Eye Cosmetic Safety

Eye shadow, eye pencils, etc., are meant to make the eyes more attractive and alluring. Additionally, eye make up removers are meant to cleanse the eyes without harsh ingredients. The majority of eye cosmetics are safe when used properly, however there are some general Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines when purchasing and using eye cosmetics. Below are some general guidelines for eye safety and legal issues with regard to eye makeup.

Keep it Clean
Misuse and old cosmetics can harbor dangerous bacteria and fungi. Thus, when applied to the eye area infection can occur. There have been rare instances of women being temporarily blinded by bacteria and/or fungi in their eye makeup. There are safety guidelines that the FDA has complied to keep your eyes and your makeup safe.

Do not Share or Swap Your Eye Makeup
Never share your eye makeup or use another?s. The germs in the makeup while not detrimental to the owner may be detrimental to you. Additionally, testers at retail outlets can carry a large amount of germs and bacteria due to a large number of people trying the product. If you just have to sample a cosmetic, always ask for a clean applicator.

Hold still
You may be tempted to apply your makeup while riding in a car, bus, or other type of transportation, but avoid this temptation. A small bump in the road, swerve, or sudden stop can cause you to poke your eye and cause serious damage and/or infection. A slight scratch of the cornea can result in serious eye infections.

Know the Ingredients
All eye cosmetics are required to have their ingredients declared on the label as mandated by the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FLPA). The labeling of cosmetics is vital to the consumer. The labeling helps to identify ingredients so the consumer can compare brands or if there are ingredients that you wish to avoid
All cosmetics are required to be labeled. If it is not then you are not getting the information entitled to you. Do not hesitate to ask the store manager or the manufacturer on why the product is not labeled.

Eye Shadow Colors
The United States strictly regulates the uses of color additives in eye makeup. There are several eye colors are not approved by the FDA for use in the eye area. There is an important alert for cosmetics containing illegal colors at FDA website (www.fda.gov).
Kohl (also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma) is one color additive that is prohibited in the United States. While this additive is allowed in other countries, it is unapproved for cosmetics use by the FDA. Kohl is known to contain heavy metals such as antimony and lead. The FDA has received reports of kohl leading to lead poisoning in children.
While some cosmetic companies may label their cosmetic with the ?kohl?, it is only to indicate the color. If the cosmetic is labeled properly, you can check the FDA lists of approved color additives for use in cosmetics at the FDA website.

In Case of a Bad Reaction
If you do have a bad reaction to a specific eye cosmetic, contact your healthcare provider. In addition, the FDA encourages all consumers to report any adverse reactions from cosmetics to their nearest FDA district office.
To contact your nearest FDA district office, you can find their phone numbers on FDA's Web site. These phone numbers also are included in the U.S. Government listings in the Blue Pages of the phone book under United States Government/Health and Human Services. In addition, you may email them at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov

Carol Belanger, author of 300 Plus Skin Care Recipes
For more articles on skin care and skin care recipes, visit http://www.CompleteSkinCareTherapy.com

Green Tea for Beautiful Skin and Healthy Living

Green tea offers so many benefits to the skin and to the body. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall health when taken internally.

Furthermore, recent research has concluded that green tea can prevent cancer. The death rate in Japan from cancer is significantly lower than that in the States. In Japan, green tea is part of their daily staple and consumed as much as 5 to 6 cups a day. This suggests that the main ingredients in green tea (*tannin, **catechin-see definition below) in sufficient amounts can lower the mortality rates of cancer patients.

Additionally, green tea can lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels for those suffering with diabetes or the onset thereof. Caffeinated tea refreshes the body when taken internally; it stimulates the body�s organs and clears the mind. Green tea can lower cholesterol by restricting the excessive buildup of (LDL) cholesterol. Research has also suggested that green tea can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties.

Overall, green tea drinkers seem to enjoy better health. The vital ingredient Catechin is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.

Green Tea Facial Toner

5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves
1/3 to � cup fresh herb, chopped (see list below for your specific skin type)
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain if necessary. Apply with cotton ball. The toner will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.

Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers, and marigold.
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.

*Definition of catechin: The antioxidant activity about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and can have an antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A catechin is effective because it sticks to proteins easily and blocks bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts their ability to destroy them. The catechin in green tea also prevents viruses from adhering to cell walls and causing harm.

**Definition of Tannin: All tannins act as astringents, shrinking tissues and contracting structural proteins in the skin and mucus.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+
Skin Care Recipes

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit http://www.completeskincaretherapy.com