Novaurora Organic Skin Care's FAQs
The skin is the body's largest organ. The lungs breathe, and so does the skin. The breathing skin provides an exit for toxins and chemicals. Lotions and salves that occlude this exit may initially soften the skin, but actually inhibit the overall health of the individual, besides weighing down the skin and causing it to sag and age. Nutrients applied to the skin that improve the skin's health may have a positive effect on the whole body.
Below is a list of FAQ Topics. Click on a word from the topic list and it will bring you to our answer section.
Q: Why should I be concerned with cosmetics ingredients that
have been approved by the FDA?
A: Over the past decade we have heard much about medications that should
not be used in combination with other medications. Individually they
may not be harmful, but taken together they may be toxic. This is known
as synergistic toxicity. Because of the increasing numbers of toxins
and pollutants in soil, air, water, textiles, foods, fragrances, dyes,
building materials, etc., more and more people are experiencing allergies
or sensitivities of all kinds. No one knows the potentially harmful
effects of combining various foreign substances in our environment,
and the FDA relies on the cosmetics industry to police itself. - top -
Q: I've heard there are no good cosmetics preservatives. Why
do you use them?
A: We tried not preserving our products, but they are loaded with fresh
botanical ingredients, and frankly, they started to smell bad pretty
fast. We know some people who make homemade cosmetics from fresh ingredients
and keep them in the refrigerator, and we actually considered becoming
the first refrigerated skincare line. Instead, we decided to use Germall
Plus, the preservative that has the most admirable record for skin
sensitivity. We use the absolutely smallest amount necessary to pass
the laboratory preservative challenge tests, less than one-half of
one percent. The parabens found in most other cosmetics are very effective
preservatives, but many people have reactions to them and they are known to be endocrine disruptors and have
been indicated in breast cancer, so we don't use them. - top -
Q: Am I to use the toner and moisturizer under my eyes? I noticed you don't have a separate eye cream, so want to make sure you intend for the moisturizer to be used all over the face, neck and lower and upper eye areas. Are the products safe for around and under the eyes?
A:
They are "adaptagenic," which means they adapt to the needs of the skin--if it is dry, they balance and bring it to neutral; if it is oily, it brings it to neutral. After a while (time depending on your skin), you will notice the skin texture and tone evening out. The Cleanser, besides removing dirt and oil and makeup, will smooth and soften the skin. For daily use, it works well on a small cosmetic sea sponge. Then once a week, apply it without water until it gets white, then rinse off. This gives a mild exfoliation and skin smoothing effect. The Repairing & Toning Lotion is especially good as an under-eye "depuffer," which also will diminish any dark under-eye circles. It helps to tighten and lift all over the face and neck. It's also excellent after sun. If you burn your hand on the stove, apply it immediately to keep a blister from forming. The Face Cream moisturizes, nourishes and protects all parts of the face and neck, including lips and under and around eyes. This cream is scented with organic essential oils, which if applied too close to the eye may cause the eyes to water. The Cleanser and Repairing & Toning Lotion are unscented and will not have that effect. - top -
Q: What is diazolidinyl urea, what is it derived from, and does it turn
to formaldehyde?
A: Diazolidinyl urea is the primary ingredient in Germall Plus, our chosen
preservative. It is derived from plants. It is a formaldehyde donor,
but NOT formaldehyde in the gaseous state. Only
formaldehyde gas has been linked to breast or other cancers. Diazolidinyl urea is considered
safe even at high ambient temperatures, and has been extensively evaluated
by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board. It is considered safe for both
leave-on and rinse-off products. It has tested to be non-irritating at
solutions over ten times higher than we use in our products. Nonetheless,
there is a statistically significant number of people (1 in about 1000)
whose skin may be irritated by this preservative. If your skin turns
red and stings, discontinue use immediately and request a refund or pass
the product on to a friend who doesn't share this sensitivity. There
will be no lasting negative effect on the skin. - top -
Q: Parabens are in almost all cosmetics. What are they, and why do you
not use them?
