Glamorous

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Skin Care Production

Over the past half century, new chemicals have come into use in industry, workplace and our homes. Cosmetics industry is a big business all around the world. Nowadays, most people are using variety of cosmetics such as face cream, lotions, lipsticks, moisturizers, hair dyes and etc. 1000 new chemicals are quietly introduced to the marketplace every year. Mostly the products are sold with "brainwashing" advertising in the television, radio, multimedia, magazines, newspapers and more on the internet. Lots of claims are made how good the products are at rejuvenating the skin by reducing lines, wrinkles and working anti-aging etc. However, there are variety of toxic effects to human health and the environment. Most manufacturers strive to make their products as safe as possible for many people but there are still cases where cosmetics can have some side effects on some people. Do you really know what the ingredients are in these products? Even if listed on the product label, do you understand for example what isobuthyparaben, triethanolamine, sodium cocoyl glycinate, propyl parabens, triethanolamine (TEA) mean and how it affects to your skin and body? Many cosmetics that are used all over the world had chemicals that contained carcinogens which can cause cancer. Some have been shown to have toxic effects on reproduction in humans and animals. Others may be endocrine disrupters, chemicals that affect the hormone producing organs of the body. Some people who are sensitive to those things are affected in varied levels. The allergens present in them are the main cause for the allergy.

Phthalates, Acrylamide, Formaldehyde and Ethylene Oxide are some chemicals present in the cosmetics act as Allergens. A phthalate is an industrial plasticizer i.e. a substance used to make plastic more pliable. These are mostly used in moisturizers, skin softeners, nail paints and fragrances. This toxic substance if used regularly leads to various birth defects and jeopardizes ones reproductive life. Acrylamide or acrylic amide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C₃H₅N O and formaldehyde with the formula CH₂O. Acrylamide is a suspected human carcinogen with severe neurotoxin. Those are the things cause an allergic reaction in our human body such as irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. This will create the allergic condition of skin with itching and swelling when immune system in our body wrongly recognizes. Sometimes, the condition may need higher treatment to overcome the situation according to the sensitivity of the people.

Another method of attacking hyper pigmentation problems is exfoliating the skin's top layers to elimate excessive pigmentation. Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface and has been used for many years to help maintain the skin. Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking. Exfoliation also makes penetration easier for expensive facial products like serums. However, exfoliating products can cause damage to the skin if it is exposed to excessive sunlight. This is because they remove the top layer of the skin, which is the protective layer. Excessive scrubbing or frequent washing can have similar effects by stripping away the oily layer the body provides for protection of the skin. There are a range of exfoliation methods, such as:

AHA's - Glycolic Acid Lactic Acid Malic Acid	Microdermabrasion	Peeling masks
BHA's - salicylic acid	Micro-bead face scrubs
Enzyme treatments	Exfoliating cloths and gloves

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are mostly used in cosmetic products claiming to reduce wrinkles, acne, facial marks and spots. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is non-toxic, single chain molecules occurring naturally in nature. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound which contains a carboxylic acid functional group and hydroxy functional group separated by two carbon atoms. They are closely related to alpha hydroxy acids, in which the two functional groups are separated by one carbon atom. AHAs and BHA work mainly as chemical exfoliate. They speed up cellular renewal by loosening the outer layer cells, making way for new ones. AHA’s and BHA decrease wrinkles, evens the texture and tone of the skin and improve sun damage. However, these toxins mostly cause itching, swelling, redness, burning and pain as short term effects. AHA's and BHA can both cause irritation but BHA to a lesser extent. Their long term effects can be such more devastating such as increased risk of skin cancer and doubled UV induced skin damage. Both AHAs and BHA increase sun sensitivity by a whopping 50%! Darker skin is more susceptible to scarring and pigment changes when using AHAs and BHA. Nowadays, AHA and BHA are present in most sun block lotions and moisturizers and all that regulatory bodies can do about it is to suggest people not to use these products in the sun when in fact these are meant to protect against the sun.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Beta Hydroxy Acids

Say NO to those cosmetics which contain chemicals that harm your skin!!

