Comments on: Cosmetic Hysteria – I’ve Had Enough! http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/ From Paula's Choice Tue, 31 May 2011 02:16:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Suzanne http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-7518 Suzanne Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:56:18 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-7518 I'm not risking it. In the last month I've read quite a lot about this and decided to ditch anything that has it. I'm trusting the scientists that say MAYBE. I'm high risk breast cancer and spreading lotions that contains parabens all over me that may or may not increase that risk, is not worth it. I don't trust the FDA , or the EPA to protect me. I think they are staffed by people that are bought by the very industry they are supposed to be regulating, on all facets, not just cosmetics. If you CAN use ingredients that are least more natural, why not do it? You can't say long term what the effect of any product might be until its too late. I love Philosophy, my skin looks awesome, but some of those products might contain something not so good for the rest of me, so I am done. Better safe than sorry, I can look fabulous without the parabens, just in case. I’m not risking it. In the last month I’ve read quite a lot about this and decided to ditch anything that has it. I’m trusting the scientists that say MAYBE. I’m high risk breast cancer and spreading lotions that contains parabens all over me that may or may not increase that risk, is not worth it. I don’t trust the FDA , or the EPA to protect me. I think they are staffed by people that are bought by the very industry they are supposed to be regulating, on all facets, not just cosmetics. If you CAN use ingredients that are least more natural, why not do it? You can’t say long term what the effect of any product might be until its too late. I love Philosophy, my skin looks awesome, but some of those products might contain something not so good for the rest of me, so I am done. Better safe than sorry, I can look fabulous without the parabens, just in case.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-7423 Elizabeth Mon, 31 May 2010 21:01:46 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-7423 Cancer aside, I seem to have adverse estrogen-related reactions to products that include parabens. I have developed a strange tanning pattern that my doctor informed me is called "pregnancy mask." I'm not pregnant, nor do I take any kind of hormones. In trying to figure out what was going on, a friend informed me about parabens. When she uses products with parabens, she gets terrible migraines with her PMS. When she avoids them, no migraines. I took paraben products out of my beauty routine and my discoloration has improved dramatically. I am very glad that there are products without parabens on the market -- my face looks better for it. Cancer aside, I seem to have adverse estrogen-related reactions to products that include parabens. I have developed a strange tanning pattern that my doctor informed me is called “pregnancy mask.” I’m not pregnant, nor do I take any kind of hormones. In trying to figure out what was going on, a friend informed me about parabens. When she uses products with parabens, she gets terrible migraines with her PMS. When she avoids them, no migraines. I took paraben products out of my beauty routine and my discoloration has improved dramatically. I am very glad that there are products without parabens on the market — my face looks better for it.

]]> By: CarrieAnne http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6754 CarrieAnne Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:42:24 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6754 Wow -- I'll say it again -- WOW. Paula, you have just summed up everything I have learned over the past few years about supposed natural and organic cosmetic & personal care products, and it was said way better than I could ever put it. Trying so hard these days not to seem like an insufferable know-it-all with all friends and loved ones, but some of them are just so deep in denial about their beloved products that any conversation involving the debate about natural vs synthetic ingredients inevitably causes a disconnect or argument. I even used your (paraphrased) line I read somewhere about poison ivy being natural but you wouldn't deliberately rub it on your skin, and also why bother spending money on products without adequate packaging. :) Alas, my work buddy still uses LUSH products (horrific) and my BFF still uses Clinique Superdefense from a jar, despite my gentle attempts at education (but hey, at least she is finally wearing moisturizer and sunscreen -- that's one battle won). LOL. I just really appreciate your understanding that we will always want to know about new developments and cut through the BS, even if you know there are already products available that do what they are supposed to do. XOXO! Wow — I’ll say it again — WOW. Paula, you have just summed up everything I have learned over the past few years about supposed natural and organic cosmetic & personal care products, and it was said way better than I could ever put it. Trying so hard these days not to seem like an insufferable know-it-all with all friends and loved ones, but some of them are just so deep in denial about their beloved products that any conversation involving the debate about natural vs synthetic ingredients inevitably causes a disconnect or argument. I even used your (paraphrased) line I read somewhere about poison ivy being natural but you wouldn’t deliberately rub it on your skin, and also why bother spending money on products without adequate packaging. :) Alas, my work buddy still uses LUSH products (horrific) and my BFF still uses Clinique Superdefense from a jar, despite my gentle attempts at education (but hey, at least she is finally wearing moisturizer and sunscreen — that’s one battle won). LOL. I just really appreciate your understanding that we will always want to know about new developments and cut through the BS, even if you know there are already products available that do what they are supposed to do. XOXO!