Parabens are the most frequently used cosmetic preservative. You may
see them as methylparaben, propylparaben, etc. We have chosen not to
use them because they are strongly suspected to be linked with breast
cancer. They are knownhormone disruptors. Recommended reading: "State of the Evidence," the 2004
report from the Breast Cancer Fund. - top -
Q: Why is Novaurora Repairing & Toning Lotion
so different from my usual toner?
A: Your toner probably contains alcohol, witch hazel, or any number of
other ingredients we've chosen to avoid because, although they tighten
the skin and may make it feel refreshed, they also dry it out and ultimately
make it think it needs to produce more oil to come back into balance.
Our Repairing and Toning Lotion with aloe vera and beta-glucan works
from the inside out to stimulate the skin to balance itself. It doesn't
just tone, it really repairs: it's great for acne or blemishes, it encourages
production of collagen and elastin, and it is the best ever repair for
sunburn. Besides all that, it feels soooo good on the skin. Right away
you will feel a tingling, alive sensation that lasts for hours, making
you feel refreshed and ready to face the world. One of our clients tells
us she takes some to work with her to use midday when she starts to drag,
because it makes her feel more alert and energized. - top -
Q: Why do you use simple, unadorned packaging for your luscious products?
A: There are several reasons we have chosen our packaging. First of all,
we believe the clean, simple packaging is an outer reflection of the
purity of the products inside. Another important reason is that we have
a philosophical aversion to spending more on the packaging than on the
ingredients, which many high-end cosmetics do. We also use biodegradable
bottles, without excess outer packaging that serves no purpose and adds
more to landfills. We believe our discriminating customers will appreciate
what's inside. - top -
Q: These products feel very different on my skin. What makes them so
different?
A: There are no other products like them for purity and scientific formulation
to keep you looking beautifully young. What you feel is how healthy skin
is supposed to feel when it's well nourished, has good oxygen flow, and
can breathe in and out freely. You may, however be accustomed to the
more creamy, slippery feel of standard commercial cosmetics. They use
ingredients that do not add to the skin's overall health, and in many
cases are potentially harmful, to create this standard look and feel.
Our customers tell us that once they get used to the Novaurora difference,
they appreciate and prefer it. - top -
Q: What do you recommend for adult acne?
NovAurora Soap-Free Cleanser and Repairing & Toning Lotion are very effective for adult acne. The first ingredient in both is organic aloe, which is very specific to wound healing and support of the skin's natural production of Epidermal Growth Hormone (EGF), the ground force for combating any skin challenges, including acne. They also contain carboxymethyl beta glucan. Beta glucan is an immune stimulant that works with the skin's natural immune system to support EGF, which must be strong to combat skin thinning, imbalances as a result of hormones, aging, acne, etc. Both of these products also contain konjac glucomannan, a powerful skin softener and skin smoother that is non-drying and non-oily. It helps to smooth out unevenness in the skin due to scarring from acne, burns or wrinkles.
The Cleanser also has jojoba scrubby beads to create mild exfoliation, to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face, which will create a healthy, clear surface. This helps the skin look brighter, and removes a medium for possible pore-clogging or minor infections. For more aggressive exfoliation, the Cleanser can be used without water to create a kind of masque which deep cleanses and softens and smoothes.
Most adults also benefit from moisturization. Our Rejuvenating Face Cream is a wonderful moisturizer that does not clog pores, does not form an occlusive layer on the skin--thus allowing it to breathe and release toxins. It also will support healthy organization of the collagen matrix to keep the skin youthful and reduce and prevent wrinkles. It contains no heavy oils or waxes.
If you're interested in trying all three products, you may want to order our Travel Pack, which should last 7-10 days and allow you to see the results for yourself.
Also: We leave out the toxins found in standard skin care. We do not use salicylic acid, AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid), or other ingredients found in standard acne preparations that tend to burn the outer layer of skin and cause dry, burning, redness. Often adult acne is accompanied by rosacea, which these preparations may exacerbate. In many cases, NovAurora's products have been reported to significantly reduce rosacea.
