Celebrate your Natural Beauty™. Learn about interesting aspects of the cosmetic and beauty industry as they pertain to beauty trends and maintaining skin health and well being in men and women.
Although I am not a huge fan of sporting a tattoo, I also believe in "to each his own" and "live and let live". However, when it comes to my readers health, this latest FDA warning is not something I wished to allow to go unshared, no matter my personal beliefs on the practice. I just can't wrap my head around having a needle stuck in me, no matter the purpose for it's use, let alone electing to do it. I grow faint and nauseated when they take blood for crying out loud!
I did an article on Tattoos several years back titled "The Dangers Of Permanent Makeup, AKA Cosmetic Tattooing". There are so many unspoken risks to using inks from who knows where, that I wanted to at least show the repercussions of deciding to have permanent makeup tattooed onto our skin. The risks are very real, which include allergic reactions, infections, staph and many others that can compromise our immune system or create sepsis in our blood.
Don't Ignore The Safety Precautions Or Recalls
Aside from all of the warnings, many are willing to take the risk and most turn out okay. Yet we are now being notified of a recall on a certain brand of ink that has been shown to have bacteria within "unopened" bottles. White and Blue Lion, Inc. recalled contaminated products on July 11, 2014, but FDA is still concerned that consumers and professional tattoo artists may be purchasing or using contaminated home tattoo kits and inks from other distributors.
“Reporting an infection to FDA and the artist is important in order for FDA to investigate, and to enable the artist to take steps to prevent others from becoming infected,” says epidemiologist Katherine Hollinger, D.V.M., M.P.H., from the Office of Cosmetics and Colors.
Take the advice in this scenario and practice self awareness when and if you should decide that permanent makeup or an artistic tattoo is for you. It is vital when dealing with many of these inks coming here from overseas, that we make sure we protect ourselves through due diligence and taking the FDA's advice in regard to assessing the safety of these inks and / or the professional using them.
This information may very well prevent someone from choosing poorly and if they do, then the information on symptoms of being contaminated with the "bad ink" can help you know if your health is now at risk. The FDA link also shows you what to do and how to report an incident.
Choose wisely and take this warning to heart because no amount of pretty ink is worth your well being.
There is no denying that using a sunscreen can slow the process of aging and of course spending too much time in the sun will definitely have the opposite effect, by accelerating it. So what we need to understand is that aging can be equated to many factors all of which can also include environmental pollutants and genetics.
When applying sunscreen we always want to make sure that we use broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. This is something a mineral based sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide provides. However, there are many other types of synthetically created sunscreens some women are very happy with when used in combination with their mineral makeup products.
The thing to remember though, is the skin will still age every time we go out into the sun and that our sunscreen use is not license to spend more time in the sun, thinking because we have on sunscreen we can now throw caution to the wind. Also some studies have shown that certain types and combinations of these sunscreens can further produce free radical damage to the skin. So no matter what, I personally feel it is a best case scenario to always use a mineral based cream when you can find it and supplement with mineral makeup each and every day.
Keeping an eye on the UV index for your state is also a great way to avoid certain time frames during the day for the least amount of sun exposure. But bottom line, nothing works better than avoiding sun during peak hours, using clothing, sun hats for fighting facial wrinkles, big sunglasses containing sun blocker lenses to slow the formation of eye wrinkles, and last but not least seek shade during peak sunlight hours.
SPF factor is also a personal preference, but remember, no matter what number you choose, there is very little difference between SPF 30+ or something higher. It is still about reapplication for best protection since the body absorbs, sweats off and wears off your sunscreen as the day goes on making your SPF factor greatly diminished.
Fighting Cancer With Sunscreen
With all the evidence available and the ongoing bombardment about making sure we wear sunscreen whenever we go outside, then we have to wonder why are incidences of deadly Melanoma and other skin cancers on the rise?
This is a question I think about in great detail since I am literally covered in freckles and moles, so I have to pay particular attention to my skin and have annual checkups with my dermatologist. I have had cancers removed from my stomach, back and face, with my first tiny melanoma found on my stomach. All is well, had it removed and got it all. This is why early detection will cure it. Melanoma does not have to be a death sentence if we are privy to the slightest change to a mole or having one suddenly appear.
Unfortunately, with the invention of sunscreen, many did have the idea that they would now be able to spend more time in the sun since they are wearing their "coating of armor." The impact of this mindset is considerable with increased cases of different skin cancer continuing to rise. UV rays are radiation and no amount of sunscreen will prevent it's penetration into our DNA when we expose ourselves to it, especially going outside unprotected.
Does this mean that applying sunscreen is a waste of time? Not at all! We simply need to realize that protecting the skin by using it will only slow the aging process, not prevent it, and that skin cancer is still a very real possibility from things we did to ourselves in our youth, up to not taking added precautions such as those that are suggested by the professionals. Sunscreen cannot be the only answer to guarding against aging and skin cancers.
By knowing these basic facts and simplifying the parameters of what to expect from a sunscreen, we can now take that little extra step to improve on our sun habits, not forgetting that certain levels of sun does wonders for boosting our vitamin D levels, which in and of itself promotes body healing and prevents many other forms of cancers.
It is all about perspective and finding the right balance as we head into the final days of our summer. Have fun and choose wisely how you dress, what time of day you spend in the sun, and still always use a mineral based product for the ultimate in broad spectrum protection.
Dealing With Breast Cancer Reconstruction Can Be Perplexing
I would like to share an interesting story with you which has a touch of humor, written by my guest today who clearly has a zest for life, and offers support and help to women also suffering the angst of breast cancer. Perhaps you or someone you know are also dealing with past or future reconstruction of their breasts as well.
The article is wonderful and I enjoyed reading it, so I very much hope that her personal experiences can assist other women going forward.
