Most of us get it one-way or the other. That’s pigmentation. It’s just those darker spots and patches on the face and body.  What causes the pigmentation in the first place? Is it natural? Is it a sign of ill health?

The pigment cells under the epidermis layer starts producing melanin, a pigment that makes your skin appears as skin discoloration. There are many reasons for the skin discoloration. Some called it an aging process that’s always happening in the body. As age catches up, our hormones can malfunction too partly due to hereditary reasons or due to our very own lifestyle habits. Frequent exposure to the sun can also accelerate the production of melanin in our skin. Which is why experts never fail to recommend a good natural sunblock especially for the face.

Beneficial nutrients that can help in preventing pigmentation include the important vitamins A, B (B2, B5,B6, B9, B12), C, E and minerals such as  iron, zinc, selenium. Alpha-Lipoic acid is also helpful. Of course, there are many skin care products that claim to lighten the skin and reduce further production of the dark spots. Such topical application contain bleaching substances that can lighten the skin but if you are constantly expose to the UV rays, pigmentation will return, creating a darker appearance than before. One can also find whitening tablets that work within the body to inhibit the activity of melanocytes that produce the melanin in the epidermis layer. Just know what their real natural ingredients are before using them.

Before we look at natural remedies, let’s get into the facts of using bleaching substances first.  A report that appears on CNN (November 26, 2007) mentioned that a banned substance called hydroquinone is easily found in whitening creams, soaps and solutions sold in the United Kingdom. Experiments carried out on animals, did not rule out the hazards of hydroquinone as a potential cancer risk in humans though still legal in other countries.

This leads us to try some safer home remedies from your own kitchen to get rid of the pigmentation? Here are some suggestions that may be helpful.

Use of natural bleaching substances from organic fruits and vegetables makes good substitutes to reducing dark spots and pigmentation. Blend a ripe tomato with some lemon juice and apply on the affected areas is one simple remedy. Lemon juice has been shown beneficial in skin exfoliation to give you a lighter complexion. Cucumber, potato, parsley, and grapefruit juices are also means of harmless bleaching to improve and lighten skin. One caution though is not to overdo the application process and leave them on the skin for too long as it can result in dryness of the skin. 10 to 15 minutes each time is sufficient for it work to well on the skin. 

On last note to remember is that skin pigmentation is a natural process of the skin to protect itself against the UV rays that we are exposed to. One can’t eliminate this natural process but we should not forget the basics to stay healthy and well - eat right and live right.

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Mineral oil is a common ingredient in our skin care products and cosmetics. It’s also found in our household products though widely used in the automotive industries.  What is mineral oil? Is it natural and safe?

Mineral oil is actually a refined transparent colorless substance processed from petroleum. We know that petroleum is indeed natural since it comes from the earth.

However, being natural does not make it safe. There are many plants and herbs that are toxic to the human body. They are undoubtedly pure and natural. Mineral oil has seen some beneficial health claims. For example, mineral oil is considered good for constipation relief. When consumed by the body, mineral oil works as a laxative to improve bowel movements for stools to pass through the intestine. It is also a common ingredient found in some antacids, eye care products, baby care lotion and petroleum jelly.

Let’s get to the facts as to why you should think twice about having mineral oil as part of your skin care products. Look at one study from Material Safety Data Sheet in 2008. The paper describes Mineral oil as hazardous. The potential health effects include irritation to the respiratory tract if inhaled or prolonged contact. If ingested, the material can cause serious diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. Inhalation of mist or vapor may produce aspiration pneumonia.

Another MD report highlighted the risk factor if taken as laxative can cause serious lung disease in some people

On the extreme side, untreated and mildly treated mineral oil has been proven to cause cancer, as noted in another research report. There were suggestions that mineral oil interferes with the absorption of various nutrients especially fat-soluble vitamins.

If it is considered unsafe for our skin, why is mineral oil still being readily used in skin care products? First, being a byproduct, mineral oil is cheap and abundantly available. Secondly, mineral oil serves to keep the moisture within your skin to prevent dehydration. Think again, our body is already loaded with many toxins from the food, water and air. It makes sense to choose better alternatives for our skin and body, coconut oil for example.

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The concept of beauty and health has always attracted the most interest among everyone. We are referring to vitality and vigor – the enjoyment of life richness. On the other hand, we fear sickness yet sometimes we don’t seem to care what our bodies are subjected to through the environment, water and food. It is not luck to be sick or healthy. The choices we made come with a price; a responsibility so the type of action we pursue to enjoy this freedom of choice will reflect back to us.

