how vital it is to keep accurate and scientific information out in front going forward in 2012.

So I will continue to do this, but I will also continue to keep it balanced with more fun and lighthearted pieces that I also enjoy writing about, despite the fact, it seems as though there is something new in the news everyday that revolves around our industry. It is a mine field of information, one that I will tread through carefully. I will close with her letter to me and I wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous new year.

Dear Katherine,

This is my fourth attempt to write you, although I have lost count. I have started an email many times before and at the last minute, I canceled it. But this time I decided to actually finish it and get my thoughts across to you.

I have been your customer for years now although not on a regular basis. I just don't go through that much make-up in a year. While I am a modest user, I truly love your products. I still believe that you are the only one who offers products which are good for the mind and skin. No 'clogged' feeling, no drying and no caking. Truly the best out there.

I also meant to thank you for your emails. I am not a big facebook or twitter user. I own my own small business and to me, facebook is all but social. Therefore, I appreciate when companies still take their time to send out emails to their clients. Yours is always relevant, interesting and educating. I have learned from you and have changed my mind about things after reading your lines.

I am grateful when small businesses with something great survive. I have had my struggles and I also run a business with my husband. Congratulations to your anniversary (late is better than never) and thank you for being out there for us who are looking for something extraordinary.

I wish you a happy and successful new year.

Sincerely,

Kinga K.
Bozeman, MT

In The Raw And Loving It

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Always Looking For Better Health

In what seems to be my never-ending pursuit of good health and nutrition, I get particularly focused on what doctors, exercise gurus and dieticians are promoting during the holidays. A time of overindulgence of all things yummy.

There always are new fangled diets, exercise routines which profess to be the best and latest in lab science technology for proven weight loss. No matter how you scrunch the numbers, it will and still is about calories in and calories out.

However, after menopause it seems to be less about calories in and more about how your body becomes inefficient at burning off those calories, even if you think you are in starvation mode based on a severely reduced calorie diet....which of course this is counterproductive to weight loss.

Paying Attention To The Raw Food Diet and New "P.I.N.K Method Exercise Program

Now in checking out Dr. Phil last week, he had a guest promoting their new workout method and diet, something which now I am seeing on many other shows, but it looks like Dr. Phil got first crack at it.

It is called the P.I.N.K Method. It is based on a series of workouts designed specifically for women and many recipes utilizing wholesome foods, including raw foods rich in micro-nutrients, once they are made bio-available through the use of the VitaMix Blender. Not surprisingly, everyone in the audience got one for FREE and they are upwards of $500 or more. The average household either can't afford such a whipping genius of technology or don't want to spend the money thinking a blender is just a blender....ahhh but that is where we are mistaken.

After the show, I began to do some research on creating better nutrition through the use of this super blender and the science and nutritional value really made sense to me. Then I began researching blenders, wanting to clarify if the blender really makes the difference.

I finally did narrow it down to two master blenders that are utilized in Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Yogurt shops and Chef's restaurants across America....they are the VitaMix and BlendTec, both made in the good old US of A. One caveat: VitaMix was sued by BlendTec (formerly K-Tec) for violation of their patent on the food processing jar design and VitaMix lost, paying them millions in compensation. So this also helped me make my decision, but wasn't the main reason at all.

After much deliberation and comparison shopping of the two, I decided the BlendTec Total Blender would be added to my kitchen. It has a similar price range to the VitaMix, however if you are a member of Costco, you can get them on line for under $400.00, shipping included.

Or you can follow their road show schedule to your nearest Costco and pick one up for $349.00, which is what hubby and I did this past weekend. They are only available at this reduced price during the roadshow and this machine is not sold year round in stores.

Major Differences For My Choice

Overall, both machines perform well for what you want to do in order to release the nutrients in the blended foods, but these were the primary considerations of my choice, regardless of the suit by BlendTec. They both offer colors of Black, Red and White. But I also think the BlendTec is a better looking unit overall and easiest to use.