Teri Pearman, Founder of Infusion Breast Care Botanicals is also a breast cancer survivor and firmly believes in what she offers to her ladies and without a doubt has created some delightful formulas combined with aromatherapy to provide the ultimate in a calming and soothing experience. Essential oil components are fantastic for creating a sense of well being... something so many women of today can certainly appreciate and need as life takes us on different journey's. I wish everyone happiness and well being in that journey.
One Thing Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon May Not Tell You: Objects in Overhead Compartments May Shift During Flight
I initially posted this blog entry in August 2013 and I have since learned a little more that I wanted to share. I am a couple of years out from my final breast reconstruction surgery. I had a double mastectomy with skin expanders which were replaced with silicone implants. Thanks to Infusion Breast Care Botanicals products my scars are barely visible and my breast skin is healthy. However, I do have one breast that is slightly lower than the other. Of course even my pre-cancer breast were not a perfect match so I am okay with it. And I did have to get a ruler out to prove to my husband that I was right, so it must not be that bad. By the way, this caused some laughing as I stepped in front of the TV with my ruler and chest bared to prove my point.
Laughing is good!
I did also recently learn that if your breast reconstruction included fat transferred from another part of your body, there is a chance that you may experience ” graph volume loss” which means exactly what you think it means.
Even the most experienced breast surgeons can not predict with 100% certainty the exact outcome of your breast reconstruction surgery. Unlike a master sculpture they are not dealing with marble which once completed stays the same for ever. Flesh stretches, moves and is often unpredictable. Other challenges come into play including; is your surgeon trying to match an unaffected breast, did you have radiation, were your nipples spared, are your breast large, small, etc.
Talk with your surgeon about what you can reasonably expect. He or she can help you manage your expectations early on and help you select the reconstructive surgery best for your situation and which will give you the best outcome.
After surgery It can take several weeks for inconsistencies to show themselves. It’s not uncommon for one breast to be higher (or lower depending upon your perspective). Nature herself does not create everything with complete symmetry so most “normal” breast are often different sizes, but if you did have an outcome that you are not happy with don’t be shy about expressing your concern. Many surgeons say to give your reconstructed breast three to six months to settle in. Swelling will reduce and scars will soften giving the surgeon a better idea how to correct the asymmetry and making a minor adjustment is usually an outpatient procedure.
A friend of mine was very unhappy with her lack of symmetry after her breast reconstruction surgery. Her surgeon was trying to match her reconstructed breast with her unaffected breast which I imagine is a little more tricky than when reconstructing both breast at the same time. After struggling with the emotions that came up, like “now I’m just being vain, “I’m alive so stop complaining”, “I can’t take another surgery” etc…, she finally went back to her surgeon for an adjustment. I won’t say it was minor surgery, because no surgery is minor, but comparatively speaking she was in and out of the out patient surgery fairly quickly and she is happier with her results.
If you are not happy with your outcome and your physician is not offering solutions, consult another surgeon. The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) helps protect many women with breast cancer who choose to have their breasts reconstructed after a mastectomy. This federal law requires most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies to also cover breast reconstruction. Under the WHCRA, mastectomy benefits must cover reconstruction of the breast that was removed by mastectomy and surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to make the breasts look symmetrical or balanced after mastectomy.
Teri Pearman
Founder of Infusion Breast Care Botanicals, LLC
My sincerest thanks to Teri for pursuing her passion and exemplifying courage, and for offering some very good advice and being open about her personal experience. Sharing of information is vital and provides a sense of community where women will know they are not alone in their struggles.
Manuka Honey....Could This Be The Next Miracle Ingredient In Skincare?
As my company continues to grow, over this past year the product and ingredient sales pitches are becoming an everyday occurrence it seems. No matter the sales pitch they gave, it always appeared to be the next best thing since the Wonderbra.
One sales pitch in particular really stood out for me. I was recently contacted by a supplier of a very special type of honey that I already knew a little bit about, yet was unaware of the perceived difference from any other type of honey. It is known as Manuka Honey, and they were touting how this amazing ingredient will cure many skin ailments and that it is the only natural ingredient approved by the FDA. So it only made sense to incorporate it into my skincare formulas...right?
Well now, I have to admit I was stunned...could this be? I got a little bit excited for a split second! Has the FDA actually approved a strain of honey for curing skin wounds, ulcers, abrasions, acne, etc? If so this would truly be amazing for creating promising new innovation in the skincare market.
According to Natural News it has been done and they preface the article with the statement of the "FDA quietly acknowledges medical benefits of honey." In an Associated Press story dated December 27th 2007, it was revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had quietly approved a line of honey-based wound dressings during the fall of that year.
Unfortunately, this headline and initial introduction infers to me and perhaps others, that somehow the FDA had an epiphany and that it was done quietly as though this were some sort of covert approval not wishing to undo their perceived stance by the public in relation to natural health products. Sadly, this news source that I mostly admire for spreading the word on getting and staying healthy in a wholesome and natural way, definitely fell a tad short in clarifying specifics or to explain what "cleared for use" means, to its readership.
First off...FDA doesn't do anything quietly and as a matter of law all things are actually quite overt in this department. This includes warnings and alerts the FDA publishes to prevent marketers making false claims on individual products, which typically are those making "medical" proclamations. The FDA website is available to all of the public to do their own checking and just about anything you need to know about a specific company can be found there, including applications for drugs or devices. The only time FDA interactions would become a news point is when they are concerned about public health or safety, otherwise it is simply published at their website.
Now Let's Get Down To The Nitty Gritty
I decided to contact the FDA to see if there is something I missed or am I just simply uniformed as to the latest and greatest in an "all healing and curative, encompassing many skin ailments" ingredient.
I contacted the FDA requesting for them to please verify the claims made by the producers and processors of Manuka Honey that "manuka honey is the only honey on the approved list" and "manuka is the only honey approved by the FDA." If you were to Google either one of these statements, the list of bloggers, health experts, retail sellers of skincare, and others are all singing the praises of the new found Manuka Honey, including the so called curative and healing effects it has and that the FDA has given it's blessing on this all natural cure.
