Vegetable Glycerin - A New Take

I recently had someone comment to me about vegetable glycerin and that is was an undesirable ingredient for them in their skin care products.  I am always open to opinion and questions and listen to consumer concerns and market demands. In my business, chemicals are my friends and I wanted to stand up for one the underestimated crude compounds used in just about everything from foods, to cosmetics and medical treatments.  Vegetable glycerine is a favourite compound to cosmetic chemists and as it adds smooth texture, lubrication, and attracts moisture as a humectant.  I love vegetable glycerin because of it's wide range of helpful uses.  It does not possess genotoxic potential and is highly favoured by all boards, FDA, USP, EP. It is locally harvested, supports local agro and economy and offers broad spectrum applications in foods, medical treatments and the cosmetic industry.

Vegetable Glycerin is the result of a sophisticated extraction method called hydrolysis where plant oils like soy, coconut and palm are used as the source and the final product is a standard 99% -pure glycerine product.    

Glycerin is used by people with sensitive and easily irritated skin because it is hypo-allergenic, non carcinogenic, non toxic, and it prevents skin dryness with it's moisturizing humectant (drawing and attracting moisture into the skin and hair) properties.  Beta-oxidation is the naturally occurring catabolic process by which glycerin is normally and safely metabolized by our bodies whether by ingestion (eating) or transdermal (skin) application.

So, even if Vegetable Glycerin is not an exotic ingredient that you see on sexy billboards, it is a very effective and valuable compound in the cosmetic chemical world.  It is a perfect vehicle to attain the benefits of many exotic and complex ingredients in products that you may read about on the cover of magazines and see in big celebrity endorsed commercials.  Forms of distilled vegetable fats can be found in all cosmetics and should not be under estimated for their valuable addition to the effects of great products that are safe for the entire family.

FIND Vegetable Glycerin in toothpaste, cough syrup, personal care and lubricating products, mouthwash, vitamins, medical and allergen immunotherapies and many more!

DID YOU KNOW... Taken orally, vegetable glycerin (mixed with fruit juice) is a very effective and rapid medical treatment widely used for cases of severely elevated eye pressure that aids in temporarily decreasing the intraocular pressure which can be painful and permanently damaging.  Hmmmm.....

China Lifts Mandatory Animal Testing for Cosmetics

After two years of campaigning, the Be Cruelty-Free campaign has successfully forced China to take important steps toward ending animal testing for cosmetics.

From June 30, 2014, cruel testing on animals for ordinary cosmetics produced and sold within China will no longer be legally mandated.  This historic rule change comes following two years of effort by the run by Humane Society International's Beijing team and its Chinese animal group partners. Recently in Dalian, China, Be Cruelty-Free campaigners marked the policy ruling occasion with an remarkable street event featuring 100 life-size rabbit cut-outs and a huge banner.

While in Beijing, a letter signed by HSI and more than 20 Chinese animal protection groups was sent to the China Food and Drug Administration to welcome the waiving of unnecessary animal test requirements for cosmetic products as a pivotal moment in China's path towards 21st century approaches to safety testing.

“This is an important step forward which has been eminent for some time.  I think it’s hugely significant that China has acknowledged the universal movement toward a cruelty-free cosmetic industry.”   - Melani Chong

About Humane Society International - Together with its partner organizations, The Humane Society International constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations-backed by 11 million people. For almost 20 years, HSI has been fighting for the protection of all animals through education, advocacy, and peer driven programs.  For information please visit www.hsi.org

The HSI has funded the hands-on training of scientists in China in the methods of in-vitro and non animal testing for cosmetics.

BeauTEA

Tea for the Beautification of Skin

"A cup of tea would restore my normality."
Douglas Adams - A Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe

Afternoon tea has been as traditional as the rising sun and its known healing benefits date back very far. Archeologists have agreed that the ancient use of green tea for health dates back to man's very early discoveries.  Tea contains useful compounds that are purported to increase health benefits, stimulate healthy cell regeneration and taste good over ice.  The group of naturally occurring compounds called phenols and polyphenols containing catachins and bioflavinoids are responsible for the taste and palatability of the herby drink. But they also pack a huge dose of vitality acting as powerful antioxidants, astringents and anti-inflammatories that can "normalize" you inside and out.

Dietary Benefits - when you consume teas you can experience the abundant benefits of vitamins, minerals and complex compounds to your blood stream that can improve circulation, aid in digestion, calm nerves and aid the reduction of stress and sleep complications.

