Hania Secrets

Eight skincare ingredient you may wish to avoid!

Hania — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:28:58 +0000

The whole purpose of skincare products is for the lotions and potions to be absorbed by your skin. Simply put, if you’re putting it on, it’s going in. And that means your body will be soaking up all the ingredients in your skincare products – whether they are synthetic or natural.

It may shock you to learn that there are many chemical ingredients in skin care products that are banned from being taken orally, but given the green light for inclusion in skin preparations. These toxic chemicals are absorbed into the blood stream through your skin and some doctors believe they are the source of eczema, asthma and even cancer.

But not all chemicals are bad. Unless you are willing to keep your skincare products in the fridge, they need some chemicals in them to preserve them and give them a shelf life. What you need to do is to find skin care products that ideally omit or use the lowest concentration of potentially harmful chemicals.

The list of chemicals used by skincare manufacturers is extremely lengthy. Pick up any product on your bathroom shelf and you are likely to be baffled by the long, complicated names of ingredients. However it is possible to highlight a few ingredients that may be worthwhile avoiding, as they are recognised as the possible cause of health problems.

1. Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl etc): Widely used as preservatives, Parabens have been linked to hormone function imbalance and have been detected in breast tumours. They have also been linked to asthma and eczema.

2. PEGs: Otherwise known as Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in cleaners and even some oven cleaners to dissolve oil and grease. They may also be contaminated with Dioxane, a carcinogen. PEGs are found in many personal care products.

3. Phthalates: These are found in so many products, from plastics to shampoo. They are believed to be hormone disrupting and can cause damage to vital organs. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is found in fragrances but it has been linked to infertility and birth defects. Unfortunately manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on labels, so they are difficult to avoid.

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS is used in thousands of cosmetic and health care products, including most toothpastes. It is used to create lather. It’s a strong degreaser that dries skin and hair and can cause eczema in some people. It took me twenty years to realise that it was the SLS in my toothpaste that was causing my miserable battle with mouth ulcers.

5. Propylene Glycol: This is recognised as a neurotoxin and is known to cause dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. Even so it is widely used as a moisture-carrying ingredient (humectant) instead of glycerine because it is cheaper and absorbs well. It is used in antifreeze and hydraulic brake fluid and some manufacturers use it just to keep their machinery well oiled – it has no function in the product itself!

6. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) and Monoethanolamine (MEA): These are known to be hormone disrupters and can combine with nitrates to cause cancer. Unfortunately these ingredients do not need to be listed on product labels.

7. Synthetic Fragrance: This is a term used by manufacturers to hide a plethora of ingredients, many of which you may wish to avoid.

8. Alcohol: (Isopropyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40, Ethyl Alcohol): Alcohol is drying; it dissolves the body’s natural moisture and strips the skin of its natural protection. Although it has been used traditionally to help spot-sufferers, in fact it simply encourages the skin to produce more oil, exacerbating the problem. Alcohol can destroy the skin’s natural pH balance and even speed up wrinkling.

Natural Botox in a Bottle 30ml £45

Hania — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:29:47 +0000

Botox effect plants relaxes the muscles which in turn softens fine lines & wrinkles. From the very first use, the skin looks incredibly beautiful. After 2 weeks, it appears regenerated. The skin is visibly looking younger, radiant and the divine results are both instant and long-lasting.

30ml=£45.

100ml Moroccan bottle is sold on special orders only.

Product Code: MHFACE-30ml

This extra firming treatment is the most fabulous anti ageing formula. Made with very effective active ingredient of natural plant extracts, Excellent for wrinkled skin in need of an extra moisturising and lifting effect. Just after the first application your skin will look and feel utterly lifted & adorable.

Key Ingredients: Argan, botox effect Plant extract, Ginseng, Evening Primrose, Sunscreen 20, Vitamin A, Vitamin E.

GOOD FOR: All skin type. Mainly mature & dry skin.

