Your Hormones and the Masquerade of Parabens

Parabens inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds and have been used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and sunscreens for years. The main reason for use of parabens is because they allow these products to survive for months, or years, during shipping and on store shelves. Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. The only ingredient used more frequently is water. Parabens were the cosmetic industry's prized preservatives. (Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens) They were stated for years to be harmless and safe. Just recently we have been presented with evidence through many study's that this states otherwise.

In these studies, parabens have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests - meaning that they mimic our body’s natural estrogen and may interfere with our endocrine systems (making them disruptors).

Our hormones govern the way our glands and organs function including the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, and pancreas to the ovaries and testes.

So how does this really affect us?

To begin - the endocrine system is made up of glands and receptors.... glands that secrete and/or make hormones and receptor sites that "read" and react to hormones.  Hormones themselves are the little chemical messengers that run around in our bodies transporting signals and instructions from one cell to another.

Delivery:

The gland writes the instructions, the receptor reads the instructions, and the hormones are the postmen.

Endocrine hormones are carried directly through the bloodstream to different parts of the body and orchestrated by the master conductor- the hypothalamus in the brain. (The hypothalamus is the “pentagon” of hormone production in your body.) The messages are sent through a hierarchical system - getting passed along through the body and when they reach their final destination they offer an important message for the cell when they arrive. These messages can be anything from growth and production regulation, activation of the immune system, metabolism regulation, reproductive cycle cues to mood messages and more.

Therefore, the messages should get to the cells that they need to direct without the blockades and barricades and masquerades that nasty little hormone disruptors provide.

The theory of endocrine disruptors is that a variety of synthetic chemical compounds that we are bombarded with everyday absorb into the body, then mimic or block natural hormones and disrupt our body's normal functions.

(As if someone else is posing as the postman, and tricks our bodies into thinking that they are receiving authentic messages - but they are not. By acting on these fraudulent messages, a whole array of problems can ensue.)

This is a somewhat a new theory and difficult to prove or disprove because chances are we could be exposed to literally thousands of endocrine disruptors on a daily basis. Plastics from our water bottle or hairspray, pesticides on our food, and fillers in our everyday cosmetics - the list goes on.  It’s time that we recognize the lies and clarify  which are the bad hormone copycats from the really bad perpetrators in our lifestyle. This external chemical exposure is residual and little by little these chemicals build up in our bodies.

Endocrine disruptors are stored in a body's fatty tissues and do not get flushed out with water, thus they accumulate over the years. It is now recognized that the dramatic increases of breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and thyroid cancer have been linked to exposure to environmental estrogens. In the past twenty-five years in the US, alone, thyroid cancer has increased more than 45%, with more women being affected than men, and has become the number one cancer in children under age twenty, many of whom suffered from fetal endocrine disruption exposures.

Recent reports from Britain show that parabens have been found in breast tumors and that they may be linked to breast cancer. The breastcancerfund.org states that parabens are weak estrogen mimickers - but more importantly, that they can increase the expression of certain genes that are directly linked to breast cancer. Yikes!

Please grab your ingredient top 10 to avoid, and bring awareness to this growing conundrum of hormone perpetrators, and the better investment for you and your “Beautiful Health.”   The serious health implications mean that taking this issue seriously can have a profound impact on your health in the future!

Reference: Homemade Organics

References to learn more in-depth:

http://alternativemedicinebreastcysts.com/xenoestrogens.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/027063_products_chemicals_fragrance.html#ixzz1FpXNpc6h

Come out of hiding! Are you prepared?

Thank you Lori, for a fabulous n' fun  photo shoot!  (See HERE) Find Lori's work here: http://dezignchik.wordpress.com/

STAY UPDATED on our Facebook Page!   Sign up for KASIA Beautiful Health News! $20 OFF your first Hair Color, Organic Custom Facial, or Massage! Upcoming Event in Maple Grove REV IT UP Join the Kasia Team, Revolution Chiropractic, and many other great wellness vendors! Enjoy   "Beautiful Health" Specials on Kasia products! Location: Maple Grove Thursday(s):  March 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th Time:  6:30 - 8:30 Kasia team will be present the 10th and 24th of March.