The body, mind and spirit are so interconnected that one can’t do without the other.  This is why the wellness concept becomes so important to us. We enjoy perfect health if the body, mind and spirit are in perfect harmony. The Lifeforce is what’s governing us. The universe we live in and our human body is also made of a universe on its own. The moment when any one of this element is out of key or alignment, we experience discomfort and pain and ignoring these signals very often lead to health issues that warrants emergency action. Let’s start with the body.

The body is the physical self that we are born with. It is made up of billions of living cells that requires continuous nourishment of the right kind for it to renew and rebuilds. You’d have heard of the saying, ‘what you eat is what you are’. This is quite true besides the genetic factor. Perhaps to amplify further, you are only as healthy as your weakest organ is.

The powerful mind controls the action that we take. Emotions and attitudes affect the body in turn affects the chemical messenger system to tell how your body internal system should function. Managing your stress levels becomes a top priority to a healthy mind body connection.

The spiritual aspect is fulfilled if we believe in our God – who teaches us to do good and spread the message of love and care for others. We need to keep our souls in tune with God and the world around us. In this festive season of gift and sharing, why not start the bit to spread some cheer for your fellow beings.

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Long before the discovery of allopathic medicine, men and women are already into studying and practicing using plants for the therapeutic and medicinal values in the field of herbalism. Its efficacy and commercial recognition has known no bounds and these days we can find herbal preparations everywhere.

Herbs are plants that come from the soil: they are natural and pure. We love things that are green and natural – simple as that. But are all herbs safe for our human body? Definitely not! Herbs that are safe may be not safe if taken in too great a quantity. For example, one journal I came across mentioned that comfrey, ephedra and coltsfoot are dangerous to one’s health.

What about children – are herbs safe for children?

Yes and no. Children can definitely benefit from using herbs but their dosage must be monitored based on age and/or weight. Echinacea can be beneficial even for a child but not ginseng (for energy boosting) and St. John’s wort (for anti-depression and PMS). Before considering taking herbs, it is advisable to seek an herbalist or a health practitioner first. If you can’t find one, read a good book on herbs.

In general, herbs are still considered far less harmful than prescription drugs. Statistics have shown more reports of death or serious complications arising from use of prescription drugs and drug interactions than there are for herbal remedies. The botanical extracts works on the body in a gentle manner and if used together, some herbs work synergistically well to promote wholistic well being and health.

The benefits of herbs are used not only to support internal health, but to support the texture and integrity of the skin and hair too. Nowadays, we find them in cosmetic formulations for all types of bodycare products. The common household ones are Aloe Vera and Gingko Biloba which promotes good skin healing and firming. Plant compounds such as flavonoids exhibit antioxidant capabilities that are beneficial to arrest free radicals thus reducing wrinkles from forming.

Read up and make the best of the many herbal remedies that are available to us – the natural pure way.

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It was an impromptu visit to a nail parlour salon that I’m writing this. Besides the vain factor, going for a manicure or pedicure has given me some reservations.  A quick check on conventional nail polish very often reveals among the ingredients some noxious chemicals that can impact on our health. When the polish is being applied, one can instantly smell the fumes and experience a tingling effect in the nostrils.

Now for more facts: since nail salons have sprung up in every new shopping mall, have you ever stop to think if it is indeed wise to fall for the latest fashion nail colours? Here’s some consideration if you’re planning for your next visit:

1. Petrochemical solvents found in nail polish will evaporate and pollute the environment each time you apply it on your nails. However, look out for some popular brands that are water-based, vegan or mineral based that are safer not only to the environment but your skin too.
2. Be informed that chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, dibutyl phthalate, xylene, toluene, acetone and formaldehyde are pretty nasty and harmful. The substances can cause organs irritation/damage and disrupting your hormones function. For example, phthalates pollutes the air and water, It is also linked to liver, kidney, lung, and reproduction disorders. In fact, use of formaldehyle (that harden nails) has been banned in certain countries in Europe as it has been shown to be cancer causing.
3. Studies carried out at Wayne State University in Detroit 2 years ago have shown the many hazards that manicurists faced in their jobs in nail salons. They include poor mental ability, memory processing and related mental health issues.
4. Some nail salons operated under poorly ventilated conditions so it’s good idea to check out first.
5. Choose to go green and support the environment for the sake of human mankind. Say no to petrochemicals derived products. Even bottles can be made from recycled reusable and recyclable glass.

Remember to make smart beauty choices that flatter and that matters. It makes sense to take care of your health naturally!

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