by Marlene on Feb 22, 2012
Introducing Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion
When renowned sunbather Jennifer Aniston confesses her skin is starting to show damage from the skin and is moving to sunless alternatives for maintaining a healthy glow to her skin, you know your clientele is not far to follow!
Which is why we are happy to introduce our natural based Sunless Tanning Lotion, a great addition to the Pravada Natural and Organic Private Label Skin Care product line. This high quality Sunless Tanning Lotion includes Vitamin E, Shea Butter and natural oils. It goes on evenly, absorbs quickly, is non-staining and give results in as little as 4 hours. Stays for up to a week with a single application. Feedback on this product has been outstanding!
Just a few tips to remind your clients when using sunless tanning lotions:
Applying self tanning lotions take practice, but if you follow these suggestions and add a little patience, applying the self tanning lotion will be easier and sunless tans will be streak-free.
1. Exfoliate for a few days before application.
This is really the most important prep step for sunless tanning. Skin needs to be shed of its dead scaly layer of skin so the tanner isn’t trying to work its way through it. In the shower, a gentle body scrub such as Pravada’s Organic Shea Butter Scrub can help exfoliate dry and scaly areas including the knees and elbows.
2. Moisturize every day the week before application.
If not a week, at least a few days prior, body lotion should be applied liberally immediately after shower or bath. In order to get an even application, application should start at the same place. Many times certain areas of the body, knees and ankles for example, are much drier than other areas. These areas soak up the self tanner which leads to blotchy coloring. Keeping skin plumped up with moisture will help.
3. Do not apply the self tanner in your steamy bathroom.
The heat and moisture in the bathroom can cause skin to start to sweat and the self tanner can melt and drip which will cause streaks. Also, wait until body has cooled down after shower. Hot skin will have the same effect.
4. Take your time with application.
Self tanning lotions take a bit of time to dry. Start with one area of the body and work around without rushing. By moving slow and paying attention only to the area being working on, clients will get better results.
5. Dilute by half on the areas prone to dark spots.
Knees, ankles and elbows are usually first to show if not applied correctly. Mix half self tanner and half moisturizer for a more natural look on these areas.
6. Wash your hands multiple times during application
Latex gloves are another option. Use a damp triangle makeup sponge to apply to the backs of hands and top of feet. This will keep the self tanner off palms and right where it should go.
7. Wait 15 minutes to get dressed.
Avoid staining clothes and sheets by allowing lotion to dry.
Want to try the product yourself? We think you will love this product! Just email us at sales@pravada.ca and give us your contact information and we’ll send a sample free of charge! Just email us after you’ve tried our Sunless Tanning Lotion - we want to hear what you think!
by Marlene on Sep 19, 2011
Ingredients to Avoid in Natural Skin Care
The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity. At Pravada, our focus is to continuously bring to our clients the best private label skin care formulations that they can brand and sell with pride and confidence.
As part of our efforts we look for products that contain the highest level of natural ingredients with the highest level of efficacy. We also have a list of ingredients we avoid, all of which are outlined in the following excerpt. Natural Solutions magazine, in collaboration with Whole Foods Market, has created the following list of toxic ingredients that you should avoid in personal care and cosmetic products.
- Parabens, ubiquitous in skincare, preserve other ingredients and extend a product’s shelf life–but these antimicrobial chemicals also have hormone-disrupting effects.
- Ureas, formally known as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or DMDM hydantoin and sodium hydroxymethyl-glycinate, are preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis.
- 1,4-dioxane, a chemical carcinogen, is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG). To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
- Petrochemicals are derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin that does not allow it to breathe and can clog pores.
- MEA/DEA/TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form harmful nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Used as foaming agents, synthetic stabilizers, and to adjust the pH of cosmetics, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin.
- Petroleum based Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their latherability. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.
- Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives.
- Quats, such as benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimonium chloride, give a positive charge to conditioners in order to prevent static. They are necessary for conditioners, but we have allowed only the mildest quats in our Beauty With a Conscience standard: guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hydroxypropyltrimonium oligosaccharide, and SugaQuats.