Hey there kassie, "our Informed Beauty."  I promise, we're well on our way to more temped weather, but unfortunately at the tail end of winter our skin, hair and health feel as they have been dragging.  The Kasia Team has your back!  Learn more below! Jump start a cleanse with our Infrared Sauna or our simple Beautiful Health 10 Day Detox Protocol. CELEBRATION! Much gratitude to you kassie , in our one year Birthday at Kasia Organic Salon!  March 1st, one year ago we birthed a resting place to plant seeds....nurture, learn, grow, and celebrate the options of truth, pure beauty, and community. What we've accomplished in 1 year: Added variety of services/programs Feather Extension/Extensions Introduction to Infrared Sauna and detox support A year in Kasia "Gk: Pure" Products launched:Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils Small Batch, Fair Trade Teas Spicy Citrus Shampoo/Conditioner and Dry Shampoo Organic Skin Walnut Scrub Restore Hair Oil Laundry Soap Nuts and Stain Soak Sunless Tanning Lotion Pure-oderant Thank you to all of YOU from the Kasia Team. We will throw a party and celebrate soon...stay tuned. Come out of Hiding! Are you prepared? Tips from Mariah: We have been hiding our legs and arms for too long.  Now is the time to start waxing so you are hair-free for your spring break vacations and warm weather. Because our hair grows in 3 different cycles, we can train the hair to grow all at the same time by continually waxing every 4 to 6 weeks.  By the time Spring/Summer rolls around your legs, bikini and underarms will have less ingrown hairs, the hair will be less coarse and easier to remove and the hair will grow back slower allowing for hair free worry when wearing shorts, bikinis and tank tops. Limited Waxing Special Offer! Choose any 3 waxes for $80 Half leg wax Bikini Underarm Eyebrow Lip Chin Upgrade to a full leg or Brazilian wax and receive 15% off. Don't Forget your back! Come in for a back facial. Receive 30 minutes of attention to the one area that is hard to reach.  You will get a deep cleanse, exfoliation treatment, extractions, massage and treatment mask for $40. Normal price is $55 Exp: 4/28/11 Does your lethargic skin need a  little extra assistance? Corrective facials are a great way to give our skin a boost when it needs it the most. For example, as we move forward in age, certain physiological responses are inevitable like the dreaded wrinkle, lost of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. There are also life challenges that occur such as illness, or increased stress due to moving or changing jobs. All of these life occurrences can be addressed and rejuvenated with corrective facials. A wonderful complement to the corrective facials are glycolic peels that can be included alternately in a series. As with any skin care regimen, a series of three to six facials, depending upon the extent of the condition is very important. Naturally, Kasia's Organic Facials are all highly therapeutic and will give you an ultimate experience in skin care. Allow Mariah to treat you to a  monthly preventative ritual to capture and enhance the absolute radiance that is within us.

Causes of dandruff and tips with essential oils

The best essential oils for dandruff will depend on the underlying cause of your dandruff.

What are the triggers?  Stress?   Diet?    Lifestyle?

Recommended Essential Oils include:

Geranium, juniper, lavender, rosemary, sage, and lemon scented tea tree.

If your dandruff is the result of fungus, Kasia Lemon Scented Tea Tree oil is  your best choice. If your scalp is oily:  Cedarwood and juniper  may be useful.

For a dry, flaky scalp, you can try chamomile,  lavender or sandalwood.

If you want to use one oil at a time, add a few drops to your shampoo.  Kasia Organic Salon team recommends your choice of essential oils with Jojoba oil, and/or scalp treatments with Kasia Restore Hair Oil.

Causes of Dandruff

Truly, the cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown and can have a variety of catalysts.

A relationship to hormones and  yeast infections has been a consistent possible causation of guests at Kasia Organic Salon.

The primary cause of dandruff is thought to be a yeast.

• Over activity of oil glands is another possible cause. Shampooing daily with a sulfate free agent will eliminate the oil and help prevent the dandruff.  Do not over strip the hair.

• Shampooing in too hot of water may strip out the natural oils and dry out your scalp. It's best to use tempid and/or cooler water to help close the pores, which will relieve the flaking problem.

• Avoid PVC and alcohol-based styling products as they tend to dry out the scalp. The styling gels, sprays and mousses can build up on your scalp.

• Excess Stress can trigger or exacerbate dandruff very easily.

• A high sugar intake may be another major cause. Sugar requires B vitamins in order to metabolize and can cause a deficiency. To compensate take a high potency B-complex to relieve the dandruff.    Diabetes and the high sugar levels result in dehydration of the tissues as the body flushes out fluids in an attempt to rid itself of the sugar. One of the end results is dry skin.

• People on low or no fat diets may be deficient in unsaturated fats called essential fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Call Kasia Organic Salon to have a consultation or to schedule a treatment for your hair/scalp!  612 824 7611

Safety Issues of Hair Color Products and 'PPD'

"In Short...."

