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TOXIC Skin Care Articles and Information
With the concept and desire that the ingredients that go on your skin are as important as the ingredients in your food, NORDIC Skin Essentials was born!
NORDIC Skin Essentials is a NATURAL Skin Care Company that provides Healthy, Natural, Chemical Free skincare products. Only Natural Preservatives, like Vitamin E, Rosemary and Grapefruit Seed Extract are used. Every product is created, in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. All products are only human tested on willing family members and friends, from 6 to 76 years old.
NORDIC Skin Essentials grew out of a personal desire to have vibrant, healthy skin without the dangerous Petros and Chemicals found in mass produced skincare products. ~NORDIC~ extensively researched, tested and produced skincare products that to our pleasant surprise, family and friends were extremely enthusiastic about; their enthusiasm and support inspired the creation of NORDIC Skin Essentials.
One day while washing my face with Dove Soap (containing ¼ cup of cleansing cream) I noticed how dry my skin felt. It was almost instant. Looking in the mirror I could see my skin drying out and becoming parched. I needed moisturizer to bring my skin back into some type of balance. As I again read the packaging label I realized that I had no idea what those listed ingredients were. Then and there I decided there had to be a better way.
Making the decision to go natural is easy.
Applying that decision to everyday life is much more difficult. Finding
completely natural skin care products on the commercial market is next to
impossible. Most products advertised as “natural” contain potentially harmful
chemical and/or synthetic elements.
The driver for such elements is the desire of most mass producing companies to
achieve product shelf life of two or more years. Without some type of protection
microorganisms would rapidly multiply causing a number of undesirable side
effects. These range from the temporarily uncomfortable (e.g., skin rashes) to
the permanent and debilitating (e.g., blindness) and a multitude in between. The
most popular method of shelf life extension has been through the use of
synthetic, primarily carcinogenic, preservatives. Unfortunately, with synthetics
you also risk deliberately introducing toxins and all their potential negatives
into your body. The debate within the scientific community is ongoing as to the
degree of risk involved.
(If you have been following the natural trend you know that there are 2 sides of
people: those that believe that there can be an alternative to synthetic
preservatives that won’t kill you or cause major side effects and the those that
believes that no matter what you must have a chemical preservative of some type
regardless of the side effects. If you choose to use chemical preservatives in
your products what makes you any different from the large companies out there
offering “natural” products?)
Products entirely without preservatives must be manufactured in a sterilized environment. They must also be refrigerated immediately after opening. The production process is both time consuming and costly. For large companies producing batches which run in the thousands requiring two - three years shelf life, this is not economically feasible. There is however a small yet growing number of companies producing reduced quantities using natural preservatives.
I believe that you can successfully produce 100% natural skin and body care treatments that are preserved with natural ingredients such as essential oils and antioxidants and still possess a reasonable shelf life. Essential oils are natural substances that are powerful preservatives and that are not extensively used to preserve cosmetic products. They are derived from flowers, leaves, grasses, and woody plants. The first indications of their antiseptic properties were uncovered during the cholera epidemics of the nineteenth century in France when tens of thousands of men, women, and children perished. During this time it was observed that workers in perfume factories were almost completely immune to the disease. Today we know that most essential oils and absolutes used in perfumes are powerful antiseptics that kill most of the harmful bacteria and fungi without harming the human system. The addition of as little as one drop of sweet orange oil to two ounces of cream will kill all bacteria and fungi in the preparation. Essential oils have also been shown to be effective in killing the virus that causes Herpes and assist in healing the affected skin.
"When I "Carla Andersen Baker Founder and President of Nordic Skin Essentials" choose the Natural Route for skin care and started blending my own skin care line, I was amazed at the result of my skin. I ALWAYS had dry skin. I used Baby Oils, Lotions from all the companies and of course ALL the anti-aging creams and my skin was still prone to breakouts and VERY DRY. Since I choose to put only natural skin care products on my skin my skin is now considered normal in hydration. The skin does not feel dry and products actually do not need to be applied nearly as often. I wake up with supple, moisturized skin and this is my belief, I will never go back to putting chemicals on my precious skin. What goes on my skin will be as pure and as important as what goes in my body."
Below are some article Links that you might find interesting:
Skin Facts/Info Toxic Skin What is Your Skin Type???
Client Opinion & Testimonials About us Site Map Store Entrance
Some of the Ingredients Used by Nordic are listed below, Please See ALL Ingredients and read how effective they are and how beneficial they would be to your natural health.
Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopherol): This is a powerful antioxidant used in preserving oils and keeping them from going rancid. Be aware that there is a synthetic on the market called variously Tocopherol, Alpha Tocopherol and/or Tocopherol Acetate.
Salt (sodium chloride): Most people have heard of Smithfield Hams. These hams can last forever because they are salt-cured. Salt has been used since ancient times particularly for meat, as a preservative. The salt enters the tissue and in effect binds the water, inhibiting the bacterium that causes spoilage. The salt restricts to tiny concentration and protects food from yeasts and molds. It draws out moisture and creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria. We use Dead Sea Salt that has an abundance of balanced minerals for the most superior skin softness.
Pure Cane Brown Sugar : Sugar, an organic compound, may be either refined (white) or raw (brown) we, use only Brown Sugar, and has a variety of names. It is used as a natural preservative inhibiting bacterial growth after food or products have been heated. Brown sugar is also an excellent natural exfoliant.
Lemon: Lemon is part of the Rutaceae family also known as a citrus fruit. Lemons are grown in the milder regions and can be from 30 to 45 percent juice depending on type and climate. The acid produced mostly by the citrus and identified as C6H8O7 promotes preservation. The lemon is rich in Vitamin C and much like salt removes moisture to prevent spoilage and rotting.
Honey: Highly stable against microbial growth because of it’s low moisture content and water activity, low pH and anti-microbial constituents.
Rosemary Extract is a
powerful antioxidant.
Aging processes, such as browning, thickening and wrinkling; and melanoma and
other skin cancers are thought to be accelerated by the accumulation of
peroxides in the skin tissues. These peroxides are produced by environmental
factors such as heat and ultra-violet radiation from sunlight, a primary cause
of sunburn and melanoma. In a study conducted to test photoprotectivity, it was
discovered that Carnosic acid (found in Rosemary) did protect the skin from UV
damage. This evidence is further corroborated in expired US patents 5,358,752,
which show in the examples complete elimination of peroxides as a result of UVB
radiation. Rosemary also has a history of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial
applications. One study found it to be effective against HIV-1
Grapefruit Seed Extract: A natural antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative. It is used to promote the healing of almost any atypical skin condition. According to published sources it is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral organisms, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single-cell and multi-celled parasites. This preservative is used by many handcrafters in products that contain water.
This article contains data we consider vital. The ability to inform ourselves of what exactly we ingest, breathe in and apply to our bodies is of considerable importance to us — especially in a day and age when what things are made of and how they were processed remain mostly unknown to us as we look products over at the store. Dangers to ourselves and our family lurk in pretty bottles. Labels do not always make it all perfectly clear and industry decisions to include or exclude ingredients may not be made with health as a primary concern.
What is Natural? Natural to Nordic means no chemicals, no parabens, no petro mineral oils.
We also take in what we inhale. And smell is useful! When Studying Aromatherapy, I have learned that when we detect the scent of something, the particles we’re smelling have already entered the bloodstream via the lungs.
The most obvious internal doorway is ingestion (eating, drinking). A bit of data: as per Gary Null, Ph.D., in The 90's Healthy Body Book, there are over 21,000 pesticides poisoning our food.
Nowadays in body care products there are thousands upon thousands of untested chemicals. Anything found by regulating bodies as dangerous, if not banned, is controlled as to percentage of that ingredient in the finished product. However, the manufacturer may use more if the chemical is used for another purpose other than just as a preservative (the use for which it is limited).
A study done by the University of California published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that hairdressers, cosmetologists and manicurists had four times the usual rate of multiple myeloma (malignant bone marrow tumor). A study in the Netherlands found that hairdressers working in the first through fifth month of pregnancy were almost 4 times as likely to give birth to a mentally retarded baby.
Now, consider, too, that the questionable or dangerous ingredient may be found in 4 body products a person uses in a day. And these are the products he uses every day, day after day. Ask yourself, what are the long range effects of continued, indiscriminate use of untested chemicals in our body care products?
