Is Smoking Truly Harmful???

What makes people smoke? Well most teens start smoking due to peer pressure because they want to look cool. Most teens start from the age of 14. Smokers don’t need to wait long for the tobacco to damage their health, because there are approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes. When burned, they create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are poisonous. Tobacco smoke is both toxic and addictive. Nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, ammonia, arsenic, DDT, hydrogen cyanide and formaldehyde.
Just like heroine and cocaine nicotine is highly addictive, as soon as it is inhaled into the lungs it takes just six minutes to reach the brain. Young people are very sensitive to nicotine because their brains are still developing.
Carbon monoxide makes it hard for the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood cells. They also can damage the function of your heart and the structure and function of your blood vessels. This damage increases your risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.
Smokers are likely to develop smaller lungs which won’t function normally. They also develop early cardiovascular disease, wheezing which can lead to asthma. They also develop Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs if plaque builds up in the coronary (heart) arteries. Over time, CHD can lead to chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, or even death.

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. When combined with other risk factors—such as unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and overweight or obesity—smoking further raises the risk of heart disease.

Smoking also is a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.). P.A.D. is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the head, organs, and limbs. People who have P.A.D. are at increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Smoking cause DNA damage which leads to lung cancer. Teens who smoke are more likely to have smaller lungs as the lungs don’t reach its full size until late teens in girls and after 20 in boys. Smoking increases the risk of not just lung cancer but 13 or more cancers which are cancer of the Kidney, Pancreas, Bladder, Liver, Stomach, Bowel, Cervix, Ovary, Nose, Larynx (Voice box) Mouth, Oesophagus (Gullet) Pharynx (Throat) Chemicals such as Polonium -210, Benzene, Benzo a Pyrene, and Nitrosamines found in cigarette causes cancer by damaging the DNA, including Key Genes that protect us against cancer. Chromium makes poisons like Benzo a Pyrene stick strongly to the DNA, while Aresenic and Nickel interfere with pathways for repairs g damaged DNA. There are cleaner proteins in our body called “Detoxification Enzymes” that clear away harmful chemicals but Cadmium found in cigarettes can overwhelm these cleaners. Formaldehyde and Acrolein kills cilia, the small hair that cleans toxin from our airways. Cigarettes also damages the immune system.
Most chemicals inhaled from cigarette remain in the lungs. The more one inhaled, the more better it feels and the greater the damage. The damages caused by cigarettes start from your very first drag.
Many of the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco and cigarette smoke have other suprising uses too:

Benzene – an industrial solvent, refined from crude oil &
Arsenic – a poison, used in wood preservatives and to make the poison
Cadmium and lead – used in batteries
Formaldehyde – used in mortuaries for (embalming) and paint manufacturing
Polonium-210 – a highly radioactive element
Chromium – used to manufacture dye, paints and alloys
1,3-Butadiene – used in rubber manufacturing
Nickel – used to protect metals from corrosion
Vinyl chloride – used to produce plastic and vinyl products
Beryllium – used in nuclear reactors
Acetic acid – used to make hair dye
Acetone – used to make nail polish remover
Nicotine – used in insecticides
Tar – used as material for paving roads
Carbon monoxide – found in car exhaust fumes
Hexamine and Butane – used to produce lighter fluids
Ammonia – used to make household cleaner
Ethylene oxide – a disinfectant used to sterilise hospital equipment
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – a group of dangerous DNA-damaging chemicals, including benzo(a)pyrene
Ortho-Toluidine – used in the production of weedkillers
4-aminobiphenyl and 2-naphthyl-amine – used in dye manufacturing until it was banned in the EU

And then there are tobacco-specific nitrosamines – a group of cancer-causing chemicals only found in tobacco.

This cocktail of chemicals is why there is no safe way to use tobacco and the best thing a smoker can do for their health is to stop smoking completely.
Quit smoking today not for anyone just do it for you and your health.
TeresaMcKenzy.

Introducing Belle Déesse Carrot Oil.

First I’ll tell you about Beta – Carotene. Beta – Carotene is a Carotenoid and an Anti Oxidant which is a red orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and colorful vegetables. Beta – Carotene is converted into Vitamin A  (Retinol) by the human body. The human body needs Vitamin A for a healthy skin, hair and mucus membranes, good eye health and healthy immune system. 

  Skin Benefits Of Belle Déesse Carrot Oil:-

• Belle Déesse Carrot Oil softens hard skin.

