Lecture 26: Acids & Bases Instructor: Donald Sadoway View the complete course: ocw.mit.edu License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA More information at ocw.mit.edu More courses at ocw.mit.edu
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Caramel Treatment - A Natural Hair Softener
The caramel treatment is a product in the E'tae product line. Boasting an all natural line up of ingredients from honey, bananas to olive oil, this product delivers in its ability to seriously soften and hydrate the driest and roughest hair textures. It helps people who relax their hair to 'stretch' their relaxer for longer periods and helps people with natural hair by softening its texture for easier detangling and manageability.
The results of the caramel treatment are not permanent; they last for up to 4 weeks so should be reapplied monthly for continued benefits. Many report 'loosening' of hair texture as well as less shrinkage after the treatment but this is likely due to the added weight of the product as well as the increased moisture levels in the hair. For this reason, the caramel treatment is excellent for helping to straightening the natural hair as it takes less heat to get smoother results as well as better moisture retention.
No doubt the product is excellent but due to its perishable nature (no preservatives are used), the price tag for monthly treatments can become quite unappealing. Most of the ingredients in the product can be found in many average kitchens so making your own caramel treatment seems a more attractive approach for those who wish to use it on a regular basis.
By understanding the purpose of each ingredient, you can adjust the recipe every time you make it depending on your hair's needs.
Honey - An excellent humectant good for moisture
Olive Oil - For lubrication and helps with moisture retention
Bananas - Good for moisture and some protein benefits as well
Molasses (Treacle) - Another excellent humectant with some protein benefits
Water - This is the best natural moisturizer and is used to thin the mixture
Apple Cider Vinegar - For the shine it imparts to the hair
Cornstarch - For thickening purposes
Wheat germ oil - For added strength and lubrication
Here outlined is a simple recipe based on the ingredients above:
Honey - 6 tablespoons
Olive Oil - 6 tablespoons
Bananas - 2-3 overripe and very soft
Molasses (Treacle) - 3 tablespoons
Water - 4-6 tablespoons
Apple Cider Vinegar - 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch - 1-2 tablespoons depending on how thick you want the mixture to be
Wheat germ oil - 1 teaspoon - This can be substituted for any other natural oil of your choice
o Place all the ingredients except for the water into a blender and process until smooth. You may need to add the water bit by bit if it looks too dry.
o To ensure that there are no bits of banana in the mixture, sieve it through a fine sieve.
o Pour the mixture into a saucepan and put it on a medium heat while stirring constantly. You don't want to 'cook' the mixture but you want the cornstarch to cause it to thicken and this will take just moments. You may need to add more water to thin it down if it gets too thick or add a bit more cornstarch if it is still too runny. You want to end up with a caramel coloured mixture that is the consistency of a thick batter. If the mixture is too thin it will start dripping from your hair as soon as you apply it.
o Decant the mixture into a container, depending on the length of your hair it will likely be enough for two applications.
To apply, divide the hair into 3-4 sections and clip. Starting with 1 section, part the hair and apply on the roots generously rubbing in with your fingers. Once applied on the roots of the section, apply the mixture all the way to the ends. Complete all sections in this manner and once done, cover the hair with a plastic cap. Let the mixture sit in your hair for 1-2 hours or overnight for really dry hair.
Wash hair with a sulfate free shampoo, deep condition and style as usual. You can freeze the remainder until you are ready to use it. The treatment is suitable for both natural and relaxed hair.
For more black hair care articles please visit http://www.BlackHairInformation.com
Saturday, December 10, 2011
3 Tips For What is the Best Face Cream For Women - For Youthful, Radiant Skin
Are you always looking for the best face cream for women, but can't find it? Don't worry, with these tips you'll soon have the right cream in your hands and get benefits like smoother, more radiant and younger-looking skin.
1. A Cream that Targets the 3 Causes of Skin Aging
The best face cream for women should certainly target the three main causes of skin aging, to put off the aging process and reduce lines and wrinkles. This is what should be addressed:
- A decreased growth of collagen and elastin which contributes to wrinkles, fine lines and unhealthy skin.
- A loss of hyaluronic acid, which causes sagging.
- Free radical damage which causes skin aging in general.
2. A Natural Product
By choosing a natural product you get closer to finding the best cream for face, because chemicals are generally a bad way to go.
In most regular skin creams you'll find risky chemicals like parabens, dioxanes and fragrances, all of which are suspected to increase the risk of cancer.
3. With the Right Amounts of Active Ingredients
Look for a cream with proven active ingredients like Cynergy TK which is proven to increase the growth of collagen and elastin, Phytessence Wakame which increases hyaluronic acid again, and Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 which counteracts free radicals.