The following is the usual typical and "matter of fact" reply I received from the FDA:
"Thank you for writing to the Division of Drug Information, Small Business Assistance, in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). It should be noted that Manuka Honey is not a currently FDA approved drug product. A listing of FDA approved drug products may be found in Drugs@FDA: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm A search for "Manuka Honey" did not reveal any pertinent results."
Uh Oh...Now My Research Revealed Interesting Facts
A company by the name of Derma Sciences Inc along with another company wishing similar, have been cleared to market their products as medical devices under the premise of "wound care" only. Under a medical device provision, it does not require pre-market approval. Essentially a Band-aid can be classified as a medical device.
The FDA stipulates in their letters clearing them to proceed with marketing the products, but there is no "approval" as to this device or the ingredient, Manuka Honey being used as a drug or curative. After clicking on the link above enter in Derma Sciences as applicant, hitting enter and the individual notifications appear, click on your preference and you'll see a link to "Summary", and if you read closely, their request for clearance is simply identifying how it helps in creating an environment conducive to healing and descriptions of it's intended use. But they are in no way making a medical claim to curing or direct healing in wound care which is important to clarify since they are proceeding as is required for introduction into the U.S. market. The verbiage is very precise and a Clearance of 510K is simply an approval afforded by the FDA as to a device already equivalent to being used in the market today, yet could be slightly modified.
Derma Sciences may wish to proceed with additional testing that would take it to the next level as an OTC drug or a Class III device at which point it may be reclassified as it is suggested in one of the "intended use" letters. The FDA also makes it very clear for them to follow pre-market regulations and unless and until their research yields OTC drug or device claims as proven, their labeling practices must be the same as any cosmetic or skin care product on the market by not providing a mis-branded or adulterated product. They further advise that "post market" surveillance, including but not limited to "adverse events" should be monitored and relayed to the FDA.
The point is, a 510K clearance is far and away from an actual PMA Approval which has the same criteria for any drug approval, only it becomes a Class III device that is proven to show scientifically it's medical value. The pre-market clearance of the 510K by FDA is the required prerequisite of scientific review to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Class III devices, and that is all Derma Sciences Inc has done, is begin a process which has essentially not evolved any further since 2011 that I could find.
A Pure And Simple Marketing Campaign Can Lead To Lawsuits And / Or FDA Scrutiny
There is a big problem with the public perception by way of the many naturalists and herbalists as to how they convey the information provided by Derma Sciences Inc. Based on misinterpreted verbiage of the medical approval being touted by bloggers, PR News, Financial Reporters, etc about their wound dressings and ointments using Manuka Honey, (brand name MediHoney), this has created a rampant firestorm of misinformation across the internet. Unfortunately, this can get so out of control it is nearly impossible for Derma Sciences to monitor and correct the spread of such information, including those that would unscrupulously use this information to sell something similar, as such was the case of my contact with a sales rep for the manuka honey ingredient. To date we found no evidence on Derma Sciences website stating their products are FDA approved.
Unfortunately, all the campaigning by the supporters of keeping things as natural as possible has not gone unnoticed. A competitor, Healthpoint, Ltd. has filed a lawsuit declaring that Derma Sciences Inc is asserting false claims in regard to the MediHoney brand and Manuka Honey in general, since Healthpoint, Ltd does provide an FDA approved topical wound drug treatment called SANTYL.
Healthpoint alleges in their complaint (view documents in link above) "that Leptospermum honey is also known as "Manuka Honey" and is produced by bees that feed off the manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand. (Compl. ¶ 15 n.1.) Internet advertising touts manuka honey as having "unsurpassed healing qualities" for a wide range of conditions, including stomach ulcers, sore throats and colds, skin ulcers, wounds, boils, and infections. (Id. (citing http://manukahoney.com). However, according to Healthpoint, the FDA has never approved a drug containing manuka honey for any purpose. (Id.) Instead, the FDA recently issued an import alert allowing FDA field personnel to detain shipments of certain products from New Zealand that contain manuka honey. (Compl. Ex. 1.)"
In reference to Healthpoints claims in the change of venue notice, apparently the FDA did recently issue an import alert allowing FDA field personnel to detain shipments of certain products from New Zealand that contain manuka honey. Here is the full list of all import alerts when dealing with proclamations of drug claims, making their position "loud and clear", but I'll pluck out just the ones that pertain to this particular ingredient. The first company at the top of this list has "manuka honey active" in their skincare list which in turn is implying through their descriptive it is an OTC drug and will provide some sort of cure or healing quality to the skin. And the list goes on with many exporting from New Zealand to the United States trying to promote their products with the next miracle cure for skin health based on a misconception of how our FDA works.
Please note that MediHoney is not on the list and this simply addresses a problem with the manuka honey ingredient medical claims associated with these products.
This list is provided for context, however you can scroll quickly past it to get to remaining facts of the article.
NEW ZEALAND
Antipodes Nature Ltd
Date Published : 12/05/2013
Po Box 888 , Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
53 J - - 99 Other Personal Cleanliness Products (not Antiperspirant), N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Grapeseed Butter Cleanser
53 J - - 99 Other Personal Cleanliness Products (not Antiperspirant), N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser
53 L - - 06 Moisturizing (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream
53 L - - 07 Night (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream
53 L - - 07 Night (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
53 L - - 10 Wrinkle Smoothing (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Ananda Antioxidant-Rich Gentle Toner
53 L - - 99 Other Skin Care Preparations, N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Juliet Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser
53 L - - 99 Other Skin Care Preparations, N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip
53 L - - 99 Other Skin Care Preparations, N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish
53 L - - 99 Other Skin Care Preparations, N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum
53 L - - 99 Other Skin Care Preparations, N.E.C.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Apostle Skin-Brightening
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Grapeseed Butter Cleanser
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Apostle Skin-Brightening
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Juliet Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Ananda Antioxidant-Rich Gentle Toner
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 12/05/2013
Desc:Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish
Apis Skin Care Cream
Date Published : 09/30/2009
219 Tuam St , Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND
53 L - - 03 Face,Body,and Hand (excluding Shaving Preparations) (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 09/30/2009
Notes:9/12/07 The chlamydia treatment creams products is sold and promoted on the internet for the treatment of chlamydia. Based on it uses, this product is a drug. Further, CDER is not aware of any substantial scientific evidence that this producr is generally recognized as safe and effective for the conditions recommended or suggested in its labeling.