As always, since NovAurora is unconditionally guaranteed, if these products do not work for you or your specific skin condition, you may return them for refund or replacement. - top -
Q: What is your suggested beauty regimen with these products?
A: Our clients tell us they get the best results from using all three
face care products morning and night. First thing in the morning and
just before bed, they wash their faces with the Soap-Free Cleanser, then
apply the Repairing & Toning Lotion and Rejuvenating Face Cream as
follows:
1. You may simply cleanse with the cleanser by splashing your face with
warm (NOT hot and NOT cold) water, then squeezing a dollup of cleanser
onto clean, wet hands, rubbing them together to get a lather, and applying
to the face, rubbing gently in upward circular motions. If you want to
exfoliate, apply what's on your hands to your face while it's dry. This
will help to get rid of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Then splash rinse and pat dry. It's best not to rub hard, as this will
stimulate oil production or break blood vessels at the surface. Don't
worry about getting this in your eyes; it won't sting, and it's gentle
and effective for removing eye makeup.
2. Already you'll notice your skin is tingling and feels refreshed. Just
wait for what's to come! Now squeeze a pea-sized amount of Repairing & Toning
Lotion onto your hand and apply it all over your face. You may need another
pea-sized drop to complete this, but not much more. Notice how clean
and wonderful your skin feels; it tingles and feels tight but soft, like
it did when you were much younger. If you have oily skin, you may want
to stop here, but even oily skin and acne can benefit from the protection
the third step gives you.
3. Now take a small amount of Rejuvenating Face Cream and smooth it all
over the face and neck. Experiment with how much you need to use. Oily
skin may need just a drop, or just once a day. Severely dry or damaged
skin may need larger amounts more often until it returns to a healthy
balance. For most of our clients, the Face Cream is their favorite step,
because it makes their skin feel like silk-smooth, soft and supple, with
rough spots evened out. And then within a few days they notice how good
their skin color has become. Their cheeks are pinker and their skin looks
wholesome and bright. (Unlike products with AHA or heavy doses of retinol,
Novaurora body-friendly skin care never burns or irritates.) - top -
Q: What is MSM and how does the Weekend Warrior Balm work?
A: "MSM is a water soluble compound found in all living things, a
nutrient our bodies require but often lack . . . This natural mineral,
essential to good health, can greatly reduce the pain of arthritis and
other chronically painful conditions . . ." (see Deborah Mitchell,
MSM, The Natural Pain Relief Remedy.) It's a sulfur compound that works
a lot the way sitting in sulfur hot springs works on sore muscles and
joints. It's completely safe, whether taken internally or applied topically,
even in very high doses. We have added it along with beta-glucan and
Ayterion Agua™ to aloe vera gel to create non-greasy pain relief that
works wonders on sore muscles, bruises, joints, strains and neck- and
backache. As far as we know, ours is the only MSM remedy that doesn't
contain mineral oil or petrolatum. Through a proprietary process we have
been able to include 17% MSM, higher than what you'll find in other remedies.
Once you've used this, you'll want to always have it on hand for those
occasional aches and pains, or for chronic conditions.
Because our research shows that Weekend Warrior Balm is effective on
about 80% of people, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. - top -
Q: I've heard that cosmetics ingredients are being cited as a
source of air pollution. Is this true?
A: Not just air pollution, but water pollution, too. The LA Times has
said that consumer products, including cosmetics, pump 100 tons of pollutants
daily into southern California's air, second only to auto emissions.
These pollutants come not just from the propellants in sprays and aerosols,
but also from flurocarbons, ethanol, butane, acetone, phenols and xylene.
Here's how it works: These chemicals evaporate, and when the sun shines
they combine with other pollutants to form ozone, a primary component
of smog that can cause headaches, chest pain and loss of lung function.
This happens outdoors and indoors, which can severely compromise the
air quality in our homes and offices.