Topical Benefits - Those who use tea as a topical solution can experience more vibrant, clearer skin, firming of saggy skin, more supple and smooth skin texture, calm down over-active sebaceous glands and reduce the signs of oxidative and premature aging.

HOW DO I ENJOY TEA ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY BODY RATHER THAN THE INSIDE? - Using hot water, steep a cup of tea for 3-4 minutes.  Use 1 part cooled tea to 4 parts cool temperature water in a bowl or jug.  Use a sterile cheese cloth or clean face cloth soaked in your cooled down tea solution and place over face or affected area for approx. 3-4 minutes at a time for up to 20 minutes (or you decide). You can also choose to use a cotton ball to swipe tea solution over your freshly washed face and allowing skin to air dry.  You can do this weekly to calm down stressed skin and firm up saggy jowls. TASK DURATION: approx. 25-30 minutes.

TYPES OF TEAS TO USE:

Green Tea - has vitamin C, D, B1, B2 which is good for skin clarity, is highly antioxidative which helps revitalize dull skin and slow signs of premature aging.

Rosehip Tea - has vitamin C and rich in 32 other minerals such as beta carotine, bioflavinoids that can improve elasticity and increase firmness of skin.

Peppermint Tea - is a natural antiseptic that has a cooling effect to skin, it improves circulation, stimulates nerve ending for aging or damaged skin, revitalized dull complexions and is antibacterial.

Ginseng Tea - is known for it's anti stress and aphrodisiac properties, it is detoxifying and strengthening for skin, healing for irritated skin, refreshes dull complexions and cell activating for aging skin.

Other great teas for the skin are chamomile, lemon or try your own blend to suit your tastes. Remember that tea may have powerful naturopathic effects and no regulated pharmaceutical governance considers tea an effective drug or treatment, therefore chemical compound constituents of tea nor any health claim from such constituents is not approved nor regulated by the FDA. Use tea at your own risk.

EXTRA... DID YOU KNOW?  Tea contains approximately an average of 10% caffeine. Caffeine can be very effective in treating the skin. When caffeine is absorbed by the body it creates a molecular chain reaction of vitalizing lipid cells and fatty acids that stimulate and increase nutrient flow during intracellular metabolism. Caffeine fights free radicals, soothes inflammation, treats dark circles and cellulite.

NOTE: The preceding text is not a replacement for doctor's advice, if you have a  serious condition, seek the advice of a doctor.

Pix from Guerlain's Terracotta 30 Year Anniversary in Yorkville @ La Société...

Guerlain Terracotta - Celebrating 30 Years

For All the Sun Worshipers - a must-have Iconic product

On May 22, 2014, Guerlain Toronto celebrated and launched it's iconic Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder and Blush - 30 Year Anniversary Edition at La Societé. 

"With my affinity and ever-pursuit for glowing skin, this became one of my instant faves." - Melani Chong

Bask in the glow of Guerlain's 3-in-one blush-bronzer-awesome pallette.  With a sweep of this illuminating bronzer, you can achieve that south of France flush that will last all blooming day.

From the four generations of the Guerlain family cosmetic legacy, comes a(nother) stunningly crafted product that will elevate your cosmetic routine into an artistry.  It's delicate wooden inlaid compact with magnetic closure opens up your world to opulent sun kissed skin.  See for yourself the power that centuries of perfumery sovereignty from Guerlain have forwarded to today.  For more information visit www.guerlain.com

Silk for your Skin and Hair - What can it REALLY do?

I love the look of healthy illuminated skin and silk is one luxurious way to achieve that.

Silk ingredient components in cosmetics can impart attractive and healthy benefits to skin and hair.  Silk contains several different amino acids, all which come from the cocoon of the silk worm. These amino acids contain the sighted protein stimulants and have a chemical composition that is very close to that of human skin and hair making it a wonderful source of nourishment and maintenance. Silk can protect hair from moisture loss, maintain hydration in skin and provide a silky smooth finish. But you cannot buy silk additives for at-home use as it is the high-grade manufacturing techniques which determine the chemical influence that silk bears on skin and hair.