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 09/30/2009
Notes:9/12/07 The chlamydia treatment creams products is sold and promoted on the internet for the treatment of chlamydia. Based on it uses, this product is a drug. Further, CDER is not aware of any substantial scientific evidence that this producr is generally recognized as safe and effective for the conditions recommended or suggested in its labeling.
Apis Skin Care Cream Ltd
Date Published : 09/30/2009
68 Aylesford Street, St Albans , Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND
53 L - - 03 Face,Body,and Hand (excluding Shaving Preparations) (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 09/30/2009
Notes:9/12/2007
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 09/30/2009
Notes:9/12/2007
Atmor New Zealand Skin Care
Date Published : 05/25/2012
41 Smales Rd , Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 05/25/2012
Desc:East Cape Active Manuka Honey UMF 18
Notes:New Zealand (NZ)
Atmor Sales & Marketing Ltd
Date Published : 05/25/2012
Po Box 44 , Beachlands, NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 05/25/2012
Desc:East Cape Active Manuka Honey UMF 18
Notes:New Zealand (NZ)
Atmor Sales and Marketing
Date Published : 05/25/2012
Unit 7 41 Smales Road , East Tamaki , Auckland, Auckland NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 05/25/2012
Desc:East Cape Active Manuka Honey UMF 18
Notes:New Zealand (NZ)
BLIS Technologies Limited
Date Published : 04/22/2013
Centre for Innovation , 87 St David Street , Dunedin, NZ-OTA NEW ZEALAND
54 Y - - 99 Vitamin, Mineral, Proteins and Unconventional Dietary Specialities For Humans and Animals, N.E.C.
53 I - - 01 Dentifrices (Aerosol, Liquid, Toothpastes, Toothpowders), without Fluoride (Oral Hygiene Products)
Date Published: 01/16/2013
Desc:Propolis Toothpaste
66 V - - 99 Miscellaneous Patent Medicines, Etc.
Date Published: 01/16/2013
Desc:Propolis Toothpaste
GSFOODS Ltd
Date Published : 07/19/2011
6B Southern Reclamation , Havelock , Blenheim, NZ-MBH NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 07/19/2011
Desc:Honeymark Manuka Honey Lozenges
Notes:Note; Multiple medical claims are associated with these products; New Zealand ;
62 U - - 99 Anti-Tussive/Cold N.E.C.
Date Published: 07/19/2011
Desc:Honeymark Manuka Honey Lozenges
Notes:Note; Multiple medical claims are associated with these products; New Zealand
Honey Valley New Zealand Limited
Date Published : 07/19/2011
P.O. Box 2155 , 15 Treneglos Street , Washdyke Timaru, NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 07/19/2011
Desc:Manuka Honey
Notes:Note; Multiple medical claims are associated with these products; AKA 100% Pure New Zealand Honey Limited; New Zealand
Natural Solutions
Date Published : 05/25/2012
4464 Te Araroa Road , Te Araroa, Waikato NEW ZEALAND
36 C - - 04 Honey
Date Published: 05/25/2012
Desc:East Cape Active Manuka Honey UMF 18
Notes:New Zealand (NZ)
Pearson & Craig Cosmetics
Date Published : 03/01/2012
Unit 7 / 41 Smales Road , The Orchard East Tamaki , Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
53 L - - 06 Moisturizing (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 03/01/2012
Desc:Placenta Serum
Notes:New Zealand
53 L - - 06 Moisturizing (Skin Care Preparations)
Date Published: 03/01/2012
Desc:Placenta Creme
Notes:New Zealand
Healthpoint continues to assert: "MEDIHONEY's labeling lists no active ingredient or enzyme content. According to the Complaint, MEDIHONEY dressings are "unclassified" medical devices subject only to the premarket notification requirements of Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA"), 21 U.S.C. § 360(k) (stating that MEDIHONEY products have been evaluated by the FDA "as devices subject to the regulatory requirements of Section 510(k)" and have been "cleared by the FDA for assisting in wound healing and debridement"). Moreover, Healthpoint alleges that MEDIHONEY was cleared for sale in the United States based on a determination that the products are substantially equivalent to legally marketed predicate devices marketed prior to May 28, 1976, that provide moisture to a wound. Healthpoint claims that MEDIHONEY "does not debride wounds" and that the FDA has not approved MEDIHONEY as either a drug or a medical device."
That is why it was essential for me to further clarify all aspects of this ingredient and product by providing a direct link to their application and response letters from the FDA, including the response I received to my inquiry. Accepting things at face value doesn't always provide the facts accurately.
FDA Is Adjusting How They Perceive An Association With An OTC Drug Claim
Now aside from legal issues between Healthpoint and Derma Sciences, it appears it is citing "unfair competition" and alleges that the science does not support the claims, which as we all know this will be settled, but for now we will have a "let's wait and see" on that particular issue as I am very interested in the outcome.
UPDATE: In an email from Derma Sciences to us, they state the lawsuit has been settled as of last year, and we requested the results as to the outcome of the settlement.
