One of the key differences between conventional skin care and natural or organic skin care is not the “active” ingredients such as green tea or vitamin c, which excluding water may make up to about 5% of any product, rather it lies with the base ingredients. In natural skin care, the base ingredients are often a mix of vegetable oils and butters or waxes in contrast to the synthetic ingredients often found in conventional skin care. The use of base oils has enormous benefit for the skin. Instead of being an inert (non-active) synthetic carrier for the active ingredients, base oils contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that support and nourish the skin. I would go so far as to count base oils as active ingredients in skin care. So, in fact, in natural products up to 95% of any product has a supportive “active” effect on the skin. In comparison, the synthetic base ingredients in conventional skin care by enlarge, lack significant therapeutic benefit.There are many factors that affect the absorption of topical ingredients into the skin and in reality, many topical creams just sit on the surface of the skin, effectively plumping the superficial skin cells but rarely having any effect on deeper layers. The skin is designed to be selectively absorbent, being relatively permeable to fat soluble substances and relatively impermeable to water and water soluble substances. Fat soluble ingredients such as oils are absorbed more effectively and have greater effect on the cell membrane and skin matrix, supporting skin nourishment. As carriers, oils can also transport essential oils, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals into the skin where they are most effective, rather than just having a “surface” effect. In addition, oils also help prevent skin dehydration by providing an effective water loss barrier which in turn leads to plumper, more hydrated skin.Oil absorption is influenced by the viscosity or thickness of the individual carrier oil with thicker oils tending to be absorbed more slowly through the skin. Generally fine light oils are preferable for use on the face as they absorb quickly, easily penetrating the surface layer of skin without leaving a greasy feel. Heavier oils are suitable for dry facial skin, skin on the body, as bath oils and massage oils. The degree of unsaturation will also impact on oil absorption. In general, the more polyunsaturated fat content of the oil, the better the absorption. For example Rose Hip oil is high in polyunsaturates and has quite low viscosity, making it ideal for use in face serums and creams as it absorbs quickly into the skin.It is worth noting that cold-pressed oils tend to have a greater degree of unsaturates than heat-extracted oils and for this reason are preferable. The process of cold-pressing involves the nut or seed being placed in an “expeller” which squeezes the oil out. There is some heat created by friction however, it causes little damage to the oil or its constituents. Heat-extraction uses temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius which dramatically increases the yield of oil, making it far more cost effective but at the same time damaging the nutrient content of the oil. Unsaturated fatty acids are easily damaged by high temperatures and so heat-extracted oils will have significantly lower levels. While these oils are commonly used as cooking oils, they should be avoided for use in skin care and aromatherapy as they lack the therapeutic benefits of the cold-pressed versions.A common misconception when it comes to the use of oils is that applying them to the skin will only worsen oily skin and further create congestion. Heavier oils may sit on the surface of the skin longer before absorption, which is not ideal for already oily skin. However, the lighter, less viscous oils will be absorbed quite quickly and in many cases help to balance skin oiliness rather than contribute to it.Oils are effectively absorbed into the skin rather than sitting on the surface layer and therefore they are unlikely to cause or worsen congestion. However, many natural skin care products rely on waxes and butters as base ingredients. While enormously beneficial for the skin, they are more likely to sit on the surface and therefore have a greater likelihood of contributing if congestion is already an issue. They are unlikely to cause congestion that wasn’t previously present and the skin response really does depend on individual skin type. The percentage of waxes to butters to oils will vary in different products for different skin types. If you are unsure about what product to use for your skin type, it is worth asking the manufacturer or supplier which of their particular products will be most beneficial for your skin type.There a quite a number of nourishing carrier oils used in both skin moisturizers and serums and the range of natural products available that using nutritional base oils is ever increasing. Different oils are suitable for different skin types so knowing some basic facts about base oils will help you find the most suitable product for your skin.Sweet Almond Oil – A common used oil in skin care, it is rich in nutrition including vitamin E, unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. It has a softening