What's in your skin care? Pond's Cold Cream - The Cool Classic

As I was wandering through the Wal-Mart beauty aisle looking for a cleanser to write about I saw the Pond's Cold Cream sitting there on the shelf.  It brought back memories of my Grandmother, I can still see the Pond's Cold Cream sitting on a shelf next to the sink.  It also brought back memories of my Mom using the cold cream to remove the Halloween make-up off of my face when I was a small child.  I felt a little nostalgic so I picked up a small jar.

 

Pond's Cold Cream - the cool classic

Net Wt. 6.1oz

$4.67 at Wal-Mart

Product Description:  Thoroughly deep cleans without drying your skin, leaving it looking and feeling touchably soft and radiantly clean.  Removes hidden dirt and make-up, even stubborn waterproof mascara.  Softens as it cleans, so your skin feels smooth, never tight or dry.  Hypoallergenic.  Suitable for sensitive skin.  Won't clog pores.  Dermatologist tested.

Product Directions:  Smooth over face and throat, massaging gently to loosen dirt and make-up.  Tissue off or remove with a warm washcloth.

Ingredients:

Mineral Oil - Liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.  Emollient cleanser and demulsifier of dirt trapped in pores.  May be comedogenic. 

Ceresin - Thickener and binder.  Used in protective creams as a beeswax and paraffin substitute.  A waxy material that may cause allergic reactions.  May be non-comedogenic. 

Beeswax - Oldest raw ingredient used in cosmetic preparations.  An emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions.  Credited with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, germicidal, and skin softening properties, but there is no scientific proof to back this up.  Depending on the source may be non-comedogenic.  Rarely causes sensitivity and allergic reactions.

Triethanolamine - Used in surfactants and a dispersing agent and detergent.  Emulsifier.  pH adjuster.  (Good stuff!!) 

Ceteth-20 - Emulsifier for oil-in-water creams and lotions.  Polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol.  May contain harmful impurities but is safe in cosmetics.
 

Fragrance - Natural and synthetic compounds added to a formulation to give an aroma and mask chemical odors.  May be used without describing what is actually in the compound.  Can cause allergic reactions.  (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)  

Behenic Acid - Water soluble constituent of seed fats, animal fats and marine animal olis.  Thickening agent and surfactant.  Considered a non-comedogenic raw material. 

Montan Wax - Hard earth wax derived of extractions of lignite (coal made from wood).  Substitute for carnauba and beeswax.  Binder and thickener. 

Cetyl Alcohol – Emollient. Emulsifier. Thickener. Binder. Foam booster. Stabilizer.  Derived from coconut or palm oil.  May be non-comedogenic.  Unlike “alcohol” cetyl alcohol softens and conditions the skin.  (Good stuff!!)

Carbomer - Reacts with fat particles to form thick, stable emulsions of oil in water.  (Good stuff!!)  

DMDM Hydantoin - Preservative.  May release formaldehyde.  Can be a skin irritant.  Similar to imidazolidinyl urea.  DMDM is an acronym for dimethylimidazolidine. (a controversial ingredient)

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate -  Preservative.  Can be an irritant.  Iodine based alternative to paraben preservatives.  (a controversial ingredient)

For the most part this cleanser has pretty good ingredients, except for the controversial preservative and the fragrance right smack dab in the middle.  If you wear heavy, hard to remove make-up or oil based make-up (camouflage or theatrical make-up) this cold cream would be great to quickly remove the make-up.  For people with extremely dry skin this would also be a good product to clean with and leave a light layer on your face before going to bed for moisture.  For everyone else, I would not recommend this product for use on a daily basis.

If you don’t see your ingredients listed here or in the Skin Care Ingredients page, they might be compiled in another future article, so keep checking back.  Feel free to send me an email listing the ingredients in your skin care products!  Also, look for the Ingredients page above for all of the ingredients I have posted so far. 

Play with your food: Bananas

Bananas are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, and Folate Acid.  You eat them all the time, but have you thought about using a ripe banana for a home made mask?  They have soothing properties that can help reduce skin inflammation, they can help make your skin soft and supple, they can help restore a youthful glow and they can even help clarify skin while retaining moisture.  So go ahead and reach for that ripe banana!!

The ingredients used in the following recipes are best when they are organic or locally grown.  Dallas isn't exactly known for its banana trees, so you can find bananas from the Dallas Farmers Market (or any other Farmers Market) or Whole Foods, Sprouts or your neighborhood grocery store that carries organic foods.  Before you apply your homemade mask wash and exfoliate your face first!