In their response dated 6/25/2014, Barry Wolfenson, Group President stated, "The results of the settlement were, of course, confidential." He went on to further explain, "In this current lawsuit re: Medihoney, Healthpoint tried to say that our reps went into hospitals and positioned Medihoney as a drug, the same thing as Santyl, and that we were misleading those customers. Here's the problem with that statement: Medihoney is honey. It is not a drug, synthesized in some lab. You can take a tube of 100% Medihoney and use it in your toast and tea. It would be very expensive to do so, but it is honey as the bees made it (and then subsequently sterilized). No clinician in their right mind would think, after looking/smelling/tasting our product, that it was the same thing as Santyl. Medihoney is not a drug. It is a 510K cleared for use as a medical device. Santyl is a drug that is an enzymatic debrider which helps to remove necrotic tissue by using enzymes supplied within the drug to break down collagen. Using a different method of action, Medihoney promotes autolytic debridement, which uses the body's own enzymes to break down collagen. It is up for the clinician to decide which product they want to use on their patients when necrotic tissue is present. Those clinicians can choose a drug, or a device. It is their choice. Within this previous paragraph, you have the essence of how this frivolous lawsuit was settled."
We are unable to verify the information due to confidentiality reasons, but as far as we are concerned it appears this issue is resolved and we appreciate the updated information from Derma Sciences.
However, the overall Manuka Honey industry is not without some problems and for some time now since according to the New Zealand Herald, "some importers and manufacturers using Manuka Honey learned that the ingredient shows adulteration with added sugars and not being pure Manuka. Comvita, a major exporter of Manuka honey, declined to comment when asked if any of its products had been stopped at overseas after failing the sugar test. Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett said it wasn't a major issue and all of the company's honey was routinely checked as part of its quality control system."
Now when it comes to claims as put forth by many drug, vitamin and skincare companies that purport all natural herbs or essential oils with healing capabilities, the FDA is getting savvy in dealing with those that will make these claims and others that will use the FDA to appear as though they have passed their scrutiny with an application to proceed with marketing. It can in many ways be perceived by those that don't comprehend how all this works with the FDA, that a "clearance to proceed to market" is the same as an "FDA approval" whereby making this is an endorsement of their products. FDA does not endorse any personal care products!
As our technology grows, the FDA is appearing to be more determined than ever to pay attention to the internet and website marketing including search terms that utilize a medical condition to bring up a certain product on the site. This then conveys to the FDA that the companies website is attempting to make a purported claim through a search term connection with the product associated with the affliction. A warning letter went out just a little over a year ago for exactly that against a vitamin company using medical afflictions as a search term for their products. This article articulates it quite well and shows the FDA is not happy with websites using certain words in "search terms" like "cancer" to elicit a sale or to promote a purported claim. It appears "meta" description tags making medical claims will also be scrutinized, so companies need to be careful there as well as we grow into this new millennium.
Whenever I am contacted by an ingredient or product supplier making all their fancy claims as to an ingredient profile, it is always fun to dig deeper and get at the crux of things, and then I am more than happy to share what my research revealed in reality to their purported claims. Unfortunately what typically happens...yes that's right...CRICKETS...and to no surprise they vanish, never to be heard from again. This only goes to show them that there is not a "sucker" born every minute and that some in our industry refuse to accept things at face value and debunk sales pitches and marketing hype, especially when they overreach with "medical" claims.
However, what can be revealed at times are the very "positive" aspects of my research and due diligence, and I can take great pleasure in sharing that side of the equation as well. Not everything is negative in regard to Manuka Honey, in fact far from it.
Promising Research When It Comes To Manuka Honey Wound Dressings
Despite all the overblown claims as to FDA approval put out by many, there are great things being discovered within the medical community when used as a wound dressing and other related medical research.
NCBI published an abstract compiling the research studies performed using wound dressings containing Manuka Honey and they have proclaimed some very positive aspects of this type of dressing. Other types of dressing or cures could not work due to compromised immune systems and other medical injury that was difficult to heal, so this seems to appear quite promising in this field.
They do make it clear from the onset;"Medihoney™ has been one of the first medically certified honeys licensed as a medical product for professional wound care in Europe and Australia. Our experience with medical honey in wound care refers only to this product. In this review, we put our clinical experience into a broader perspective to comment on the use of medical honey in wound care. More prospective randomized studies on a wider range of types of wounds are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of medical honey in wound care. Nonetheless, the current evidence confirming the antibacterial properties and additional beneficial effects of medical honey on wound healing should encourage other wound care professionals to use CE-certified honey dressings with standardized antibacterial activity, such as Medihoney™ products, as an alternative treatment approach in wounds of different natures."
Although things are looking "sweet" for this ingredient, no pun intended, don't head over to your local grocery store or natural coop and purchase some sort of raw honey for that puncture wound or open sore you might have at the moment. This is not the same thing and can actually contribute to complications with an open wound, so precaution is important.
Manuka Honey, otherwise known as MediHoney in this report is specially grown for it's reported properties but as they clarify in the NCBI article it is not an antiseptic and requires it be irradiated; Clostridium botulinum spores pervade our environment, existing in the soil, air, dust and raw agricultural products.
In deep wound cavities the possibility exists of an anaerobic environment, where the spores could proliferate and produce botulinum toxin. Negative effects such as paralysis and cardiac arrhythmia have been described related to systemic effects of the toxin. To eliminate botulism spores with heat, honey must be heated to 120°C (248°F) for 10 min, which results in adverse changes to some of honeys’ beneficial properties. Since spores have occasionally been found in honey, each batch of Medihoney™ is gamma irradiated to inactivate spores such as those from Clostridium spp. This does not have a detrimental impact on the antibacterial activity of honey. On the other hand, irradiating honey is only a safety measure on the side of caution since we could not detect a single case report in the literature of C. botulinum wound infection related to the use of non-irradiated honey in wound care.
Personally I prefer holistic and natural care in all aspects of my life when it is practical. I also do believe that this Manuka Honey has some excellent promise in the category for assisting with wound healing in a very painless and wonderful way. However to reiterate, this article is not about disproving that a promising ingredient cannot have medicinal qualities, but to clear up the fallacy that this ingredient is somehow FDA approved because it is NOT.