Much to our clients' surprise, hair dyes may actually further their hair loss or aggravate existing hair and scalp disorders. The reason is that most professional hair color products contain loads of harsh chemicals such as peroxide, ammonia and p-phenylenediamine that can wreak serious damage to our hair and scalp and cause hair loss.

In recent articles written about hair color damaging ingredients, there is a chemical that causes the most concerns among people, which is PPD aside from MEA and ammonia.

Synonyms or components of p-Phenylenediamine:

Paraphenylenediamine Para-aminoaniline (p-aminoaniline)

PPD         PPDA

1,4-Benzenediamine        Orsin™

1,4-Penylenediamine       Ursol™ D

Rodol™ D              Paradiaminobenzene

What is p-Phenylenediamine:

p-Phenylenediamine is a dark dye used extensively in permanent hair dyes, certain dark colored cosmetics as well as temporary skin tatoos. Contact of this substance with your skin may result in dermatitis as well as other skin disorders.

Oxford_Hairdresser Study

This important study published in the Oxford Journals Annals of Occupational Hygiene chronicles the habits of hairdressers when using hair color, and documents the presence of hazardous para-phenylenediamine on hairdressers hands throughout the process, even when using gloves. Suggestions for better occupational hygiene when working with hair dyes and changes to work routine are featured in the report.

Hair Dye Use and Lymphoma

This article posted on WebMD Health News suggests that long-term use of dark, permanent dye may raise lymphoma risk. Research shows that long-term use of permanent hair dye -- in dark colors -- doubles a person's risk of certain blood cancers.

Watch this VIDEO

Products used in the great majority of nationwide salons contain a wide range of toxic ingredients, including carcinogens, hormonal ingredients, and allergens," said Dr. Epstein, adding, "Exposure to them poses hidden dangers to clients, and much more so their stylists."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qNH7OTWQaE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Essential Nutrients for your hair and skin with antioxidants, cold pressed oils and fatty acids

  Our hair and skin are the fingerprint of what’s going on inside your body because it is one of the 4 exit doors for waste along with bowel, Kidneys, and Lungs. Depending on your diet, age, exercise habits, sun exposure, and your personal lifestyle.

Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, leaving a matrix of collagen, elastic tissue, and  fibers.  Sagging skin, slow hair growth and deep wrinkles can occur when there is a breakdown in your inner structural  layers from free radical damage.

Restore Hair Oil and Renew Facial Serum minimize the damage done to your hair and skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and essential fatty acids.

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Antioxidants

Antioxidants give you the anti aging protection against the diseases and help slow down the aging process of your skin, cells, tissues and organs. The main antioxidants found in food include vitamins A, C and E, the minerals selenium and zinc and all of the phytonutrient carotenoids.  Antioxidants keep free radicals from ravaging your body and stealing the life from your cells.

Critics used to claim there was no evidence that topically based products affected skin aging. Over the years, a remarkable number of published studies have proven these skeptics wrong! Science clearly substantiates the role that free radicals play in causing skin aging and the fact that topically applied antioxidants confer significant protection and can even partially reverse some aspects of skin aging. Indeed, various animal and human studies have proven that low molecular weight antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, as well as alpha-lipoic acid exert protective effects against free radical damage (oxidative stress) (Podda et al. 2001).

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids offer anti aging benefits to dry skin, hair, and nails.   EFA's will give your body the nutrients it needs for smooth, glowing skin and healthy hair and is even known to help balance hormones.

Fatty Acid (Omega 3) anti-aging benefits and reduction may be directly linked to cell inflammation. They help to keep the cells healthy and reduce the inflammation that may occur in the cell when omega 6 levels are too high. Internally the most commonly consumed source of omega 3 fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, linseeds, flax seeds, spinach, walnuts, brazil nuts, pecans, egg yolks, canola oil, linseed / flaxseed oil.

Sunflower oil (comprised in Kasia Restore Hair Oil) contains fatty acids and are essential to hair health and effective in preventing hair loss from male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

Enjoy the effects of anti-inflammatory, free radical fighting, and  lipid rich solutions in Restore and Renew for your skin and hair!

WHAT IS A FREE-RADICAL?

Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron seeking another electron. They travel through the body seeking out healthy cells and breaking them down. This process is referred to as Oxidation and the damage it causes is known as Oxidative Stress. It has been linked to a number of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

WHERE DO FREE-RADICALS COME FROM?

Free radicals are produced in the body when it is physically excerted. They also come from pollutants and toxins in the air and water, toxins, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.

