The toxicity in your Botox

If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of women on social media undergoing cosmetic procedures over the last few years, you’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. 

While social media can make it appear as though “everyone” is doing something, when really only a small number of people are doing something, this is not necessarily the case for these cosmetic procedures. Around 15.8 million “injectable procedures” were performed last year. Neuromodulators were up 9% from last year (2023). Neuromodulators include botox and dysport. Botox refers to the brand name of the neuromodulator. These chemicals act as disrupters between nerves and muscles, relaxing the muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Neuromodulators are different from fillers, which are injectables that increase plumpness is certain areas, often the lips and cheeks. Both Hyaluronic and non Hyaluronic fillers saw an 8% increase from 2023. 

Now perhaps the craziest thing about this large increase in cosmetic procedures is that the demographic who saw the largest increase in botox were women aged 20-40. Traditionally, women over the age of 40 make up the largest demographic for these cosmetic procedures, and this is still true, however women aged 20-39 saw an 8% increase in these cosmetic procedures. Typically these procedures for young women are called “baby botox” which is preventive botox. It’s been said that starting botox at such a young age can cause the muscles to atrophy, and can cause botox resistance. Young women also saw the largest increase in hyaluronic fillers, with a 9% increase, while older women are beginning to turn to non-hyaluronic fillers. 

Fillers began rising in popularity, really coming onto the scene in 2016 after the launch of the Kylie Jenner lip kit where The Kardashian family began to promote unrealistic beauty standards that could really only be achieved through cosmetic procedures. 

Lip fillers are just that- a filler injected into your lips to make them look larger, and more plump. Women partake in these procedures every couple of months to maintain plumpness in their lips, under the assumption that the lip fillers dissolve and go away after a certain amount of time. 

However, hyaluronic fillers are like a sponge in water that can expand over time making the unit of filler in your face actually expand. It’s been 20 years since the FDA first approved filler injections and we know more now than we did then. The fact that they can expand and stay in your face for years as opposed to the originally thought 6-12 months, is relatively new information for a lot of people. 

Medical experts claim there are no health risks or long term issues associated with fillers, in fact most doctors claim that the fillers will just completely dissolve after enough time however the reality is that we don’t know the long term health effects of fillers because they haven’t been around long enough for us to study the long term health effects. 

While fillers and botox will likely continue to rise in popularity as long as aging is seen a flaw it seems some people are beginning to wake up to the reality of the health consequences that come along with these procedures.

Recently several videos went viral after the contestants on the recent season of Love Island were revealed to all be in their 20s. These women, who look more like bratz dolls than real people, clearly had so much work done that they not only appear plastic and doll like, they appeared to be well into their 40s, not their mid 20s.

Over the last few months Brett Cooper has released a series of videos talking about fillers and botox. What they’re doing to women’s (and mens) faces, the health consequences and how the trends are changing. Over the last 10 years this increase has been steady and rapid. The questions is why? 

One of the interesting theories as to why this could be points to another recent trend on the up and up: Ozempic and other weight loss drugs. Some researchers suggest that the recent increase in fillers and botox is caused by the rapid uptick in weight loss drug usage, as rapid weight loss can cause the appearance of hollowness and saggy skin or “ozempic face” as they call it. 

While other women will point to the “patriarchy” and blame men for setting this unbelievably unattainable beauty standards, I think the reality is more complex than that. Men did not set the beauty standards for women, in fact, men often find the trends and expectations that women set for themselves to be ridiculous, if they even bother to pay attention. If you ask the average man what he thinks is attractive, many of them will say they just want healthy, normal looking women. I think the increase in cosmetic procedures is yet another way for the pharmaceutical industry to push itself on us in an effort to make everyone more reliant on doctors and the system, and less in tune with their own health.

Regardless of the reason, it’s all crazy to witness from an outside perspective because anyone who hasn’t been completely brainwashed can see that these young women who get these cosmetic procedures done do not look good. In fact, they look terrifying, and despite what many doctors say, these fillers do not go away. Unfortunately many women are waking up to the harsh reality too late.

