Healing Anthropology's Blog

Rose hips are the fruit produced by the rose plant after it has bloomed. They are packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C. Rose hips are the perfect ingredient for organic, anti-aging skincare because their properties give them the ability to stimulate collagen growth. When looking for beauty products with rose hips it’s best to opt for the oil form rather than the powder form, as it is more potent. Also, make sure the rest of the ingredients are natural as well. If a product only has one or two natural ingredients in a sea of chemical ones, the natural ones usually are overpowered by the toxic ones. It is especially beneficial to look for beauty products containing rose hips that you aren’t going to wash off your face such as toners and eye creams.

The hype is all around,and now, mainstream makeup companies have caught the wave and are touting minerals in their products, too. But before you go grabbing for the first “Mineral” makeup you find, make sure to check the ingredients first. Just because the label says mineral, doesn’t mean the product doesn’t contain potentially dangerous fillers. To help you make sure you’re getting the best ingredients in your makeup, we’ve put together a checklist.

DO’s
>> Find The Label:
I know it sounds ridiculous, but have you tried to look at makeup ingredients in the store before? It’s all but impossible to locate and identify the ingredients in your favorite lipstick. Sometimes the ingredients are clearly stated on the back of the packaging, and other times you have to peel back a label to reveal it’s true colors.
>> MICA:
This razor-thin rock gives powders a shimmery glow that helps reflect light and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also why mineral foundations are buildable, the thin layers provide customizable coverage.
>> ZINC OXIDE:
Not only a natural sunscreen, zinc oxide also kills bacteria and
works as an anti-inflammatory, making it a good acne-fighter.
>> SILK POWDER:
Crushed silk cocoons give powder foundations a light-on-the-skin
feel and provide healing amino acids.
>> LAUROYL LYSINE:
This amino acid is derived from coconuts and used in mineral
makeup to provide a silky finish.
>> VEGETABLE OILS:
These natural alternatives replace the traditional polymers used
to keep makeup colors on your skin, and also help the pigments in mascara stick to lashes. For example, sweet almond and sunflower oils nourish your lips and keep them well-hydrated without the scary side effects.
>> NATURAL WAXES:
These include—but are not limited to—waxes derived from
bees and plants. They act just like the vegetable oils and work like a polymer to keep your makeup on your skin and lips.
>> ULTRAMARINE:
In it’s natural form, this ingredient is a mineral-derived (think
lapis lazuli) pigment that is used as a color additive in cosmetics. The Enviornmental
Working Group (EWG) has also given this ingredient a “thumbs up.”

DONT’S
>> DITCH THE FD&C AND/OR D&C COLORS:
Commonly made from coal-tar derivatives, evidence suggests that some of the colors damage the nervous system and cause cell mutations. Also, those who eschew animal cruelty should know these colors often get tested for their carcinogenic properties on animals first, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
>> FLUS H THE FRAGRANCE:
Phthalates are commonly used in makeups to add
fragrance. Instead look for essential oils or phthalates-free labeling.
>> LEAVE THE LEAD:
A recent test by the EWG found detectable amounts of lead
in more than 60 percent of the lipsticks it tested. Whether introduced during the
manufacturing process or in the mining of iron oxides, lead doesn’t appear on any
lipstick labels, so buyer beware.
>> SCRAP THE MINERAL OIL:
This petroleum-derived ingredient gives you the
shine you want, but it also clogs pores and doesn’t allow the skin to breathe. Recent
studies have also linked mineral oil to an increase in skin cancer–related tumors.
>> NO TO NANO:
Some companies believe that nano-sized dioxides and oxides are
more easily absorbed into the skin than the micronized versions. Some critics suggest
that the nanoparticles may actually produce free radicals that can damage the DNA of skin cells, but so far no studies have shown any evidence of that. Several mineral makeup companies, however, have opted not to adopt the technology until more evidence of its safety is proven.
>> PUL THE PARABENS:
Parabens like to rear their nasty little heads in just about
every beauty and bath product known to man. These shelf-life extenders and hormone disrupters are showing up in human tissue and urine, and are best avoided in all of your makeup choices.
>> TOSS THE TALC:
When you’re looking for mineral foundations or powders (or even eyeshadow), watch out for Talc. Many companies add this toxic substance
as a filler, and—like it or not—talc is considered a mineral.

USE YOUR JUDGEMENT
>> Bismuth oxychloride:
Some women react adversely to this otherwise safe mineral salt, so those with special skin concerns should avoid this ingredient. If you use a mineral foundation with this ingredient and find your skin gets itchy, it’s probably due to this ingredient. Dermatologists warn that bismuth oxychloride can aggravate acne, rosacea, and eczema.
>> Titanium dioxide:
Experts have raised a red flag regarding loose titanium dioxide:
The microscopic mineral can be easily inhaled and may potentially damage the lungs. Liquid and pressed minerals minimize that potential (and still provide titanium dioxide’s natural sun-shielding ability), but you can also find titanium dioxide–free makeup lines.

