From HealthNews Digest.com
ORGANIC LOTION PROVIDES RELIEF TO CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENT
A fragrance-free Organic lotion for sensitive skin has become the product of choice for cancer patient Kristina Jones, who was suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy. In January 2005, she was searching for a lotion to soothe the burning, itching sensation in her face and upper body (a common side effect of chemotherapy). After using several products without success, Kristina turned to Unscented Bonicca Organic Spa Lotion. "The itching and burning were relieved immediately," reported Jones, "and the chapping, redness and swelling subsided in just a few hours."
WHY ORGANIC: When products are applied directly to the body, up to 60% of the compounds in the product are absorbed into the skin, including any toxic ingredients. This is the primary concern with toxic cosmetic ingredients. Lotions, creams and oils affect the skin's appearance precisely because they are being absorbed. The ill effects of toxic ingredients is of greater concern for people whose immuniies are weakened by illness or medication.
CHOOSING ORGANIC PRODUCTS CAREFULLY: According to a 2006 Consumer Report about buying organic cosmetic products, many body lotions and shampoos that carry the organic label use an indiscriminate amout of synthetic infredients. "Many ingredients in personal care productrs didn't grow out of the ground but in test tubes - they're chemicals," says Lauren Sucher, director of public affairs at the EWG (Environmental Work Group (www.ewg.org). Just because a product has the word "organic" or "naturalin it's name doesn't necessary mean it's safer".
A few of the potentially toxic chemicals found in personal care products are:
Phthalates: An industral chemical very commonly found in consumer cosmetics. Linked to lung, liver and kidney damage and birth defects in the male reproductive system. A recent study by the EWG tested 72 name brand, off the shelf beauty products for the presence of Phthalate. The lab found phthalates in 52 of the 72 products tested (72%) although only one listed phthalates on the label.
Parabens: The most commonly used preservatives in consumer cosmetics. Parabens (usually listed by one of their compound names, such as methylparaben, propylpapaben, etc.) ready penetrate the skin and, according to the Womewn's Environmental Network (WEN) research indicates that they can act as estrogen mimics, disrupting normal biological and reproductive functions. Numerous studies have also linked papbens to breast cancer, prompting the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org) to request that cosmetic manufactioners voluntarily discontinue the use of these preservaties.
Ultafine Particles (UFP's): Found in a number of newer cosmetics, including some sunscreeen preparations which incorporate nano particle titanium Dioxide. These UFPs have demonstrated toxicity and according to Dr. VyVyan Howard, a toxicologist at Liverpool University, can enter the lymphatic system via th skin.
ABOUT BONICCA ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS:
Bonicca currently offers three signature products (Lotion, Shower Gel and Bath Salts) in nine fragrances as well as unscented/fragrance-free. The Lotion and Shower Gel both contain slightly over 70% organic ingredients, with the remainder of the base ingredients made up of all natural and non toxic ingredients. The Bath Salts are also all natural. Bonicca does not count water or water-based ingredients when calculating the organic percentage - The base for all of their lotions and gels is certified organic aloe vera juice (rather than the traditional water or flower water), which makes for a richer, more penetrative product. All products are paraben and sulfate free. Bonicca products are certified animal cruelty free by the coalition for Consumer Information in Cosmetics and the company is a member of the Orgainc Trade Association. Bonicca is also on of fewer than 200 companies nationwide to sign the Breast Cancer Fund's Compact for Safe Cosmetics committing to the highest standards of product safely and purity.
