moisturizer – Nita Naturale

Aloe vera gel benefits

Nita — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:54:38 +0000

Aloe vera has a long history of medicinal applications to treat multiple topical and internal disorders. According to Egyptian history, Aloe vera was one of the key secret ingredients of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen. John Goodyew recorded the benefits of Aloe vera in The Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica in A.D. 1655. Americans started using Aloe vera as a laxative by the time of early 1800. But the skin benefit of this herb was evidentially noticed during the mid-1930s as a treatment for radiation dermatitis. Aloe vera has the potential to cure many chronic conditions also. [1] Aloe vera is an extensively used natural ingredient in cosmeceuticals for wound healing and other skin conditions. [2]

Acne

Aloe vera has an anti-acne effect and is clinically used to treat acne vulgaris. [1] The application of aloe vera clears acne and associated spot marks. Clinical experts recommend aloe vera also to other skin problems like skin allergy, spot marks, and skin blemishes treatment to get clearer skin. [3]

Sunburn

The mucilaginous gel obtained from Aloe vera leaves is an effective treatment for sunburn. The effectiveness of Aloe vera gel has evidentially proven to cure sunburn. [4] Aloe vera gel application can reduce burning sensation and inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up wound healing at the skin burn. Aloe vera gel is an effective remedy for sunburn and effective in mild burn treatment. [3]

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is an integral part of our regular skincare regimen. Aloe vera improves skin hydration and is considered an excellent skin Moisturizer. [3] A human trial result found that aloe vera topically applied for two weeks could increase the moisture content of the outer layer (stratum corneum) of the skin surface. Experts recommend that individuals with dry skin can also apply freeze-dried Aloe vera extract for better results. [5]

Anti-aging

Skin wrinkle is a prominent symptom of skin aging and occurs due to loss of skin hydration. Aloe vera helps to retain moisture content on the skin layers. Aloe vera containing different anti-wrinkle skin creams is available on the market. [3] This herb also effectively alters the collagen content by increasing collagen production to hold skin integrity.[6] Altogether these mechanisms can prevent skin aging and associated symptoms.

Wound healing

Aloe vera works excellently in wound healing. Aloe vera promotes wound healing by following three mechanisms of action. Aloe vera acts as an inhibitor of thromboxane. The release of thromboxane delays the wound healing process. Aloe vera also accelerates the wound healing process and reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory effect. This herb inhibits inflammatory mediators like interleukins release and reduces TNF alpha levels and leukocyte adhesion. Aloe vera contains magnesium lactate, which blocks histamine production to stop itching and skin irritation. Aloe vera promotes cytokines synthesis and boosts immunity. [6]

Skin disorders

Aloe vera juice and extract are effective for psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and wart treatment. Many dermatologists prescribe Aloe vera containing cosmeceuticals to reduce skin rash pads. [3] Aloe vera has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The antifungal property of Aloe vera is effective against Candida albicans. The antibacterial properties of Aloe vera are also effective against many bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus faecalis. [7]

Hair health

Both antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera prevent dandruff growth on the scalp. Fungal infection-induced alopecia can also be treatable with the aloe vera plant. [2] Aloe vera gel is also recommended for hair loss treatment. Traditionally, scalp massage with Aloe vera juice mixture with wheat germ oil and coconut milk helps hair re-growth. [3]

Genital disorders

Aloe vera fresh juice is a home remedy for vaginal infections. A human trial result also reported that male genital herpes might be effectively treated with Aloe vera containing hydrophilic cream. [3]

Antiviral effect

Aloe vera has antiviral properties which effectively kill different viruses, such as Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, Varicella zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, and influenza virus. Anthraquinones present in aloe vera leaves, rook, and bark have virucidal activity against both DNA- and RNA-containing enveloped viruses. [7]