Directions: For best results, use day and night on cleansed and toned skin. Warm a small amount of cream in the palm of the hand. Breath in and enjoy the scent. This triggers the activity of the essential oils and realises their properties. Then gently massage into your face, neck and decollete in upward circular movements.

A 2004 study carried out at Reading University found parabens in 18 out of 20 samples taken from breast tumours.

Hania — Mon, 31 May 2010 21:43:49 +0000

PARABENS, THE BIG DEBATE!
A 2004 study carried out at Reading University found parabens in 18 out of 20 samples taken from breast tumours.
Another study, carried out by Kyoto University of Medicine, found that parabens could react with the sun ’s UV rays to speed up the skin’s ageing process.
Added to this are worries that parabens can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation. Considering these points, it’s perhaps unsurprising that many skincare and cosmetics companies have stopped using parabens in their products.
Consumer concern: We should be careful about what we put on the skin as it readily absorbs substances. Which then pas into the blood stream to be transported around the whole body. The example of chemical skin patches as nicotine or HRT, are a clear reminder that the skin transmits chemicals into the body.
What’s the alternative? Opinion continues to be divided on the safety aspect of parabens. It is vital to use preservatives to ensure the products are free from mould & bacteria. But they are many natural alternatives( which have been used for centuries, include honey, cloves…) that can be used instead.

O-Mignonne Sensitive skin 30ml £ 19

Hania — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:25:37 +0000

. A very effective cream for irritated & sensitive skin.

30ml £19. Picture not available.

100ml Moroccan bottle is made only on special orders.

Deodorant (100% natural) £6

Hania — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:18:07 +0000

This light & 100% natural formula promise to reduce body odours and calm even the most sensitive skin.
100ml £9

Strong soaps, loofahs and biological washing powders could be fuelling a rise in conditions such as hay fever, asthma and rhinitis

Hania — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:40:13 +0000

Strong soaps, loofahs and biological washing powders could be fuelling a rise in allergies, experts warned. By stripping away a protective layer of skin, such products could be causing not only eczema but other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma and rhinitis, they said.
Scientists from the Institute of Child Health at University College, London, claimed that removal of skin oils allows allergens and other proteins to penetrate the skin.
They said that this could cause an allergic response in the skin and body.
Professor Robin Callard, who co-authored the study, said: “Strong soaps strip oil off the skin, which is an integral component of the skin barrier.
“The use of loofahs and body scrubs also has an effect and then people use body lotions but these are not replacing the same oils.
“We are not saying that people should not wash, but if they overdo it they can compromise the skin barrier.

The findings – published in the journal Trends in Immunology – differ from the “hygiene hypothesis”, which suggests that it is rather the modern practice of keeping homes “too clean” that triggers allergies, by stunting the immune system’s development.
Co-author Professor John Harper said he hoped the research would lead to an allergy-prevention strategy.
He said: “Good standards of hygiene are clearly important to prevent spreading of unpleasant diseases.
“But if this proposed mechanism does turn out to be true, we may be able to reduce the incidence of these diseases by developing new treatments which specifically target the outer protective layer of the skin.’
• Students with hay fever are up to 70 per cent more likely to drop a grade in their GCSEs compared with their mock exam results, say researchers.
The study claimed the use of sedating medication could have a worse effect than just battling through symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing and runny noses.

My point of view: Good skin care, avoiding the sun, washing our skin with gentle natural toiletries, applying moisturise regularly and using natural deodorant( not anti-perspirant) can help delay the natural ageing process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

Health-Saver

Hania — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:43:38 +0000

A new study has found that Frankincense oilL is proved to be a life-saver! Traded in Africa & Middle East for over 5000 years, frankincense oil has long been know to have medicinal benefits.
Now a team at the University of Oklahoma has presented research that shows frankincense oil can detect normal & cancerous bladder cells and can kill the cancerous ones. The team found that “the oil suppresses cancer cell growth by arresting cell cycle progression & induces bladder cancer cell death by activating multiple cell death pathways.”

