Tag: skincare

Petroleum Jelly is harmful to skin

You probably have a jar of Vaseline somewhere in your house. Millions of people swear by it as a remedy for clapped lips, congestions, diaper rash and dry skin. Unfortunately the popular product is more harmful than many realise.

What is Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly, commonly known by the brand name Vaseline, is a byproduct of the oil refining process. It was originally found coating the bottom of oil rigs in the mid 1800s. As a byproduct of the oil industry, it’s an unsustainable resource and far from eco-friendly.

How does it work?

Used in everything from lotions to baby products, petroleum jelly works by creating a protective barrier on the skin to hold in moisture. The waterproof barrier it created on the skin blocks pores and can lock in residue and bacteria.

When used on a burn or a sunburn area, it locks in heat and can block the body’s ability to heal. You need to stop using Vaseline for these four reasons:

  1. It contains harmful Hydrocarbon. The skin is unable to metabolize petroleum jelly, so it sits as a barrier on the skin untill it wears off. This blocks the body from gaining any benefit from the substance. A 2011 study found strong evidence that the mineral oil hydrocarbon Vaseline contains are “the greatest contaminant of the human body”
  2. It Promotes Collagen Breakdown. Due to the barrier that petroleum jelly creates on skin, it blocks the skin ability to breathe and absorb nutrients. This can cause the skin to pull the moisture and nutrients it needs from within, leading to collagen breakdown.
  3. It can leads to Estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance occurs when the body has high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. It has linked to infertility, menstrual problems, allergies and autoimmune problems. Petroleum jelly contains chemicals called xenoestrogens which are believed to increase estrogen problems.
  4. It can cause pneumonia. Although rare, a condition known as lipid pneumonia can occur when small amounts of petroleum jelly is inhaled and build up in the lungs. Because the body can’t metabolize or breakdown the substance, a severe inflammation in the lungs can occur.

Natural Alternatives

There are several natural alternatives to petroleum jelly that you can use without worrying about health risks. If you’re looking for a simple alternative, try one of these options:-

  • Shea butter – High is vitamin A, E and F, shea butter works to nourish the skin through the beneficial fatty acids it contains. It can also help reduce inflammation and increase collagen productions.
  • Beeswax – a great alternative to petroleum jelly is Beeswax. It can be blended into homemade beauty products to protect the skin. Add it to a homemade lip balm and body cream.
  • Coconut oil – this oil loaded with health benefits. It works to nourish the skin through the fatty acids, lauric acids and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • Coco butter – it contains antioxidants and benefits fatty acids. It may even reduce the signs of ageing.
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Glow Up Tips

Old ways won’t open new doors.

-Anonymous
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There is so much more to a glow up than just physical transformations and alterations. While physical changes do play a significant role in bringing about that sublime transformation, a positive change in one’s personality and thought process can play a vital role in adding incredible results and it absolutely shows.

An overall change for overall development is better than just striving to change your body. An overall effort on one’s part can help one become the best possible version of themselves.

Glow up is a process that one should luxuriate in order to feel amazing and be amazing.

As mentioned, a glow up entails so much more than just dressing pretty, it is a kind of recuperation process that helps one improve their wellness and become the absolute best for themselves.

Here are certain things that you should start doing, if you are thinking of an epic glow up!

1. Drink lots of water

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This might just be the game changer in your quest for a heathy glow up. Drinking the right amount of water every day is absolutely imperative. Drinking water has so many positive effects on the body, that it is a therapy on its own. Water detoxes the body, helps with sunken eyes and dark circles, gives the skin a fresh, soft and plump finish. Since water helps flush out major toxins from the body, it makes you feel energized and well in general.

You can use other detoxes such as cucumber, lemon , mint with water to reap all those benefits and more.

If you are thinking of a glow up proper intake of water is an absolute must. Period.

2. Eat Healthy

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Your body is what you eat. Eating healthy is vitally important to bring about any positive transformation in your life. Healthy eating is a habit that is a must for every person, more so for people looking to go further in terms of their health and wellness. Healthy eating has innumerable benefits; it can help you lose weight, increase productivity, help handle stress better, help you get beautiful and healthy skin, help get better rest and sleep, it enhances the overall fitness.

Inculcating a healthy eating regime in your life doesn’t have to be complicated, you do not go on to fancy or extreme diets, cutting off all the harmful sugar and soda would be the perfect first step towards a dazzling glow up.

3. Work out and Meditate

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Exercise and meditation always go in tandem for the body and soul. Exercising leads to great results in terms of health and meditating is an amazing time out for one’s mental health, daily. Exercising has so many health benefits that include; stress and anxiety relief, improved mobility, better sleep and energy levels, good health and higher self-esteem. Meditation helps physically, mentally and even spiritually. It helps feel a sense of tranquillity, peace and balance and sort through thoughts and emotions.

Working out and meditating is a leap towards overall fitness and that imminent glow up.

4. Set up a skin and hair care routine

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Skin care and hair care are important aspects of pampering oneself. Skin care modified according to your skin type will help enhance your beauty and reflect upon your self-care and wellness. Our skin needs nourishment which often times we have to provide via external sources, skin care therefore becomes a necessary step in a healthy glow up.

Hair care is important, as hair contributes to your personality greatly. A proper routine will not only ensure proper hair growth and give you luscious and beautiful hair, it may help you get more comfortable and confident and help you strive towards your glow up goal.

Again, you do not need to set in an extremely complicated routine for your hair and skin, cleansing, toning, moisturising would do for the skin and proper conditioning for hair along with hydrating masks for both face and hair would be perfect.

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