action on the skin and is useful for lubrication in massage because while not a heavy oil, it is not absorbed rapidly.Olive Oil – A heavier oil, rich in monounsaturates including oleic acid. Extra virgin olive oil come from the first pressing of the olives and is dark green in color indicating the presence of antioxidant polyphenol. It is suitable for use with dry skin as it helps stabilize the cell membrane increasing the skins ability to hold onto moisture. Olive oil also contains squalene, a hydrating and anti-inflammatory agent, ideal for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.Tamanu Oil – Tamanu oil has powerful healing properties in its unique ability to promote the formation of new skin tissue. Traditionally used by the Polynesians as first aid for the skin and mucous membranes, the oil can assist with scars, burns, skin cracks, cuts, dry skin and wounds. Used cosmetically, Tamanu has healing, mild antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity 2. For these reasons it is used in both protective and regenerative products aimed at restoring skin appearance.Evening Primrose Oil – Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is a valuable source of gamma linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Useful for dry, damaged, sensitive skin EPO helps to maintain the skin’s normal barrier functions. It is also useful topically for eczema and psoriasis.Rosehip Oil – With up to 80% essential fatty acid content, Rosehip oil is very fine and quite easily absorbed by the skin. Rosehip encourages regeneration and repair of the skin and is renowned for its skin benefits, particularly in the treatment of scars and burns. It is also known for its rehydrating effect as well as improving dry, aged and wrinkled skin.Jojoba Oil – Actually a fine wax rather than an oil, Jojoba oil is very fine in consistency and readily absorbed by the skin. It is light and non-greasy and for this reason it is ideal in face serums and creams. Jojoba closely resembles the sebum of the skin and so is beneficial for skin and scalp problems such as psoriasis and eczema. With excellent emollient properties it is moisturizing, healing and suitable for all skin types.Coconut Oil – One of the heaviest and most stable oils, coconut is ideal for hair and body application. With moisturizing and softening properties it is ideal for dry and rough skin. Coconut oil also has cooling properties and so is useful for after sun care products 1.Avocado Oil – Strong in color and dour, avocado oil is not to everyone’s liking for skin care. However, in its unrefined form it is rich in lecithin, vitamin D, E and A which offer useful sun protection and skin nutrition. Avocado oil is beneficial to drier skins.Sea Buckthorn Oil – Bright orange in color, Sea Buckthorn oil is rich in beta carotene and second only to Rose Hip in vitamin C content. It is also very rich in essential fatty acids. This rich combination of nutrients mean it is extremely beneficial as a base oil in skin care. With moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties, it is easily absorbed and useful for all skin types.Author: Ananda Mahony ND. Ananda is a naturopath and skin specialist. She owns Vitale Natural, an organic skin care store and beauty salon in Paddington, Brisbane. www.vitalenatural.com.au
Payday Loans – What is the True Cost?
When you need quick cash, what could be more convenient than taking out a same-day payday loan that is deposited directly into your bank account? On your next payday – a week or two later – the loan is automatically repaid because the creditor has your bank information. Sure, there is a fee, but there’s no credit check, no collateral, and no lengthy application process like there is for a personal loan. You just walk into the payday loan office or go online, fill out a few forms proving that you have a steady job and a checking account, and you get up to $2,000 the same day.It sounds easy, but it may not be such a good deal. Payday loans are defined as short-term loans with an interest rate above 36%. That sounds like a high rate, doesn’t it? After all, you see new car loans advertised for zero percent, and home mortgages for 6%. Personal loans from banks are generally between 10% and 15%. Even credit card cash advances can be cheaper. A $300 cash advance on the average credit card, repaid in one month, would incur a finance charge of $13.99 at an APR of 57%.To make it sound less expensive, payday loan providers don’t advertise their annual percentage rate (APR) the same way credit card and personal loan providers do. They state the interest in terms of a fee per $100 loaned. Here’s a typical example.How the Fee Translates to APR You walk into the payday loan office or apply online. You need to borrow $500 until your next payday, which is in seven days. The fee for your loan is $15 per $100 borrowed. You think, “That’s not so bad, it’s 15%, isn’t it”? You agree to the loan terms and you give the lender a check in the amount of $575, dated in seven days.When your loan is due to be repaid in seven days the creditor will cash the check or debit your checking account. If you have $575 in your account, then you are finished and the transaction is completed.You will have paid $75 for your loan. That translates