Some widely used toxic
chemicals that you will find on your labels of over the counter products are:
FLUORIDE: more toxic than lead! The fluoride in half a tube of toothpaste can
kill a child (tragically, this has happened). One of the top ten contact
allergens. Please go to www.nofluoride.com for more data.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL: the key ingredient of antifreeze. Like SLS, a chemical
borrowed from industry for cosmetics apparently in the 60’s. A common
moisture-carrying vehicle, highly penetrative and solvent, used in
moisturizers, creams, lotions, shampoos, mouthwashes, perfumes, make-up,
shampoos, hair products, deodorants, shaving cream, and on and on. Propylene
glycol was found (“The Medical Post” Sept. 1994) to produce an increase in
anxiety due to increased brain beta activity in people who are chemically
sensitive. Possible carcinogen, may cause dermatitis and allergies. Known to
cause liver and kidney damage, it was taken out of cat food after cats were
found dying of liver failure. Ms. Vance tell us that the CIR Expert Panel
(Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, established in 1976 by the Cosmetic,
Toiletry, and Fragrance Assoc. which makes its findings on safety of
ingredients available to the public and publishes in the International Journal
of Toxicology), says it is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in concentrations up
to 50%. FORMALDEHYDE widely used in cosmetics as a germicide, preservative,
fungicide. Surfactants such as SLS may contain it as a preservative but it may
not be listed. It is released in some chemical combinations of the
manufacturing process and so may not be listed as an ingredient! Found in
soaps, nail hardeners (there may be quite a bit in these), hair-growing
products, toothpastes, lipsticks, body lotions, shampoos, etc. Vapors are
intensely irritating to mucus membranes. Highly suspect as powerfully
carcinogenic and mutagenic; damages and inhibits repair of DNA. Ingestion may
be fatal. Has been found to increase the toxic effect of x-rays in human lung
cells. The CIR Expert Panel proclaims formaldehyde as safe to the great
majority of consumers and has suggested that the minimal concentration not
exceed .2%. Banned in Sweden and Japan. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DIAZOLIDINYL UREA are the most commonly used
cosmetic preservatives after the parabens, found in baby shampoos, lotions,
creams, oils, etc. They are well established as a primary cause of contact
dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), according to the American Academy of
Dermatology. Some of these compounds release formaldehyde when heated.
PETROLATUM (mineral oil jelly) is commonly used in lip balms, hand and skin
care products to form a moisture barrier. Clogs skin keeping it from taking in
oxygen and releasing toxins. Highly acne-producing. May contain some well
known carcinogens. Lip balms with petrolatum promoted as preventing chapping
and sunburn can cause both sun-sensitivity and chapping! Manufacturers sell a
product that can induce the very problems it claims to solve! Incredibly
cheap. I used to think I had extremely dry skin and used mineral oil and
petrolatum jelly more and more, Once I started using ONLY natural products, my
skin become more supple and now (a DRY SKIN person) now has moisturized skin
all day long. PARABENS: METHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL and ETHYL PARABEN: preservatives that inhibit
microbial growth to extend shelf life of products. May cause allergic
reactions, skin rashes and kill the intestinal flora so vital to cleanliness
of the intestines, digestive function and general health including freedom
from stress (the flora “manufacture” B-vitamins in the body). These
preservatives may further damage health by inhibiting the vital action of
natural enzymes (chemical workhorses in your cells without which you die).
Recent research suggests parabens may act as foreign hormone-like substances
and cause a host of problems including making men effeminate and increasing
risk of cancers in both men and women. Found in skin and hair care products,
make-up, baby products, bath, deodorant, deodorant, dental and other products.
ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS: dioxins, PCB’s, phenolics, phthalates,
petrochemically derived products, many pesticides, and as just recently
learned, parabens. Wide-ranging effects, passed on from generation to
generation. Affects brain function, sexual development, mental retardation,
and other vital functions. TALC (Magnesium silicate) is a natural mineral and a lung irritant. Used
mainly in make-up and powders including baby powder. May be carcinogenic,
possibly linked to ovarian cancer (not good to use on pads and in underwear as
it migrates easily up the reproductive tract). When breathed in, it tends to
accumulate in the lungs (not biodegradable) and has an effect similar to that
of asbestos inhalation. Used on babies, has caused coughing, vomiting and
pneumonia. TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)
– Often used in cosmetics to adjust the acidity and
for other purposes. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems,
dryness of hair and skin and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a
long period of time. STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE
is used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes
allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric
industry as a fabric softener. It’s very cheap (surprise!) and so
manufacturers use it instead of proteins.