Banana Honey Mask (Oily Skin)

• 1 ripe banana
• 1Tbsp Honey
• Few drops of fresh squeezed orange or lemon juice

Mix banana and honey, add juice.  Apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, remove.

Banana Mask (Dry Skin)

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• Honey

Mash bananas, add honey, apply to face, leave on 10 minutes, remove.

Banana Honey Yogurt Mask (Dry Skin)

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tsp yogurt

Mix thoroughly, apply to face, leave on until dry, remove with cold water.

Banana Oatmeal Mask (Sensitive Skin)

• 1 large ripe banana
• 1/4 - 1/2 c. oatmeal

Mix until oatmeal is moist (not runny), aply, leave on 20 minutes, remove

Banana Avocado Honey Mask (Dry Skin)

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 Tbsp honey

Mix in blender, apply to face, leave on, rinse

Banana Egg White Mask (Dry Skin)

• 1 egg
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tsp honey
• 3 Tbsp oatmeal

Mix together, apply to face, leave on 20 minutes, remove.

Remember, try to pick organic or locally grown, their vitamins will be more beneficial when using them as a mask.  So play with your bananas, they are not only good for your health, but they are good for your skin too!

Check the DIY Skin Care Page above for more recipes!!

This was originally published on www.examiner.com on March 7, 2011

Play with your food: Avocados

Avocados are delicious and they are good for you too!  Not only do they provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs, but it is also fun to put on your face.  Yes, you heard me right…put on your face!!

The avocado is rich in beneficial oils that help rejuvenate the skin, moisturize and help give a radiant glow.  You can use avocados alone or mix with other natural ingredients for a wonderful all natural do it yourself mask.  When choosing your avocados pick organic or avocados grown close to your region, you can find these at your local grocery store or Farmer’s Market. 

Before you start clean your face and use a gentle exfoliator, then pat your face dry and apply your avocado mask.

Avocado and Olive Oil Mask (for dry skin)

• ½ avocado
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Mash ingredients together, apply to face, leave on for 20 minutes, remove with warm water.

Banana Avocado Mask (for combination skin)

• ½ banana
• ½ avocado
• 2 tbsp full fat yogurt
• 1tsp olive oil

Puree in blender together, apply to face, leave on 15-20 minutes, remove  with warm water.

Basic Avocado Mask (for all skin types)

• ½ avocado

Mash, apply to face, leave on 20 minutes, remove with warm water

Avocado Almond Oil Mask (for dry and sensitive skin)

• 1 avocado
• 3-4 drops Almond Oil

Mash together, apply to face, leave on 20-30 minutes, remove with warm water

Moisturizing Avocado Mask (for dry skin)

• 1 avocado
• 1 tsp apple vinegar
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 3 tsp olive oil

Mash all ingredients together, apply to face, leave on 20 minutes, remove with warm water

There are tons of Avocado Facial Mask recipes out there, look for recipes using natural ingredients.  Remember; try to pick organic or locally grown avocadoes.  So play with your avocadoes, they are not only good for you, but they are good for your skin too!!

Check the DIY Skin Care Page above for more recipes!!

This was originally published on www.examiner.com on February 21, 2011

The Mysterious Cleanser

A friend of mine sent me the ingredient list in her cleanser.  She didn't want to reveal the product to me until after I researched the ingredients.  The first ingredient is water, which is a good base for any skin care product.  The next six ingredients were pretty good, but they contained emollient ingredients which are best for dry skin, used on normal, combination or acne-prone skin it can cause excessive oiliness and break outs.  The next nine ingredients were fragrant oils or extracts.  Fragrances are considered skin irritants and if any skin care products contain them they should be at the bottom of the ingredient list, not in the top or middle.  The good ingredients were listed in the bottom with the preservatives, this was a little disappointing since the top ten ingredients are the most effective when it comes to skin care.

Here are the ingredients listed in the mysterious cleanser (they are not listed in order on the product).  They have been added to the Ingredient Dictionary page for your future reference.

Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil - Fragrance. (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Aniba Rosaedora (Rosewood) Wood Oil - Fragrance.  Skin Irritant.  (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil - Chamomile.  Antioxidant.  Antibacterial.  (Good stuff!!)

Carbomer - Reacts with fat particles to form thick, stable emulsions of oil in water.  (Good stuff!!)

 

Coco-Glucoside - Derived from coconut oil.  Mild cleansing agent.  (good stuff!!)

Coconut Alcohol - Emollient, emulsifier, stabilizer, or surfactant depending on product formulation.  (Good stuff!!) 