In the video below, Professor in Bio Sciences, Peter Molan, director of the honey research unit of Waikato University, Hamilton N.Z. explains in part how to identify the real McCoy versus those that try to sell on the coattails of this promising wound dressing. Upon conclusion of this video, you can continue to view other videos providing more interesting answers to Manuka Honey Questions. Enjoy! If viewing this in RSS feed or email please Click Here for original article and scroll down to the video section.
At the risk of being redundant, but it seems it bears repeating: to clarify to those that do their homework on this ingredient only to find all the baseless promises and claims of such a miracle honey throughout the internet in regard to using it for skincare or anti-aging.... they cannot take something that even may become medically FDA approved in the future or is currently medically certified in other countries and extrapolate it to now doing some sort of comparable miracle just because a skincare manufacturer or supplier incorporates it into their own products. Without their own FDA approved testing model showing results of intended use and compliance to OTC drugs with regulation in regard to proper labeling and manufacturing, they cannot ever make any related claim...period!
In A Final Note In Regard To Any Honey
"Real" Manuka Honey is only described in the evidence above and in the video as having anything remotely promising in regard to open wound care where the skins surface is compromised, yet notates that other natural honeys do have antibacterial properties. This is why in large part Medical Estheticians treating those with acne prefer it in some spa treatments. It is not only Manuka Honey, but other natural honey continues to be revered by many throughout the healthcare and skincare world according to this NCBI abstract, and these types will present with the hydrogen peroxide effect. It releases the hydrogen peroxide slowly and this peroxide behaves similarly to the popular anti-acne medication, benzoyl peroxide by breaking down bacterial cell walls. Another basis for gently treating acne with honey is it starves microbes of moisture by drawing excess moisture to itself through osmosis. It reduces the pH of the skin surface on which it is applied since Honey has a pH between 3.2 and 4.5. The natural acidity can be enough to kill off most microbes.
Honey is not a stand alone cure for any skin treatment and as with all things it can still pose an allergy risk to some. But if your skin loves honey then it can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments for an overall care of acneic skin types. It is certainly worth a try when other things have failed. However, when applied to otherwise intact skin the purported benefits are lost. But I'll say this, you will enjoy a lovely, natural humectant and moisturizing quality on the skin and this will leave your face wonderfully soft and can assist with improving and maintaining the health of the skin surface.
I do luvz my honey in a facial mask and my antioxidant Green Tea! I think I'll go now and relax with a little of both after such an arduous research task to understanding more in the matter of Manuka Honey!
Banging The "Chemicals Cause Cancer" Drum Is So Tired!
Well I had hoped to not be broaching this subject yet again. However there was an article that I took exception to this month that was written by a gal in the UK for the Epoch Times. My particular concern is through her attempted proclamations of fact there was not a single link to support her objective.
I have read countless arguments, misconstrued facts, skewed data only to see yet again another article that goes beyond the pale of exploiting the phobia of chemicals by removing the premise that once known "safe" chemicals in low doses are found to be acceptable in things we consume in our everyday lives, may no longer be the case. It has a single purpose, to scare us out of enjoyment of our personal care products based on an ideology.
I have shared within my articles through direct text links to the many studies showing the inaccuracies while always countering with peer reviewed studies where a consensus is formed as to the truth of any research that is conducted. In the interest of keeping this simple, and I do apologize, but since the details are quite involved in the science, direct links to what I share are provided for further reading on your own. But bear with me as I lay out some facts.
Let's Take A Look At How This Statement Has No Basis In Reality
In the authors original article it was titled 'Safe' Household Chemicals Combine To Double Cancer Risk. When you once clicked on this piece the main photo which was showing a factory environment originally addressed directly what she is trying to convey in terms of industry as a whole whether it be environment or household products. The main focus addressed is Bisphenol A.
Then she published another article just a week later from the last published date of the link above, yet it now appears she has combined the two pieces. So we have removed the second link for comparison. However, though the title and article have been entirely regurgitated, you'll notice how she decides to gear this piece with an image representing makeup, skincare and personal care products! In fact the comment beneath the photo is, "Researchers found that the combination of arsenic and estrogen increased cancer in prostate cells. Both chemicals are found in makeup."
Uh... excuse me what study are we referring to in order to make this type of extrapolation? I view this as the worst form of overstating the actual research being performed in this particular study she is pointing to. There is absolutely nothing that correlates to personal care products! Here is the synopsis provided directly from the University. Click Here and scroll all the way to the bottom.
Let's Clear Up The Nonsense
Remember, I am not defending all chemicals or denying that there aren't many out there that can and do cause harm in our environment and in our bodies, but to try to relate as putting something on our skin because a certain ingredient that is found in our environment whether we breathe it in or ingest it will somehow cause same, is just irresponsible to spread among the populace. This requires blood brain barrier penetration which has yet to be conclusively proven happens in the use of cosmetics or personal care products.
Fact: The researchers at Texas Tech University are studying two chemicals Arsenic and chemicals that can mimic estrogen like BPA, that are taken up in our environment, followed by us then being exposed through ingestion or breathing them in.
Fact: There is no research in this study involving women or the use of personal care products, makeup or other. The study revolves entirely around prostate cancer risk when exposed to these two chemicals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic such as what is found in pesticides, and estrogen, both alone and in combination. Areas of study were smoking, coal mining, coal burning, and water.
Fact: All studies were performed on mice and in vitro using human prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) that were purchased from ATCC and propagated in keratinocyte serum free medium supplemented with human epithelial growth factor and bovine pituitary extract.
Fact: As always the studies showed that in most cases the increased effects in cells were dose dependent showing some significance, yet countered with certain types of genes tested were insignificant. This continued through their different testing to determine which factors show the most significance as it relates to the increase in prostate cancer cells. Never arriving at absolutes at this point!
Fact: The research is only the beginning to try to learn more about our exposures to chemicals in our environment, yet they concede in discussion that these chemicals are ubiquitous in our environment and we will always be exposed to them in our lifetimes. Plus to date it is the only study of it's kind and though published in a peer reviewed journal, this study provides novel data on the regulation of genes involved in epigenetic reprogramming that could help in understanding of epigenetic mechanism for As and E2-induced prostate cancer. Additionally, this finding will serve as the foundation for future studies on the epigenetic basis for environmental carcinogen-induced human cancers.
