Seven Simple Ways To Change The Way You Age: Practical Actions From Recent Research Studies

If the number of candles on the cake doesn't match the way you feel and you want to slow the clock there's hope. Research on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle habits to slow and reverse the aging process is exploding. Read on for seven practical tips for making the most of your anti-aging plan.

1. Walk 40 minutes three times a week helps avoid shrinkage of your hippocampus, once thought acceptable with age. A group of older adults who progressed to this moderate walking after a year actually experienced a growth in their hippocampus of 2% where the group that only stretched experienced 1.5% loss. If you're not exercising currently begin with 10 or 15 minutes three times a week. Gradually add three minutes a week to each walk to work up to 40. Don't be tempted to do more on days you feel good. Slow and steady wins.

2. Strength train three times a week with moderate weights. Middle-aged men who did so had increased mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of energy production. Once accepted that mitochondria decrease was a natural part of the aging process, researchers claimed this study shows exercise truly can reverse the aging process.

To begin a strength-training program it's best to seek advice of a fitness instructor for proper technique. Start with one set three times a week performing up to 15 repetitions of 8-10 exercises. After two or three weeks of adaptation increase to two sets. In another two or three weeks without complications increase to a third set. Next you'll increase the weight slightly so that you reduce the repetitions to 10-12.

3. Make your strength training count. Normal bone losses occur at a rate of 1-3% a year beginning at about age 35. Most prone to bone loss are post-menopausal women. Those who use a strength training protocol of heavy enough weights to fatigue at 8 or a minimum of 10 repetitions can prevent those losses from occurring.

Lifting lighter weights more repetitions does work for muscle endurance but does not have a positive effect on bone density.

4. Muscle losses occur at a rate of.8 to 1% a year after the age of 30. Though most Americans believe they eat plenty and take in adequate protein, studies show that self-reports are not accurate and protein intake is insufficient for aging individuals to maintain muscle. The exercising adult that thinks they are compensating for losses with strength training can be accelerating losses without sufficient protein intake. Research suggests that 30 gms of protein three times a day is optimal for muscle protein synthesis. High quality proteins like lean meat, fish, and dairy are best. Start by reading labels and planning carefully.

5. Eat early like a King and late like a pauper. Studies in Obesity journal showed those who ate the majority of their calories early in the day and ate lighter at lunch and lightest at dinner lost more weight than those who saved the largest meal for late in the day.

6. Continue to consume adequate amounts of calcium, not only for your bones but for weight control. Studies show that 1200 mgs of calcium after the age of 50, along with 400 IU of Vitamin D can help with belly fat loss.

Drinking dairy milk is one of the easiest ways of accomplishing this but if you don't tolerate dairy, read labels to make sure you're getting what you need. Consult your physician about a supplement if not.

7. Too little sleep could make you 30% more likely to be fat. Those who get between seven and nine hours of sleep are less likely to become obese than those with less than six hours a day. The amount of sleep time appeared a bigger weight determinant than genetics.Avoid extended afternoon naps and late day caffeine. Both can reduce quality of nighttime sleep. Try to get plenty of sunlight and fresh air during the day. A warm bath or shower two to three hours before bed can prepare your body for sleep as your body temperature comes back down. Keep the room cool. Most of all establish a routine with same time to bed and to rise.

The Wrinkle Fight - How To Prevent Aged Or Sun Damaged Skin

The wrinkle fight is one of the most common battles of aging in today's society. The sun is the major cause of wrinkles. Yet, we all want our skin to be that lovely shade of golden brown. We need to know how to prevent aged or sun damaged skin.

What you may not realize is that the result of a day in the sun in which you have scorched your skin has caused you considerable aged or sun damaged skin. The fact is you can sunburn within 15 minutes. After 30 minutes you your skin can turn red but most often in 2 to 6 hours. Pain happens within 6 to 48 hours after exposure. The burn will continue to develop for 24 to 72 hours. After a few days, your skin may blister and will probably be peeling and itching for several weeks. I am sure that is not the result you wanted. Just think if you continued this practice over several summer seasons? What would the results be? Wrinkles, age spots and with many individuals, some form of skin cancer, or more than likely all of the above.