- Antibacterial compounds, such as triclosan and chlorphenesin, do not break down in the environment and may contribute to bacterial resistance.
- Synthetic fragrances containing phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates) – synthetic chemicals have been commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. However, studies have shown these endocrine disrupters can mimic hormones and may alter development. We understand that many customers prefer the complex and rich scents that can only be derived by using synthetic fragrances or natural oil blends (which are becoming more available, but at a signficantly higher cost) than you get with the single notes of an essential oil. All of our suppliers are quickly moving to reformulate all synthetic fragrances to be phthalate-free. Just ask us for suggestions on the best fragrances to use to avoid phthalates.
- Synthetic colors are made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that may deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number.
- Chelators, such as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, are used in personal care products to remove impurities from low-quality raw materials. They do not readily biode-grade in the environment.
- Animal testing: A grim history of cruelty to animals lies behind many cosmetic ingredients. Which is why we focus on natural – our products do not need testing on animals and we only work with suppliers that do not test their products on animals.
by Marlene on Aug 08, 2011
NEW EFFECTIVE ORGANIC TREATMENTS FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Most individuals normally associate acne with teenage and menopause, but the truth is that acne strikes everyone at least once in their lives. Acne is the result of your sebaceous glands producing excess sebum. Some amount of sebum is needed to keep our skin and hair hydrated but when there is too much of it, it can trap dead cells and debris, causing clogged pores. Blackheads and whiteheads and scars and discoloration – these are all signature prints of oily and inflamed skin. Whether an adult or a teen, no one wants to experience the world with blemished skin.
But there are solutions. In addition to a focus on lifestyle (drinking lots of water and eating healthily), there are new natural and organic private label skin care products available without the toxins and harsh ingredients that have filled the traditional formulations of anti-blemish skin care. At Pravada, we have pulled together what we feel is the best selection of products designed specifically to address problem skin. Our natural and organic calming and clarifying formulas help to regulate sebum production while battling bacteria.
While it is widely know that a quality skin care regimine can help alleviate the break-out problems associated with acne, most skin care products on the market contain chemicals that can aggravate acne-prone skin. By overloading the skin with harsh chemicals that strip the skin’s natural oils, the skin will produce more oil to compensate — which can lead to more blocked pores and acne! Today, there is an alternative – products that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree, licorice, cayenne, turmeric and clove, which are all known for antibacterial properties.
The best method for dealing with acne-prone skin, along with changes in diet and fitness, is to use a high quality protocol of natural based skin care products designed specifically to cleanse, tone and, yes, moisturize the skin. Our multi-step cleansing system is designed to do just that.
Step 1 – Cleansing
Choose from 3 types of cleansers – all are aloe based, sulphate and paraben-free and are formulated specifically for combination to oily skin types. Choose from the premium Bio-Clear Cleanser, the cost effective but very effective Clear Skin Wash and the Sensitive Skin Face Wash with Vitamin C – perfect for those sun worshippers.
Step 2 – Toning
Our Bio-Clear Toner is a special blend of organic lavender distillate (an antiseptic and helps to heal and treat pimples, wounds, and sores); Witch hazel to help tighten and tone the pores; MSM; and organic willow bark, clove essential oil, organic juniper and cayenne to help control sebaceous glad production. It was formulated for reactive, oily, congested, and blemished skin to heal, relieve, and clarify. What you will not experience is dryness, irritation, redness, and inflammation.
Step 3 – Moisturizing
For soft clear skin, we can’t say enough about our Moisturizing Treatment for Acne-Prone Skin. This luscious cream is chock full of actives which purify skin and provide extreme antioxidant benefits. Turmeric reduces inflammation, gotu kola stimulates cell renewal, licorice lightens discoloration, and sage, goldenseal, propolis, sandalwood, and melissa all kill bacteria while soothing the skin and renewing damaged or irritated tissue. Jojoba oil, which rates zero on the comedogenic scale moisturizes without clogging pores since it is a liquid wax, not a true oil. A high end treatment for the most sensitive of skin – this protective formulation is what we feel absolutely the best on the market!