Cymbopogon Martini Oil - Geranium oil.  Fragrance.  Skin irritant.  (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil - Wild carrot oil.  Non-fragrant emollient oil.  Can cause dermatitis.  (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming!)

Geranium Maculatum Oil - Fragrance.   (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Glycerin – Humectant.  Retains moisture.  Found naturally in the skin.  (Good stuff!!)

Guaiac Extract - Fragrance.  Skin irritant.  (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Imidazolidinyl Urea - Antibacterial preservative.  Can cause contact dermatitis. 

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil - Rich emollient.  Skin conditioner  (Good stuff!!) 

Methylparaben - One of the oldest used preservatives in use to combat bacteria and molds.  May penetrate skin.  Can cause allergic reactions. (a controversial ingredient)

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate - Cleansing agent.  Surfactant.  Emulsifier.  Not to be used on damaged skin.  (Good stuff!!)

 

Piper Niagrum Seed Extract - Black pepper extract.  Skin irritant. (throw your hands up in the air and run away from this ingredient screaming)

Polysorbate 20 – Derived from Lauric Acid.  Emulsifier.  Stabilizer of essential oils in water.  (Good stuff!!)

Propylparaben - Widely used preservative.  May penetrate skin.  Can cause contact dermatitis. (a controversial ingredient)

Rosa Damascena Extract - Damask rose. Fragrance.   (throw your hands up in the air an run away from this ingredient screaming if it is not listed towards the bottom!)

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate – Surfactant, conditioning/cleaning agent, film booster.

Sodium Trideceth Sulfate – Surfactant, cleansing agent, used as an emulsifier.

Triethanolamine - Used in surfactants and a dispersing agent and detergent.  Emulsifier.  pH adjuster.  (Good stuff!!) 

Yellow 5 – Most widely used color agent.  Safe to use in skin care products.

If you don’t see your ingredients listed here or in the Skin Care Ingredients page, they might be compiled in another future article, so keep checking back.  Feel free to send me an email listing the ingredients in your skin care products!  Also, look for the Ingredients page above for all of the ingredients I have posted so far.

What’s in your skin care? Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash

This is a skin care product I would highly recommend to any teenager with mild acne or acne prone skin.  The humectant ingredients found in this product helps pull moisture from the dermis layer of the skin up to the top layer and it attracts the moisture from the environment to the skin to help retain the needed moisture.  You can find Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash at any Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen’s, CVS, and grocery store.  

The ingredients are not listed in the order on the product.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract – Aloe Vera.  (Good stuff!!)

Benzalkonium Chloride – Preservative.  Can be a skin irritant. (a controversial ingredient).

Cetyl Alcohol – Emollient. Emulsifier. Thickener. Binder. Foam booster. Stabilizer.  Derived from coconut or palm oil.  May be non-comedogenic.  Unlike “alcohol” cetyl alcohol softens and conditions the skin.  (Good stuff!!)

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate – Fatty acid ester of lactic acid and C12-15 alcohols.  Also known as Ceraphyl 41.

Cetyl Lactate – Emollient used to improve the feel and texture of cosmetic preparations.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract – Chamomile oil.  Wild chamomile extract.  Soothing medication for inflammation.  (Good Stuff!!)

Cocamidopropyl PG-Diaonium Chloride Phosphate – Antimicrobial and antifungal.  Very mild to skin.

Cellulose – Thickener.  Emulsifier.  (Good stuff!!)

Glycerin – Humectant.  Retains moisture.  Found naturally in the skin.  (Good stuff!!)

Glycolic Acid – Alpha Hydroxy Acid.  Exfoliates.  Improves skin hydration.  Beneficial for acne prone skin.  Helps diminish signs of age spots and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Naturally found in sugar cane.   (Good stuff!)

Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose – Reduces active surfactant concentrations without the loss of the desirable lathering properties.  Mild to skin and eyes.

Mannitol – Humectant.  Mostly prepared from seaweed.

Menthol – Fragrance.  Gives a cooling sensation to the skin.  Derived from peppermint.  Can be a skin irritant.  (throw your hands up in the air and run away from this ingredient screaming)

PEG-15 Stearyl Ether – Also known as PPG-11 Stearyl Ether.  Emollient.  Used in skin care products to give a silky look and feel.  (Good stuff!!)

Polyethylene – Bonds ingredients together.  Provides product stability in cosmetic formulations.  Derived from petroleum gas or dehydration of alcohol.  No known skin toxicity.  (Good stuff!!)

Polysorbate 60 – Emulsifier.  Stabilizer of essential oils in water.  (Good stuff!!)

