By C.A. Vargas

The definition of what is organic in skin care or personal products has been an ongoing dispute in the U.S that has created more consumer confusion than a chinese puzzle box. And despite the growing abuses by many companies that position themselves as “organic”, the United States still has no regulatory agency to prevent the defamation of the word organic.

The closest the U.S has come to form a regulatory body for anything organic has been the United States Department of Agriculture. However, those efforts fall short and only apply to organic foods. The USDA has no such standards for cosmetics or personal care items.

Therefore the cosmetic and beauty industry indiscriminately use words like “natural” or “organic” to market themselves, but have no standards to back-up their claims. The United States lack of regulations in this segment of the organic industry, beauty, cosmetics and personal care items, is in fact years behind its European counterparts.

France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Belgium have had standards in place for years. The result is a trust in its organic skin care labels that is lacking in the United States. The only thing that protects the consumer in the US is ones own education regarding the potentially harmful ingredients used in skin care products. Lacking that, the consumer must rely on the personal ethics of these companies and their standards for what they consider organic.

Some common ingredients that you should be aware are parabens, sulfate and petroleum based ingredients. A common rule of thumb I use is, if you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, most likely its synthetic. This is not a very scientific method but it works when you are lacking a degree in chemistry.

For a fuller list of ingredients see the article “Harmful Ingredients In Skin Care”. The harmful ingredients mentioned in this article are common enough to be shun by any quality company that considers itself organic. Additionally, this is not a complete list by far and should only be used to increase your knowledge of potentially harmful ingredients in skin care.

In Europe, for example France, skin care companies can follow the standards set by EcoCert and consumers would have immediate confidence that it was organic. Similarly in the United Kingdom, the Soil Association certifies not only organic products but organic foods as well and any label it issues carries the assurance that it is organic.

This is one of the reasons why Joanna Vargas Skin Care carries mainly organic skin care products from abroad as they are following a set of standards that have been in place for years. These strict guidelines have proven themselves to be not only organic but also show results when used in the skin.

Although the United States has many good companies which create organic skin care products the industry seems to be still working out the kinks as to what is identifiably organic.

When choosing organic skin care products for use in the salon, Joanna Vargas has created unyielding guidelines that encompass many of those found in the various organizations in Europe such as the Soil Association, EcoCert and BDIH from Germany. In fact, Joanna Vargas is years ahead of the competition and has been using organic products years before the word “organic” itself became mainstream.

Visit our online store and BUY truly unique organic skin care.

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 C.A. Vargas

Being the parent of a baby can be challenging. We want the best for them and it pains us to know that we can make a mistake that will cause them any harm. Many parents will seek information from a father or a mother or re-create lessons we feel are useful in life and livingness. So it behooves us as parents to become educated in many different areas so we can provided the needed lessons for a successful life.

One such area is organic skin care for babies or toddlers. You simply don’t want to make the mistake of using a harsh skin care product that is chemically based on baby’s new and delicate skin. A baby’s skin is much finer and more fragile than an adult’s and because the skin absorbs lotions, you want to avoid anything which could threaten your baby’s health. As the baby grows his skin will get thicker and less prone to irritation but in the mean time minimally avoid skin care products with fragrance or alcohol. This includes limiting the amount of products you use on baby’s skin.

Limiting the number of baby skin care products you use on baby will make it easier to isolate which ones cause irritation or allergies. Organic baby skin care products are made with gentler and more baby friendly ingredients. It is the healthier choice and the only option to save the child from discomfort that comes from using synthetic-based skin care products.

Using Phyt’s, certified organic skin care for babies, eliminates all the possible toxins that can be absorbed by your baby’s skin. Phyt’s organic skin care for babies is gentler on their skin and will soothe or prevent rashes and dry skin, two things that babies are somewhat prone to. Organic skin care for children is safe and effective. After all, it is like giving their skin all the nutrients that it will need in order for it to stay healthy.

Organic skin care for babies is an ideal way to gently protect your baby from head to toe. It won’t strip but instead moisturize, heal and nurture that baby fine skin with natural and healthy ingredients.

These extremely mild organic skin care products for babies are finely crafted for maximum benefit and their composition are perfect for baby’s precious skin. They contain herbs and botanicals which are essential and holistic for not only the health of your baby’s skin but also for their overall well-being. Whether you want to treat your baby to a soothing massage or moisturize areas that may be dry and flaky, baby will relax and ease to sleep. And when babies sleep, its a beautiful thing, especially with a newborn.