Now Let's Base Our Ideals In Reality Not Fallacy
So that is the study in a nutshell and I did read the entire abstract until my eyes went crossed and my brain melted. You are welcome to view it HERE, whatever suits your fancy. Although it may be an interesting beginning to learning more, this study has yet to be peer reviewed by their own admission and is a NOVEL study just touching the very tip of this monstrous iceberg, we call scientific research.
It hardly calls for the alarm to be sounded by those that wish to take this further than the reality founded in science. Plus the reference to well water in the Epoch Times article is also of concern, yet the majority of people except for certain countries listed, are drinking either their bottled waters or treated water provided by their respective city. The water that was tested the author referenced was in Cornwall, England and it relates to scattered private wells throughout the community. Original study is here which explains why and how this can occur.
As I continue to read on, it was only when I finally reached the sub chapter "Environmental Sources" of the UK authors article that it all made sense. It smacked of the agenda put forth by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics trying yet again through this author propagating this same tired mantra, by now trying to tie a prostate cancer study to that of women finding these same chemicals in their makeup.
I might have found her article credible and even remotely interesting until she slipped in this 2nd paragraph right below the sub chapter. "Other sources of arsenic include rice, non-organic chicken, and makeup. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, some top-brand eyeliners, eye-shadows, mascaras, and foundations can be contaminated with arsenic."
Say what! .....are we eating our cosmetics now? I mean really, why this correlation when the environmental study as it relates to prostate cancer, which was the main focus of her article gets totally lost as soon as she tries to make these two areas related. It simply amazes me when this campaign or it's proponents will seize on a single research study and then use it in an attempt to convince the public "we are doomed" because we use makeup and skincare products. With this latest publication by Epoch Times this anti-chemical agenda is becoming quite transparent, even any comprehension at this level is also lost on the fact that just about everything in life is chemicals, natural or synthetic. They are not mutually exclusive!
Furthermore, the CFSC organization has yet to provide peer reviewed research proving that certain individual chemicals solely are the cause for mimicking estrogen in our bodies, let alone doing anything that we expose our skins surface to. Estrogen comes from many variables including foods, and scientists have been unable to fully identify origins of estrogen types found in our bodies. But I guess it is so much more practical and easier to blame the synthetic chemical industry.
So maybe through ingestion of estrogens since this is a direct feed to our blood brain barrier we can find these in our bodies, but topical application does not extrapolate same unless we are dealing with nano materials such as hormone patches (a drug), not a skin cream (a cosmetic). Natural phytoestrogens are found in plants and produce plant-derived xenoestrogens. Yet in the Texas Tech University study this was also a main component of concern yet we don't know conclusively if natural or synthetics are the culprit.
National Library Of Medicine / National Institute Of Health (NCBI) has an excellent abstract as to their research on the Pros and Cons of Phytoestrogens. So again, as in life, there will be checks and balances for living our lives and nothing is black and white, although many try to make it so and in many cases it is always to the negative because that is what gets the reader to perk up and take notice, sadly.
The very last thing she states in her Epoch News article is, "Health campaigners recommend limiting exposure to these hormone disruptors by consuming organic food, drinking filtered water, and using natural personal-care and cleaning products."
Okay now let's examine the reality of this statement which shows a lack of understanding the truth in regard to a chemical being ubiquitous and we'll use the claim from the CFSC in Rice for an example.
Arsenic is divided into 2 broad categories: Organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic.
Organic arsenic is essentially harmless and is ubiquitous in our environment. Inorganic is created through use of different pesticides. And higher trace levels of inorganic or organic arsenic, depending on where it is grown, are found in brown rice rather than in white rice since white rice is essentially brown rice, stripped.
The FDA has weighed in on rice food products and has done testing, and the European Food Safety Authority, the United Nations Codex Alimentarious Commission and China’s Food Safety Commission are trying to establish limits for inorganic arsenic in foods, including rice. China has a maximum level for total arsenic in rice of 0.4 microgram per kilogram. Note this is addressing foodstuffs!
Plants accumulate organic arsenic because it protects them from harmful micro-organisms, especially fungi. Rice isn’t unique in this.
“All plants pick up arsenic,” states John M. Duxbury, PhD, a professor of soil science and international agriculture at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. “Concentrations in leaves of plants are much higher than in grains of plants. Thus, leafy vegetables can contain higher levels of arsenic than rice, especially when they are grown on arsenic-contaminated soils."
So the statement of fact is: although they are measuring arsenic levels in food products reflected in these statements, the reminder is, ingestion is not the same as topical application in any context. This is especially true when our skin acts like a barrier, making it practically impermeable to things in our environment. Plus through critical thinking we must acknowledge all food, including our healthy, leafy greens contain some measure of this contaminant making consumption literally impossible to avoid. Yet, the many proven health benefits we get from consuming fruits and vegetables watered and grown in any soil can far outweigh trace amounts of any contaminant found within the plant itself.
Last Time I Wish To Revisit This Issue
Although I keep tabs on articles that stretch the facts and reach for the moon, I really am no longer interested in pursuing this side of the industry. I will simply refer to this article analysis since it is based on the fact this Epoch Times piece goes beyond reporting when trying to string an environmental agenda together with a safe cosmetics campaign. Both completely different areas in consumption of contaminants, yet it does create one piece of "sensationalism" all for piquing ones real fear to chemicals. It is not the right thing to do and it is negates the true research since it gets lost in the blinding rhetoric.
Besides, if this is what the author truly believes and clearly she must since she wrote it, then on her recommendation of using natural products, she should be well advised of the fact that all natural products have less testing performed for safety and allergens than their synthetic counterparts, and the ingredients used even after a level of purification, may still include trace elements of all the contaminants she is worried about.