There is a class of chemicals called PPCPs (pharmaceutical and personal
care products) that until recently have received relatively little attention
as potential environmental pollutants. PPCPs comprise all drugs (prescription
and over-the-counter), diagnostic agents (e.g., X-ray contrast media),
nutraceuticals, and other chemicals, including fragrances, sunscreen
agents, and skin anti-aging preparations. Below we mention the effect
of phthalates on sperm count in lab animals. When phthalates get into
rivers and lakes, they affect the reproduction of aquatic species; calcium
channel blockers and antiepileptic drugs can dramatically inhibit sperm
activity in certain aquatic organisms; musk fragrances are known to bioaccumulate.
Profound effects on spawning and other behaviors of shellfish occur with
antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). How do
these things get into our rivers and streams? Our wastewater treatment
plants are not currently removing them from effluent before releasing
it downstream, because regulations have not required it. Now you know
one more reason why we are so picky about our ingredients: we don't want
to pollute or encourage pollution of the human body or the earth. - top -
Q: What are some of the cosmetics ingredients that may have negative effects?
A: Among the substances common to many cosmetics and skin care products
that may cause negative reactions in persons with environmental sensitivities
and allergies, or have long term negative effects, are sodium laurel
sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, PEG (polyethylene glycol), carbomer and carbopol,
preservatives with parabens, and triethanolamine (TEA), to name a few.
Also to be avoided are perfumes, especially because they are preserved
with phthalates, which have been shown to cause significantly lower sperm
counts in laboratory animals. Phthalates do not appear on ingredients
lists, but they are an ingredient in almost all perfumes. Often labels
will merely say "fragrance." You can rightly assume that these
are synthetics that have been preserved with phthalates, and should be
avoided. - top -
Q: What percent of Novaurora's products' ingredients are organically grown?
A: Novaurora products contain the following percentages by weight of organically
grown ingredients:
Hand & Body Lotion, 89%
Jojoba Oil, 100%
Rejuvenating Face Cream, 84%
Repairing and Toning Lotion, 88%
Soap-Free Cleanser, 62%
Weekend Warrior Balm with MSM, 75%
Our aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, and essential oils are certified organic. - top -
Q: How do toxins applied to the skin affect a person's overall health?
A: The skin is the body's largest organ. The lungs breathe, and so does
the skin. Patches applied to the skin are used to deliver prescription
drugs into the body, and nicotine patches have become common in helping
people quit smoking. In the same way, toxins in cosmetics or lotions
applied to the skin are carried into the body and may negatively affect
a person's health, especially over the long term or in combination with
indoor and outdoor pollutants. Research has shown that 60% of what we
put on our skin makes its way into the bloodstream. - top -
Q: Should I use sunblock or cosmetics that contain sunblock?
A: We feel the best sunblock for the face is a good hat. There is a growing
concern that the standard chemical sunblocks inhibit the production of epidermal
growth factor (EGF), which is essential to healthy skin in general, and
especially to skin exposed to sun, wind and environmental pollutants. Some of these ingredients are also under investigation as carcinogens.
Other mineral sunblocks, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are occlusive, not allowing the skin to breathe. In their nano-particle forms,altho less occlusive, there are some questions about their safety. Beta glucan in skin preparations can protect the skin from the development
of sun-related conditions such as melanoma, by activating the Langerhans
cells, the resident macrophages of the skin, encouraging the skin to
heal itself. Shea butter and jojoba, ingredients in Novaurora Rejuvenating Skin
Cream, also have some sun-blocking properties. We strongly advise our clients
to avoid exposure to the sun, but have chosen to exclude sublocking ingredients from our products until we are comfortable that they have been proven safe. We make no claims of SPF levels. If
you should get a sunburn, be sure to shower right away to remove dirt,
salt, and sunscreen, then apply Novaurora Repairing & Toning Lotion
liberally every few hours until it feels better. To read an article on sunscreens from Natural News, click here.- top - .
Q: Why do your products not contain the usual sunscreens?
