When you think of toxic chemicals, you probably don’t think of your cosmetic products.
But your lotions, shampoos and sunscreens likely have chemicals that strip away moisture, irritate and cause skin wrinkles like propylene glycol, parabens, PABA, PEG and mineral oil. Some ingredients have even been known to cause cancer. And they’re hiding in products called “natural” and “healthy.”
You don’t need to sacrifice your health or risk disease for the sake of looking good. But your choices for clean, effective skin care are remarkably slim.
I started my Ageless Beauty Secrets e-letter to change that. It’s a free daily anti-aging advisory full of strategies designed to keep you looking younger and more beautiful as you age – without dangerous skin-destroying chemicals.
My team of experts and I will share easy-to-follow natural skin therapies and show you how to apply the latest in anti-aging technology to keep you looking radiant – regardless of your age.
For example, there are many oils and plants that are excellent for your skin that you can use instead of putting petrochemical oils on your face.
They’re not well-known in the West. I discovered that traditional healers and local herbalists in Africa use them to reduce redness, even out skin tone, smooth out wrinkles, heal dry skin and even relieve itching and irritation.
Let me tell you about a few of these truly exotic oils they use in Africa…
Baobab oil is derived from seeds of the baobab tree native to eastern and southern Africa. Baobab oil has been used in African skin care for centuries as a rub to relieve aches and rheumatism. In Zambia, Africa, they use an infusion of the roots to bathe babies to promote smooth skin.
It’s a moisturizing ingredient used in local formulas for skin and hair. Studies show
it improves elasticity and encourages regeneration of skin cells. It doesn’t clog pores, which makes it excellent for treating skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis.Andiroba oil comes from a very tall tree related to mahogany, and sometimes called “royal mahogany.” It produces nuts, leaves, bark and pulpwood that are all medicinally valuable, especially for your skin.
The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it anti-inflammatory. It’s used in Africa as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis because it penetrates deeply, absorbs completely and relieves pain.1 Andiroba also soothes skin irritations because of compounds called limonoids. It is antimicrobial when you apply it to your skin, and it improves skin strength and speeds your body’s own skin healing process.2
Tamanu oil is made from crushing the dried nuts of the tamanu tree (Alophyllum inophyllum). Traditional healers in Africa have used it to heal wounds and strengthen skin for centuries. The oil soothes skin, relieves irritations including sunburn, inflammation and rashes. It is hydrating and helps regenerate skin cells.3 You can use it undiluted as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis, and everyday cuts and wounds. Sometimes lip balms and lotions contain a small percentage of tamanu because it’s so good for your skin.
Argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree, native to North Africa. It’s sometimes called “Morroccan Liquid Gold” because the oil is so prized. It’s rubbed on babies, brushed into women’s hair and even sprinkled on couscous because the oil is so healthy. Studies show it can improve markers for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
For your skin, you can use it to reduce blemishes, reduce acne scars, prevent stretch marks, moisturize and relieve chapped and dry skin. It’s also used to protect skin elasticity and promote healthy skin and hair.
Marula oil has a high content of palmitic acid, which creates a protective coating on the skin. It’s great for dry skin since it absorbs quickly and hydrates and heals the skin. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss, a problem that causes moisture loss in black skin. It’s also said to reduce redness and improves skin texture.
My staff and I are investigating these oils and more, and researching ways to put them in anti-aging formulas. If you haven’t checked out my other anti-aging products from Pure Radiance, you can learn more by clicking here.
Plus after you sign up, I’ll send you a special report called Toxic Cosmetics – 7 Poisons to Watch For as my gift to you. This special report uncovers the most dangerous chemicals found in popular cosmetic products and shows you how to avoid them.
Click here to sign up for FREE Ageless Beauty Secrets and download your free report now.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1. Penido C, Conte F, Chagas M, Rodrigues C, Pereira J, Henriques M. “Antiinflammatory effects of natural tetranortriterpenoids isolated from Carapa guianensis Aublet on zymosan-induced arthritis in mice.” Inflamm Res. 2006 Nov;55(11):457-64.4.
2. Nayak B, Kanhai J, Milne D, Swanston W, Mayers S, Eversley M, Rao A. “Investigation of the wound healing activity of Carapa guianensis L. (Meliaceae) bark extract in rats using excision, incision, and dead space wound models.” J Med Food. 2010 Oct;13(5):1141-6.5.
3. Dweck A, Meadows T. “Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) – the African, Asian, Polynesian and Pacific Panacea.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Dec;24(6):341-8.