• Belle Déesse Carrot Oil is very effective in treating skin conditions like eczema, dry skin and psoriasis. It also helps in treating boils, impetigo, ulcers and open ulcers. It heals cuts, wounds and skin lesions, as well as removes aged spots.

• Belle Déesse Carrot Oil provides a healthy glow by preventing premature aging of the skin and this is because Beta – Carotene helps reduce the oxygen due to the UV light and it also helps with damages brought upon by environmental hazards. 

• Constant use of BDCRO makes the skin less sensitive to sun light and reduces sun burns. 

 Belle Déesse Carrot Oil makes the skin more attractive and beautiful and this is due to Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant that promotes the growth and repair of skin and body tissues. 

Belle Déesse Carrot Oil also helps in the prevention of Dandruff and hair thinning. 

Diaper Rash

​Diaper rash is caused when the skin comes in contact with an irritant  (Urine, Detergent or Poop)

Seborrhoeic dermatitis also shows up on your babies bottom, this can be caused by:- Yeast Infection, Allergic reactions to diaper, Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on for too long, Bacteria Infection, Chafing or Rubbing of the skin against the diaper. This also causes diaper rash.

 Diaper rash usually appears on older babies 8 – 12 months or sometimes younger ones too. If they are on Antibiotics or when the mother takes Antibiotics while nursing. Sleeping in a diaper filled with Urine or Poop. And when they start taking solid food. Diaper rash can be prevented by simply changing the diaper. 

 Using Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil For Diaper Rash:- it’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial. Belle Déesse VCNO contains Lauric Acid that treats bacterial and fungal problems. Lauric and Caprylic Acids kill fungus growth and other Yeast Infections. It treats and nourishes the irritated skin. Babies are not known to be Allergic to virgin coconut oil. Vitamin E prevents cracking and allows healthy skin growth.  

 Directions:- Wash your baby’s bottom after changing a diaper, allow to dry for 3 – 5mins. Apply Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil to the affected area using your finger tips. Leave for 5mins so as to dry completely. Go ahead and Wear a new diaper on your baby.

Baby Cradle Cap

The shedding of (seborrhoeic dermatitis) usually occurs on the scalp, but can also appear on the face, ear, neck, nappy area or in the skin fold such as at the back of the knees and armpits. It’s easily noticed by the large greasy, brown or yellow scale on your baby’s scalp. The Scalp starts to flake and may make the affected skin look red. Sometimes the hair will come off with the flakes, but it will grow back. Babies with cradle cap may develop dandruff when they get older. 

  For new born babies with cradle cap, rub a small amount of Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil on the Scalp and let it sit for a bit. Then use a soft brush and gently brush the flakes away.

Stretch Marks And Belle Déesse VCNO

​Stretch marks also known as striae are a form of scarring on the skin. Stretch marks are caused by tearing of the dermis, this happens due to rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, body building, pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy. Stretch marks occurs when the body grows faster than the skin can keep up with, and this causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break. 

  Stretch marks can be formed in different parts of the body like the belly, thighs, breasts, hips, arms, buttocks and lower back. About 85% of women get stretch marks during the sixth to ninth month of pregnancy. Genetics also play a role, if your mother had them during pregnancy then you’re most likely to get them too during pregnancy. Dark skinned women tend to develop stretch marks that are lighter than their skin tone, while light skinned women develop pinkish stretch marks. 

Prevention:- There’s no known way to prevent stretch marks, but using a lotion or cream rich in Vitamin E, K and Iron such as Belle Déesse VCNO would make your skin smoother and it helps the itchiness on the belly that comes with pregnancy. Also staying well hydrated with water helps from within. We suggest Belle Déesse VCNO because of it’s antioxidant properties which fights free radicals to gradually fade the appearance of stretch marks. Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil contains Vitamin E,K and Iron which helps fade stretch marks. And as some of us know virgin coconut oil contains Lauric Acid which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which aids healing and fights bacteria. Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil keeps the skin soft. 

Belle Déesse VCNO Sugar Scrub:- There are lots of ways to use Belle Déesse VCNO on stretch marks but I’ll talk about one that can easily be done Everyday. 

Mix 2 tablespoons of Belle Déesse VCNO with 2 tablespoons of sugar, Stir well until it’s completely mixed. Now gently massage onto the affected area, and leave on for 15 – 25mins. Rinse out with lukewarm water. Do this everyday to help fade the stretch marks. 

 Remember natural skin care takes time so be patient and you’ll see results. 

