invisible Mother…..

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, Can’t you see I’m on the phone? Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible.

The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it ‘ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘ What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.

In At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, You’re gonna love it there.

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know… I just did.

The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

To all the wonderful mothers out there!

The Woman You’ve Always Wanted to Be

Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
________________________________

Being a woman in our current society is tough. TV shows, magazines, movies, and other media outlets attempt to convince women to measure themselves according to society’s standards. However, doing so limits the beauty of a woman. According to the world, you have to be a certain size, height, skin tone and have a certain type of hairstyle or clothing style to be considered beautiful. What does a woman do to uphold her self-image in a world where advertisements are flooded with influences that promote worldly beauty? That’s where she draws the line by refusing to conform to society’s image of beauty and renews her mind with the Word of God.

Due to impossible worldly standards, countless women have developed a poor self–image. Fear of not measuring up has caused them to develop harmful habits to prove their beauty and self—worth. For example, some women may spend all their money trying to keep up with the latest styles in bea uty, fashion, and nearly starving themselves just to be thin. However, this type of behavior almost always leads to self destruction.

Women who have problems with their self–image are often bitter, angry and attitudinal. When a woman doesn’t know how to treat herself, she will most likely mistreat others. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. However, if you’ve never learned to love yourself, you can’t possibly love anyone else.

Proverbs 31 is an excellent guide for all women, because this woman doesn’t suffer from a poor self—image. Interestingly, the proverb doesn’t describe this woman’s physical appearance, yet by her works we see her beauty radiated from within. I’m not saying run yourself into the ground trying to do everything this woman did! However, take note of how she lived her life and became a woman who was celebrated above all women. She was a woman of elegance and extraordinary intelligence because she honored God.

Proverbs 31: 10 says the price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies. She is rare, precious, and esteemed above treasured jewels. As a woman, you have to understand your worth according to God’s Word. You can be the woman you’ve always wanted to be when you begin to see yourself as God sees you.

Make a quality decision to define your standard of beauty by the Word of God. When your self–confidence comes as a result of a personal relationship with God, you’ll realize that you’re loved, precious, and beautiful in His sight!

- Dr. Creflo A. Dollar

Scriptures References:

Proverbs 31

Romans 12:2

1 Corinthians 13

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Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.

Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair. You don’t want to overdo it - too much will make your hair look greasy. Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Rinse your hair with baking soda and water to rid your hair of shampoo build-up and styling residues. Rinsing your hair with one juiced lemon and one cup of water is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair. Apple cider vinegar mixed with water will give your hair shine and bounce.

Add essential oil of ylang ylang to your shampoo, conditioner and styling agents as a hair rejuvenator and to stimulate hair growth. Add patchouli to your shampoo if you have oily hair.

Rosemary is an effective hair tonic and conditioner. Rosemary also helps retain color especially in dark hair.

Chamomile and lemon juice have a mild bleaching effect on hair. Mix chamomile tea with lemon juice and use as a rinse to lighten hair.

For problems with dandruff, add rosemary and/or patchouli essential oils to your shampoo or mix with almond oil as a hair treatment for your scalp.

For hair loss, add horseradish oil, cedarwood, clary sage, and/or rosemary oil to your shampoo. Also, Vitamins B, C, F, zinc, iron, copper and protein are essential for hair growth. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural source of organic sulfur good for treating hair loss. Take MSM supplements or eat high sulfur content greens such as kale and watercress.

Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables is probably the best way to achieving healthy hair. What goes into your body is reflective on the outside including your hair.

How To Take Care Of Cornrows

Cornrows and braids are one of those timeless styles that have crossed all gender and ethnic gaps. In fact, nothing is more beautiful than heedful of intricate braids and rows and no two styles are exactly alike. That is why more and more people are choosing to express themselves and their individual style through braiding and rowing.

But as with all styles, cornrows come with their own special challenges and problems. One of the most obvious problems associated with any tight braiding technique is breakage. While black hair has fewer tendencies to break than Caucasian hair, it can still take a great deal of abuse if the braids are not done and cared for properly. In addition to breakage, you can also experience dull, frizzy and dry hair as a result of wearing cornrows or braids.