Reference:

1. John Howley & Spiritual Guides, 2001. Cosmetics and theirs effect on skin.

Available from: < http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Additives/Cosmetic-Skin-Effect.htm >

[Accessed on 16^th July 2010]

Available from: http://hubpages.com/hub/THE-EFFECTS-OF-COSMETICS-AND-PERFUMES-ON- OUR-BODY-HEALTH

[Accessed on 20^th July 2010]

3. Cosmetic side effects. N.D.

Available from: < http://www.promond.org/cosmetic_side_effects.html >

[Accessed on 7^th July 2010]

Make Up Remover

Makeup becomes very common nowadays. But why people makeup? The first impression you give to everyone is very important especially when interview for a job. Hence, makeup is a vital factor for ones to look more attractive and boost their confidence. Makeup can said to be a mask that is applied to enhance the true identity. That is why someone looks extremely different before and after makeup. In theatres, makeup is greatly used. Every actor or actress on the stage is wearing tons of makeup to attract more fans. Makeup is a kind of manner.

However, the disadvantages of makeup are much heavier compare to the advantages. This is because the chemicals which are used to make the cosmetic products can bring danger to our skin. It is the same as natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics may also contain products which are harmful depend on the brand you used. Constantly makeup can cause damage of facial skin and the effect may not show on the instant. Ones will surprise that their facial skin is severely damaged when they grow older and older. After using a product which is not compatible to the contour of your skin may results to the irritation. Besides, leaving on makeup longer than necessary can cause clog pore. Therefore, we should remove makeup as soon as possible by using make up remover.

There are different brands of make up remover in the market such as Clinique, Neutrogena, Maybelline, Loreal, Nano and etc. You have to choose the one which suit your skin. The following pictures show the different kinds of make up remover.

The common chemical ingredients that are used to form make up remover are water, cyclopentasiloxane, isohexadecane, isopropylpalmitate and etc. Water is the main solvent in make up remover. It is known as a ‘spreading agent’ because it helps the other ingredients to distribute equally over the facial skin. The water used in skin care products is different with the normal household water. It must be highly purified to agree with the microbiological standards to ensure no impurities are present.

Molecular structure of water

Isohexadecane act as a solvent for make up removers in all traces of makeup. The function of isohexadecane is to soften and smooth the skin without leaving a greasy residue since it has a rich and creamy texture. Yet, isohexadecane has no side effect and can be safely used.

Molecular structure of Isohexadecane

Cyclopentasiloxane is an emollient. Research studies have found that cyclopentasiloxane can cause health effects such as bioaccumulation, cancer, organ system toxidity, endocrine disruption, cancer, neurotoxidity, ecotoxicology and irritation (eyes, skin, or lungs). However, the actual health risks will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredients and individual susceptibility.

Molecular structure of Cyclopentasiloxane

Panthenol is vitamin B5 used as humectant, emollient and moisturizer. For example, it is used for acne treatment and acne prevention as well as keeps the moisture of the facial skin. It is safe to be used in cosmetics.

Molecular structure of panthenol

Poloxamer 184 is a synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent. Besides, this polymer is normally used in industrial applications, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Dipotassium phosphate acts as a pH adjuster to maintain pH of make up remover. It is normally used as cleansing agent.

Molecular structure of dipotassium

Glyceryl Stearate is formed from the esterification of glycerin and stearic acid. It is a white or cream coloured wax-like solid which slows down the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.

Molecular structure of glyceryl stearate

Glycerin is an odourless, colourless and non-toxic liquid with sweet taste. It is one of the ingredients in make up remover because it has natural grease cutting properties which cuts through the make up yet is gentle to the skin.

Molecular structure of glycerin

Phenoxyethanol is an organic chemical with colourless oily liquid used as an antibacterial. According from the research of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), with 100% concentration of phenoxyethanol can cause reproductive damage when it is absorbed through the skin. However, it is still can be safely used in make up remover or cosmetic with a concentration of 0.5%- 1.0%.

Molecular strcuture of phenoxyethanol

Octyldodecanol – a long chain fatty alcohol behave as an emollient and emulsifier. Refer to the Journal of Toxicology in 1985, octyldodecanol is considered safe and gentle.

Chemical formula of octyldodecanol

Reference:

Copyright © 2002-2010 ExampleEssays.com. A story about makeup
Available from: < http://www.exampleessays.com/viewpaper/63172.html >
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

Jaison Jacob, 2008. Cosmetic usage, advantage and disadvantage
Available from: <http://www.ezine-articles.co.uk/Art/20719/76/Cosmetics-Usage-Advantage-And-Disadvantage.html>
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

Copyright © Beautiful With Brains ,2010. Isohexadecane.
Available from: < http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/06/05/know-your-ingredients-isohexadecane/ >
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

Copyright © 2010 by Environmental Working Group, 2010.Cyclopentasiloxane.
Available from: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=701741
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

Copyright © 2010 Hubpages Inc. Uses of glycerine in skin care products.
Available from:< http://hubpages.com/hub/Uses-of-Glycerine-in-Skincare-Products>
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

© Copyright Dermaxime (Pty) Ltd 2001 - 2010. Aqua used in skin care products.
Available from:< http://www.dermaxime.com/aqua.htm >
[Accessed on 23^rd July 2010]

Tattoo Chemicals Warning!