1. BlendTec has preprogrammed buttons on the face of the unit, making it simple to throw in your foods, set it and forget it, adjusting speeds accordingly automatically and then shuts off when finished...it even offers a blend mileage, logging every time you use a blend cycle so you can see how much use you are getting from your unit. No monitoring while blending......VitaMix is manual use only.

2. BlendTec has a design that draws the food into a vortex, making sure every bit of ice and food gets blended to perfection. VitaMix provides this weird plunger device to force food against the blade as pictured below the unit....what a pain that is.

3. BlendTec offers easy clean design of the jar, getting every last bit of your scrumptious soup, ice cream, smoothie or fruit juice out without waste and the blade is not sharp, so no cutting fingers when wiping it clean. VitaMix has a weird design with wings built into the jar, making it more difficult to get all your blend out so it can be a waste of certain blends. Both machines will self clean easily.

4. BlendTec is 15 inches high, fitting under cabinets so it can remain out at all times. VitaMix is over 20 inches high and will not fit under standard cabinets in a kitchen, so hauling it out to make a meal becomes a pain....personal belief, if it isn't readily available, one is less inclined to use it.

5. BlendTec, can be purchased for less money than VitaMix, especially through Costco, and they have now made their warranty 8 years, compared to VitaMix of 7 years. Anything goes wrong, they will replace it free of charge, no questions asked. It is an Unconditional Warranty...where do you find those these days?

Those are my top 5 reasons for my purchase of a major appliance for adding nutritionally to my health. Only really big "con" for something that gets up to speed at a whopping 300 miles per hour, is the noise factor......both machines can be very loud on delicate ears. Getting my 5 to 7 servings of veggies and fruits a day, has never been more easy. If there are certain veggies you can't really get past eating, the BlendTec recipes provide ways to utilize them without taste even being detected.

Spinach or Kale for instance can be added to fruit smoothies or ice cream...yep that's right veggies in your ice cream....unbelievable right? Who says ice cream can't be healthy? Makes a pretty green color, but you can't even taste it. Carrots create a beautiful carrot juice, sweetened with apples or Agave syrup, so easy going down. Make pumpkin ice cream or frappuccino using pumpkin puree. Pie fillings to create the perfect concoction or cream of "something" soup of any wild idea you may have. It is simply about getting the nutrition into our bodies using a machine that makes micro-nutrition easier than ever.

Throw in stems, peels, cores, like in pineapple and you get the fiber and the phytonutrients to boot. Again, can't detect any off flavor when incorporating the parts of the veggie or fruit, we would otherwise throw away.

I love mine so much, that I have already logged 23 blends since last Friday. I am never hungry and have already dropped 2 lbs, without even trying.

I feel better, have a ton of energy, and my cravings are completely gone. Finally, I believe my body is getting what it craves. Whole nutrition through the use of raw foods. I use cooked ingredients also when making my soups, but primarily everything is fresh in my blends.

Best Deals

The BlendTec comes with a recipe booklet, but once you learn the schematics of the machine and how the recipes work for consistency and texture, the recipe book is only necessary if you are trying something new. I already now make my soups and smoothies based on a desire, not a recipe and they are coming out perfect. Oh...did I mention the soup is made right in the blender? It comes out hot directly after the blend. No heating in microwave or on the stove....how cool is that?

Follow this link to watch their videos on how this fantastic machine works. BlendTec Costco Roadshow Website. They have demos for Smoothies, Soups and Ice Cream, and the blender will also make terrific coffee blends and cocktails, for those that enjoy a libation, or simply grind your whole beans or whole grains for making homemade flour for baking.

At Harvest Essentials website, they are offering the unit for the price of $434.95, which includes a Free Wildside Jar, just make sure you mark the dot for your Free Jar to be included.....FREE shipping too. Who doesn't like Free shipping?

Or if you are a Costco member, they are essentially offering the same deal year round, for $399.99 on their website only. However, be aware the one on Costco is the Total Blender with 6 pre-programmed buttons, and the one on Harvest Essentials is the HP3A blender with 25 pre-programmed settings....making it a bit more advanced depending on your ingenuity to being a blending maven. Otherwise these blenders are identical in every other way.