Plants are grown in soil, they take up rain or irrigation water and as it has been stated repeatedly throughout these links I provided, organic arsenic is there and will always be there in our foods and water until the end of time. So unless one plans to starve themselves or waste away from thirst, this is the inconvenient truth, whether we care to believe it or not.
UPDATE: Dana Joel Gattuso is Director of the Center for Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the National Center for Public Policy Research. She wrote a wonderful piece which explains articulately what we have been facing for many years including proposed regulation, which on it's face has created acrimony within our industry, and this story will provide insight and hopefully restore sanity and clarify the agenda behind it. The True Story of Cosmetics addresses the ongoing smear campaign against our industry by Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
Well it's been fun and I think I have provided plenty of substantive science to correct much of the junk science floating across the internet, but this gal has covered this type of issue for the last time. Now on to more pleasant things such as keeping in step with a fabulous life ahead!
Using Exfoliation Scrubs On Our Faces Since High School
Many of us have been convinced since our high school days when we began to suffer the angst due to the hormonal changes in our skin, that in order to keep our skin free of oil and debris and to fight acne, we must rub a dub scrub our faces until essentially raw as this was the only way to have clear skin.
In part this is true, but it is the extent of which we pursue this practice, sometimes feverishly, that is causing the ongoing problems with what might be otherwise healthy skin. Acne is prolonged, skin is damaged, deterioration of collagen occurs causing permanent acne scarring, whereby accelerating the aging process on our faces.
So many methods have been introduced into the marketplace, it becomes a daunting task to know the wise thing to do. Commercialization of many skincare products purport to the consumer, "use this product daily and have beautiful, lustrous skin" or "this will help clear up acne when you use our product."
Let's begin with what we see typically:
Irritating to facial skin ~
Terry Washcloths (harsh to delicate skin types)
Buf Puf Facial Wedges (been around since forever, extremely harsh)
Apricot Facial Scrubs (same as above for facial scrubs)
Sea Salt Facial Scrubs (recommend for body only)
Any Other Ground Seeds In The Formula (same principle applies)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic or Salicylic Acids)
Facial Brushes Of Any Kind (overused and can create chronic irritation)
Gentle to facial skin ~
Oatmeal (precooked, gentle and healing, can help with dryness and has anti-itch properties)
Rice Flour (raw version, has super fine grainy finish, extremely gentle and healing)
Facial Mask Specific Recipes for cleansing and exfoliating
Micro Fiber Towels (perfect for delicate skin types)
Polymer Beads (smooth surface so no sharp edges for tearing skin)
Jojoba Beads (same as above, yet will also moisturize, soothe and balance sebum)
Baking Soda (basic fine grained scrubbing agent and is best used with yogurt preparations)
Fine Textured Sugar (same as above and best used in oil or plant based treatment to prolong texture)
Gentle AHA's comprised of natural fruit acids or lactic acid for maintaining daily natural cell turnover
What's The Harm Of It All?
Unfortunately, the many commercial preparations and mechanical methods of removing dead skin cells, or for basic cleaning of the skin are overused and are too coarse or harsh to delicate facial tissues.
For instance, your scrubbing tools are in a category of over consumption and will create problems for skin that weren't there before using one of these devices. Although the brush can be used safely for exfoliation of the skin, in most cases the advice given with this type of facial tool is to use them everyday for the removal of makeup and daily oily grime buildup on the skin. The advice even goes as far as to recommend twice per day usage.
Here in lies the harm: as you can see from the two lists above, one that is irritating and the other offering gentler alternatives, is if this tool is used along with the rest of these products or other micro fine scrubbing ingredients that are normally considered gentle, certain types of skin conditions can occur that could go on to require repair or treatment from your dermatologist.
To preface the list below, smoking and sun exposure along with pollutants in our atmosphere are the major causes for premature aging of our skin. Over exfoliation contributes to this problem, but it is certainly not an overall cause for aging our skin.
Examples of harm to your facial skin tissues when over exfoliation occurs:
Dryness and irritation due to stripping the skin by not only removing dead cells but healthy ones as well, making it more difficult to maintain moisture on the face.
Keeps skin in a constant state of inflammation something similar to a chemical peel, causing cells to break down and making the face more vulnerable to free radical damage.
Stripping the skin of it's lipid barrier, including destroying good facial bacteria can cause a reaction dermatitis which in and of itself has it's own set of problems and can be difficult to clear.
Acne can actually worsen when over exfoliating the facial skin due to irritation, over stimulation of skin cells creating more sebum production and the face is no longer in correct balance for maintaining proper skin health.
Any combination of these two lists, or just using gentle methods along with even your daily cleansing regimen can create and exacerbate many skin problems since your cleansing products will also have a certain level of ingredients that offer exfoliation benefits.
First Do No Harm To Your Lovely Face
With all of these methods and ingredients available to the consumer there are easy ways to keep your skin nice and clean and show off a lovely polished surface without looking red faced.
Remember, using a washcloth with your cleanser is already exfoliating, so to follow with a facial brush or other skin damaging scrub, your face will not be happy.
Always treat acne and other skin conditions gently! Rice flour or oatmeal in a facial mask followed by a bit of scrubbing action before removal, and fruit acids in cleansers, moisturizers or facial serums are wonderful for doing the job well. With these types of raw ingredients you can use them 2-3 times per week and skincare products like our ONATI Skin Care line can be used each and everyday.
We also offer our "gentle to the skin" Micro Fiber Face Cloths. These are excellent for delicate skin types and gentle exfoliation each and every time you cleanse your face. Skin exfoliation is a good thing and will help keep our skin looking polished and refreshed as long as it is performed in the right doses.
So as you can see with all these everyday rituals, it is easy to be overusing exfoliation products without really realizing you are overusing exfoliation products. Treat your face and skin gently and your skin will sustain proper balance which in turn provides overall skin health.....and that my ladies is my best advice!
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