Do I really need sulfate-free shampoo?

Do I really need sulfate-free shampoo?

Sulfates make the lather. They also make the water wet. You don’t need the bubbles, but the more wet your water is, the cleaner your hair will be. If you look at the ingredients list on the shampoo, sulfates will be listed as:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

• Sodium Myreth Sulfate

• TEA Laureth Sulfate

Sulfates are a “surfactant”. Watch water as it beads up. It does this by the process known as surface tension. The sulfates break down the surface tension of water and allow it to spread easily…making the water wetter and able to penetrate more deeply.

There is no current scientific evidence of any carcinogenic effects from sulfates. There is some evidence they may play a role in hormonal imbalances, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Sulfates may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or dandruff. They may also be lurking in your conditioner, body wash and even toothpaste.

Sulfates are what cause the sting when you get some shampoo in your eyes. They can strip hair of natural oils. However, sulfates do a really great job of cleaning your hair. It’s a trade off. So, if you are prone to itchy flaky scalp or skin, have eczema, have chemically damaged or color treated hair, it’s is probably best to avoid products with sulfates.

If you have normal, healthy hair, then using a shampoo that contains sulfates is a matter of preference. If you just don’t feel clean without lots of suds, then look for less irritating sulfates. The least irritating sulfate is Sodium Myreth Sulfate, followed by TEA Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The most likely to irritate is Ammonia Laureth Sulfate. Just be sure to condition hair after shampoo.

Shampoos and Conditioner Brands that have sulfate free products include:

• Moroccanoil

• Little Green (great for babies and kids)

• Simply Organic (perfect for the whole family)

• Alto Bella Botanical Solutions

Vacation Essentials - Packing to look your best!

Vacation Essentials - Packing to look your best!

Summer vacation!  You've saved and planned and dreamed of it all winter long.  Now it's time to pack.  What to bring, how much to bring, air travel restrictions, car space limitations, and length of the vacation all have to be considered as you spend the day (or the frantic hour before you leave) packing.  Not withstanding the clothing, you also have to pack your hygiene and cosmetic products.  Unfortunately you can't just throw your whole bathroom in a suitcase to take with you, so getting these right is just as important as what clothes to pack. So, let's try to sort out the essentials:

• Shampoo and conditioner.  Chances are you will be out in the sunshine much of the time.  Hair needs special care when exposed to UV rays, especially color-treated hair.  It may also be much dryer than normal where you are going or have more humidity.  So, unless your favorite products have UV protectants and special moisturizers, you might want to invest in products that do.  Travel kit sizes of these products are available, especially in summer. We especially like Bamboo's Shine Travel Kit and Phillip B's Paraben-Free Formula Travel Kit. 
• Styling Products.  You may have a shelf full of these from shine sprays to hair spray, so consider your activities and how you will wear your hair during your vacation.  You certainly won't want to spend all your vacation primping, so the quick and easy version of your hair style will probably be best.  If you are planning one "special night" out during the trip, consider treating yourself to the hotel salon rather than packing a lot of items you will only need once.
• Skin Care.  Again, sun, chlorine, salt water, humidity, and even hotel air and vacation foods will play havoc with your skin.  The first item in the bag should be an ultra-moisturizing body lotion with an SPF protection.  Don't forget the lips.  Jane Iredale's Lip Drink is a perfect choice.  Even with limited space, don't forget your usual facial cleanser and night creme. 
• Cosmetics.  This is always the tough one.  You want to look great, but with many weight and travel restrictions you have to make some choices.  First, pull out your "everyday" items.  These are items like your mascara, concealer or foundation.  Then look to find dual function products, i.e. can your eye shadow function as the eye liner as well.  If you must have extra colors, go with the lip pencils, shadows, and lipsticks that are lightweight and perhaps dual ended.  Susan Posnick Cosmetics has a whole line of great dual purpose or multi-functional cosmetics you might want to check out.
• Hygiene.  Of course you pack the toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brush. P.S. Check out Violight Slim Sonic Toothbrush in a mascara-type tube! Also consider a bar of your favorite soap or body wash.  Most hotel soaps are drying or scented with a fragrance that you may not like.  This also makes your skin feel more "at home" and less likely react to external changes.

Packing these items requires some special care.  I like to tape each item closed before packing it.  There is nothing worse than opening your bag and finding lotion spilled all over everything.  If you are shopping for a cosmetic bag, look for one with special compartments or pocket so items are easily separated.  I also like Ziploc bags.  Again, they insure if something does spill, it doesn't ruin everything else.  Finally, remember, unless you are going far beyond human habitation there is always shopping!  AND, most important Have Fun and Relax!