Now to be fair and of course make your own decision, if VitaMix is your choice, you can catch their roadshow demos and purchase also at Costco. Here is the VitaMix Schedule at Costco. And for Online Demonstrations of VitaMix you can see how their machine performs. No matter your selection, the recipes are totally interchangeable on either machine. In fact VitaMix is here right now at our Nampa Costco while BlendTec is at our Boise Costco and then VitaMix is moving over to that store in January. It seems to me that VitaMix may have the more aggressive marketing plan.

So if you are looking to improve your diet and health, either treat yourself this holiday, or give the gift of health to a loved one, and then borrow it at every opportunity.....share and share a like I say. ;~)

Wishing everyone a lovely holiday season and Happy Blending.

Nano Particles and Top Five List of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:44:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to spread the word on the latest study performed by scientists in Switzerland and Australia. Many still question the safety of certain nano particles, including those that involve our sunscreen ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.

As some may remember, I reported on the EPA findings as they related to many versions of Titanium Dioxide and the information was quite telling, basically finding it quite safe for topical application. For those that missed these articles, they are provided in the links below:

Titanium Dioxide In Mineral Makeup, The EPA Final Report?
Does Titanium Dioxide Cause Free Radical Damage?

Well now it seems we can breathe easier when it comes to nano size Zinc Oxide as well. Even though we don't use nano particles in our mineral makeup products, the concern that so many have and those that wish to continue to spread fear about this, the science stares us squarely in the face. As I have tried to convey for several years based on past scientific studies, nano particles do not penetrate into the skin and are not absorbed by the body as many of the watchdog groups wish us to believe. This latest research only provides more concrete proof of the safety of these ingredients.

Clicking on the link below will provide the full article.

Scientists assess safety of nanoparticles in sunscreen using laser imaging

In Summary: Scientists in Switzerland and Australia have developed a way to optically test the concentration of zinc oxide at different skin depths using laser imaging in an attempt to answer safety questions over nanoparticles used in sunscreen.

Now For More Great News

Our mineral makeup foundation was listed in the Top Five list for 2011 for best foundation in Truth In Aging magazine. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised and honored by their recognition of our minerals. Furthermore, the samples of our products were not provided "Gratis", but were purchased by one of the authors unbeknownst to us, which of course makes the review all the more fantastic, clearly showing no bias toward our products, and that I LOVE!

The excerpt reads: Sterling Minerals Rose Petal Foundation ($25 from Sterling Minerals). Beloved by Julie Kay, Sterlings loose mineral foundation promises to never streak, fade, slide or maximize your wrinkles. Although I'm not a big fan of mineral powders, I tried this out and found that it does live up to its promises. Light deflecting boron nitride and rice starch trick the eye, while the ingredients are friendly to sensitive skins.

For the complete article you can view it at Five Best Foundations, plus clicking on links will take you to past articles written about our products and to tell you little bit about the author and tester extraordinaire.

Thanks Ladies and to Truth In Aging for still loving Sterling Minerals products, even two years later.

Minor correction on ingredients that they listed for accuracy and to clarify we have 3 formulas:

Dewy Rose Petal™ – Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Boron Nitride, Methicone, Mica, Kaolin Clay, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Allantoin, Iron Oxides [CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499], Ultramarines [CI 77007].

Delicate Rose Petal™ – Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Boron Nitride, Methicone, Mica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Allantoin, Iron Oxides[CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499], Ultramarines[CI 77007].

Velvet Rose Petal™ – Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Boron Nitride, Kaolin Clay, Methicone, Mica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Allantoin, Iron Oxides [CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499] , Ultramarines [CI 77007].

Well that's it for our science update and exciting business news. Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season.

Cheers!

33 Years and Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine@SterlingMinerals) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Time Flies By When You Aren't Looking

Who would have thought that a marriage starting out with two very young adults would have lasted as long as it did? A boy at 19 married a girl of 20.