Tattoo

It seems like everyone is wanting or has a tattoo on their bodies these days. Tattooing has been practiced for centuries worldwide. People have found many ways to express themselves with their tattoos. Maybe you have thought of getting one? But before you head down to the tattoo shop, there are a few things you need to know.

So, what exactly is a tattoo?

A tattoo is a designed ink inserted into the dermis layer of the skin, most of the time via a needle. Tattoos on humans are normally for decorative purposes, spiritual uses, identifications, cosmetics (permanent makeup) or even for medical field, while tattoos on animals are commonly used for identifications or branding.

Compositions of Tattoo Ink

Tattoo ink safety is as much about the liquid as it is about the pigment

Early tattoo inks were obtained directly from nature and were extremely limited in pigment variety. Today, an almost unlimited number of colours and shades of tattoo ink are mass-produced and sold to suppliers worldwide. Tattooist commonly mix these inks to create their own unique pigments. Tattoo inks consist of pigments and a carrier. The carrier may be a single substance or a mixture. The purpose of the carrier is to keep the pigment evenly distributed in a fluid matrix, to inhibit the growth of pathogens, to prevent clumping of pigment, and to aid in application to the skin. Among the safest and most common ingredients used to make the liquid are: -

ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
purified water
witch hazel
Listerine
propylene glycol
glycerine (glycerol)

Molecular structure of ethyl alcohol

Molecular structure of water

Molecular structure of propylene glycol

Molecular structure of glycerine

However, many other substances have been and may be used, including: -

denatured alcohols (are toxic and can burn the skin)
other alcohols (methyl alcohol or methanol and isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol are commonly used, although there are toxic)
ethylene glycol (antifreeze, which is toxic)
aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde (high toxic)
various surfactants or detergents

alcohol (ethanol)

isopropyl alcohol

formaldehyde

gluteraldehyde

Here is a table listing the colours of common pigments use in tattoo inks. It is not exhaustive. Also, many inks mix one or more pigment:

Colour	Materials	Comment
Black	Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄) Iron Oxide (FeO) Carbon Logwood	Natural black pigment is made from magnetite crystals, powdered jet, wustite, bone black,and amorphous carbon from combustion (soot). Black pigment is commonly made into India ink. Logwood is a heartwood extract from Haematoxylon campechisnum, found in Central America and the West Indies.
Brown	Ochre	Ochre is composed of iron (ferric) oxides mixed with clay. Raw ochre is yellowish. When dehydrated through heating, ochre changes to a reddish color.
Red	Cinnabar (HgS) Cadmium Red (CdSe) Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) Napthol-AS pigment	Iron oxide is also known as common rust. Cinnabar and cadmium pigments are highly toxic. Napthol reds are synthesized from Naptha. Fewer reactions have been reported with naphthol red than the other pigments, but all reds carry risks of allergic or other reactions.
Orange	disazodiarylide and/or disazopyrazolone cadmium seleno-sulfide	The organics are formed from the condensation of 2 monoazo pigment molecules. They are large molecules with good thermal stability and colorfastness.
Flesh	Ochres (iron oxides mixed with clay)
Yellow	Cadmium Yellow (CdS, CdZnS) Ochres Curcuma Yellow Chrome Yellow (PbCrO₄, often mixed with PbS) disazodiarylide	Curcuma is derived from plants of the ginger family; aka tumeric or curcurmin. Reactions are commonly associated with yellow pigments, in part because more pigment is needed to achieve a bright color.
Green	Chromium Oxide (Cr₂O₃), called Casalis Green or Anadomis Green Malachite [Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂] Ferrocyanides and Ferricyanides Lead chromate Monoazo pigment Cu/Al phthalocyanine Cu phthalocyanine	The greens often include admixtures, such as potassium ferrocyanide (yellow or red) and ferric ferrocyanide (Prussian Blue)
Blue	Azure Blue Cobalt Blue Cu-phthalocyanine	Blue pigments from minerals include copper (II) carbonate (azurite), sodium aluminum silicate (lapis lazuli), calcium copper silicate (Egyptian Blue), other cobalt aluminum oxides and chromium oxides. The safest blues and greens are copper salts, such as copper pthalocyanine. Copper pthalocyanine pigments have FDA approval for use in infant furniture and toys and contact lenses. The copper-based pigments are considerably safer or more stable than cobalt or ultramarine pigments.
Violet	Manganese Violet (manganese ammonium pyrophosphate) Various aluminum salts	Some of the purples, especially the bright magentas, are photoreactive and lose their color after prolonged exposure to light. Dioxazine and carbazole result in the most stable purple pigments.
White	Lead White (Lead Carbonate) Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄) Zinc Oxide	Some white pigments are derived from anatase or rutile. White pigment may be used alone or to dilute the intensity of other pigments. Titanium oxides are one of the least reactive white pigments.