We also love, love, love our new Bio-Clear Moisturizer – with a unique blend of willow bark, cayenne, juniper and clove, this powerful AND gentle anti-bacterial blend leaves skin fresh, hydrated but never greasy and won’t clog pores.
Step 4 – Deep Cleaning and Treatment
Our Anti-Blemish Clear Skin Treatment is a spot treatment for day and night treatment masque o with 2% salicylic acid. This synergistic blend of scientifically proven blemish banishers keeps troubled skin clean and clear. Non irritating like other spot treatments, this anti-blemish treatment is powerful yet gentle and will not dry out the skin.
And finally our new Bio-Clear Masque is the perfect marriage of anti-aging and skin clearing ingredients. Powerful antiseptic and healing action from Tamanu, Clove, Cayenne and Licorice is enhanced with the anti-aging action of Glycolic Acid, Squalane and Salicylic Acid to calm, clear and brighten the skin.
Contact Pravada today to add these wonderful products to your private label skin care protocol!
by Marlene on Jun 03, 2011
Green Chemistry advances by skin care manufacturers
From Natural Cosmetics News
“Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, and use.” – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
As the natural personal care product market grows, companies are looking for innovative ways to utilize natural ingredients while still creating an effective product. In doing so, green chemistry is advancing, and companies are mixing naturally sourced ingredients with safer, effective synthetic ingredients. We realize that not every product on the market can or will use only natural ingredients, but at least some companies who do use synthetics in their formulations are consciously making an effort vis-à-vis green chemistry to provide a product that is both safer for personal use and the environment. (Note: at Pravada we pledge to work with suppliers that are commited to using industry leading levels and quality of natural products and green manufacturing practices)
While green chemistry does not ensure the absolute safety of the products we use, it is a definitive step in the right direction. The backbone of green chemistry still consists of chemicals and chemical processes, but it is designed to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts.
Green chemistry continues to evolve. Companies are updating and innovating manufacturing processes and a number of benefits are following, including reducing waste, pollution, energy and resources, using non-toxic components, and creating safer products. The EPA has created Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry to serve as a guide for green chemists who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry
1.Prevention – It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it has been created.
2.Atom Economy – Synthetic methods should be designed to maximize the incorporation of all materials used in the process into the final product.
3.Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses – Wherever practicable, synthetic methods should be designed to use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment.
4.Designing Safer Chemicals – Chemical products should be designed to effect their desired function while minimizing their toxicity.
5.Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries – The use of auxiliary substances (e.g., solvents, separation agents, etc.) should be made unnecessary wherever possible and innocuous when used.
6.Design for Energy Efficiency – Energy requirements of chemical processes should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be minimized. If possible, synthetic methods should be conducted at ambient temperature and pressure.
7.Use of Renewable Feedstocks – A raw material or feedstock should be renewable rather than depleting whenever technically and economically practicable.
8.Reduce Derivatives – Unnecessary derivatization (use of blocking groups, protection/ deprotection, temporary modification of physical/chemical processes) should be minimized or avoided if possible, because such steps require additional reagents and can generate waste.
9.Catalysis – Catalytic reagents (as selective as possible) are superior to stoichiometric reagents.
10.Design for Degradation – Chemical products should be designed so that at the end of their function they break down into innocuous degradation products and do not persist in the environment.
11.Real-time analysis for Pollution Prevention – Analytical methodologies need to be further developed to allow for real-time, in-process monitoring and control prior to the formation of hazardous substances.
12.Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention – Substances and the form of a substance used in a chemical process should be chosen to minimize the potential for chemical accidents, including releases, explosions, and fires.
The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, originally published by Paul Anastas and John Warner in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice (Oxford University Press: New York, 1998).