We have celebrities in their 50s who were once prized for their looks in their 20s and 30s and now as they push 50 and 60 they return to the red carpet looking like a disfigured porcelain doll of their former selves. They no longer even look like human beings.

The sinister depths of the beauty industry go down quite far. Injecting chemicals into the skin of youthful 20-something women is one thing, but what about the hidden ingredients in your facials and beauty products that not everyone knows about? 

Recently on social media I came across a video of Sandra bullock talking about the ingredients in the micro needling facial given to her by her dermatologist, along with clips from other celebrities. 

The skin cells in baby foreskins are said to be an active ingredient in micro needling. Apparently there are other facial serums that use this as an active ingredient. 

While it may seem obvious to someone in the holistic health sphere, these toxic (and in some cases, disturbing) ingredients that you’re injecting into your face are not just unsafe- their long term effects are unknown. They haven’t even been around long enough for us to study the lasting long term effects. Don’t be so quick to believe the narrative that the doctors, and companies who produce these products, paint. It wouldn’t be the first time the medical establishment has lied to us. 

Why are we putting toxic additives in products we put on our skin, why are we so obsessed with mainiting this almost unattainable level of beauty and youthfulness.

I think what’s really going on here is that as a society, we tend to view health and vitality as defining characteristics for what we find attractive, because these things symbolize fertility, and we are naturally designed to chase fertility so we can reproduce (like or not, this is biology). 

That doesn’t mean two things can’t be true at once. That doesn’t mean women suddenly hit menopause and become unattractive . Health is an attractive quality that will last you decades. If you prioritize your health from the inside out you will look and feel great for many years to come. 

So maybe you’re wondering what the solution to maintaining your youth is if it’s not injecting yourself with toxins. The answer is simple, although maybe not what everyone would hope for. It’s not a particular regime of holistic beauty practices. The age old saying “beauty comes from within” has never been truer. 

Prioritize your health. Prioritize a clean Whole Foods diet, drink enough water, don’t smoke, avoid chemicals on your skin and the rest will take care of itself.

Aging gracefully naturally is not complicated. It is however, alarming the rate at which women are rejecting natural aging and turning to medical procedures to stop or reverse it. It feels a bit like selling your soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth. We all age eventually, so why not embrace it.  

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Study Finds 109 Chemicals in Pregnant Women

A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology has detected 109 chemicals in pregnant women. Of the 109 chemicals, 55 have never been reported in people before. The chemicals were found both in the pregnant women and their children, indicating the chemicals travel through the placenta.

Scientists used high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect man-made chemicals in people. Of the chemicals that had not yet been identified in people:

  • One is used as a pesticide
  • Two are PFASs
  • Two are used in cosmetics
  • Four are used in high production volume (HPV) chemicals
  • Ten are plasticizers

It’s very concerning that we are unable to identify the uses or sources of so many of these chemicals. EPA must do a better job of requiring the chemical industry to standardize its reporting of chemical compounds and uses. And they need to use their authority to ensure that we have adequate information to evaluate potential health harms and remove chemicals from the market that pose a risk.

Study finds evidence of 55 new chemicals in people

Using organic products and eating organic foods can limit the amount of chemicals in the body. Check out this article for more information on detoxing through diet.

Recommended: How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children



California Passes Ban on Animal-Tested Cosmetics

In a unanimous vote, the California State Assembly passed Senate Bill No. 1249, and last Friday Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law. The law bans cosmetic products that have been tested on animals or products that include ingredients that have been tested on animals. Thirty-seven other countries have already banned animal testing on cosmetics.

The law will go into effect on January 1st, 2020, and will apply to all cosmetics currently sold in California as well.