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES – The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics (and
cleaning products) may contain hundreds of chemicals. There is no way to know
what they are, since on the label it will simply say, “Fragrance.” Some of the
problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, violent
coughing, vomiting, skin irritation — and the list goes on. Fragrances draw
from up to 5000 hydrocarbons. Some hydrocarbons are formaldehyde, styrene,
toluene, phenol... hydrocarbons can cause depression, exhaustion, anxiety,
dizziness, headaches, trouble thinking clearly, diminished blood flow and
brain damage. (Richard H. Conrad, Ph.D., Perfume Expose).
ARTIFICIAL COLORS, labeled “FD and C” followed by a color, are coal-tar
derivatives and not plant-based. FD and C Red No. 6 and Green No. 6 are
suspected of causing cancer. Antibacterial and deodorant
soaps dry the skin, use toxic things to kill germs that also assault the
intestinal flora and reduce immunity, dry the skin and create an imbalance in
our skin flora.
Use of an exfoliating scrub that kills bacteria, exfoliates skin, and moisturizes like our Body and Face Scrubs is all you need.
ALL essential oils are antibacterial to some extent, with Salt, Tea Tree oil , Rosemary, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Vitamin E, lavender, citrus oils, thyme, oregano and some others leading the pack. Used in safe but adequate concentrations (these oils are powerful!,) you’ll have what you need.
For more information regarding skin care check out our Skin Facts/Info page or our What is Your Skin Type???
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It's Essential that you exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells, this allows all the nutrients that nature has to offer to be better absorbed and gives your skin a healthy, vibrant glow. Your skin, the largest organ in our bodies, flushes out toxins and absorbs nutrients and vitamins from the sun. Healthy skin works to cleanse the blood and free the system of poisons by expelling at least one pound of waste products daily.
Skin Exfoliation stimulates the circulation, and the lymphatic system, and has a powerful rejuvenating effect on the nervous system. The major lymph nodes are dumping stations for waste fluids, and you can stimulate the expulsion of mucoid lymphatic material or impacted lymph (cellulite) by skin brushing. Also, skin exfoliation removes dead skin layers and other impurities, thus keeping the pores open and unclogged.
Many of you already know the healthy glow and soft, supple skin that results from the regular use of salt and sugar scrubs. For those of you that don't, you've been missing out!
A "scrub" is a blend of pure sea salt, or fine brown sugar, combined with protective and moisturizing oils, which is then applied to wet skin and massaged around in a circular motion. Upon rinsing, you'll be amazed at the difference in your skin. Even rough, chapped, calloused man-hands are left baby soft and smooth after only a few uses - many after the first use!
The ingredients used in our scrubs vary from product to product. Each is created with particular needs in mind, ALL are natural botanicals that effectively work to create RADIANT SKIN. Click on each link below to explore the individual properties of each product, some ingredients used are Sea Salt to help draw out impurities and toxins, also helps to soften skin. Pure Brown Sugar which has excellent, natural exfoliating properties. Rice Bran Powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant for the face and body, a Ancient Japanese secret for smooth, soft skin, reputed to prevent wrinkles, quickly heal blemishes, absorb the dirt and oil from pores, balance the natural oils in the skin and moisturize, Organic Norwegian Sea Kelp to help re-mineralize, hydrate, help repair your skin with 17 trace elements, amino acids and vitamins, one of the richest sources of essential vitamins and minerals, noted for its ability to help firm and tone skin. Your skin will glow from head to toe. SPA Quality Skin in Seconds!
Your skin will glow from head to toe. Healthy Skin at its best!
What are AHA Peels? They are Glycolic Acid (From Sugar Cane) applied to skin to remove dead skin cells. Essentially they are equal to our Scrubs, Polishes and Buffs applied to skin in a gentle exfoliating manner, except Ours are completely natural, and have so many other extremely beneficial ingredients added to them that Nordic Face and Body Exfoliation Products By Far are superior.
AHA's are natural products and are often referred to as fruit acids which include glycolic acid (from sugar cane) Used in ALL of our Face and Body Scrubs, lactic acid (from sour milk), citric acid (from citrus fruits), tartaric acid (from fermented grapes) Glycolic Acid is most frequently used in anti-aging and Acne products
Many Estheticians and Doctors use AHA peels to treat acne and to slow down the aging process. Because of its gentle action, it helps to keep acne and acne problems under control giving the skin a smoother, fresher appearance. Our products are gentle and safe for any skin type. They are ph balanced, non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic and specifically designed for Anti-Aging and Acne Skin Treatments.