With skin cancer you also get to go through surgery, pain, suffering, and then receive what I call the 'war wound'. These scars can end up being very large in size and all from a tiny spec the dermatologist locates somewhere on your body. While sunscreen aids in the prevention of developing squamous and basal cell carcinomas, many sunscreens do not block the harmful Ultraviolet A radiation which does not cause sunburn but can increase the rate of melanoma, also a skin cancer, and sun poisoning. So even if you are using a sunscreen, you can still be exposed to high UVA levels and not even know it. These are the grueling facts.

So, how do you prevent aged or sun damaged skin? Regular use of sunscreen can slow the development of wrinkles and those ugly age spots. However, use of a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to address the skin cancer concerns if you have to be in the sun. Wear protective clothing or at the very least, wear a hat! Especially if you are fair skinned.

All too late in life some of us finally realize the mistakes we have made regarding our health and welfare and scramble to find a quick fix.

So, I said all that to say this: The more you age, your over-tanned, repeatedly sunburned skinned causes a wrinkle fight. Keep in mind that this fight could turn into a battle with skin cancer.

How Wrinkles Are Caused and What You Can Do To Treat Them

The appearance of wrinkles, whether on your face or neck, is usually the first and most visible sign of aging. Understanding why and how wrinkles form can be very useful in making the necessary lifestyle adjustments and creating a skin-care regimen which will prolong the youthful appearance of your skin. While the process of aging can't be stopped, there are ways to keep your skin looking smoother and healthier for longer. Below are five causes of wrinkle formation and how to treat them.

1. Age

As you get older, your skin starts to lose its elasticity and strength. Production of collagen and elastin slows down and your skin becomes loose and saggy with deepening lines and folds. This is worsened by a decrease in the production of natural, lubricating oils by your skin, which leave your skin more dry and looking more wrinkled.

Treatment: Adding a moisturizer to your daily skincare regimen can help provide your skin with moisture and slow down the development of wrinkles. We prefer Hydrate by Obagi which provides long-term protection and only needs to be applied twice a day. Hyaluronic Acid fillers such as Juvederm can also add moisture to your skin, while stimulating collagen production and increasing volume to smooth out wrinkles.

2. Repeated facial expressions.

Year after year of facial movements and expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting can lead to fine lines and dynamic wrinkles. Overuse of the muscles of facial expression causes grooves to form just underneath the skin. The lack of elastin in older skin prevents the ability of the grooves to return to their normal position. In some people this can be an important cause of premature skin aging.

Treatment: Botox is an excellent treatment for dynamic wrinkles which result from years of facial movements and expressions. Injections of Botox into the overactive muscles will cause a weakening of the muscles, making them relax. The wrinkled skin covering the overactive muscles then becomes smooth as the wrinkles are erased.

3. Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun not only causes the skin to dry out, it also breaks down collagen and elastin, damages the skin at the cellular level (DNA), and reduces the amount of antioxidants necessary for collagen production and skin repair.

Treatment: Easy! To protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun make sure you are wearing at least an SPF 35 sunscreen at all times. Even on cloudy or rainy days! Our favorite is the Obagi Matte SPF 50. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, can help repair damaged skin and slow the wrinkling process.

4. Smoking

Smoking destroys collagen and elastin and prevents the production of new collagen. Smoking also causes a blockage of the blood flow to your skin, which also contributes to wrinkle formation.

Treatment: Another easy one! Stop Smoking!

5. Sugar

Excess sugar in our blood can damage the collagen and elastin in our skin through a process called glycation. Excessive amounts of sugar can also be deposited in your blood vessels, decreasing the amount of blood flow and nutrients which are delivered to your skin. Over time this will create more wrinkles and sagging skin.

Treatment: Eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of processed foods and sugars that you eat.

So there you have it. Although there are other things which can lead to skin wrinkles the ones you just read are some of the major ones. Controlling these factors can have you on your way to younger, healthier skin.

Is Botox a Wrinkle Fighter But Also a Depression Fighter?

Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging methods for fighting wrinkles. It is a drug developed from botulin and removes the wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. The $1.3 billion Botox treatment lasts approximately 100 days and millions of patients use it worldwide, who report seeing improvements within a week.

In addition to Botox being used for cosmetic purposes, doctors also use it in small doses to treat a variety of health problems, such as uncontrollable blinking, misaligned eyes, cervical dystonia (a neurological disorder) and severe underarm perspiration. There are very little side effects, which may include headaches, the flu, minor pain or an upset stomach.