To avoid all of these drawbacks and to keep your braids looking shiny and neat, follow the following care tips:

� Choose your artist wisely � As with any artistic field, braiders come in many levels of expertise. Be sure to choose one that has been in the business for a good while. Also, ask to see sample photos of the stylist�s work. This will give you a good idea about their level of expertise.

� Grow hair to proper length - In order to get a good braid, your stylist has to have enough hair to work with. A good rule of thumb to follow on length is 10cm for straight hair and a minimum of 5 cm for curly hair.

� Cleanse without disrupting � Granted, shampooing your hair with all of those rows and braids is not an easy task. To clean down to the scalp without disrupting your style you can use a shower massager or dental water pick.

� Wrap to prevent frizz and breakage � When you�re sleeping, your hair comes into constant contact with your pillow and your movements cause friction and tension to be applied to your braids. This can result in fly away hair, frizz and breakage. To avoid this simply wrap your head with a do rag or cloth before sleeping.

� Keep salon appointments � If your braid artist tells you to get a trim every 6 weeks, do so. And if he or she tells you to get your braids redone within a certain time frame, be sure that you do. This will help keep your braids looking neat and fresh.

About the Author:

Jenny is a hair expert, and the author of an incredible free minicourse, that explains how to find your unique style, how long or short you should have your hair, how to find the right hair color for you, how to find the right salon, and a lot more. Go to http://www.hairstylevillage.com/ now.

Have You Done Your Hair Care Correctly?

Love your hair like you going to lose it. Hair is delicate, growing stuff which need to be handled with care. A lot of care will make your hair healthy, shiny and also beautiful. Beautiful hair is an asset for any woman. Some are gifted with naturally beautiful hair while others have to really work hard on it. But essentially everybody has to work on hair either for improving or for maintaining them.

Hair has been called as �crowning glory.� That�s because hair is covering our head like a crown which can influence our appearance. Sure, your appearance will be good if you can make your �crowning glory� looks good, shinny and healthy. That�s why you need to do your hair care diligently. Don�t wait until you have damage hair to make your move.

Tips for Your Hair Care

To help you taking care of your hair, here are a few hair care tips which might help you:

- Understand your hair type. Being understand your type of hair, such as, oily, dry, natural, curly, straight, kinky or what ever, you can correctly treat your hair with product that is useful to your type of hair..

- Pick shampoo that give benefit to your type of hair. Apply shampoo from root to tip - gently work down the hair. Don�t pile up hair while lathering! Rinse thoroughly under running water.

- Choose conditioner that works with your shampoo Always condition after shampooing. Apply conditioner from tip to root. Comb your hair while condition through hair to ensure distribution and penetration. Use as much conditioner as your hair can absorb.

- Dry your hair gently. Do not rub your hair especially if it is very long. Take time to dry it slowly with a gently patting or wringing action. Don�t overdrying your hair.

Start to Care Your Hair

Okay, those tips surely will give you awareness how to treat your hair basically.

Followed here are tips for you who feel that looking after your hair is important to its health. Healthy hair looks better and holds the style you want. These tips include the following:

- When you put your hair in a braid or ponytail don�t use any plain rubber band, always use a specially treated band like bungee or similar. This will prevent hair breakage and hair loss.

- Don�t sleep with your ponytail or in tight braid. You will breakage your hair and it turn into hair loss.

- If you plan on trying out a new hairstyle such as a braid, updo or twist, for a special event then practice the new braiding style several times before the big event arrives. This will guarantee great results.

Now, another tip is finding the right place for your hair care products. Although all hair care products available almost everywhere, but the best place to find for your hair care products is in Internet. It so convenience shopping online since you will check all the products, compare each product, order so easily and you can return after purchase if you feel not confidence with the products. Easy isn�t it? Okay, enjoy your tips here!

