The Dangers Of Chemically Laden Soap

Welcome back to my blog. I promised to post on Friday but I wasn't in the right headspace to. Today, I'll be discussing the dangers associated with chemically laden soaps. Many of the products we use to get clean—soaps, facial cleansers and body washes—might actually be doing us more harm than good.  

 Your skin is your largest organ—22 square feet on average—and 60 percent of the substances you put on it are eventually absorbed into the bloodstream. This semipermeable membrane allows us to absorb vitamins and minerals, but, unfortunately, it absorbs harmful chemicals we put on it, too.  

The dangers associated with harmful chemicals found in soaps are no joke. They can disrupt our hormones, promote allergies, lead to reproductive issues and increase risk of some cancers. This is why we need to be very particular about what we put on our skin.

Here are four chemicals I watch out for when buying soap (and you should, too): 

Fragrance. Bottom line: If the ingredient is vague, it’s probably hiding something. “Fragrance” could actually be a cocktail of chemicals and you’d never know it. The FDA doesn’t require companies to disclose the breakdown of a fragrance’s ingredients to consumers because the chemicals that produce fragrance are considered “trade secrets.” Most of the time, synthetic chemicals and cancer-causing toxins (like phthalates, used to make fragrances last longer) are hiding under that one sneaky term. Constant exposure to these have been shown to negatively impact the central nervous system and can trigger allergies, migraines and asthmasymptoms. 

Parabens. These ingredients are estrogenmimickers—meaning that once applied to the skin, they enter the bloodstream, and the body mistakes them for estrogen. When the body thinks there is an abnormally high amount of estrogen present in the bloodstream due to the presence of these hormonedisrupters, it reacts in various ways: decreasing muscle mass, increasing fat deposits, causing early onset of puberty and spurring reproductive difficulties in both men and women. 

Sulfates. These chemicals are used to produce lather and bubbles in soap. Some common sulfates are SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate). Sulfates strip the skin of its natural oils and increase penetration of the skin’s surface. They are also irritants for people with sensitive skin or eczema.

Triclosan. This chemical is most often found in antibacterial soap. Recent studies have found that triclosan actually promotes the emergence and growth of bacteria resistant to antibiotic cleansers. It also creates dioxin, a carcinogen that has been found in high levels in human breast milk. Dioxins have disruptive effects on the endocrine system and negatively affect thyroid functions. And here’s a fun fact: dioxin is the primary toxic component of Agent Orange!

Think about it. If we are washing our bodies with soap that contains harmful ingredients every single day, this adds up over a lifetime to wreak havoc on our health. 

With minimal government testing on these chemicals, it becomes up to us, as smart consumers, to make informed decisions as to what does and doesn’t go on our skin.

Improve your overall health by choosing high-quality soap and body wash free of these four hormone-disrupting toxic additives. Make the switch and both your skin and your body will be thanking you.

You can purchase 100% pure African Black Soap here. 

Skin Care: Should you go natural or not?

Hello guys! It's been so long since I last posted(July) and I really apologise for that. I had been busy with a lot of things that I had to put the blog on hold. I'll be starting a series that will be talking about skin and hair care products and if it pays to stay natural or not. I'll be posting every Sunday and Friday. This week I'll be starting with soap. When it comes to what we place on our skin, we are provided with so many options. Most of them are chemically produced, and claim to offer so many benefits. The question is, are we told what what their long term effects are? I'll fully discuss that on Friday. One of the most natural soaps out there is the African Black Soap. 
African black soap is soap made from the ash of locally harvested and roasted plantain peels and leaves, cocoa pods and shea tree bark. It is great for oily and acne prone skin, and is efficient for deep pore cleansing due to its natural exfoliating qualities found in the ashes. This leaves your skin soft and rejuvenated as this natural exfoliant also removes dead skin cells and thereby improves fine lines. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and E and iron. 

Can be used on the skin to 

1) fade scars and discolourations

2) protect skin from free radical damage which causes premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines

3) improve skin tone by firming and toning skin for a more supple and glowing tone

4) reduces discomfort for psoriasis and eczema 

5) help relieve skin rashes and razor bumps 

6) remove makeup and as an effective exfoliant

Can be used on the hair as an effective shampoo that doesn't dry out your hair. 