Since Botox can be used for physical conditions, can it also be utilized for psychological and/or emotional health issues? According to researchers, patients who have been diagnosed with depression and have not responded to medications and treatments could one day be prescribed Botox treatments, especially after the results of a couple of study.

Last year, scientists published the findings of its study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, which highlighted that research participants who were given a single dose (five injections) of botulinum toxin in the region of the face between and just above the eyebrows noted a 47 percent decrease of depression symptoms after just six weeks.
"Our study of 74 patients who completed the trial showed a significant improvement in the Botox group and found that 27 percent of Botox patients went into remission, as compared to 7 percent of the placebo group," said Eric Finzi, MD, medical director of the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland and study co-author. "I propose it works by a process that I call emotional proprioception."

Why does it work? Since we frown, the muscles between our eyebrows send back negative emotional signals to our brain, which then concludes we are upset. Due to the fact that Botox injections make it very difficult to frown, "the lack of this negativity then creates a tremendously significant positive effect on our brain's assessment of our mental state."

Study authors do note that Botox treatments last about three to four months so depression patients would need repeated doses. Furthermore, any botox prescription would be administered for depression and not for cosmetic purposes.

At the present time, Botox utilized as a depression treatment method is undergoing clinical trials. This consists of many steps before it can be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is currently unknown when it would be approved by the federal department and if it would become the next Sarafem, Prozac or Cymbalta.

Health professionals do concur that more research is needed because there have only been a handful of studies to show a correlation between Botox and happiness - there have been at least two other studies to list the Botox-depression connection.

Whatever the case may be, there needs to be a respite in the U.S. soon. It is estimated that one in 10 Americans suffer from depression and it appears that antidepressants just mask the problem instead of finding the root causes.

How to Keep Your Brain Fit As You Exercise

Multitasking is over-rated. That's what they say. I'm about to prove that wrong for two reasons. First, trading in a few of your current exercise habits so you can identify how to "train your brain" while you workout is a good idea. Second, read on for a how-to on what's called dual tasking during exercise to get better results from things you might be doing now.

Exercise for active aging involves strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility and balance. Those four pillars are likely in your exercise program if you're already active, or they're on your radar even if you're still 'getting ready' to exercise. What if you could make them even more valuable to you? Here's how.

Memory is one concern for any of us as we age. A recent study showed older adults who began and progressed to walking 40 minutes three times a week and continued for a year had significant growth in the hippocampus. That is "memory central" for your brain. A group who only stretched lost 1.5% of their hippocampus, which researchers called "norma." Those that walked? Gained 2%, making the overall gap 3.5%. That's difference between losing the keys and forgetting where you put your glasses.

Trade in your balance exercises in a quiet environment where you can focus for distraction and you'll reduce your risk of falls even more. Another study found that those who practiced balance by standing on one leg for instance and read aloud from a poem developed better balance and reaction skills than those who only practice balance alone.

Exchange monotonous treadmill walking for some fancy footwork you will learn in a group fitness class or square dancing. Get crazy and try boxing with gloves and bags. The benefit is not only reduced stress to lower body but learning new patterns and quickly responding to instructions called out by an instructor creates new connections in your brain. That kind of rewiring is good for your physical and mental health.

Convinced that multitasking is not so bad after all, but the ideas above seem daunting? Even if you're just getting started with exercise, or have two left feet, there are other ways that you can train your brain. Just learning how to format your exercise session is a brain stimulating experience. Learning when to exhale and what speed to go, what order of exercises is best, is the equivalent of your brain doing gymnastics.

You'll have years of rewiring ahead as you can continue to attend a new class, modify an old exercise, and challenge yourself in new ways, not all physical.

Healthy Skin Is a Healthy You

A lot of people don't realize that our skin is the largest organ of our body. The health of your skin is one of the most important aspects to leading a long, healthy lifestyle because it protects you from daily contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, the sun's rays and other dangerous elements.

On the other hand, healthy skin can generate vitamin D when exposed to the sun - an important vitamin for the body's functions - and can assist in maintaining a healthy body temperature. Also, healthy skin can help us react to changes in our immediate environment through the feelings of pain and pressure.

