THE DIRT
Here is just a few of the ingredients we found in beauty treatment products ranging from cheap 'do yourself' pharmacy brands to ‘luxury’ products at the beautician;

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
This harsh detergent and emulsifier, often derived from petroleum, strips the skin of its natural oils, increasing skin permeability and thereby facilitating entry of other toxic ingredients into the dermis and bloodstream. A known skin irritant, SLS also has the potential to cause eye problems, cataracts, blindness, major organ damage, immune system damage, skin and hair problems, respiratory illness, headaches and vomiting.

Diazolidinyl urea
Is derived from formaldehyde which has been linked to cancer, eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes, contact dermatitis, asthma, shortness of breath, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, chest pains and dizziness

Paraffin
Derived from petroleum or tar, this is a non-renewable resource that has a negative environmental impact. While the skin initially feels smoother it is merely the layer that paraffin forms the smooth layer. Skin is dried out by any petroleum based product. This perpetuates the cycle of continued product use to prevent the dryness, which the product is actually contributing to.

Propylene glycol
This humectant is usually a petrochemical mix and has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema.

Why make the change to non-toxic, natural and organic alternatives?
• To look better!
*  Synthetic petroleum based ingredients have a drying effect on the skin, so while you feel super smooth for a while, you will be needing to reapply frequently and the long term effect is often damaged skin.
* Truly natural alternatives are often rich in nourishing oils and extracts. It's like home made organic food for the skin rather than fast food!

• To reduce the risks to your health
* Many of the chemicals used in beauty treatments are known to be harmful and many more have not been examined for safety.
* We are exposed to potentially harmful compounds from a large number of sources in modern day life.  Reducing exposure when and were you can is likely to be beneficial
* By choosing a natural beauty therapy salon or day spa, you won't be exposed to the other toxic fumes from Nail polish and synthetic fragrances used in most salons.

• Consider the environmental costs of your beauty regime
* A large proportion of conventional skincare products are made from synthetic compounds or non-renewable resources. This represents an environmental cost both in production and processing that is likely to be higher than for the natural alternatives.

G SPOT
 Visit the BLOG for some great natural skincare recipes you can make at home suggested by CleanLife staffers and CleanLife readers.

COME CLEAN
Polish that winter skin, body & mind with some of these wonderful treats...........................

Soothe, restore and rejuvenate your skin with our Organic Facials and Chemical-free Waxing. At Vitale they specialise in treatments that are customised to your needs and skin type using natural & organic products. Vitale provide natural skin solutions for acne, ageing and sensitive skin. See their website for a list of beauty services www.vitalenaturalskincare.com.au

JOI Signature Spa Therapies are designed to deeply nourish, strengthen and restore mind, body and spirit. These exquisite aromatic treatments for the face, hands, feet and body will leave you  feeling revitalised and rejuvenated. JOI's specialised  Spa Trainer is available to personally train therapists in all JOI Signature Spa Treatments.   JOI also offers a wide range of natural and organic products for all your beauty needs.

Treat yourself to an Elemental Certified Organic Facial.  Run a deep bath and add Elemental's Empress Bath Salts. Wipe face with a warm towel.  Mix a teaspoon of an Elemental Mineral Mud Mask with spring water  to form a smooth paste. Spread evenly onto face and luxuriate in your bath.  Rinse clean.  Mist on Toning Mist to suit your skin type and allow to air dry.  With light upward strokes apply a Rose Hip Cream to suit your skin type.  Feel like a Queen!

CleanLife Business Development manager Shona recommends the following body salt scrub that you can make at home:
2 tbsp almond meal
1/4 cup salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup almond or coconut oil
5 drops of grapefruit essential
5 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
5 drops of ceadarwood essential

For a range of Shona’s natural skincare recipes visit this weeks BLOG.