About the Author:

Loraine Lesley is editor for some Website concerning women. She wants to help women to look beautiful, that�s why her object features practical articles and tips on Skin Care, Hair Care, and more. To discover more of her advice, visit http://www.myskincareonline.com and http://www.myhaircareguide.com

Read more articles by: Loraine Lesley

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

INCREASE GROWTH REDUCE DANDRUFF
Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, was traditionally popular in Europe as a scalp treatment applied to improve hair strength, shine and body, combat hair loss. It also was used as an herbal remedy to get rid of dandruff and scalp itching, promote healing of skin and scalp conditions. Modern studies indicate that Burdock root oil extract is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acid, nutrients required for healthy scalp and natural hair growth. Gently massage Burdock root oil extract into the scalp. For better results use regularly and after you wash your hair.

HAIR GROWTH
Wet your hair and gently massage the whole beaten egg through your hair, taking extra care with your scalp. This treatment is meant to get the oils, built up conditioners, and dirt from the past week- off your scalp and purify it. Let the egg sit for about a minute, then rise thoroughly with warm water. Massage in the mayonnaise in the same way, but paying attention to the tips of the hair, and let sit for about 2-3 minutes. (For a deep conditioning-wrap your head in a towel and sit in the sun for 30 minutes) Rinse with warm water and then shampoo with your normal shampoo. Don’t condition after.

DRY HAIR
Try adding � teaspoon of olive oil to your regular conditioner.

FRIZZY HAIR
Add 4 teaspoons of honey and a � of tablespoon of almond oil to your regular conditioner. Let stand for 20 min. and rinse.

SPLIT END TREATMENTS
Mix about a tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and an egg yolk. Apply to wet hair and let stand for about 20 � 30 mins. Rinse and shampoo like normal. Next apply warmed olive oil and let stand over night. Wash hair again and rinse with an ACV (apple cider vinegar) solution.

GROWTH SHAMPOO
Boil 2 cups of water. Throw in 2 catnip tea bags and mix in 2 cups of dried chopped Soapwart root. Turn of heat and let cool. Strain the mixture and keep the liquid. Use as a shampoo. Don�t keep over 7 � 10 days.

GROWTH AND SHINE
Add a teaspoon of nutmeg (yes the seasoning) in 1-� cups of milk. Add � cup of your regular conditioner. Apply to wet hair and let stand for 5-10 min. Rinse out.

THICKEN ROOTS
Boil 2 cups of water and add 2 bags of sage tea. Let stand and cool. After shampooing hair, mix the �sage water� with your current conditioner. Let stand on hair for about 15 min. Rinse and style. Sage eliminates hair loss and strengthens and thickens hair.

NEW HAIR
After washing and conditioning hair, apply carrot seed oil to hair (can be used in a spray bottle mixed with water for everyday use). Carrot seed oil strengthens weak, damaged hair. It goes right into the hair shaft to repair, strengthen and moisturize damaged hair. Carrot seed Oil promotes the development of new hair.

HAIR NUTRIENTS
Smash an old banana and an old avocado together and apply to hair after shampooing. This is the advice from a Hollywood hairdresser. She says to leave it on for about 15 min and rinse in kitchen sink with a garbage disposal.

VITAMINS AND HERBS FOR HAIR LOSS
Taking a multivitamin daily can decrease hair loss. Vitamins A, B6, B12, Folic acid, biotin, and Vitamin C. Caution: Too much Vitamin A can cause hair loss, keep your intake less than 100,000 IU daily.
Rinse your hair with ACV and sage tea. This helps hair grow. Catmint or chamomile infusions used as a final rinse can help with itchiness, a source of hair loss. Aloe, nettles, stinging nettle, birch leaves and watercress are excellent blood and skin cleaners. Drink 1 tbsp. of juice of stinging nettle, birch leaves and watercress, mixed in a glass of water to cleanse the blood. Licorice extract may help prevent hair loss.
Horsetail is a good source of silica. Silica helps to keep hair strong and looking shiny and sleek. To shampoo hair, steep 2 tbsp. horsetail in 4 oz. hot water and add to a baby shampoo.
Massage scalp regularly with tinctures of stinging nettle, birch, horsetail and rosemary for hair growth stimulation, to disinfect the scalp and to increase blood circulation.
Rosemary or stinging nettle may help combat dandruff, a source of hair loss. Put a large handful of rosemary into a pan and cover with water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and leave to cool. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a jug containing a few drops of wheatgerm or any oil. Use this as a rinse after you have washed your hair with a very mild shampoo. Finally rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

FISH?!?
The fatty acids in fish help hydrate hair and skin. Try eating fish twice a week. Or if eating fish isn�t �you� try taking two tablespoons of flaxseed oil. Some even use it to cook with.