Aloe vera also protects our internal organs by increasing white blood cells or macrophages and T cells to modulate immunity. It has potent antioxidant properties because vitamins A, C and E are present in this herb that neutralizes free radicals. Thus it reduces the progression of cancer. [7] Aloe vera juice ingestion often controls blood sugar in diabetic patients. [3] Anthraquinones in Aloe vera gel regulates intestinal peristalsis movement and act as a laxative by increasing intestinal water content that treats constipation. [7] Experts also recommended Aloe vera because of multiple therapeutic potentials like anti-tumor, anticancer, and HIV treatment activities. Heart health benefits can also obtain with Aloe vera juice intake. This herbal remedy can control blood pressure, the accumulation of fats in the blood vessels that prevents blood coagulation within the blood vessels. Thus, Aloe vera normalizes blood circulation within the heart and other organ systems.[3] However, all these benefits are not clinically proven. Different search engines, databases, and trial registries provide these data. [6]

Contraindication

Individuals with aloin hypersensitivity history or who tend to have an allergic reaction should avoid Aloe vera. Aloin is a type of anthraquinone. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should not take Aloe vera, though no evidential genotoxic effect has been proven. [4]

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/714216/
http://www.jocpr.com/articles/aloe-vera–a-potential-herb-and-its-medicinal-importance.pdf
https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-09/aloe-vera-gel-research-review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jds/2014/210463/

Why it is better to use organic or natural beauty products

Nita — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:02:10 +0000

Natural beauty is always appreciated more than artificial enhancement. But cosmetic manufacturing companies are combining many chemical ingredients to formulate different beautifying products to give an artificial aesthetic boost. These products have become well accepted due to their instant effect. But if you consider the long-term health effects of these product ingredients, then definitely you concentrate on the composition of the products.

Some common cosmetic items usually present in our routine skincare and personal care items are:

Skincare products like moisturizers
Ornamental items like make-up
UV-ray protection like sunscreen creams and lotions
Oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash
Nail care products like nail polish and removers
Soaps and bathing items like bubble bath
Haircare products like shampoo, dyes
Shaving products like foams, aftershave
Deodorants and antiperspirants
Fragrances like perfumes and colognes
Foot care products like anti-fungicides

Women are more susceptible to experience cosmetics-induced health hazardous. On average, a woman uses 12 personal-care products daily and exposes 168 unique ingredients due to this routine practice. Male members have relatively less risk as they use personal care products almost half of the female users.

According to research, more than ten thousand ingredients are used to formulate different beauty products. But safety assessments have been done only for 11% of these ingredients. The suspected toxic effects obtain from these chemicals include hormonal disruption, hypersensitivity reaction, carcinogenic effects, and neurological disorders.

Beauty products and harmful chemicals

Some identified harmful chemicals present in different beauty products are as follows:

Make-up contains coal tar colors and parabens.
Hair dye contains lead, coal tar colors, phenylenediamine.
The shampoo contains formaldehyde, diethanolamine, parabens.
Blush, mascara, eye shadow, nail polish, contain formaldehyde and its derivatives.
Skin-lightening cream contains mercury, parabens.
Lipsticks contain lead
Perfume and deodorant contain glycol ethers, phthalates.
Shaving cream contains parabens.

How do cosmetic chemicals exert harmful effects on our bodies?

Skin is the largest organ in our body and covers vital organs. The topically applied substances readily absorb by the blood vessels present beneath the skin and mix into the bloodstream. Nanoparticle-sized ingredients used in skincare products like sunscreens or other cosmetic items can freely penetrate the skin deep. Thus, the cosmetic ingredients reach different vital organs and provide multiple harmful effects.

Harmful effects of different Beauty products containing cosmetic products

Carcinogenic effect

Coal tar, Diethanolamine, 1,4-Dioxane, Petroleum distillates, chromium, formaldehyde have a carcinogenic effect but are widely used in different beauty products. If you check the composition details of anti-dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams, you will found coal tar is one of the main ingredients present in most of these products. 1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant present in sodium Laureth sulfate-containing products. Chromium that can cause stomach cancer is a common ingredient of lipsticks, lip balm, etc. Petroleum distillates are used in mascara, odor removal powder, and other products formulations in the USA. Some of these chemicals impart estrogen-mimicking activity that increases the risk of breast cancer, early onset of menstruation. Paraphenylenediamine and coal tar present in hair dye can increase the incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and bladder cancer. Triclosan containing anti-bacterial soaps have a link with thyroid cancer.