But it isn't enough that they are in the face cream, they should be added in optimum amounts. There are many manufacturers out there who try to shortcut to profit by just adding a tiny amount of the best ingredients, just so they can write them on the label.
In the best face cream for women all ingredients are added in the same amounts as used in clinical trials with successful results, any lower and the cream won't be as effective as the trial.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Looking for a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo?
I found one that I actually like! David Babaii for WildAid Hydrating Shampoo
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Saturday, December 3, 2011
Causes of a Sulfite Allergy Or Sulfite Sensitivity
A sulfite Allergy is when an individual has a sensitivity to sulfites which causes them to have an allergic reaction which could be mild to severe and in some cases life threatening. Sulfites are a common chemical compound which is sulfur based and can occur naturally in certain foods or are sometimes added to foods to preserve or enhance them.
Sulfites are also used in certain medications and an individual may not have a sulfite allergy early in life but then develop one later on which is a mystery to medical science as to what causes this condition to suddenly occur.
People who have been diagnosed with asthma are the most susceptible when it comes to having a reaction from sulfites. It is estimated that five percent of asthmatics will incur more severe symptoms of asthma when ingesting food which contains sulfites as well as if they come in contact with sulfite vapors or fumes.
Individuals with a low tolerance for sulfur-based compounds can have a severe and possibly life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis when either consuming food or receiving any medications containing sulfur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfites can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and difficulty breathing.
A sulfite allergy diagnosis can only be definitively confirmed through testing which is performed under medical supervision by a professional who specializes in the field of allergies. This test is typically done by having the individual ingest sulfites in slowly increasing amounts while monitoring the patient's major organ functions and vital signs.
Manufacturers of food products are no longer allowed under the law to use sulfites on any produce which is consumed raw such as lettuce or fruits however, sulfites are in numerous processed foods but this can be determined by reading the label as manufacturers are required to list this ingredient on any food products which contain it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Honey Do Shampoo and Conditioner
I found this Paraben Free and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner called Honey Do, they come in the cutest bear packaging just like Honey and they are so cute! Check them out! www.abeautifullife.com is where you can order them if you'd like.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
What Are Glycolic Acid Toners?
Glycolic acid toners are products which are made with glycolic acid and herbs. It can be used on all skin types and genders. They are used for aging skin by increasing firmness, as well as, pimple and acne prone skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid), is also known as fruit acid or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is a lengthy process of which the glycolic acid is extracted from sugarcane. After being extracted from the sugarcane, the substance is then mixed with fruit extracts from beets, grapefruit extracts, and other natural fruits and herbs. Aloe Vera is also added is added to hydrate and soothe the skin. When applied gylcolic acid toner penetrates the skin essentially removing the dirt from inside the pores fighting black/white heads, pimples and other damaging skin problems, leaving the skin clean with a youthful tone, texture and clarity. It also acts as a skin stimulant and exfoiliant removing dead skin cells by penetrating the layers of skin and breaking down the glue holding the dead cells and environmental debris in place. Most GA toners have 10% or less glycolic acids due to the fact that too much can corrode the skin reversing the benefits of using it. It is important to note that GA toners do not contain alcohol making it safe to use on dry or sensitive skin.
When purchasing a glycolic acid toner remember to keep in mind that even the most expensive toner contains the same ingredients as the least expensive version. Be sure to compare ingredients to double check as a safety precaution. However, it is widely expressed that using an inexpensive version will give you the same results as major brands. By doing this you will save a ton of money and still be able to show off a youthful, smooth, firm, glowing facial complexion.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
3 Top Tips For Effective Wart Removal
If you have warts you will know that it is embarrassing. They look horrible and others can't help but stare at them. They are also contagious which can affect your relationships with other people and affect your everyday life. Getting rid of them is also very difficult. This article is going to provide some advice on how you can treat them in a way that will deal with them rapidly and permanently. Here are our 3 top tips:
1. Apple Cider
Vinegar Dipping the warts into this type of vinegar is an excellent remedy for warts. If your warts are on your fingers then leave them in a bowl of vinegar for around twenty minutes sever times a day. If your warts are on a part of the body that you can't place in a bowl then you can dab the vinegar on using an applicator or cotton wool bud.
2. Banana Skins
Tape a banana peel face down onto the wart infected area and leave it there overnight.
3. Lime Juice
Place some lime juice on a sticking plaster and then leave it on your wart all night. This treatment usually works within around 7 days.
Don't forget that if you touch your warts you could cause them to spread to other places on your body or to other people. By leaving them alone, you will also help to avoid any nasty infections.