]]> By: Pam http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6590 Pam Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:40:15 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6590 Paula, I really appreciate your evidence and science based approach to skin care. I witness the rampant misinformation and greenwashing that happens on a regular basis for all sorts of things and it nauseates me. I have worked in environmental regualtion, yup a real regulatory person, for over 22 years and have watched the ups and downs and around and arounds. There are lots of horrible chemicals that are "organic" not organic certified, but organic because they have carbon in them. That all said, the term "certified organic by XXX" does have a specific meaning and there is plenty of data proving the beneifts of organically grown stuff to the environment and people health when they eat the stuff or live near where it is produced or processed. It doesn't mean that all the stuff is good for you just by being organic or "natural" whatever that means. Where my nickers get in a knot relates to production of the cosmetic ingredients. I am a firm believer in "cradle to grave" analysis of a product's impact. I am a fan of petolatum and mineral oil for my skin BUT I don't like how it is produced and the waste products generated in petroleum refining. I think consumers and producers need to ask questions about the overall enviornmental impact of products, their production, their packaging, etc. and try to use products that minimize the environmental impact while maximizing the benefits. I use Paula's choice products for lots of reasons, but one being the minimal and recycleable packaging and lack of wasteful advertizing. I know it is hard and expensive enough to source good and pure ingredients, but I encourage all companies to look down their supply lines and examine the impact of their prodcuts soup to nuts and reduce it to the extent possible including pressuring ingredient manufacturers to do the same. Easier if you are a big company and can devote a team of folks to doing this (they still don't) but we can all make an effort to make truely informed decisions. To address Mae's comment. The legitimate scientific community as a whole is convinced that climate change is real, and is having and will have significant impacts. There are plenty of nay-sayers, but there were lots of folks who were convinced the world was flat too. Paula, I really appreciate your evidence and science based approach to skin care. I witness the rampant misinformation and greenwashing that happens on a regular basis for all sorts of things and it nauseates me. I have worked in environmental regualtion, yup a real regulatory person, for over 22 years and have watched the ups and downs and around and arounds. There are lots of horrible chemicals that are “organic” not organic certified, but organic because they have carbon in them. That all said, the term “certified organic by XXX” does have a specific meaning and there is plenty of data proving the beneifts of organically grown stuff to the environment and people health when they eat the stuff or live near where it is produced or processed. It doesn’t mean that all the stuff is good for you just by being organic or “natural” whatever that means. Where my nickers get in a knot relates to production of the cosmetic ingredients. I am a firm believer in “cradle to grave” analysis of a product’s impact. I am a fan of petolatum and mineral oil for my skin BUT I don’t like how it is produced and the waste products generated in petroleum refining. I think consumers and producers need to ask questions about the overall enviornmental impact of products, their production, their packaging, etc. and try to use products that minimize the environmental impact while maximizing the benefits. I use Paula’s choice products for lots of reasons, but one being the minimal and recycleable packaging and lack of wasteful advertizing. I know it is hard and expensive enough to source good and pure ingredients, but I encourage all companies to look down their supply lines and examine the impact of their prodcuts soup to nuts and reduce it to the extent possible including pressuring ingredient manufacturers to do the same. Easier if you are a big company and can devote a team of folks to doing this (they still don’t) but we can all make an effort to make truely informed decisions.

To address Mae’s comment. The legitimate scientific community as a whole is convinced that climate change is real, and is having and will have significant impacts. There are plenty of nay-sayers, but there were lots of folks who were convinced the world was flat too.