Directions for use

Take a small amount and knead it into a ball. Work it into a lather by rubbing it between your fingers with a little amount of water. 

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, don't leave soap on your face for too long. 

DIY  body wash

Dissolve the soap in purified water and use it as a body wash. 

Hope you enjoyed this article. You can share it to help enlighten others. You can purchase African Black Soap here.  Stay safe.

Will you pull through the difficult times?

This title came to me as I reflected on what had happened to me in June. I went for my church's youth conference from the 9th of June till the 12th of June. It was awesome! I enjoyed every bit of the program. The day before it ended, my laptop, some clothes, bags, money and my little brother's phone got stolen. All my school stuff- tutorials, assignments, software for class, which I hadn't backed up on my external hard drive were on the laptop. My product images, blog posts, new product designs, business plan and business records were all saved on the laptop as well. You can imagine how upset I was! If only I could find the thief! 

It then struck me that maybe if I had made an actual effort to back up my important things as I used to do, I wouldn't have been so upset. Well yeah, I knew the other stuff were also valuable, but they could easily be replaced without much trouble, but the intellectual property, hmph! 

Days later, one by one, God replaced almost all the things that got stolen. I was grateful but I wasn't having the urge to write anymore. I always postponed writing. I just didn't 'feel' like it. I always gave myself an excuse- my iPhone isn't really compatible with blogger's domain, I have to replace the laptop first. I always focused on other things. This went on till today. I realised I hadn't pulled through yet. I realised how far back I had placed my blog by not giving it the needed attention. This was the turning point for me. I made a decision to go back to writing, and start by actually letting you guys know what had caused the silence over the past weeks and how I overcame it. 

In order to overcome whatever obstacle life hits you with, start by taking a decision to be victorious. When your mind is really ready, you'll easily find a way to win! You'll be shocked at how everything will work out for you. I'm not saying it wouldn't be tough, I'm letting you know you will be able to fight through for victory! You will be able to breakthrough instead of killing yourself with negativity. It really all starts with your mind. Make a decision to overcome and you will. 

PS: ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR IMPORTANT THINGS ON A GOOD EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE. You don't want to end up like me. Lol

Overcoming Depression

Feelings of severe despondency and dejection, better known as depression, usually occurs when self-doubt creeps in. This serious illness is caused by changes in brain chemistry. Other contributing factors include genetics, changing hormonal levels, certain medical conditions, stress, difficult life situations and grief.
Although depression is an illness that is not to be easily dismissed, it sadly happens to be a common one as well. It affects about one in five women, and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime. This illness doesn't discriminate, affecting people of every age, social and economic background and educational level.
It tends to affect almost every aspect of its victim's life, depending on its severity. Draining your strength, hope and drive, it seems almost impossible to overcome it. However, with serious determination and action, one can bounce back.

Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Emotional connection from supportive relationships helps to build up your spirit.
1) Make sure to talk to someone face to face. Freely expressing your emotions while conversing massively helps in clearing your mind and heart.
2) Join a support group for depression
3) Participate in as many social activities as possible

Exercise
This can be used as a natural antidepressant medication. It reduces stress, releases endorphins to energize you and acts as a way to get away from negative thoughts. Do this for at least thirty minutes everyday.


Eat Healthy
Unhealthy meals adversely affects your brain and mood and is therefore a bad choice for anyone battling depression.
1) Don't skip meals
2) Minimize your intake of sugar and refined carbs
3) Boost your omega 3 fatty acids intake; integrate at least two servings a week of salmon, herrings, tuna, mackerel or supplements in your meals.
4) Vitamin B rich foods such as leafy greens, beans, chicken, eggs or taking vitamin B supplements can also help immensely.

Indulge in 'feel-good' things
1) Get eight hours of sleep each day
2) Get sunlight- enough to brighten up your day but prevent sunburns. Take a walk, sit out in the garden, have your breakfast outside.
3) Care for a pet
4) Develop a new hobby or revisit your former ones.
5) Go out. Take trips to museums, mountains. Travel. Visit other countries.
6) Watch funny movies and listen to music.