Our families were certainly skeptical, and the odds of us making it were certainly not in our favor, but somehow we pulled it off. We survived so much over the years, including illness and death of family members. Two children with their many little issues growing up, and that definitely have minds of their own, something I wouldn't have any other way, and in some ways they were the fabric that held our family together. The love for our children transcended any problems we may have had. Always absolute in our resolve to keep it together and nurture one another.

A life with a man, that though we had some tumultuous times and even times we were convinced we would be better off apart due of course to our lack of maturity, has finally come full circle and is the best man I could ever imagine being with. There will never, nor could there ever be another. I am so glad we stuck it out only to rediscover each other as the mature people we have become. We are now in that stage of life of what we call, familiar and safe.....trust and love that is impenetrable. I used to think when I was younger, how different my life may have been if he and I had chosen different paths. Today, I have no thoughts of such things, because I believe until a marriage comes full circle which includes raising your children and then it is just you and him again, will the answers we seek be revealed to us.....it is a journey to share together with solace and commitment.

My Hubby

For many years as we grew in life together and for the most part have enjoyed a prosperous, comfortable lifestyle, though hard earned, including the ups and downs of venturing into uncharted territory of business start-ups which meant career changes and a belief we could make them prosperous. Despite those challenges however, nothing has been more difficult for us and we have never seen anything like it, than this recession.

Life savings being stretched, retirement postponed of what was once planned, to cultivating our marriage to keep this life's challenge from destroying what we had built up for many years. We can't quit now, that was for sure. While we saw friends around us withdraw into themselves, or split up due to blame of finances on the other, my hubby and I stayed shoulder to shoulder, keeping this recession from tearing us apart......oh there were some days of rampant emotions and fear of the future, but one of us on any given different day, seemed to be the grounding rod that kept things in perspective....thank goodness, since if we both were going off the deep end the same day, that would have been a disaster. Something I think unfortunately happened to many couples over these past several years.

A custom home builder by trade, my husband and best friend of 35 years from the day we met, became my right hand man within my business to assist me with running it and managing the marketing and public relations with reps and business owners as we began to spread our wings.

We are literally together just about 24 / 7 except when he is conducting business for us out of town of late. Working diligently to restore and build a productive and prosperous life again. Sometimes I think he is the energizer bunny.

A man that has lifted me up countless times when I wanted to give up or wallow in self pity as friendships and marriages dissolved all around us by those that have been hit so hard by this recession. Of course the majority being in construction. We fortunately, were able to reinvent ourselves through Sterling Minerals and build it to a wonderful company comprised of wonderful customers. Our friends have not been so lucky....I think many just switched over to survival mode....just hoping to make it through until things turn around in their field.....I think and pray for them daily and we help out when we can.

There Are No Words

As each day goes by and we are about to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary this Friday, the gratitude I have for this man putting up with my little idiosyncrasies all these years, there are no words that can describe the love I feel for him. He has the patience of a saint, a smile that disarms, and a laugh that is contagious.

He is and has been my rock and though not without flaws, they are what only make me love him all the more. And in some relationships, they are lacking the finesse or maybe just the know how, since marriage doesn't come with a "how to" manual, to make the other feel significant or irreplaceable. My hubby after much soul searching and of course relationship experience with me, always makes me feel important and special. In fact, I read a quote somewhere long ago and I recall it on this day of our upcoming anniversary, "A boy makes a woman jealous of others, while a man makes other women jealous of his." And indeed he has and I feel loved and cherished by him, and he has never been without compromise.....we are the ying and yang for one another.

Thanks for allowing me to share this day with you, and I know what maybe a sappy moment for some, but I truly wish all of my readers a love like mine. Life is fleeting and if you can share it with someone special, that is what makes the bumps and turns of life easier. There will never be anything you cannot face when you stand together, shoulder to shoulder and take on the challenges most of us will face in our time spent on this planet. And for those that have loved and lost, then you too know and have shared similarly, that inner peace of being with the one and only that made us what we are today.....because I would like to believe that I am a better person because of the man I married 33 years ago.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Stay warm, be well and love to you all!