Endocrine disruption

Some chemicals like parabens, triclosan, oxybenzone, and phthalates can disrupt endocrine functioning. Among these ingredients, parabens are widely used as preservatives and a common ingredient of many toiletries. This chemical has estrogenic activity and can induce breast cancer. Sunscreen containing oxybenzone acts as a hormone disruptor. Hormone-disrupting phthalates can cause female infertility and early breast enlargement and negatively affect fetal growth during pregnancy.

Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction

Chemicals present in beauty products often bring on an allergic reaction. Hypersensitive individuals are more susceptible to develop an allergic response, such as contact dermatitis, skin irritation, itching, etc. Some users also have a complaint of burning sensation, visible changes, the occurrence of acne and pimple. Chemicals like formaldehyde, para-aminobenzoic acid, paraphenylenediamine, glycerol thioglycolate, ammonium thioglycolate usually act as allergens. Hypersensitive individuals may have a greater risk to develop irreversible immunological changes that trigger the sensitivity reaction and evoke the critical condition.

Heavy metal poisoning

Mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, and manganese are some of the metallic substances added to different beauty products. But if these ingredients reach our blood circulation, then many dangerous consequences can happen. For example, some skin lightening products contain mercury. Severe vital organ damage can occur if this harmful chemical reaches the brain, kidney, or nervous system. Manganese can cause nervous system disorder. Lead and mercury-containing products are deleterious to use during pregnancy as they can hurt the fetus, such as impaired growth or restrict brain development, etc.

Alternatives of chemical ingredients in Beauty products

Herbs are natural and organic alternatives to chemical ingredients in beauty products. Natural and organic ingredient-based beauty products provide nourishment to the skin and scalp. These products rejuvenate beauty by regenerating collagen, elastin in skin tissue and improve hair re-growth.

The advantages of using natural and organic herbal ingredients are as follows:

Natural ingredients are free from harmful synthetic chemicals and do not cause any toxic reaction.
Natural and organic products are safe to use. They usually do not induce hypersensitivity reactions.
Natural and organic ingredients are suitable to use for all skin types.
There is a vast range of natural and organic ingredients obtained from herbs or other natural sources. These can provide a wide range to select your preferable beauty products.
Herbs containing natural beauty products are generally not too much expensive. Most importantly, they do not cause any side effect that requires treating further.

I am sure the above mention evidential research information can change your pick-up style of beauty products. NitaNaturale does not recommend any specific brand to avoid biases. But during the cosmetic and personal care product selection, you concentrate on the product composition and concentration of each ingredient enlisted on the label. It is always preferable to take natural and organic beauty products to avoid unnecessary chemical exposure. Ultimately our skin is the integration of organic cellular structures that readily accept natural products. Thus, natural beauty products enhance inner skin health by nourishing the underlying skin tissues without repealing any adverse effects.

References

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0b82/131752fac7b61abfc9f08a7d0f55343d2d9f.pdf

https://www.longdom.org/open-access/herbal-cosmetics-and-cosmeceuticals-an-overview-2329-6836-1000170.pdf

5 natural must-have for this summer

Nita — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:22:24 +0000

Climatic conditions change throughout the year. We cannot use the same skincare regimen for all seasons. Dressing, food habits, lifestyle, and beauty products need to match the ‘beat the heat’ mantra of the summer season. Some of the essential beauty products usually present in summer skin regimens due to some specific reasons.

Summer skin regimen and its importance

Sunscreen is an essential summer beauty product to avoid sunburn and other harmful effects of strong ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sometimes, we cannot avoid going out during the daytime in the summer season. But the application of sunscreen is one of the primary measures to protect ourselves from UV rays. According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to UV rays is one of the primary causes of skin cancer. Apart from skin cancer, excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, eye damage, and early wrinkles development. [1]

Sunburn is often associated with redness and skin swelling, pain, drying, itching, peeling. Worsening of the condition causes blister formations. Children are often affected by sunburn during their outdoor activities. [2] However, too much sun exposure can affect adults also. SPF 30 or higher sunscreen application on sun-exposed skin area, covering with a protective cloth, look for shading are general instructions to avoid sunburn. [2]

The incidence of mosquito, tick and flea bites causing diseases had three times increased during the summer season. [3] Malaria and dengue fever are common mosquito bites causing diseases during the summer season due to the increasing predominance of mosquitoes and other insects. Bug repellent must be present in our skincare cabinet to get protection from their bites. The insect repellant is not sufficient to give protection against these diseases. But it can stop these insects’ bites and provides the best defense. [4]