Place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and redeem it during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By C.A Vargas

Phyt’s, Lait Hydro-Nettoyant/Cleansing Milk

Why should we use an organic skin care cleanser? Aside from the fact that the obvious culprit, the polluted environment in which we live, creates havoc upon our skin. Then there is no reason why we should also put up with the many toxins found in your average skincare product. These many toxins and synthetic chemicals get absorbed by the skin and ultimately affect our health, not to mention the health of our skin. Its no wonder why our skin looks dull and lifeless.

This certified organic cleanser smells incredible and feels pure the moment it touches your skin. What’s amazing about this cream cleanser is that it really removes surface dirt and makeup and can be simply rinsed off the face with water. Its one step to have clean, fresh skin! This simple step is often over looked by many but it is an essential for beautiful and radiant skin. SO DON’T NEGLECT IT!

These nourishing and natural ingredients bring a dull and tired looking face back to live. The Phyt’s organic cleanser contains Sunflower for hydration, Hazelnut to nourish and soften, Orange to detox, Palmerosa to balance, Lavendin which is anti-bacterial, Wild Chamomile for calming, Meadowsweet as an anti-inflammatory, Ginsing an immune stimulant and Passion Flower to soothe. Incredible!

Apply a quarter size amount to a dry face and neck. Massage into the skin and rinse with tepid water.

Place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and redeem it during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By Elizabeth Hall

When you picture organic products, your mind probably conjures images of rich, brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and lush, dense plants. One particular plant that is important in our consumption and production of organic products is the cotton plant. Organic materials such as cotton are growing in popularity, as more and more people begin to focus on the benefits of organic clothing, especially for babies and children.

A baby’s skin is much thinner and more porous than adults, which means that it is easier for them to absorb things into their bodies that can dry out their skin and cause irritation. Organic materials such as cotton are an all natural alternative that is soft and safe for the skin. Organic clothing also cuts down on children’s exposure to toxins because pesticides and herbicides are not allowed to be used in the production of the cotton material. Organic bedding is another natural alternative, and many companies are even printing logos and designs using water based non toxic ink.

Conventionally produced cotton material may seem like the cheaper option when you first consider purchasing it, but the material typically begins to break down after only ten to twenty washes. The non-organic cotton fibers go through harsh processes such as bleaching and dying, which activate the disintegration of the cotton fibers even before they are made into clothing.

The support and promotion of natural living and the use of organic materials is beneficial not only to you and your family but to society as a whole. Farmers are able to work in a pesticide and toxin free environment, and receive a premium for their organic crops. Every step of the production of organic products is closely monitored and must meet certain guidelines, ensuring that we are getting a product that meets both our environmental and ethical standards.

Please view our organic skin care for children section and place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and click “redeem” during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By C.A Vargas

Signs of aging around the eye can take many forms, including puffy eyes and droopy upper eye lids. This can also include the usual suspects like crow’s feet. A Solution can be invasive surgery to pull, lift the tissue back to where it belongs. Although this is a solution, perhaps there is a simpler and gentler way with Phyt’s, Fluide Contour/Eye and Lip Contour.

This Ecocert, organic skin care item is seriously Joanna Vargas’s most popular retail product here at the salon. It is literally owned by everyone of my clients!

This eye cream is even the best kept secret of some of Hollywood’s biggest actresses! Why?

Because it drains out excess puffiness, gets rid of dark circles and hydrates the delicate skin around the eye area. Oh, and the smell is out of this world!

Contains Wheat, a great antioxidant, Hazelnut, Lavendin, which is anti-bacterial, Potassium, Sunflower to help balance the oil in the skin, Ylang Ylang, Wild Chamomile and Lavender.

Apply a pea sized amount to the entire eye area but not on the eye lid both morning and evening after cleansing.

Place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and redeem it during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By C.A Vargas

Not using organic skin care products can lead to your skin becoming dull and lifeless, causing premature aging, wrinkles and ultimately damage on a cellular level thus making it hard and in the end impossible to repair the skin damage. I know from experience, over ten years as an aesthetician and not because I used synthetically made skin care products, but because I have see the results that come from long exposure to them and the damage they cause the skin. A finely crafted organic skin care product from France is Phyt’s, Masque Reviderm.

This mask is great for anyone who has dull, tired looking skin. Its a truly revitalizing mask! It brightens, regenerates, balances and hydrates your skin leaving you with a wonderful glow.