Source: University of Oklahoma from article in Health & Harmony magazine.

Are you going to continue to put anti freeze on your face this year?

Hania — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:55:51 +0000

There is a good chance that you are already doing that if you buy some of the high street brands. Propylene Glycol is a very common ingredient in these products and it helps to keep the nozzles clear when the machines are filling the jars at high speed. Surprised to think that your skin wasn’t the main consideration? Don’t be. There is one high end brand that J-Lo reputedly smothers herself in daily and if you look at the ingredients list you’ll see that the 4th largest ingredient by volume is petrolatum. That’s the dearest 4 star petrol you will ever buy but it is in the cream to act as a solvent for some of the other nasty ingredients as well as keep the nozzles clear on the filling machine once again.

My point is, why would you keep buying these, when there are so many better choices that can be made. So why not use even basic vegetable oil like Argan, you would be getting Omega 3, 6, 9 and vitamin E. Or, best is to try natural & organic products to be sure to get enough into your skin which will be beneficial and not detrimental. Perhaps one of the easiest New Year resolutions to keep would be to read the labels and just become more aware of what is in some of high street brand products.

Hania Products do not use any SLS & PARABENS

Hania — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:43:44 +0000

« SLS is commonly used in shampoos, hair conditioners, hand wash and shower gels.
It is a very harsh detergent used to make the products foam when used.
SLS can cause irritation of the eyes, skin rashes and flaking skin, and possibly permanent damage to the eyes, especially in children.
Research was conducted in the Department of Dermatology at the School of Medicine, University of California on the ability of SLS to penetrate into the skin and underlying tissues. The research found that Sodium lauryl sulphate penetrated the skin directly to a depth of about 5-6 mm below the applied site. Epidermal levels of the compound after application of 1% aqueous solution for 24 hours were above threshold levels known to evoke skin irritation responses. Deeper underlying tissues may also have been exposed to high levels of the compound. SLS reacts with other chemicals found in shampoos and cleansers to produce nitrates, which can enter the blood stream easily. »

Source: http://www.natracare.com/p121/en-GB/Your-Health/Chemicals-in-body-care/Sodium-lauryl-sulphate.aspx

My point of view: The more foam equal the more harm!
A good alternative: Rassul, a special type of clay used since ancient times & still used to clean skin & hair in Morocco. It absorbs dirt from the skin, hair & scalp without any foam. It is an excellent cleansing alternative for sensitive skin or those who cannot use detergents.

Morocco Secrete Dentelle Anti-bacterial Soap/Shaver

Hania — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:56:12 +0000

A healing treatment with antiseptic & anti-inflammatory lavender, argan and tea tree.

This treatment soap is made with pure lavender, Moroccan argan oil and comfrey oil; plus the antiseptic properties of tea tree.
It can be used as every day cleanser for every skin type. Can be also used as shaving soap by men.
40Gr £5

Product Code: MACS-34GR

Key ingredients: Moroccan herbal mix, Glycerine, Comfrey oil, lavender, Vitamin E.

Good for: All skin types. Even sensitive skin and acne skin can use this this antibacterial and antiseptic soap. Face shaving.

Directions: Could be either, massaged directly on wet skin. Or for acne wet a cotton pad, place it at the soap bottom; wet your face, rub the pad on your skin for about 2 minutes. Then leave on for few more minutes( depending on the type of your skin). Rinse with water or a clean wet cotton pad.
PS: You would get more oil than foam lather from this gentle cleanser!

All in 1 Anti-Stress & Anti-age soap. £11

Hania — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:04:09 +0000

A generous & effective Anti-Stress SPA treatment

£11 ~ 65 GR

Product Code: MAAGE-62GR
This family herbal recipe infused with frankincense essential oil is a weekly treatment to regenerate skin & calm the senses. This soap treatment can be very effective to help alleviate stress. The pearls in this genius soap will massage pressure point sites to help the active ingredients to reach deeper skin layers.