If after trying all of these and your depression is still there, please get professional help as soon as possible.

Rebranding of Tote Bags Ghana as Purple Label Incorporation(Style Purple Label)

We have great news!! Tote Bags Ghana is rebranding! This is due to the fact that as a company, we have been able to diversify in order to suit the exquisite fashion needs of our customers. This led us to the introduction of our clutches and crop tops, and we plan to further branch into the production of other fashion related products. That's why, as a company, rebranding will help us encapsulate our vision and purpose into the name of our brand. Henceforth, Tote Bags Ghana will be called Purple Label Incorporation.
Why Purple Label?
 The color purple has been associated with royalty, power and wealth for centuries. In fact, Queen Elizabeth I forbad anyone except close members of the royal family to wear it. Purple's elite status stems from the rarity and cost of the dye originally used to produce it. This made us chose to use this name as we ensure that all of our products make our cherished customers feel and look regal.

PS: You're invited to our exclusive online store opening! Purchase and explore newer and more vibrant bag designs that exquisitely caters to you, our cherished customers! And yes, enjoy 15% off everything in the store.

Amazing Uses For The Deodorant, Outside The Armpit!

 To prevent body odour and reduce sweat in our armpits, what is the first(and sometimes only) thing we think about- the antiperspirant deodorant! Most of us buy deodorants for the sole purpose of slathering it under our armpits. Amazingly, it can be used for so many other things.
 
   1.On the face
You read that right! Antiperspirant deodorants can be used on your face! Just use your fingers to apply a bit on your cheeks, nose, forehead or any area that tends to get oily.It will help control midday shine. The all-natural varieties contain mineral salts, which can help dry out acne and breakouts.

   2.Your palms
If you struggle with sweaty palms, then the antiperspirant deodorant will be your holy grail! Spray or roll it on your hands before you start to sweat.

   3. Inner thighs
Can you actually believe there is a solution to preventing inner thigh chaffing? Oh yes!! Deodorant sprayed on the legs beforehand can work a miracle! It will also stop your skin from sticking to your pants. The next time you’re rocking a pencil skirt or form-fitting dress, take deodorant and apply to inner thighs to avoid chaffing.

   4. On your feet
Oh how we dread that new-shoe blister! Prevent it by rubbing your deodorant stick onto the back of your heel or foot, wear your shoe, and experience the magic!!

   5. Permanent marker drawing on the wall
Due to the alcohol content found in deodorant sprays, cleaning your wall just got easier! Try spraying on the stain. Wipe the area clean with a paper towel.
 
   6.Say no to squeaky doors! 
Squeaky doors can be so annoying! Luckily enough, the deodorant spray can sort out this issue.
 
   7. Fresh smelling closet
Leave a stick of deodorant open inside the confined space of your closet. You’ll be totally amazed at how fresh it leaves your wardrobe – and your clothes!
 
So next time, do not underate personal care products, they could be much more helpful than you think. Feel free to comment any other helpful tips. See you next week!

Taking care of leather bags

Leather bags are generally worn by both men and women. However, many people do not know how to properly take care of their leather bags and so they eventually develop cracks and end up looking nasty and dull. Below are some things to do in order to prolong the lifespan of your leather bags.   

1.       Clean them on a regular basis. There are some leather bag cleaners available (you can Google them) but if you wouldn’t want to spend money on that, you can use a soft damp cloth.

2.       Condition (using mink or neatsfoot oil, which simulate and supplement the natural oils of leather) your bag every month to prevent it from looking dull and keep it looking its best.

3.       Keep it weatherproof by using a spray protectant. You can get one from Kiwi.

4.       Stash your bag in its original dust bag and fill it with stuffing to maintain its shape.

5.       Keep the dust bagged product in its original box with packets of silica gel so that it doesn’t get damp.

6.       Air once every two weeks to halt the growth of mold. Hang your bag on the wall or in closet.

7.       Avoid using a hairdryer to dry water spills since it will cause the skin to crinkle.

8.       Keep your bags away from sharp or metallic objects and be extra careful when handling and placing it on the ground.

 PS. All products made from leather will eventually age with time. These tips are just to help you prolong the lifespan of your bags, not prevent them from aging forever.