Author: Toi

How to use shampoo to encourage hair growth

If possible, wash your hair leaning over a basin or the bath, so that blood circulation is increased around your scalp and hair roots. Continue this by gently massaging your head with your fingertips while shampooing, begin at the nape of the neck and use the pads of your fingertips, keep your nails well clear and don’t use your entire hand. Gently rotate your scalp (not your hair) with circular movements, travelling towards the crown of your head. Do this in a slow gentle fashion for a couple of minutes.

Next exert a little more pressure as you move towards your hairline. At the same time use the thumbs to move over your ears towards the temples. Take your time and relax and enjoy your shampooing ritual, you will feel the benefit after you have finished. After shampooing rinse your hair well, then pat your hair dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing it with the towel. If you can get someone else to shampoo and massage your hair and scalp for you then you will feel that it relaxes you even more.

Use a conditioner after every wash as it smoothes down the tiny scales that cover each hair. This seals the inner core of the hair against damage from the weather. Conditioners also help to prevent static buildup. Rub the conditioner into the your hair and leave for a couple of minutes. Rinse off and wrap hair in a warm towel to absorb the excess moisture. Do not rub the hair dry with the towel just pat dry then style.

—————
A wide toothed comb should be used to keep your hair in good condition. A comb should have rounded teeth with no rough edges. If you use a brush, only use a brush made from a good natural bristle, such as boar. I recommend the Denman group of brushes. I find they have fantastic detangling qualities and effectively remove shed hair without damage. Whatever brush you choose, the bristles should be firm but flexible, secure in the base, with rounded ends to prevent damage. Wide handles brushes are often easier to use than narrow handled one if you have a lot of hair to work with.

Every time you wash your hair, wash your brush and comb, and make sure everyone in the household has their own brush and comb. Cleanliness is very important in looking after the condition of your hair.

Your hairdresser should be a friend to you and not just someone who cuts your hair. Find someone that understands NATURAL hair and your style of haircut. Tell them about your worries, they will be glad to give advice to you about anything that is a problem for you. If your hairdresser does not give you correct advice, change hairdressers. There are lots of them around, and once you find the one for you stick with them.

It is important to choose a shampoo and conditioner that is right for you. Hair gets dirty when sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skins sebaceous glands, coats the hair shaft. Dead skin cells and airborn dirt stick to the sebum.

It goes without saying that a well-balanced diet is essential to healthy hair growth. Poor diet can be reflected in hair quality to an amazing degree, dandruff, dry hair and even hair loss can result. Stress can also cause a problem in both hair loss and dandruff. Both of which can be very detrimental to a healthy head of hair.

The type of shampoo that you use is a purely personal choice. One of the best shampoo types to use is a shampoo with a balanced P.H. value. These shampoo’s will return your hair to its natural P.H. level and make manageability easier.

For thinning hair, either naturally thinning or caused by wearing styles such as tight braids, you will find some shampoos have a special ingredient advertised as a hair thickener as well as a shampoo that will make your hair look thicker. These shampoos actually coat each strand of hair with a layer of protein each time you use it thus making the hair appear thicker. These shampoos are really very good and can have quite a beneficial effect on most people. However, napptural hair can fight against excessive use of proteins, causing brittleness and hardness. If this happens to you after using a protein shampoo or conditioner, rethink using it. Check the label on the back of the shampoo or conditioner to see what it contains and either avoid it or use it depening on your result.

Proteins, keratin and amino acids all bond to the hair shaft to fill-in the cracks caused by poor treatment of the hair, these will strengthen and protect your hair. However egg protein will not bond with your hair so is really just a gimmick.