Key ingredients: Moroccan clay, Sage, Lavender, Moroccan Rose, Moroccan Rosemary, Argan oil.

Good for: Every skin type; Not on sensitive face skin. But could use it on neck and chest.

Direction: Twice a week, massage face, neck, chest & armpits when in shower. Leave: 10minutes.

All in 1 jar Mask & Cleanser: £25

Hania — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:52:51 +0000

A very strong formula with so many uses. Also a fabulous ANTIOXIDANT & ANTI-AGEING treatment.
£25 ~ 80GR

Product Code: SAMC-

It is a cleanser, toner, moisturiser. It will also fade progressively age spots & sun spots (some people have even reported a slightly lightning effect with this gorgeous formula). Its is also a very cooling & balancing treat due to geranium, sage, mandarin and camomile essential oils.

Key Ingredients: Glycerine, Argan, Moroccan clay, honey, lemon, fenugreek, Vitamin E.

Good for: All skin type. Not suitable for sensitive skin!

Directions: A tiny bit when in shower: Gently massage into chest, armpits, neck then face in upward circular movements. Leave 3-5 minutes depending on skin type.
For home pedicure apply with a brush and leave up to 5 minutes.
* Not suitable for sensitive skin.
* Up to 2 times a week depending on skin types.

Ô Mignonne Sensitive Soap-Mask. £10

Hania — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:31:45 +0000

Ô MIGNONNE rose & ARGAN rejuvenating cleanser & mask is a face & chest treatment for sensitive skin.

£10.00 ~ 50GR

Product Code: ORASM-50GR
It is specially designed for sensitive and very sensitive skin. It is based on Moroccan Rose powder and Argan oil ( the gold oil) . With its delicate and softly scented aroma, Ô MIGNONNE ROSE & ARGAN REJUVENATING TREATMENT gently cleanse moisturise, calm and soften even the most sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Moroccan Rose, Argan named the gold oil, Sesame oil, Calendula.

Directions: It is an every day cleanser-moisturiser; and a weekly mask. With the cotton cloth, gently massage into face, neck & chest in upward circular movements then rinse. Use two times a week, leave 5 minutes then rinse.

SALA All in one shaving Soap & mask £10

Hania — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:28:40 +0000

This fabulous all in 1 face & chest rejuvenating treatment is also a perfect shaving soap for men

Product Code: SAMS-40GR

This fabulous all in 1 face &chest rejuvenating treatment promises to cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin. Full of vitamin E anti-oxidant plus antibacterial sage & tea tree this soap will protect your skin from free radicals, bacteria and sun damage. It can fade progressively age spots & sun spots. Also infused with mandarin essential oil it is an uplift treat for mind and spirit and a very good shaving soap for men too. No need for after shave! Because the antiseptic and astringent are already in this all in one sage soap!

Key Ingredients: Anti-ageing Moroccan herbal infusion, Glycerine, Argan, lemon.

Good for: Extremely interesting on all skin type. Shaving soap for men.

Directions: Every day cleanser. Or twice a week gently massage into face & neck, armpits & chest in upward circular movements. Leave 5 minutes on face and 10 minutes on chest.

Anti-cellulite Secrete Dentelle Soap 100gr £10

Hania — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:17:00 +0000

This pineapple shape hand knitted glove-soap is doing 6 jobs in once.

£10.00 ~ 100 GR

Product Code: SMASG-100GR

This MYSTERIOUS 6 in 1 glove-soap is the latest creation ever seen. This pineapple shap hand knitted glove-soap is doing 6 jobs in once: Cleanser, massager, toner, moisturiser, deodorise and antioxidant. This anti-ageing body treatment is: SAGE & SAFE & SAVE! Save time, money and Planet!

Key Ingredients: Moroccan herbal mix, Glycerine, mandarin, geranium, Argan, Tea tree.

Good for: This every day body cleanser and massager is absolutely brilliant for Cellulite,poor circulation, rejuvenating, balancing and deodorising.