Due to these circumstances, it's crucial to take proper care of your skin. It's great that we cleanse our bodies through showers and baths, soap and body wash, but is there more we can do to improve the health of our skin and fight the aging process? Of course! And it doesn't require spending hundreds of dollars.

There are various suggestions that industry professionals have in skin care endeavors: protection from the sun through sunscreens and protective clothing, don't smoke, treat skin gently, eating a healthy and nutritious diet and properly manage stress.

Although these are common sense, inexpensive and dependable methods, one growing trend in the world of skin care and beauty is the adoption of mud masks (also known as facial mud masks).

For those in the know, there are numerous variations of facial masks, such as cucumber, cactus, light therapy and glycolic. It seems, however, a lot of beauticians and health experts are recommending mud masks because they are mined from regions where there are no contaminants, an important aspect to skin care health since we constantly touch chemicals.

How do they work? Mud masks remove dirt and oil from your pores, while also exfoliating skin and eradicating dead skin cells. In addition, many acne patients have begun to use clay masks because oil and dead skin cells clog pores and are the leading causes of acne. What should be mentioned is that many are enhancing the mud mask experience too.

It was reported that mud masks are being combined with other natural ingredients. For instance, there are articles suggesting adding honey to mud masks, while other experts recommend buying mud masks that have aloe vera, witch hazel and jojoba oil. Most of these mud masks contain anti-bacterial ingredients that can certainly make your skin look and feel better.

Aside from improving your skin health, applying facial masks is also soothing, calming and relaxing!

Here are some tips to using a face mask:

- When you have the mask applied, lie down on the sofa with your feet up and relax for 10 to 15 minutes doing absolutely nothing.
- Choose an old wash cloth or rag, soak it in warm water and cover it on your face (be sure to allow the cloth to absorb the mud).
- Use a separate wet cloth to completely remove the mask.
- Massage your skin for five minutes.
- To really improve the skin, it is best to do this a few times a week for two to three weeks.

Is There Such a Thing As Too Young to Take Anti-Aging Treatments?

In a world where youth are bombarded with advertisements, news reports pertaining to celebrities undergoing anti-aging treatments and promotions of the latest products to make you look younger, the question that has been asked as of late is: can you be too young to receive anti-aging treatments?

A new report from The NPD Group found that Generation Y women are starting to observe and even fight the signs of aging. The study titled "Women's Skincare In-Depth Consumer Report" discovered that more than one-third (39 percent) of women aged 25 to 34 say anti-aging is a crucial benefit in the products they use for facial skin care. Meanwhile, only 19 percent of women aged 18 to 24 argue that anti-aging is an important treatment.

Despite the figures being a lot higher for the older demographics, there is a growing number of young women who feel anti-aging is an important element in the skin care products that they consume on a regular basis. Industry experts make the case that both manufacturers and retailers need to educate women from Generation Y a lot more than what they are presently doing.

"There is an opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to educate Gen Y women on facial skin care, and allowing them to sample products plays an important role not only in capturing these consumers, but turning them into loyal customers as their needs evolve," said Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.

"Open to learning, reachable and seeking solutions, Gen Y women are a critical age group for skin care marketers to target now, as they are beginning to develop skin care regimens that are likely to follow them throughout the rest of their lives."
Prevention

But is there such a thing as being too young to begin using facial cleansers, eye products and neck moisturizers in order to combat the aging process? Dr. Elizabeth L. Tanzi, co-director of the Washington, D.C. Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, essentially stated a recent meeting that genetics are the primary factor in a person's skin, such as an individual inheriting certain facial movements and expressions, and not their age.

Dr. Tanzi added that in addition to genetics, a person's environmental exposure can also play a significant factor. Some of this includes smoking, too much ultraviolet exposure, using tanning beds and playing sports outdoors, which can all contribute to heightened aging.

"I think it's more important to talk about looking youthful, energetic, and vibrant, not necessarily looking young, because we may be inadvertently delivering the wrong message - that all aging is preventable if treatments are started early enough - and that sets the stage for unrealistic expectations," explained Dr. Tanzi.