Recommended: Foods Most Likely to Contain Glyphosate

The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was written by Democratic state Senator Cathleen Galgiani. The law stipulates that it is illegal for manufacturers to “import for profit, sell or offer for sale” any cosmetics tested on animals. Huffington Post reports that violations will be punished with a fine of $5,000, followed by an additional $1,000 fine for every day that the violation continues. The law does allow for exceptions in the event that animal testing is required by federal law and there are no viable alternatives. Companies can have testing done for products and ingredients if the product is to be sold in foreign markets where their law requires such testing, and then the company can also sell those same products in California. For example, China requires all imported cosmetic products to be animal tested before sale. The bill states:

Notwithstanding any other law, it is unlawful for a manufacturer to import for profit, sell, or offer for sale in this state, any cosmetic, if the cosmetic was developed or manufactured using an animal test that was conducted or contracted by the manufacturer, or any supplier of the manufacturer, on or after January 1, 2020.”

Related: Pet Store Puppies Cause Multi-State Bacterial Infection

The scientific conclusions is that toxicological tests have advanced enough so that animal testing is no longer relevant. The program manager for animal research issues at the Humane Society of the United States, Vicki Katrinak, told the Huffington Post,

We’re hopeful this law will encourage the federal government to pass the Humane Cosmetics Act,” program manager for animal research issues at the Humane Society of the United States Vicki Katrinak told the Huffington Post.

Rabbits, mice, rats, and guinea pigs are frequently used for cosmetic testing. The process is generally torturous and the animals are often killed after testing.

PETA lists popular cosmetic brands that still perform animal testing. Check out their list of Cosmetic products that test on animals and the brands that don’t.




Four DIY Homemade Cosmetic Products For Healthy, Vibrant Skin

Attention ladies! Do you really know what you’re doing to your skin with each cosmetic product you use? I didn’t know. From the timeI wokeup in the morning until I washed my face at the end of the day, I fought with my skin.  After way too many years of this self-inflicted abuse, I came to my senses, put my foot down and decided to make some big changes. That’s when I turned to my daughter, the aesthetician, for advice on how to replace my cosmetic catastrophes with all-natural products. We ended up tossing out all fo my harmful products like my makeup remover, acne cleanser, makeup foundation, and my weekly beauty mask product. With that mess of product gone, we locked in on some easy-to use, all-natural ways to replace each of those products.

So, if you say “oui, oui” to going “au-naturel”, read on and find out what 4 products I now use. And guess what? Cosmetic companies don’t want you to know this!

Makeup Remover: Is Coconut Oil The “Healthiest Oil On Earth?”

First and foremost, what is one thing that we do every day that irritates our eyes? Of course, it’s removing our darn makeup. I have tried so many different makeup removers that I can certainly attribute the wrinkles around my eyes to some of them. Raise your hand if you feel the same way, too! After all, the vigorous action of removing waterproof mascara with an oily pad can sometimes be as harsh as using an emery board to buff your nails.

But then, my daughter told me about coconut oil. Say what? That’s right. She said that the unique fatty acids in it make it an ideal makeup remover because they help to break down and absorb the stubborn makeup on your skin. Not only that, but it’s a natural moisturizer which nourishes your skin. Not to mention the fact that it has strengthened my eyelashes, giving me a super sexy wink. 😉

Let me tell you how you can replace your expensive makeup removers with coconut oil, just like I did. Follow these 3 easy steps and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t hear about this sooner:

  1. Add some room temperature coconut oil to a soft cotton pad (It could be a bit hard. It will liquefy due to the heat of your skin.)
  2. Close your eyes and press the pad against your eyes for 15 seconds. (This allows the oil to break down and absorb all those nasty little bits of mascara.)
  3. Then, take the pad and gently wipe that makeup from your face in a consistent downward motion.

And just like that, the makeup will be removed, and your face is moisturized. Truly ladies, you’ll find that this is a super product that you need to stock up on.

Acne Treatment: Hey Acne! Meet My BFF, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

I’ve always had a serious issue with acne. It was at its worst when I was a teenager, but I still have breakouts here and there. From Clean & Clear to Proactiv, I’ve tried it all. Honestly, nothing really worked. And then a friend told me about this amazing use of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). She told me that it regulates the pH of your skin, which detoxifies the skin and helps get rid of and prevent acne. Now don’t get me wrong, even though it can have a bit of a pungent aroma, it’s well worth the benefits.