What Is Rosacea

​Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition which causes dilated blood vessels and redness on facial skin and causes swelling. Symptoms include:- pimples and small bumps, redness on the nose, forehead, Chin & cheeks, coarser and bumpy skin texture. It’s sometimes mistaken for eczema or acne and it may also cause soreness and burning in the eyes. Rosacea affects people who are over 30 and is common in light skinned people, there are 4 sub types of Rosacea and 3 are related to the skin. This condition should be treated at once because it can cause destructive consequences when left untreated. 

 The daily use of Belle Déesse Shea Butter Black Soap helps tackle a lot of inflammatory skin conditions one of which is Rosacea. This is because the Plantain and Palm tree leaves present in Belle Déesse SBBS are rich in Vitamin A which is helpful against inflammatory skin conditions such as Rosacea. With the use of Belle Déesse SBBS the healing and regeneration of the skin cells is also reduced which prevents the spreading.  

Skin Bleaching And Side Effects

​Skin bleaching is a cosmetic way to lighten up the skin tone, and most people apply this cosmetic all over the body so as to change their skin colour mostly from black to white. But most people don’t know what chemicals most skin bleaching products use, most of the products contain Mercury, Monobenzone, Hydroquinone and other chemicals which are very harmful to the skin and the body in general. Skin damage due to long term use of toxic creams (Mercury, Monobenzone  and Hydroquinone) can be distressing. They can include thin/fragile skin, nerve damage, dark marks, changes in texture and hyperpigmentation. 

 Mercury:- Is a known toxic agent that can cause serious health problems, Mercury can be found in the blood, hair and urine of people who use skin products made with Mercury which can lead to serious psychiatric, neurological and kidney problems. It also causes skin rashes, discolouration, pain and scarring. 

 Hydroquinone:- The normal regulation for Hydroquinone is 2% but most skin bleaching/lightening products exceed that limit and that makes it very dangerous to the health. The use of Hydroquinone makes the skin less able to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the Sun, which means there’s a greater chance of Sun Burns and skin Cancer . 

 Risk Factors Of Skin Bleaching:-

* Long term use can lead to skin CANCER.

* Prolonged use can lead to premature aging of the skin.

* Hydroquinone can lead to unwanted and untreatable skin discolouration  (OCHRONOSIS) 

The constant use of Belle Déesse VCNO is especially helpful in treating chemically damaged skin due to its ability to penetrate deep into the skin, it polishes the skin texture by moisturising it regularly to give it an even tone. This requires time and daily application, Belle Déesse VCNO also promotes skin regeneration. Belle Déesse Virgin Coconut Oil helps get rid of dead skin cells which allows fresh skin, and helps the skin’s healing process. This process helps diminish pigmentation over time. The healing process may take a long time from a few months to a year depending on how damaged the skin is. 

Acne Scars

​A lot of us deal with acne and when it’s finally gone we are left with the Scar. Acne Scars are more visible when our skins are dehydrated and flaky. Now that’s where Belle Déesse Shea Butter Black Soap comes in as it’s rich in shea butter, virgin coconut oil and palm kernel oil which are naturally enriched with vitamin A, E, K and essential fatty acids. These ingredients help moisturize and naturally lighthen the skin which in turn fades out acne Scars. The exfoliating properties of Belle Déesse SBBS helps rid of dead skin which forms above the acne Scar. 

   To exfoliate your face with Belle Déesse SBBS:- wet your face then apply Belle Déesse SBBS on the face and leave on for 3mins. This can be done for any skin type and should be done 3 to 4 times a week. 

Meconium

Meconium is the earliest stool of an infant which is sticky, thick, and dark green and is typically passed in the womb during the early pregnancy and again in the first few days after birth. Meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus : intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile and water. Meconium is retained in the infants bowel until after birth. The inhaled Meconium can partially or completely block the baby’s airways. 

New born Meconium is difficult to clean but a little Belle Déesse VCNO on a cotton swab, and it’ll clean just right.

Exfoliate With Belle Déesse Shea Butter Black Soap….

​A lot of people exfoliate their skin a few times a week, but never get the results they need. Try using belle déesse SBBS. All you need to do is wet your skin then apply belle déesse SBBS all over your skin from face down. Leave on for 3 to 5mins then wash your body as usual. Do this 3 or 4 times a week and see the results you’ve never gotten before.  Exfoliating with belle déesse SBBS clears clogged pores of excess oil, sebum and debris without over drying the skin.