WebMD reports, meanwhile, that young women shouldn't focus on utilizing products but rather taking preventative measures that enhance the aging process. For instance, Adam Friedman, MD, director of dermatologic research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, told the medical outlet that youth in their 20s can wear sunscreen every day as a form of anti-aging. Other experts make a strong point of youth refraining from smoking cigarettes.

Although anti-aging creams, for example, can fight wrinkles and assist in speed cell turnover, it's still important to look after your skin when you're young, even if you feel that you're looking older in the mirror.

"Control the environmental causes of aging and, while you might see fine lines in your early 30s, you can minimize dilated blood vessels, deeper wrinkles, and loss of elasticity into your late 40s or 50s," noted Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at New York's Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

Improve Your Skin Today With a Facial Treatment

In a time when we all have to hit the concrete jungle on a regular basis, we can all get caught up in the daily stresses, tensions and anxieties. One of the methods to combat this, while also improving the look and feel of your skin, is undergoing a facial. By calming anxiety, creating tranquility and pampering your skin, you can feel refreshed, recharged and reinvigorated.

Over the years, there have been numerous articles highlighting the various benefits that come with a facial treatment. There are all kinds of facials, such as a microdermabrasion treatment, chemical peels, paraffin peel facial, photo facial, antioxidant peel facial and many more, but most of them share the same trait: proven results.

Similar to other cosmetic procedures, there can be side effects depending on your skin type. The best possible advice is to speak with a dermatologist, a beautician or spa experts in advance of your facial appointment. With that being said, those who have yet to experience a facial have to understand the advantages that come with such a skin care session.

One of the latest sensations in the world of beauty is oxygen facials.

"Oxygen is a necessity if you want to have healthy, youthful looking skin," said Dr. Marina Peredo, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, in an interview with Fox News.

"This facial is great because it helps protect and reverse damage from environmental pollutants that can harm our skin. It also helps the overall texture of your skin, which feels smoother after this facial. The oxygen facial reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles by releasing moisturizers onto the skin, which absorb quickly with the help of oxygen. It's an ultimate hydrator that infuses vitamins and nutrients into the skin."

Here are five benefits to receiving a facial to improve the health of your skin.

Cleanse
The best way to describe a facial is to liken it to a full body detoxification or cleanse. A facial can assist in cleansing the skin, removing toxins you are surrounded by in your immediate environment, such as dirt and pollution, and diminish the amount of sebum. Furthermore, facials open your pores, eliminate dead skin and clean the surface.

Anti-aging
Instead of doling out an astronomical sum of money on extensive anti-aging treatments, a facial is the best and most natural alternative for men and women. There are a variety of facial treatments and technologies out there, but a lot of industry professionals recommend intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatments, which removes dead skin and increases cell growth, collagen and development.

Circulation
Most parts of our body need circulation. The same can be applied to our skin. Facials aid the process of improving, enhancing and restoring circulation to the layers of our facial skin. The result of circulation? Healthy glow and healthy looking skin all day long.

Congestion
Some may find it surprising that a facial can relieve clogged nasal passages. This is true because of the steam in a spa and massaging specific pressure points can lessen sinus pressure and congestion. In addition, essential oils used by the attendants are also important ways to fight minor congestion.

Relaxing
A calming, relaxing and tranquil spa environment as well as the facial treatment itself can help reduce stress, tensions and aches you feel in your joints and improve your emotional state of mind. All of this can then reduce the risk of blood pressure and advance your overall health. Indeed, a facial can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

In a Tough Job Market More Men Are Getting Botox

Saying that the present job market is difficult would be an understatement. With the unemployment rate above seven percent and more jobs in the service sector, it has become very hard for young and old to attain employment or even to keep their present positions.

According to data from the Public Policy Institute, the jobless number for workers aged 55 and older is lower than their younger counterparts. However, it takes baby boomers longer to find work if they lose their jobs: period of unemployment for workers older than 55 is 50.4 weeks, while workers under the age of 55 experience only 34.2 weeks of being jobless.

There are growing statistics and news reports that look at how looking old or showing the appearance of aging could hinder employment efforts. One way that older men are tackling this problem is undergoing cosmetic procedures, predominantly Botox and facial fillers that diminish the amount of wrinkles.

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists have reported that men receiving cosmetic treatments has risen nearly one-quarter (22 percent) between the years 2000 and 2012. In one year alone (2011 to 2012), men using Botox jumped six percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It should be noted, however, that men still only make up roughly nine percent of overall cosmetic sessions.