If you plan to follow the above advice to treat and remove your warts, then you should consider doing it now. If you wait then you may find that you suffer from more and more of these unsightly growths appearing on your skin.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Best Color Safe Shampoo
If you are finding that your expensive color treatment is fading fast, you may not need to look any further than your shampoo. Want to save your investment in treatments and protect your hair and color?
Look for the best color safe shampoo free from sulfates and preservatives to protect your hair investment and vibrancy.
Color-safe shampoo helps protect coloring in you hair and improves shine and hydration. This elongates time between color treatments and helps avoid deep conditioning treatments often necessary for restoring luster and shine.
Color Fades Fast & Treatments Cost a Lot?
Color treatments are time-consuming and expensive. Full colors, highlights or just touch-ups to reducing graying or to put in a few lowlights can take hours and cost hundreds of dollars.
The most frequent complaint of these and similar chemical treatments is the how fast they fade. For some, 2-3 weeks and much of the coloring, hue and vibrancy can be lost. As well, treatments can strip protective coatings of the follicle shaft making hair drab and boring. So, a pretty bad situation - you've lost your color and have drab, dull hair - no thanks!
The key to many cleansers that are safe for use on color-treated hair is their lack of harsh cleansers and preservatives - generally referred to as surfactants.
Many shampoos are formulated with harsh chemicals that are believed to strip pigmentation, reduce moisture and make the hair more susceptible to heat and chemical damage. If you see ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium sulfate, or sodium chloride, you should be careful in their use following treatments. Likewise, para or paraben-based preservatives trade-off shelve-life for scalp and hair health.
Color-Safe for the best shine, hue, shading and highlights!
The best color safe shampoo uses natural ingredients that help protect and seal pigmentation - elongating time between treatments. Also, natural infusion of moisture improves body, shine and conditions to avoid stripping during washing. As a precautionary note, stylists and salon professionals recommend waiting 2 days after treatments before you shampoo. This is true for all cleansers.
If you want to protect color, improve shine, and reduce damage, use of a color free shampoo can help save you time, dollars...and dullness!
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Sunday, November 13, 2011
Shopping For Toxic Free Cosmetics
Claims on any product, not just cosmetics, that say "dermatologist-tested," "not tested on animals," "natural," and "organic" should not assure you of safety. But for the issue on makeup, here is a basic guide on how to shop for toxic free cosmetics:
You must be aware of what ingredients are harmful so you can shop wisely. Hydroquinone is one of the most widely used toxic substances in cosmetics. It is cancer-causing in itself, but since it is a skin whitening chemical, it doubles its carcinogenic effect by reducing melanin which is responsible for UV ray protection. Mercury can be found in eye drops, deodorants, and ointments, although it would usually be listed as "thimerosal." Some companies still make lipsticks with lead in them, despite everyone already knowing that lead has damaging effects to the brain. Other metals you should avoid are zinc which is contained in some moisturizers and foundations; zinc oxide and titanium oxide which are often in concealers, sunscreens, and foundations; arsenic; iron oxide, chromium, and some aluminum compounds which are used as colorants in nail polishes, eye shadows, lipsticks, and lip glosses.
Nail polishes and nail polish removers with formaldehyde are not toxic free cosmetics, as are hair dyes with peroxide, ammonia, p-phenylenediamine, and diaminobenzene, and anti-aging creams with AHA, BHA, glycolic, and lactic acids.
Parabens, which have been found to increase breast tumors and cancer risk, is still contained in many cosmetic personal skin care products. Placental extracts, though you might say it is natural because it comes from the placentas of cows and humans, has been discovered to provide hormones which are enough to encourage abnormal breast tissue growth in toddlers. Other substances from animal parts, like mink and emu oil, should be avoided. Minks may be common semi-aquatic creatures while emus are endangered, existing now only in Australia, but all the same, animal products are definitely not organic, because they are not as sustainable as plants.
Phthalates, plasticizing chemicals such as dibutyl and diethylhexyl, can still be found as an ingredient in some 72% of all cosmetic products, often hidden under the term "fragrance" in some labels. Fragrances in general should be treated suspiciously. If a cosmetic product is "natural" and "organic" as its label says it is, then it should not have any artificial fragrance in it. Why should a lotion made with lavender oil or extract need any more additional aroma?
Whether or not you actually apply makeup on yourself is not the issue, because toxic chemicals and non-organic substances are not only prevalent in cosmetic production. As you have seen with the examples, even underarm deodorants, lotions, and nail polishes/polish removers can have them. So these pieces of information should be invaluable to you, makeup user or not. What it takes is familiarization with chemicals, and label perusing for you to be able to distinguish toxic free cosmetics from those which are toxic. Undertake a reasonable amount of personal research, and you'll be equipped the next time you go through the beauty aisle of your favorite department store.
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