into an annual percentage rate (APR) of 780%. It’s very high, but that’s because calculating the APR is complex and involves not only the loan amount and the fee, but the period of the loan-how long until you pay it back.The big danger is that many customers can’t pay back the loan on time. Think about it – a customer who does not have $500 in his or her bank account this week is unlikely to have $575 in their account next week. Many customers “roll over” their loans. They cannot pay on the due date, so the creditor charges the $75 fee and agrees to collect on the next payday.Are You the Average Payday Loan Customer?According to the Consumer Federation of America, from a single lender each year the average payday loan customer takes eight to thirteen payday loans or loan renewals. So if you are the average customer, let’s say you roll over or renew your $500 loan 10 times in one year. To borrow $500 for 10 weeks, you will pay a total of $750 in finance charges plus repay the amount borrowed. Your $500 payday loan will end up costing you $1,250.There are additional risks and fees. To get a payday loan you are required to give the creditor a personal check as repayment. If your check bounces, your bank will charge you a fee – often as high as $40. You can lose your bank account or have difficulty opening a new bank account if you develop a record of bouncing checks used to get payday loans.Before you take out a payday loan, carefully consider the real cost – and ask yourself if it’s worth it.
What We Have Here Is A Failure To Communicate
The results of this past election proved once again that the Democrats had a golden opportunity to capitalize on the failings of the Trump Presidency but, fell short of a nation wide mandate. A mandate to seize the gauntlet of the progressive movement that Senator Sanders through down a little over four years ago. The opportunities were there from the very beginning even before this pandemic struck. In their failing to educate the public of the consequences of continued Congressional gridlock, conservatism, and what National Economic Reform’s Ten Articles of Confederation would do led to the results that are playing out today.. More Congressional gridlock, more conservatism and more suffering of millions of Americans are the direct consequences of the Democrats failure to communicate and educate the public. Educate the public that a progressive agenda is necessary to pull the United States out of this Pandemic, and restore this nations health and vitality.
It was the DNC’s intent in this election to only focus on the Trump Administration. They failed to grasp the urgency of the times. They also failed to communicate with the public about the dire conditions millions have been and still are facing even before the Pandemic. The billions of dollars funneled into campaign coffers should have been used to educate the voting public that creating a unified coalition would bring sweeping reforms that are so desperately needed. The reality of what transpired in a year and a half of political campaigning those billions of dollars only created more animosity and division polarizing one extreme over another.
One can remember back in 1992 Ross Perot used his own funds to go on national TV to educate the public on the dire ramifications of not addressing our national debt. That same approach should have been used during this election cycle. By using the medium of television to communicate and educate the public is the most effective way in communicating and educating the public. Had the Biden campaign and the DNC used their resources in this way the results we ae seeing today would have not created the potential for more gridlock in our government. The opportunity was there to educate the public of safety protocols during the siege of this pandemic and how National Economic Reform’s Ten Articles of Confederation provides the necessary progressive reforms that will propel the United States out of the abyss of debt and restore our economy. Restoring our economy so that every American will have the means and the availability of financial and economic security.
The failure of the Democratic party since 2016 has been recruiting a Presidential Candidate who many felt was questionable and more conservative signals that the results of today has not met with the desired results the Democratic party wanted. Then again? By not fully communicating and not educating the public on the merits of a unified progressive platform has left the United States transfixed in our greatest divides since the Civil War. This writers support of Senator Bernie Sanders is well documented. Since 2015 he has laid the groundwork for progressive reforms. He also has the foundations on which these reforms can deliver the goods as they say. But, what did the DNC do, they purposely went out of their way to engineer a candidate who was more in tune with the status-quo of the DNC. They failed to communicate to the public in educating all of us on the ways our lives would be better served with a progressive agenda that was the benchmark of Senators Sanders Presidential campaign and his Our Revolution movement. And this is way there is still really no progress in creating a less toxic environment in Washington and around the country.