The original composition of silk, which is sustained through highly accurate refinement processes, when added to cosmetics, impacts the growth of melanin (the pigment in skin) and is effective at penetrating the hair and skin. Silk can provide clearer skin, improved shine and elasticity, a smooth texture and attractive appearance over time with the use of effectual products.  Silk can create a luxurious smooth texture to the skin that many skin care junkies covet. The triangular prism-like structures of silk molecules can reflect light at many angles giving silkened surfaces a natural shine and opalescence. Be careful of other additives that can mimic the feel of silk or ‘silkiness’ on immediate use (sometimes referred to as slip and only last per each application) but may not have the long term of result of the real silk amino acids.

HINT:  Test different brands of products that claim silk as an effectual ingredient as there are several types of silk ingredients that have different dispersion and penetration rates that can influence efficacy.  You will have to experiment to find the one that gives you your desired effect before you drop a lot of coin for a product promising a luxurious silk impression.  

You’ll have to silk for yourself...

DID YOU KNOW?  “Peace silk” is harvested from insect larvae that have been able to emerge from its cocoon resulting in a new ethical process that degums and harvests the fibres for textile use.

Face Washing Faux-Pas

Four things NOT to do when washing your face

- by Camille Wodka

Listen up ladies and gents, it’s time to re-evaluate our daily and nightly skin care rituals. When it comes to washing your face, technique is something many of us put little consideration into. Some don’t realize exactly how much dirt can build up on our skin throughout the day. Taking a second to think about how often I touch my face (eeew), it’s safe to say quite a bit. I know falling into bad or ineffective skin care habits is a big no-no, which is why I’m going to put some direction into my own beauty routine and change those lazy habits into beautiful results.

We all wish for flawless skin. Skin has a tendency to be unpredictable, prone to annoying break-outs and irritations and begins to feel more like a never-ending battle. Here are some simple and worthwhile tips to follow so that we can all achieve that beautiful complexion effortlessly.

1. Don’t be wishy-washy
When it comes to washing your skin, make sure not to over-do-it. Over washing your face and skin can cause your skin to dry out, break out, become sensitive and contribute to the aging process. Also, don’t scrub or tug at skin aggressively all you basically need are your fingertips, a gentle cleanser and clean water. C'est fini! 

2. Don't forget to exfoliate

Make sure you DO IT! There are many effective techniques to slough off dead skin cells, get circulation pumped and reveal new, glowing skin surfaces. Our own individual skin is a unique biological mesh-like structure of cells, tissue fibres and hair which can collect microscopic residue from environmental pollutants, make up and dead skin cells.  So it's pertinent to relieve your skin of these grasping impurities with a gentle sloughing of the skin with an exfoliant. It will enhance skin’s texture, detox pores and rid your face of dead skin build up, leaving that beautiful glow. However, keep in mind that exfoliating more than twice a week can cause irritation so don’t over-do-it. It should take about 60 seconds to do a good job exfoliating but the results will be apparent in an instant.

3. Saving Face - but please wash it off at the end of the day

Girls, we’ve all been lazy pre bed-time. After a long, tiring day, forgetting to take off your makeup when crashing on the couch is your preferred option, can turn into a bad habit. That bad habit can ruin your complexion by clogging pores, suffocating the skin and allowing the toxins from make up to attack your range of cellular vitality and lead to oxidative damage and premature aging. Get up, smarten up and wash up, you won’t regret it in the long run.  And guys... don't exclude yourselves here. There is still a film of product and/or residue over your skin you need to remove before you hit the sack.

4. Don't believe the hype on harsh cleansers

Leave that gimmicky soap strictly for the brutes, it can cause skin irritation and rid your skin of its naturally moisturizing oils. Consider finding a cleanser that is pH compatible with your unique skin type. A great solution for an all natural cleanser is a Tear-Free Foaming Cleanser. It’s ideal for the face and even hands, and great for removing dirt and build-up from make-up and environmental pollutants leaving skin pH balanced and soft. If you love make up, but not on your pillow, use a make up melting soapfree cleanser before bed that removes even the most stubborn of Chanel red lipsticks.

So, if you didn’t know, now you know these simple starter steps and tips. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be efficient when it comes to skin care starting with the face washing basics. Let’s break free of the pesky habits, and start cleansing our way to a blemish free and flawless complexion.

Camille is mc2Beauty's hip and stylacious PR Associate and beauty contributor with an education in Public Relations and Fashion Merchandizing from Humber College.  Camille oversees the majority of the event coordination and execution for the Soya and mc2Beauty brands. We LOVE her infectious sweetness and her ability to get to the point.