And it is super easy to use. Just a heads up, I use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother, as this is the product in its purest form. All you need to do is use the product at night after you remove your makeup and before you go to bed. So, here’s what you do:

  1. Put some ACV on a cotton pad and gently apply it your face in a circular motion until your entire face is covered.
  2. Then, while you get your beauty sleep it will absorb into your pores and work its magic all night long. Leaving you with clearer, healthier looking skin in the morning.

That’s all it takes. After doing this every night for about 2 months, I got rid of all of my acne and haven’t had an outbreak since. It’s been almost a year now! Woohoo! By the way, ACV has also been known to eliminate dark spots. Winning!

Makeup Foundation: Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue…And Rosehip Oil Is Perfect For You

After 30+ years of using way, way, way too much foundation, I had enough. So I decided to find a natural alternative. And I found out about rosehip oil. Again, it’s another product that has more than one benefit. Oh yes! It’s been known to reduce wrinkles and restore your skin’s natural complexion.

But ladies, let me tell you that you need to use this as your foundation. Simply coat your face with rosehip oil before putting on your makeup and it makes a great base to put on an even coat of makeup. And what I love about it, too, is that it’s super gentle on the skin. The product that I buy comes in a small bottle with a teardrop applicator. Here’s how you get that “rosy” foundation going:

  1. With the applicator (if yours has one), put 1-2 drops of rosehip oil on your fingers.
  2. Gently apply the oil in a consistent motion, starting from your nose out towards your cheeks.
  3. Repeat this process, until all the “makeup zones” on your face are covered.
  4. After applying, give yourself 5-10 minutes for the oil to absorb. This allows your makeup application to be easier and it will look like a professional aesthetician did it for you.

Beauty Mask: Honey! Where’s My Mask?

How many different beauty masks have you tried in your life? Well, have you ever tried a honey mask? OMG, I’m warning you that after you try this, you will be addicted. The powerful nutrients in honey make for rich and smooth skin, and once the coat is done you’re not going to want to stop petting your soft, supple skin.

Now, this one takes a little more effort than the other products.

  1. Warm up the honey first to make it easier to apply and to help it absorb into your skin. (Trick: Run the jar of honey under warm water for a few minutes.)
  2. Take 2 fingerfuls of honey and begin applying it to your face in a circular motion. Repeat this process until your face is fully coated. (Don’t worry, you can’t use too much. Well, maybe you can.)
  3. Once applied, let it cool and dry on your face.
  4. Have your lounge chair ready, and get to relaxing for about 15 minutes while the honey works its wonders.
  5. Finish off by rinsing your face with warm water. (Attention: Do not use any soap or cleansers to wash the honey from your face or it will cancel out all of that TLC.)

Trust me, honey, you will instantly see the difference when you touch your face after the mask therapy is over. Heck, you might even go for round 2 in the same day. (I did.) Realistically, if you can adopt this as a weekly ritual, you’ll be on the path to adding 10 years of youth to your beautiful skin.

Now you understand why cosmetic companies don’t want you knowing about these ingredients. After all, they’ll save you money, get you Ah-May-Zing results, and make you feel like a natural beauty. 😉 So, which one are you going to try first?

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Dangers in Cosmetics

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the new, seemingly natural products on the market—just walk down the beauty aisle of your grocery store or step into a Sephora. What’s not so clear is what’s genuinely better for our overall health. Organic products cost more—sometimes a lot more. Are they really worth the extra money?

PARABENS—As Bad as They Sound?

Parabens are used to extend the shelf-life of most of our beauty products, but having products that stick around for long periods of time may not be as desirable as you may think. According to the American Cancer Society, “Studies have shown that parabens, which are used as preservatives in many skin care products (like lotion, make-up, and sunscreen), can be absorbed through the skin. In 2004, a small study found traces of parabens in some samples of breast cancer tumors.” What’s more, parabens have estrogen-like properties, which cause your cells (cancerous or not) to grow and divide. However, it’s important to note that the study did not look at paraben levels in normal tissue.