]]> By: maggie hanus http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6525 maggie hanus Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:13:34 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6525 I'll be the first to admit that greenwashing & hypocrisy is rampant...but I would never EVER rely on the FDA, the National Cancer Institute, the American Council on Science & Health, or HAPPI for unbiased, credible information. They're pushing their own greedy little agendas just like everybody else. But what pisses me off just as much (if not more!)...are all the beauty companies insisting that women NEED to use all that artificial crap in the first place! I’ll be the first to admit that greenwashing & hypocrisy is rampant…but I would never EVER rely on the FDA, the National Cancer Institute, the American Council on Science & Health, or HAPPI for unbiased, credible information. They’re pushing their own greedy little agendas just like everybody else. But what pisses me off just as much (if not more!)…are all the beauty companies insisting that women NEED to use all that artificial crap in the first place!

]]> By: Ashley http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6423 Ashley Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:04:17 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6423 Wonderful rant, Paula! I have learned so much from you by reading The Original Beauty Bible and the content on Wikipedia, especially with regards to "organic"/"natural" cosmetic products. I am using your material to educate my friends and family!!! Wonderful rant, Paula! I have learned so much from you by reading The Original Beauty Bible and the content on Wikipedia, especially with regards to “organic”/”natural” cosmetic products. I am using your material to educate my friends and family!!!

]]> By: Pat http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6376 Pat Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:45:55 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6376 Jennifer, I'm with you, anything 'natural' makes my rosacea flare horribly. Give me well formulated chemicals any day! Jennifer,

I’m with you, anything ‘natural’ makes my rosacea flare horribly. Give me well formulated chemicals any day!

]]> By: Jennifer Kenny http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6372 Jennifer Kenny Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:07:36 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6372 I totally agree with almost everything you say, all that natural stuff makes my rosacea go crazy! One small point, however. Men do in fact, have estrogen, just much smaller amounts and they can get breast cancer, although it's pretty rare. I totally agree with almost everything you say, all that natural stuff makes my rosacea go crazy! One small point, however. Men do in fact, have estrogen, just much smaller amounts and they can get breast cancer, although it’s pretty rare.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6366 Kevin Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:21:38 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6366 Well said Paula. You are so right about all the hypocrisy! It reminds me of all the "environmentalists" flying to Europe in their private jets to talk about "global warming." Well said Paula. You are so right about all the hypocrisy! It reminds me of all the “environmentalists” flying to Europe in their private jets to talk about “global warming.”

]]> By: Pat http://www.beautybunch.com/2009/12/14/cosmetic-hysteria-%e2%80%93-i%e2%80%99ve-had-enough/comment-page-1/#comment-6361 Pat Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:54:50 +0000 http://www.beautybunch.com/?p=1451#comment-6361 Well said Paula, as usual. The paraben issue is one which has always frustrated me because parabens are derived from berries!!! How unnatural is that?! That doesn't mean they aren't necessarily safe (though I think the research proves they are) but it does prove that natural does not automatically mean better. The only issue in cosmetics that I see any validity into is the "Sunscreen Issue" about estrogen and free radical production. That said, the "Sunscreen Issue" is one that does have supporting and conflicting research, so it's a whole other barrel of apples. By the way Paula, I've been using your line for a year and my skin has improved dramatically. My rosacea is calmed, my blackheads are lessened and my dry skin is hydrated! The Skin Recovery Cleanser and Toner are fabulous, the 2% BHA Gel is withour peer and the Resist moisturizer is fantastic! Well said Paula, as usual. The paraben issue is one which has always frustrated me because parabens are derived from berries!!! How unnatural is that?! That doesn’t mean they aren’t necessarily safe (though I think the research proves they are) but it does prove that natural does not automatically mean better.

The only issue in cosmetics that I see any validity into is the “Sunscreen Issue” about estrogen and free radical production. That said, the “Sunscreen Issue” is one that does have supporting and conflicting research, so it’s a whole other barrel of apples.

By the way Paula, I’ve been using your line for a year and my skin has improved dramatically. My rosacea is calmed, my blackheads are lessened and my dry skin is hydrated! The Skin Recovery Cleanser and Toner are fabulous, the 2% BHA Gel is withour peer and the Resist moisturizer is fantastic!

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