Moisturisers rehydrate your hair as they do your skin. Look out for urea, lactic acid and lecithin. Balsam is a resin that stiffens hair to add volume, which explains why conditioners containing it are the best sellers. Its use may not always be beneficial, so you need to evaluate how it works for you. Panthenol, vitamin B5, unlike most vitamins, does penetrate hair and is essential for strength and healthy growth.

Protein shampoos do not penetrate the hair but they coat it thus providing more bulk. A protein shampoo acts similar to a shampoo and conditioner in one. Protein may not agree with your hair, so try it a few times and if it makes your hair hard or unmanageable, toss it away.

Silk helps to make hair appear shiny by coating the hair and reflecting the light. Napptural hair is not by nature shiny unlesss it is styled into form such as twists or coils, or straightened so don’t expect a shiny afro no matter how much silk is in the product.

Jojoba is a richly moisturising oil (actually it’s not an oil, it’s a wax ester) and is great for dry and damaged hair, but it’s also very expensive and the amount found in conditioners may be minimal. In fact probably just enough to put it on the label. If you want to use jojoba oil to its fullest, I recommend buying some to use out of the bottle. A little goes a long way.

You can see how many different ingredients can be added to conditioners and shampoos to help take care of the hair. You can even add your own ingredients to your shampoos and conditioners for added benefits. However, I recommend you stick to the inert natural oils and honey type preparations when adding to a store bought product as chemical combining could cause unwanted reactions in the product.
Choosing the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair can be a matter of trial and error.

You should avoid using the same shampoo all the time as your hair will eventually build up a resistance to it and your hair will suffer - so about every ten washes you should use a different shampoo to wash out all your old one. Also, clarifying shampoos are a good idea in the event of product buildup. The results will make rather a noticeable difference to the shine/sheen and manageability of your hair.

Most of the commercially available hair care products today use harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients. In the interest of good napptural health, I list below, what are in my opinion, the 10 worst commonly found product ingredients thngs you can put on your hair (and body). For alternatives to these chemicals, please read my article named Natural Subsitiutes for Chemical Products.

Check the list of ingredients on your hair products. The more of a particular ingredient you have in a product, the closer it is to the top of the list of ingredients on the bottle:

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Napptural hair reacts very badly to isoalcohol and this ingredient should be avoided at ALL costs. It will dry your hair out and break it off. According to A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma.

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM: The best baby oil is made from almonds. But the oil which being sold as baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin’s natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The skin’s ability to release toxins and wastes is impossible through this “plastic wrap,” which can promote acne and other disorders. It further hinders normal skin respiration/transpiration by keeping oxygen out. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age. Holding in large a mounts of moisture in the skin can “flood” the biology and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily. Petrolatum - A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil.

Honestly, this stuff belongs in your engine, not on your hair. Regardless of “Well, my Grandma used vaseline on her hair and it grew “, the bottom line is this stuff is bad. It was bad for Grandma and it is bad for you. Period.

3. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG’s are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG’s contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): As a “surfactant” or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

5. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thicken to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. (SOME OF THE NITROSATING AGENTS ARE: SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA). Shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with these substances can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrite-contaminated foods.

Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says, “…in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death.” According to the American College of Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children’s eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. It is possibly the most dangerous of ad ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate contaminated food.” According to the American College of Toxicity report, “SLS stays in the body for up to five days…” Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste,”

Studies show its danger potential to be great when used in personal-care products. Toxicity - A serious problem with these chemicals is that they may be contaminated with NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine), one of the nitrosamines and a potent carcinogen, according to a 1978 FDA report.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may be more drying. Both SLS and SLES can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing. Contains ether.

6. CHLORINE: According to Doris J. Rapp, M.D., author of Is This your Child’s World? exposure to chlorine in tap water, Showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usual listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. . These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said “repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children.”

8. FD & C Color PIGMENTS: Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer’s dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: “Colors that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.”

9. FRAGRANCE: Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. “Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes,” (Home Safe Home).

For better health try purchasing unscented products and for fragrance, adding a natural essential oil.

10. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

If the above information is not enough to make you read labels on things before using them on yourself of your babies, nothing will.