Contains a unique mixture of essential oils such as Cypress, Clove for its antibacterial properties and a host of other appealing ingredients like Oregano, Orange, Cardamom as an antioxidant, Magnesium to help draw out toxins and smooth out the skin, Chlorophyll, a powerful antioxidant, Cinnamon, Palm and Hazelnut.

Apply a thin layer over entire face and neck after cleansing. Leave mask on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Follow with Reviderm Serum and Creme Reviderm. Can be done either day or evening once a week.

Place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and redeem it during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By C.A. Vargas

By using organic skincare products we give the skin a break from the many key factors which result in premature aging and skin damage. The obvious culprits, the polluted environment in which we live as well as the many toxins found in your average skincare product.

Add to that the stress of our over-booked lives and over exposure to the sun and its no wonder why our skin looks dull and lifeless. There is a finely crafted organic skin care line that I use and recommend in my treatment rooms and a product within that line which will benefit normal to dry and even sensitive skin.

This mask, from the French line Phyt’s, called Masque J12, is great for hydrating normal, dry as well as sensitive skin. Hydrating is essential for skin to remain supple, firm and young. This is the trick to reversing the signs of aging and for staying young. Its great for after air travel.

It contains a delicious medley of organic ingredients that bring health and live to your skin. It contains Clove, Hazelnut for soothing and healing, Lavendin, as an anti-bacterial, Lemongrass, Oregano, Cypress, Rosemary to stimulate sluggish circulation and Palm. These blend of essentials are vital for your skin to soak up and get revitalized.

Apply a thin layer over entire face and neck after cleansing. Leave mask on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Follow with a serum and moisturizer. Can be done either day or evening one time per week. Additionally this line is Ecocert certified.

Place your order now via our online store and get a 10% off code with your welcome email and redeem it during the check out process and get free shipping within the United States. If you have any questions you can call Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com

By Elizabeth Hall

Bottled Water: Not As Pure As You May Think

The idea of bottled water often evokes an image of pure crystal springs of flowing water. Unfortunately, recent tests by organizations such as the Environmental Working Group have discovered an alarming array of toxic contaminants in our bottled drinking water. Theses toxins affect all areas of our body, especially skin.

Tests have found that chemicals used in the production of the plastic bottles contain synthetic estrogen, which leaches out into the bottled water. Excess estrogen is found in other plastic items as well, including plastic storage containers and zip lock bags. The fumes and particles that escape off the plastic leach into our body, and can cause us to produce more estrogen.

A woman’s estrogen level is constantly fluctuating even without the added possibility of excess estrogen. The hormonal imbalance caused by the excess estrogen wreaks havoc on the skin, which is the first place to show visible signs of the body’s disruption. This shock to the system causes inflammation and irritation to the skin, such as rashes and discoloration. Estrogen also causes women to breakout into painful cysts around their jaw line, chin and neck. It can also make the skin very oily and difficult to manage.

Solutions to this issue of contamination include drinking filtered tap water, using methods including reverse osmosis. For everyday use and travel, consider using approved containers such as glass containers, or aluminum bottles, which do not break as easily as glass, and help to keep your water or other liquid cold. It is also important to remember this information when considering your children’s containers as well.

Our skin reflects the treatment and condition of our body as a whole, and often even the slightest disruption or imbalance can be seen. It is important to maintain a healthy way of life on the inside, so that it may reflect outwardly through healthy looking skin. 

Visit Joanna Vargas online store to get the very best in organic skin care from Europe and get a 10% off code with your welcome email to redeem during checkout. In addition get free ground shipping anywhere in the United States. And to Experience any of Joanna Vargas Skin Care treatments call the salon in New York City at 212.949.2350 or email us at Salon@JoannaVargas.com.

Source: NYLON
APRIL 2008
By Fiorella Valdesolo

Beauty Black Book

BECAUSE SHARING IS CARING, PLEASE FIND BELOW A LIST OF MY FAVORITE NEW YORK BEAUTIFIERS, SERVICES AND SHOPS. FV

FACIAL: JOANNA VARGAS

Skincare guru Joanna Vargas disproves two of my previously sound theories: that nothing beautiful can be found amidst the ugly buildings bordering Times Squares, and that facials are always an excruciating process. Out of a discreet office in Midtown, Vargas’s gentle touch and soothing demeanor make facials something to look forward to.

501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 707 NYC. 212.949.2359: joannavargas.com