Panthenol – Vitamin B5.  Penetrating moisturizer.  Aides in tissue repair.  Improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation.  (Good stuff!!)

Propylene Glycol – Humectant.  Better skin permeation than Glycerin.  (Good stuff!!)

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate – Mixture of esters of phosophoric acid and cetyl alcohol.  Surfactant.  Emulsifier.  (Good stuff!!)

Salicylic Acid – Beta Hydroxy Acid.  Helps dissolve the top layer of Corneum cells.  Effective ingredient in acne products.  Reduces blockage by penetrating pores and exfoliate build up.  Antimicrobial and antiseptic.  For anti-aging products it appears to help improve wrinkles.  Related to aspirin and found in wintergreen leaves and sweet birch bark.  (Good stuff!!)

Steareth-21 – Emulsifier.  Surfactant with minor irritation potential to skin and eyes.  (Good stuff!!)

Sodium Benzotriazoyl Butyphenol Sulfonate – Protects light sensitive ingredients from degradation.

Sodium Hydroxide – Caustic Soda.  Soda Lye.  An alkali and emulsifier in liquid face powders and soaps.  A pH adjuster.  Skin irritant in higher quantities.  (a controversial ingredient)

Xanthan Gum – Thickener.  Emulsifier. Corn Starch Gum.  Texturizer, carrier agent, and gelling agent in cosmetic preparations.  (Good stuff!!)

If you don’t see your ingredients listed here, they might be compiled in another future article, so keep checking back.  Feel free to send me an email listing the ingredients in your skin care products!  Also, look for the Ingredients page above for all of the ingredients I have posted so far.

This was originally published by Roni on www.examiner.com on March 6, 2011

What's in your skin care? Part 1

You look on the back of your skin care products and there is a list of ingredients you cannot pronounce.  The ingredients below came from a cleanser picked up from a Target in North Dallas.  I am not going to name this product because I would never recommend it to anyone since it has very few good ingredients.  I don't care that this company spends a fortune on marketing convincing people they are the best product on the market...in my honest opinion this is one of the worst products out there!!

The ingredients are not listed in the order on the product.

Acrylates Copolymer – Film former.  A thickener, absorbs skin secretions and reduces shine. 

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytolene) – Preservative and anti-oxidant in products, can cause allergic reactions. (a controversial ingredient).

Citric Acid – Astringent and anti-oxidant properties, adjusts the pH of product to prevent it from being too alkaline, low sensitizing potential.

Cocamide MEA – Fatty acid of coconut oil, used as a thickening/binding agent, foam booster when used with other cleaning agents.  (a controversial ingredient due to the manufacturing process)

Disodium EDTA – Preservative

Glycol Distearate – Surfactant made from glycerin and stearic acid.

Laureth-10 – Surfactant, emulsifying agent.

Lauric Acid – Found in coconut oil and laurel oil, anti-microbial properties, mild irritant, but not a sensitizer, can be comedogenic.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone – Preservative used to replace formaldehyde, sensitizing potential. (throw your hands up in the air and run away from this ingredient screaming)

Methylisothiazolinone – Powerful preservative, commonly used with methylchloroisothiazolinone.  Sensitizer and irritant when used in “leave in” products.  (throw your hands up in the air and run away from this ingredient screaming)

Niacinamide – Derived from Vitamin B3, increases ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevents moisture loss in skin, suppresses melanin from reaching the skins surface, some anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties.  (Good stuff!)

PEG 200 – Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate – Polymer with cleansing, emulsifying, and solvent action.

PEG-100 – Polyethylene Glycol, blended into a formulation to obtain a desired humectancy.

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate – Polythylene glycol ethers of glyceryl cocoate (coconut oil).  Self-emulsifying emollient suitable for water based formulas.

Pentadecalactone – Synthetic cosmetic fragrance, strong irritant potential.  (throw your hands up in the air and run away from this ingredient screaming)

Polyquarternium-10 – Antistatic ingredient, film former, conditioning agent.

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate – Surfactant, conditioning/cleaning agent, film booster.

Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate – mild conditioning/cleaning agent, enhances penetration of other ingredients into the skin.

Sodium Trideceth Sulfate – Surfactant, cleansing agent, used as an emulsifier.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate – Derived from coconut oil, surfactant and emulsifier, gentle cleansing agent. Not the same as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Tocopheryl Acetate – Vitamin E, antioxidant and skin conditioner.  (Good stuff!)

If you don’t see your ingredients listed here, they might be compiled in another future article, so keep checking back.  Feel free to send me an email listing the ingredients in your skin care products!

Part of this article was originally published by me on www.examiner.com on February 28, 2011.