Directions: Massage & press firmly on the skin in shower or in bath. Leave 5 to 10 minutes for more effectiveness.The more you massage with this sage glove soap, the more results you will get. Leave your skin toned and smelling fabulously adorable!

SALA Foot Healing: £15

Hania — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:16:31 +0000

This healing foot SPA is a Detox & Anti-Oxidant Treatment and also a wonderful Home Pedicure.

£15 ~ 100 ML.

Product Code: MHFOOT-100ML

This herbal foot SPA Treatment is a great Detox and also a wonderful Home Pedicure (strong peeling effect). Soaking your feet in this wonderful formula will help you to DETOX the body and soothe the mind. With its rich combination of various essential oils and a carefully chosen 11 natural herbs: Sage camomile, lavender and more. This extra cleaning, deeply moisturising, antioxidant and refreshing solution is the perfect weekly DETOX. Just after the very first treatment, you can see the results. Treatment must be finished within 4-6 weeks to get maximum benefits: ANTI-OXIDANT-DETOX.

Key Ingredients: Tea tree, Eucalyptus, Argan, Moroccan clay, Moroccan black soap, Shea butter, lemon, vitamin E.

Good for: Cracked & very dry heels, Detox, Painful and tired feet and legs, Minor athletes foot.

Directions: 1 – 2 times a week pour 1-2 spoons in a little warm water. Soak your feet for 5-10 mns, work by massaging along your legs. Then brush your foot with brush under warm water to get rid of all the dead skin & callosity.

Ginseng Eye Firming Serum £24

Hania — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:55 +0000

A light but effective & anti-oxidant gel bringing luminosity to eye area.

£24 ~ 15ML

Product Code: GMEYES-15ML

Infused with camomile and ginseng it is perfect for firming and protecting the delicate area around the eyes. It will provide firmness & add luminosity to the delicate area around the eyes. Visible improvements just after 1 week.

Directions: Massage around the eyes 2-3 times /day.

Good for: Tired puffy eyes and dark circles. Fine lines.

Ô Mignonne soothing serum 100ml £ 45

Hania — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:53:15 +0000

Rejuvenating serum that unites pleasure with performance.

100ml £45.

Product Code: OSFS-50ML

The soothing formula is enriched with plant oils that contain a high level of omega-3,6 and 9 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. Designed to sooth sensitive and dry skin. With this luxurious soothing & antioxidant serum the skin looks utterly adorable.

Key Ingredients: Argan, Vitamin E, Calendula, Sunscreen 20.

Good for: Sensitive skin , all skin types: mature, dry and very dry.

Directions: For best results, use day and night on clean skin. Warm a small amount of cream in the palm of the hand. Breath in and enjoy the scent. This triggers the activity of the essential oils and realises their properties. Then gently massage into your face, neck and decolletes in upward circular movements.

Divine results: From the very first use, the skin looks incredibly beautiful. After just 4 weeks, the skin appears soothed, regenerated and visibly radiant. The result are both instant and long-lasting.

24H Body firming £45

Hania — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:06:39 +0000

A combination of carefully chosen 27 herbs to accelerate lymphatic drainage & slow hair grow.

£45 ~ 150ml 24H BODY FIRMING

Product Code: MHBODY-150ML

This 24H body healing strong formula is a combination of carefully chosen 27 natural elements to give 24 hours benefit.

A balancing treatment to oxygenate skin, polish away impurities and reach the deepest skin layers.

Key Ingredients: Argan, Olive, Frankincense, Juniper, Rosemary, Ginger, Green tea, Thyme, Camomile, Vitamin.E, Ginseng.

Good for: Lymphatic Drainage, Antioxidant, Cellulite, Dull & lifeless skin, Red veins, Circulation problem, tired legs.

Directions: Every day or at least 3 times a week. Warm some lotion in the palm of your hand, heat it up and apply to areas most needing attention. Massage firmly into skin using upward circular movements. Also extremely effective on very dry foot skin. This very ancient formula is doing well on heavy legs to reduce pain.