WHAT IS AN ANTIOXIDANT? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Antioxidants help the body fight back and repair itself from the inside out. They give the free-radicals the electron they are looking for to prevent them from stealing them from healthy cells. Antioxidants have the ability to reduce free-radical stress and promote healthy by assisting in preventing illnesses and chronic health problems.

Enjoy the effects of anti-inflammatory, free radical fighting, and  lipid rich solutions in Restore and Renew for your skin and hair!

'Beautiful Health' tips to REHAB your hair

“Plant the seeds of restored and healthy hair.”

We trust you'll LOVE our NEW Restore Hair Oil from Kasia! Prized with Black Cumin Seed, Rosemary & Carrot Seed Oil, creating a  synergistic combo of  rich moisturizers, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help “Restore” the scalp and promote hair growth.

INNER HEALTH

We’ve heard it all before, but nutrition is key when it comes to healthy, shiny hair. Why? .....

Because hair not only depends on a constant supply of blood and oxygen, but also nutrients, and a deficiency in these nutrients will show up on your skin, hair and nails. Brittle, dry or dull hair that easily breaks is therefore a tell-tale sign of poor nutrition. Eating  will help maintain hair color and texture, while keeping a stable effect sugar levels will also help – high sugar consumption creates a higher demand for B group vitamins (using for energy other than rebuilding health), which can take away from, and affect your locks.

Furthermore, an imbalance between good and bad fat consumption can either lead to an overly dry and flaky scalp and dry hair or excessive oil production. Correcting the imbalance will help to normalize the health of the scalp and the relative dryness or oiliness of the hair.

Beautiful Health Suggestion:  CORE from Immuno Viva!

Lipids are a group of naturally occurring molecules that include saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates form the main constituents of cells in both plants and animals.

Core contains concentrated black raspberry and black cumin seed oils extracted through our exclusive cold press process, which requires 8 pounds of berries to make just one half teaspoon of oil. Core's powerful ingredients, rich in Omega fatty acids and antioxidants, offer nutritional support to counteract many health problems associated with modern living.

HAIR

"Are you coating your hair?" Conventional styling products synthetic plastics such as PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer), acrylic copolymers, VA (vinyl acetate), polymer and acrylamide polymer are used as holding agents, all of which are synthetic petroleum-based plastics.  Commercial hot oil or silicone treatments can actually make the problem of frizzy or dry hair worse.

Why?  They’re the wrong kind of oil and will tend to sit on top of your hair, and may actually block the moisture your hair needs from getting in.

Beautiful Health Suggestion: Treat your lovely locks with ...

Kasia RESTORE Hair Oil 

A “light” powerhouse, made with  organic oils which are absorbed by the hair instantly, giving you a silky finish, protection, natural and brilliant shine.

Learn more about our NEW* Kasia Restore Hair Oil      HERE

SKIN

Instantly revive your skin with Immuno-Viva Renew skin serum. Made with a patent-pending blend of antioxidant seed oils, and work synergistically with Immuno-Viva Core to combat the signs of aging. Inside -  Out!

Protect, rejuvenate and moisturize skin – naturally.  Learn more      HERE!

Kasia's "Informed Beauty" alternative to Morroccan Oil and what's your face shape?

Kasia Organic Salon Launches    .... RESTORE HAIR OIL Dear kassie, Are you ready for SPRING BREAK?   (Watch for our waxing specials soon) March is fast approaching and we've had some brutally cold air outside and dry overheated air inside, which can wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. LOVE your hair.... Kasia's cleaned up version of "Morroccan Oil." Replenishing moisture is a very important part of your hair's structure. To better understand, imagine your hair shaft is much like a tree trunk, all the moisture is in the center and the bark of the tree and is what protects the tree from becoming moisture deprived.  Once a tree becomes moisture deprived it's no longer flexible and it becomes dry, brittle and easily breaks. This is exactly what happens to our hair! Women that have dull, dry or lifeless hair are usually lacking moisture due to styling, ammonia color and chemical services and synthetic product build-up.  With years of experience behind the chair this is often why some may have such a hard time growing their hair out. This is where our NEW launch of Kasia Restore Hair Oil comes in, allowing penetration and protection to the outer layer and keeping the scalp healthy. Buyer BEWARE!  Ingredients  Kasia leaves OUT and Morroccon Oil leaves in.... Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone ***** Go Ahead... Warm up a light dollop of Restore in your hands before applying to your hair. The benefit is twofold - great hair and also soft hands. **NEW** Kasia RESTORE Hair Oil "Plant the seeds of restored and healthy hair." Made with Cold Pressed Organic and Natural Ingredients A "light" powerhouse, made with certified organic oils which are absorbed by the hair instantly, giving you a silky finish, protection, natural and brilliant shine. Prized with Black Cumin Seed, Rosemary & Carrot Seed Oil, creating a  synergistic combo of  rich moisturizers, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help "Restore" the scalp and promote hair growth. Learn more about RESTORE's   Ingredients and Benefits