The real RENEWAL/REJUVENATION process starts with Exfoliation . Our exfoliating skin treatments are powerful yet extra gentle, making it extra-safe to use on almost any skin. It rapidly increases exfoliation and accelerates the skin's own natural cell renewal process. Recommended for many different skin conditions and problems like wrinkles, fine lines, aging, rosacea and sun damaged skin. These Exfoliators quickly deliver substantial improvement in superficial lines, skin texture, hyper pigmentation, blemishes and enlarged pores without irritating the skin. A most beneficial action to help the skin healthy, regain and keep its radiance and glow.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is the most versatile and easily absorbed of the Alphahydroxy Acids. Derived from sugar cane, it was developed through scientific research and found to be extremely effective in the treatment of Dermatological conditions including, Acne, fine wrinkles, and changes in skin pigmentation.
How Glycolic Acid Works?
Glycolic acids decrease the "glue" that holds dead cells on the surface of the skin. This allows dead cells to drop away, leaving behind a layer of smoother, softer skin. Glycolic acid also stimulates the skin to make new collagen fibers that help to improve wrinkling and the effects of sun damage. In addition, glycolic acids help dissolve the material that clogs pores allowing the pore to drain better thus decreasing spots and acne formation.
What are the indications for Glycolic Acid Exfoliation?
You are interested in preventing signs of aging and wrinkles
You want to reduce existing fine lines and wrinkles.
You have discolorations, age spots, dull or unhealthy looking skin.
You have acne, skin lesions, or other skin conditions.
You have weathered or sun damaged skin.
How do you perform Exfoliation?
Exfoliation takes approximately 5 minutes. First, the skin is moistened lightly, The Exfoliator is then applied gently. After 3 to 5 minutes buff your skin lightly then your skin is rinsed with cool water. It's that simple!
Most people initially notice a softer and smoother skin immediately. However, it can take several months of continued daily use of glycolic acid to achieve the best results.
Why Glycolic Acid Works?
The thick layer of dead cells on the skin surface may give the complexion a rough, dull appearance. When these cells are removed, they expose a layer of fresh new cells with a smoother texture, and a more uniform color. Furthermore, continued use of glycolic acid appears to stimulate new cell growth. Recent studies show that over time, this stimulation of cell growth can cause new collagen fibers to grow in the upper layers of the dermis, the layer most sensitive to the aging effects of the sun.
Where else can I use Glycolic Acid?
All body areas appear to respond well to treatment with glycolic acid; however, the arms, hands, neck and chest all improve at a slower rate than the face. Many patients choose to treat these areas more aggressively by using stronger products containing higher concentrations of glycolic acid. While no procedure is free of the risks of side effects, most patients are delighted with the outcome, and the risks are fewer than with most other chemical or surgical procedures.
Does it make my skin sensitive to the sun?
The use of glycolic acid products usually does not cause sun sensitivity. In addition, recent studies suggest that using glycolic acid may make your skin less sensitive to other chemicals. Because ultraviolet light is the leading cause of skin ageing and wrinkling, you should always use sun protection as part of your skin care program (irrespective of the use of glycolic acid).
Unlike many other stronger and deeper Exfoliators, those done with glycolic acid usually do not permanently lighten the skin. Therefore, they can normally be safely performed on patients with darker skin types.
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The many benefits of sea salt and why Nordic uses Sea salt in all of their scrubs: For centuries, people have bathed in the mineral-rich seas of the world to help promote good health and beautiful skin. Ancient records show that people traveled many miles to bathe in salt waters such as the Dead Sea, the Black Sea, the Red Sea, the Blue Lagoon, Scandinavian Fjords and the famous mineral springs around the world. The mineral-rich, salty waters have been know to help alleviate even the most severe cases of dry skin disorders. Salt water bathing stimulates circulation, hydrates the skin, increases moisture retention, promotes cellular regeneration, detoxifies the skin, and helps heal dry, scaling, irritated skin. It also reduces inflammation of the muscles and joints, relaxes muscles and relieves pain and soreness. Important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, bromide, and calcium are readily absorbed into the skin when we bath in a lukewarm sea salt bath. 2 - 4 cups of sea salt per bath are recommended for detoxifying and for alleviating itchy, dry skin. When essential oils are added to a salt bath, they are also readily absorbed increasing their therapeutic effectiveness