In the United States and on a global level, Botox remains one of the most popular and successful methods for battling the aging process. It has been developed from botulin, which paralyzes facial muscles in order to remove wrinkles. Each Botox injection lasts about three to four months and it costs roughly $15 per unit. If the job pays well and offers benefits then it could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

During this competitive labor market, boomers are attempting to survive and thrive and prepare themselves for their retirement - the financial crisis in 2007 and 2008 hurt savings and investments across the globe in all age demographics. Therefore, boomer men have to look young and energetic, but industry professionals say there are other ways to appear so.

One job expert noted that a gentleman in his 50s can show up to the interview - or at work to complete his job functions - with full of energy and prove to his employers that he can be just as effective and productive as someone younger than him. However, a lot of professionals remain neutral in encouraging or discouraging Botox treatments.

Aside from Botox, men can order other cosmetic procedures to fight the appearance of aging. Some of these include facials, continual visits to spas, wrinkle fillers and peels. All of these treatments can provide smooth skin, diminish wrinkles and perhaps even improve your overall health.

Although there might be a shift in men in their golden years to receive a face lift to get rid of the "turkey wattle," it wouldn't be needed if they regularly care for their skin and perhaps even make several visits to a nearby spa. Taking care of yourself, being energetic and a hard worker can go a long way in getting employment.

Natural, Organic Beauty Products - Latest Trend in Global Economy

One of the latest trends in the United States and global economy is going green. Whether it's a grocery, health or clothing store, there are numerous businesses that are attempting to cash in on the movement of being environmentally-friendly. This shift in the marketplace can also be found in beauty products.

For decades, the average American woman has been applying various products on their skin and in their hair without understanding what's actually inside of those goods that try to make you look like the next Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen or Scarlett Johansson. In recent years, the industry has been exposed and has made female consumers think twice before putting on a dozen or so health and beauty products before leaving the house in the morning.

Since cosmetics are regulated differently from food and pharmaceuticals by the Food and Drug Administration, an array of ingredients and elements do not have to be approved. Essentially, it is up to the manufacturer of such a product to decide if the cosmetic is safe or unsafe.

In 2011, the Environmental Working Group published a list of cosmetics containing chemicals that are associated with hazardous health risks. The findings were based on information released by the federal government, the companies and scientific endeavors.

The list consists of foundations that contain an ingredient known as oxybenzone, a cause of irritation or allergic reaction; powders with retinyl paltimate that has been linked to cancers; blushes considered to be human carcinogens and might even be toxic to immune and respiratory systems over a long period of time; and nail polishes that have toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde and can be the reasons for impaired breathing and the causes of birth defects and cancers.

Due to consumer concerns and calls for these chemicals to be removed from beauty products, there has been a growing demand in natural and organic cosmetics. Indeed, beauty professionals say these are much better for you, your skin, your health and the environment.

Although it might be expensive to immediately transform a woman's beauty regimen, some experts say there should be a gradual shift towards natural products because, according to Trevor Steyn, founder of home-grown skincare hero, Esse, "there are new chemicals though, man-made chemicals, that we have no mechanisms to deal with and exposure to these can result in long-term health risks."

Cosmetic chemist Diane Eales told Women24.com that the best product to start off with is a natural cleanser because "it doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils and then as you finish your other products replace them with products with natural ingredients."

Organizations are warning consumers to be careful about brands that label their products as "organic." The Soil Association in partnership with three other global organic establishments have developed COSMOS, a group that is developing international organic standards for beauty and cosmetic products.

This entity explains that chemicals found in non-organic beauty products, such as phthalates, parabens and PEGs, can also be located in antifreeze and floor and oven cleaners. What the problem is is that these companies are naming these products as "natural," "organic" and "biological," even if their items only have one percent of organic elements.

To ensure the product you are using is actually organic, the Soil Association has published a list of companies on its website that have genuinely developed organic products. Products that are truly organic are clearly labelled for the customer.

It has been reported that all of the above also applies to hair care. Jessa Blades, a natural beauty artist, told The Daily Green that most hair products should contain natural oils, natural butters and essential oils. Consumers should avoid products that have parabens, silicone, petrolatum and similar ingredients.