No Ammo! Why Conventional Color Just Doesn't "Cover" It The reasons for choosing an ammonia-free (and ammonia and substitute-free) hair color falls into three categories: Your body's general health The health of your hair The health of your environment "The future is now, and it's high time hair salons start using healthier options for themselves as well", says Kassie Kuehl. MEA *      (MEA) Ethanolamine is a "silent substitute" if ammonia is not used in a hair color. *     MEA  "adhesive" property can never be totally washed out of the hair and scalp!  =As a result, every time the hair is washed, the water acts as a mild oxidizer and "process" the color a little bit all over again. Ammonia *       50%-60% of clients suffer from negative effects of ammonia-based colors. *      Ammonia negatively affects the cuticle AND amino acid or protein called tyrosine. *     When the tyrosine is damaged, the hair's ability to hold onto color is greatly reduced or eliminated altogether. Don't miss our Sauna Package Specials! Relax while you detox! Kasia offers you an Infrared Sauna to improve your results with: * detoxification * pain relief * weight loss * lowering your blood pressure * improving circulation * skin purification ****************** "Don't worry, we've got you covered!" Pure-odorant Deodorant Certified Organic Made with a pure blend of hemp oil, aloe vera and mineral salts that softens skin and eliminates odor-causing bacteria for up to 24 hours! She's SURE! "This is a fabulous product!  I have tried several deodorants that claim to be green, healthy and safe, but have failed to find one that REALLY works!   I can count on pure-odorant to keep me smelling great! (my husband even uses it and he's a marathon runner) Kassie also has other wonderful and worthy products, including organic aromatic teas--yummy!  And lucky for me, I live close enough to her salon to take advantage of the beautiful organic hair care she offers. I love, love, love her stuff!" Nancy Halverson, MN Best haircut for our face shape + How your makeup can best enhance Master your face shape and Download our FREE report! Monthly Referal Drawing When you refer a friend to Kasia, enter your name into our monthly drawing and you have the chance to win $100+  in gifts!

Save 20% RENEW Facial Serum/Oil Made with a patent-pending blend of antioxidant seed oils, and work synergistically with Immuno-Viva Core to combat the signs of aging. Inside -  Out! Apply topically am or pm or both to help reduce the appearance of: Wrinkles Dehydrated skin Scars Yes....Stretch marks Uneven skin tone Wonderful take home after a Kasia Glycolic Facial service Q. How is Kasia byNight Face Serum different? A. VERY!  Our Kasia byNight Serum is an alternative serum that contains actives of peptides, organic fruit acids, etc.  This fights aging by actively turning over and freshening the skin and it's dead cells that remain from lethargic dermal detoxification.  It also is moisturizing as an end result!  2 in 1! Renew is to be used 2-3 time per week to bring additional anti-inflammatory  healing to the skin with multiple organic lipids and their abundant benefits. ....What a great team! Offer Expires: March 1, 2011 Kasia Organic Salon provides beautifying services with a side of environmental awareness. Put your eco-conscience and its cranial encasement at ease during your services at Kasia. The former nurtures noggins with customized blends of essential oils, repairing damaged follicles while helping to prevent dandruff, save hair color, some hair loss, and scalp irritation. With the health of your head restored, a skilled scissor shaman will get to work on the style.  We are devoted to designing looks that let each client's personality shine through, so whether you are fun and flirty, serious and sophisticated, or enraged and enamored, you'll leave the salon with a 'do' to match your personality. Make an appointment online or call 612 824 7611

Have you tried Pure-odorant? Nancy has.....

She's SURE! 

This is a fabulous product!  I have tried several deodorants that claim to be green, healthy and safe, but have failed to find one that REALLY works!   I can count on pure-odorant to keep me smelling great! (my husband even uses it and he's a marathon runner)

Kassie also has other wonderful and worthy products, including organic aromatic teas--yummy!  And lucky for me, I live close enough to her salon to take advantage of the beautiful organic hair care she offers. I love, love, love her stuff!

Nancy, MN