By C.A. Vargas

Paraben is a bad word among organic beauty experts but the cosmetic and skin care industry have been using them since the 1920s. Today most popular cosmetic and skin care companies still use parabens as a chief ingredient in their beauty and skin care products.

Parabens are chemicals that extend the shelf life of a cosmetic or skin care product. What has become irrefutable is that parabens are carcinogenic. Some studies have actually shown a link between parabens and breast cancer.

It is commonly known now that parbens mimic the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is a major factor in the development of breast cancer. Yet cosmetic and skin care companies still use parbens as a preservative that get absorbed through the skin. Too much estrogen in the body can cause weight gain, water retention and mood swings minimally.

Cosmetics companies who use parabens justify their use by saying they stick with a “safe” amount or dosage for daily usage. Its just like tobacco companies saying that cigarettes are safe in small quantities!

Yet the logic of big tobacco is what is being used by these reprehensible companies that turn a blind eye to evidence and keep an eye on the balance sheet. Whether parabens cause cancer or not I say, but I urge the use of organic skin care products!

For the best organic skin care products look for and order them at http://www.joannavargas.com/catalog and save 10% off of your first order. Receive your code with your welcome email and click redeem during the check out process. At Joanna Vargas Skin Care we only use organic skin care products in our treatments. So call our salon in New York City and make your appointment at 212.949.2350. You can also email us with any questions or concern at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By Elizabeth Hall

Reduce. Recycle. Reuse

“Living green” is a notion that benefits every lifestyle. Now, more than ever, being environmentally conscious is rapidly developing from a trend to a way of life. With gas prices sky rocketing and natural resources dwindling before our eyes, we can easily make small changes to limit our impact on the earth.

Here are some quick and simple suggestions that can act as a checklist and starting point on the road to reducing your carbon footprint and beginning your path to green living. With some small but beneficial adjustments, these tips can be easily integrated into your everyday life.

Reduce. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, such as those certified by Energy Star. They use up to seventy five percent less energy and last a great deal longer than conventional alternatives. Power strips are also a convenient way to collectively plug in your electronics and shut them off when they are not in use. While this may seem like an easily forgettable step, it is important to consider that electronics contribute to between five to twenty percent of your monthly power bill while on standby.

Recycle. Save plastic wrap, bubble wrap, boxes and any other commonly reusable materials. Urge your office or apartment building to recycle if it does not already. Also, think before you print your emails and faxes. Do you really need a hard copy? If you do, print double-sided on recycled paper.

Reuse. Organic canvas and cotton bags are an environmentally conscious and stylish alternative to plastic shopping bags. Reinvent vintage clothing and furnishings. An old wood chair in good condition but covered with old or ugly fabric found at a thrift store can easily be cleaned and recovered. A fabulous vintage coat can easily be altered, leaving you with a one of a kind treasure that now fits to your specifications.

Reduce, recycle, and reuse. There is no better time to start than now!

Joanna Vargas Skin Care Salon in New York City is dedicated to improving our relationship with the environment and the people that live in it. That is why we strive to strengthen our green life style by only using organic skin care products and noninvasive techniques. Please if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment call us at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com.