Top Picks:
Mineral makeup companies
Afterglow Cosmetics- afterglowcosmetics.com
Aubrey Organics- aubrey-organics.com
Cowgirl Dirt- cowgirldirt.com
Dechant- dechantsheerminerals.com
Dr. Hauschka- drhauschka.com
Everyday Minerals- everydayminerals.com
jane iredale- http://www.janeiredale.com
Larénim- http://www.larenim.com

Our latest amazing review from Kira Brown at FashionPhoenix.com

Skin care in Arizona is a must. The largest organ of our body’s, our skin, is often over-exposed to the harsh summer AZ sun, resulting in premature aging, uncomfortable sunburns and worst, skin cancer. To protect yourself, you must feed your face, from both the inside and out, with quality products and nutrients. With my sensitive skin, I am a product junkie – trying anything to hydrate, protect, de-wrinkle and soothe. Here’s a list of those that I love…

FACE: My absolute favorite natural skin-care line for my face is Healing Anthropology. The creams are rich and healing, as the name implies, and include only the finest, 100% natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Essential Oils of Almond, Ylang Ylang and more. It’s yummy food for your face. And the products smell amazing too! I am particularly fond of the Rejuvenating Day Cream with SPF 30+. My skin glows with its daily use and of course, my face is protected naturally from the sun. Many wonderful products for your entire family. Check it out, http://www.healinganthropology.com. GREAT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT!!

BODY: I love True Harmony’s Botanical Baby Lotion and Belly Balm. I use both as lotion and to heal dry areas like feet. The smell of the Cocoa Butter in both products, with its chocolate-scent, is amazing – almost edible. And most products, I noticed, have very few ingredients. I am a big fan of the less-is-more concepts found in these house-made products. True Harmony’s line is found at Center for True Harmony in Mesa.www.centerfortrueharmony.com.

LIPS: To keep your lips smooth and smoochable, I just discovered the most amazing little line of gloss from another Mesa-based company, What’s Your Virtue. Each gloss has a specific virtue and flavor in a sleek little package. I picked up a little “Wisdom” recently, hopefully a self-fulfilling prophecy for speaking only as such. Love it. For more flavors and to order, visit http://www.whatsyourvirtue.com.

TREATMENT: The month of May has brought a delectable treat for feeding your skin exclusive to The Spa at Gainey Village. The Spa is now offering Organic Super Food Body Treatments until May 31st. The completely edible body treatments feed your body and nourish your skin with food-grade love including Pomegranate, Mangosteen, Seaweed, Carrots, Spirulina and more. The 60-minute treatment includes a scrub, mask, wrap and lotion that will leave you feeling completely nourished and refreshed. Pricing for members is $90 and for non-members $115. http://www.villageclubs.com. GREAT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT!

Here are a few tips for skin care from the inside…

* Drink Aloe Vera juice. Often the inflammation of acne is an eruption of inflammation of the digestive tract.
* Soak your feet in warm garlic water. Sounds gross, but Dr. Oz swears by its detoxification, so do I. Your feet, according to reflexologists, are representative of your entire body. I do it. It works for me, especially when getting sick. I recently started adding ginger to improve low blood circulation. Helps too.
* Try eating whole, raw and organic foods and avoid junk and processed foods. Whole foods provide whole nutrients to feed your cells. Especially during our hot Arizona summers, try to keep it uncooked as possible to cool to the internal systems.
* Foods like Salmon, Coconut Oil mixed in a health shake, Avocados and Fish Oil supplements provide essential fatty acids for proper cell regeneration.
* Water, water, water. Hydrate. I LOVE Glaceau SmartWater and Vitamin Water Glow. Balanced and nourishing with vitamins and electrolytes, especially fabulous, again, during scorching Arizona summers.
* Just Breathe. Deeply. Oxygenate your cells and body with air. I find myself holding my breath during the day, especially during stressful times. When the opposite should be happening, right?! Air feeds all your cells. Yoga and meditation are great ways to learn to breathe deeply.
* Apple Cider Vinegar is an amazing cure for acne and scars. Dilute with water and use as a toner. And you can drink a little bit each day for overall health. It is pungent, but dries odorless quickly. Promise – it’s amazing.

Recommended books:
- Feed Your Body, Energize Your Life – by Dr. Jane Hendricks
- Natural to Super Natural Health – By David Herzog