During the summer season occurrence of skin, the wound is quite common due to dry and itchy skin. In addition, these wounds refuse to heal quickly during the summer season because of walking barefoot, wearing sandals, and wading in water. High-temperature during the summer season also support germ attacks due to profuse perspiration. We often ignore such infections at an early stage due to our busy schedules, commitments for social activities that ultimately create complications. [5] It is always better to take care of your skin wound at the initial stage. Apply some skin wound spray on the site of the wound for faster healing.

Why we need a moisturizer in summer – a common question of consumers. You may notice that patchy hot skin, redness, and roughness on the skin usually occur after sun exposure during the summer season. We also prefer to stay in artificially cooling rooms, which also dry our natural skin moisture. A good moisturizer is a solution to such a problem. The application of moisturizer provides a protective layer by preventing moisture loss from deeper skin tissue. It also repairs skin damaged by maintaining hydration and antioxidant effect. [6]

Natural ingredients to beat the heat

Natural sunscreens

Synthetic chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate and Avobenzone are common ingredients in sunscreen products. But recent research findings suspected these chemical compounds disrupt hormone signaling and increase cancer risk. Natural ingredients are a better alternative to avoid such harmful effects of chemicals. Sunscreen containing shinorine extracted from a specific type of red algae (Porphyra umbilicalis) absorbs high-energy UV radiation and protects against sun damage. Gadusol is another natural sunscreen ingredient obtained from zebrafish. This natural ingredient can reduce the sensitivity of skin cells to UV-B light and also protects against UV-B. [7] Some cosmetic company already formulates sunscreen products with these natural ingredients. You can opt for HELIONORI® to keep yourself naturally glow. [8]

Natural sunburn healer

Aloe vera has sunburn healing properties. American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommended Aloe vera containing moisturizer to heal sunburn. Soy containing product is also a good alternative to treat sunburn. [9] Cucumber is another summer fruit that has multiple skin benefits. Like toxin removal and soothing effect against skin irritations and reduces swelling and also provides relaxing and alleviating the sunburn’s pain. [10] Apart from these, cold yogurt also has anti-inflammatory properties and effective to smoothen sunburn symptoms. [11]

Bug repellant

A combination of vanillin and citronella oil has good bug repellant properties. Research findings also supported that Vanillin bean extract has mosquito repellant activity. [12] Experts recommended that you can prepare your bug repellant spray by mixing vanilia extract with water. You can soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it to your skin. [3]

Tea tree oil is another choice of natural insect replant. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. [3] The efficacy of this natural ingredient against mosquitoes and flies is well-established in the scientific research journal. [13] The expert also provides the instruction on how to apply bug repellent spray effectively. First, apply natural moisture on the skin, then spray a small quantity of bug repellent. Do not directly spray bug repellent on facial skin. [14]

Wound spray

Certain essential oils obtained from different herbal sources have antiseptic properties that effectively treat wounds during hot and humid climates. Essential oils obtained from Mimosa, Yarrow, Balsam, rosewood, Myrrh have wound healing properties. Extracted essential oils from these plants are used to prepare different dermatology products. These essential oils have multiple medicinal benefits. Like some of them have antiseptic properties; some have an antimicrobial property to heal the wound naturally. [15]

Natural moisturizer

Passion Seed Oil is also known as Maracuja oil extracted from seeds of the Passion Flower. This oil has an emollient property. The light and non-greasy properties of this oil make it easily apply. It is an excellent skin moisturizer, which keeps skin hydrated. [16] Another natural ingredient is chia seed oil. The topical application of this oil can improve skin hydration and prevents water loss from skin tissue. [17] Peanut oil and sunflower oil also have skin moisturizing properties by restoring skin barrier function. Thus they prevent from escaping natural skin moisture on exposure to hot environmental conditions. Moreover, the topical application of peanut oil also provides sun protection. Olive oil also has a similar effect on sunflower oil. [18]

The above-mentioned natural ingredients have evidentially proven skin benefits, which you can introduce in your summer skin regimen practice.

References