What Is The Procedure Like?

The tattooist will first wash his or her hands with a germicidal soap.
The to-be-tattooed area on your body will be cleaned and disinfected.
The tattooist will put on clean, fresh gloves (and possibly a surgical mask).
The tattooist will explain the sterilization procedure to you and open up the single-use, sterilized equipment (such as needles)
Using the tattoo machine (with a sterile, single-use needle attached), the tattooist will begin drawing an outline of the tattoo under your skin.
The outline will be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water.
Sterile, thicker needles will be installed on the tattoo machine, and the tattooist will start shading and design. After cleaning the area again, colour will be injected. A new bottle of ink should be opened for each individual.
Any blood will be removed by a sterile, disposable cloth or towel.
When finished, the area, now sporting a finished tattoo, will be cleaned once again and a bandage will be applied.

Does It Hurt To Get A Tattoo?

Getting tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain can vary. Because getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. Some people describe the tattoo sensation as "tingling". It all depends on your pain threshold, how good the person wielding the tattoo machine is, and where exactly on your body you are getting the tattoo. Also, keep in mind that you will probably bleed a little.

What Are The Risks?

If you decided to get tattoo, chances are everything will go as planned. But if disinfection and sterilization steps are not followed, there are some things you need to be aware of that can go wrong. If you do not go to a tattoo studio or the tattoo studio does not follow precautions like using sterilized equipment or if it shares ink between customers, you are putting yourself at risk for getting viral infections such as hepatitis, bacterial skin infections, or dermatitis (severe skin irritation).

Also, some people have allergic reactions to the tattoo ink. And if you already have skin condition such as eczema (a form of inflammation of the outer layer of skin), you may have flare-ups as a result of the tattoo.

Serious complications can result if you attempt to do a tattoo yourself, have a friend do it for you, or have it done in any unclean environment. Because tattooing involves injections under the skin, viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C can be transferred into your body if proper precautions are not followed. For this reason, the American Red Cross and some other blood banks require people to wait 12 months after getting a tattoo before they can donate blood.

Tattoo Removal

A lot of people love their tattoos and keep them forever. But others decide a couple of years down the road that they really do not like that rose on their ankle or snake on their bicep anymore. Or maybe you broke up with your boyfriend or girlfriend and no longer want his or her initials on your stomach. What then?

In the past, tattoo removal required surgery, but now there are several other methods that can be used. One common method is laser removal. Some tattoo shops also offer tattoo removal, but it is better idea to make sure the person doing the removal is a medical doctor. Before you go just anywhere to get your tattoo removed, check with your doctor to find a reputable laser removal specialist in your area.

Although it is called tattoo removal, completely removing a tattoo can be difficult depending on how old the tattoo is, how big the tattoo is, and the types and colours of inks that were used. Removal of the entire tattoo is not always guaranteed. It is best to consult with a dermatologist who specializes in tattoo removal to get your questions answered - such as whether anesthesia is used. The dermatologist can also give you a good idea of how much (if not all) of the tattoo can be removed.

So Is It Worth It?

Is getting tattoo worth the money and hassle? It is up to you. Some people really enjoy their tattoos and keep them for life, whereas others might regret that they acted on impulse and did not think enough about it before they got one. Getting a tattoo is a big real, especially because they are designed to be permanent.

If you have thought about it and decided you want a tattoo, make sure you do a little detective work and find a clean, safe, and professional tattoo shop. Also, remember that getting and maintaining a tattoo involves some responsibility - after you leave the tattoo shop, it is up to you to protect and treat it to prevent infections or other complications.

References

1. Michele Van Vranken, MD, 2009. Tattoos.

Available from:

[Accessed on 30th July 2010]

2. Wikipedia, 2010. Tattoo.

Available from:

[Accessed on 30th July 2010]

3. Anne Marie Helmenstine, 2010. Tattoo Ink Carrier Chemistry.

Available from:

[Accessed on 30th July 2010]

4. Anne Marie Helmenstine, 2010. Tattoo Ink Chemistry.

Available from:

[Accessed on 30th July 2010]