More cause for concern lies in the fact that the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act doesn’t authorize the FDA to approve cosmetic ingredients. Within the FDA, there is virtually no regulation of the ingredients in our makeup, hair care, or lotions. Instead, companiesvoluntarily test their products with the Cosmetic Industry Review (CIR) process. This is in stark contrast to the European Union that has some of the strictest cosmetic laws in the world. To put things in perspective, the EU Cosmetic Directive bans 1100 ingredients, whereas the FDA has banned only nine. In a 2008 statement given by Jane Houlihan, the Vice President of Research at the Environmental Working Group, she said, “Companies are free to use almost any ingredient they choose in personal care products, with no proof of safety required.”

PHTHALATES—The Truth About Plastics

Phthalates are found in plastics—plastic storage containers, water bottles, and some food packaging. They have become a part of our modern lifestyle. The Environmental Working Group has found, “Phthalate plasticizers [are] linked to birth defects of the male reproductive system.” The statement went on to say, “Over the past four years, scientists have published at least 10 epidemiology studies linking phthalates to birth defects in baby boys, reproductive problems in men, abdominal obesity, increased diabetes risk, thyroid problems, as well as asthma and dermal diseases in children.”

It should come as no surprise to learn that the EU has banned several types of phthalates, whereas none are banned in the U.S., though the evidence of the harmful effects phthalates have on the human body is very clear. Not only do these plasticizers interfere with human development, evidence also suggests these chemicals weaken bones, and current research is being done to determine whether or not phthalates are endocrine disrupters.

FRAGRANCES—Should We Avoid What Smells Good?

Who doesn’t want to use fabric softeners or dishwashing liquid that smells like lemons or lavender? The fragrance-free versions often seem bland in comparison. But a lot of people are highly sensitive to fragrances which should lead us to wonder, what’s in those fragrances? And more importantly, what are the effects of using fragrances on our skin, on our clothes, and in our cleaning products?

According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, “Fragrances and perfumes in cosmetics, personal and household products are leading causes of allergy, sensitization, and irritation. Animal toxicity studies have found many to be hazardous. Fragrances are called ‘indoor air-pollutants’ by chemically sensitive individuals.”

Thousands of synthetic ingredients are used by the fragrance industry to create the perfumes and lotions we love to spritz and slather on. What’s more, fragranced products contain phthalates, which pose countless health concerns. In America, individual perfume ingredients don’t have to be listed on the product. Typically we only see “fragrance” on the label when in fact it may have taken twenty-five or more ingredients to make that one unique fragrance.

Is The Tide Turning?

Over the last few years there has been increased pressure on cosmetic companies to produce cleaner, safer products—and it looks like the companies are starting to listen. According to the Environmental Working Group, Whole Foods, the largest natural food retailer in the U.S., has disallowed the use of phthalates in products bearing its Whole Body Premium Standard Seal. It’s also worth noting that The Body Shop has already phased out many phthalates in its line of products.

But there is still more work to do. If you are interested in getting involved in the fight for better regulation of our cosmetic products, make a point of contacting your local government officials or state officials. Let them know cosmetic industry regulation is important to you and your families. Another way to get involved is to simply buy from companies that have taken measures to eliminate toxic chemicals. Look for products that are paraben-free and fragrance-free or better yet, 100% organic. And pay attention to the packaging of your foods and beauty products, which all too often contain phthalates. Look for glass containers. Remember, you can send a message with every dollar you spend.

For more information on product safety check out:

Healthystuff.org—A comprehensive website that allows you to search by brand to see what may be lurking in your apparel, children’s toys, and pet products. Healthystuff.org has tested thousands of products and keeps consumers informed of the latest news in consumer protection

Cosmeticdatabase.org—This site contains the Skin Deep database created by the Environmental Working Group. This database is very comprehensive—you search for a brand and you can immediately learn whether your product is considered to be a low hazard product or a high hazard product. You can also learn safer shopping tips and explore the frequently asked questions page, which offers an abundance of good information.