A: To quote "State of the Evidence," the 2004 report from the
Breast Cancer Fund: "Growing concern about ultraviolet (UV) radiation
and the risk of skin cancer has led to widespread use of sunscreens,
which are also added to cosmetics. Research has found that some chemicals
in these products not only are estrogenic but also lipophilic. Studies
show they are accumulating in wildlife and humans. Swiss researchers
who tested six frequently used UV screens found that five showed estrogenic
activity in breast cancer cells and three showed estrogenic activity
in laboratory animals." Novaurora products provide an excellent
choice for people who prefer not to use the usual sunscreens. We invite you to read an article from The Green Guide on research into the safety of sunscreen ingredients. - top -
Q: What are the benefits of beta-glucan?
A: Beta-glucan, a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of yeast
and composed of glucose molecules, activates macrophages, the foundation
cells of the immune cascade. Activated macrophages are crucial in the
body's ability to heal wounds and produce the ground substances of normal
tissue. They produce epidermal growth factor (EGF), which increases the
production of collagen and elastin, thus improving the skin's appearance
and erasing fine lines and wrinkles. Beta-glucan has been shown through
clinical trials to be effective in treating a variety of infections,
whether bacterial, fungal, or viral in origin. Taken internally, beta-glucan
has been shown to be a beneficial addition to various traditional cancer
treatments. For more information see "Polysaccharides in Skin Care," by
P.W.A. Mansell. - top -
Q: I see shea butter in many high-end face creams. How does it benefit
the skin?
A: Shea butter, from the nut of an oak-like tree of the African savannah,
improves the skin's color and texture, combats skin thinning, and visibly
diminishes wrinkles from photoaging due to prolonged sun exposure. In
clinical studies, shea butter has demonstrated "regenerating properties
that target it towards photoaging prevention." It is non-greasy,
stimulates blood circulation, and protects and softens the skin. Shea
butter has sunscreening properties. - top -
Q: Do you use animal-derived ingredients or do animal testing?
A: No. Novaurora products are cruelty-free. We use plant-derived (botanical)
ingredients and never test on animals. Annie, our Black Lab who ate an
entire jar of Rejuvenating Face Cream, showed no ill effects. We call that
our Lab test. - top -
Q: What is sodium PCA?
A: Sodium PCA or NaPCA functions in human skin as a humectant, a substance
that attracts water. Without enough NaPCA in the skin, the moisture level
will drop and skin will dry out. Without enough moisture, nutrients cannot
be properly delivered to the skin cells. NaPCA is the most powerful,
non-toxic humectant known, and the most important humectant in the skin. - top -
Q: What is Ayterion Agua™?
A: Living water produced by Perfect Science AD, Inc., Ayterion Agua™ works
synergistically to magnify many-fold the healing and immune-stimulating
properties of aloe vera, beta-glucan and antioxidant vitamins A, C and
E. Perfect Science AD, Inc. is currently conducting studies to verify
the anecdotal evidence of healing properties of Ayterion Agua™. - top -
Q: How and why do you make a cleanser that is soap-free?
A: Liquid soaps generally contain SLS and/or SLES (sodium laurel or sodium laureth
sulfate), foaming agents used in most shampoos, cleansers and toothpastes
that has been shown to be irritating and have long-term negative effects
on the body. Instead, Novaurora Soap-Free Cleanser contains decyl glucoside,
a nonionic surfactant that provides excellent foaming characteristics
and is exceptionally mild to skin and eyes. It is made from corn, is
water soluble and biodegradable. - top -
Q: Are Novaurora products suitable for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
(MCS)?
A: We believe the Soap-Free Cleanser and Repairing & Toning Lotion
are excellent for people who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivies,
or MCS. They contain none of the usual chemical sensitizers, such as
SLS, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), carbopol or other carbomers,
dyes, or fragrances. They do have smallest possible amounts of the gentlest
preservative available (Germall Plus, or diazolidinyl urea + iodopropynyl
butylcarbamate). The other Novaurora products are very pure, as well.
However, they contain small amounts of essential oils, which may not
be suitable for sufferers of MCS. If you are sensitive to some essential
oils but not others, please send us an email listing those you do not
tolerate, and we will be happy to tell you if they are in our proprietary
essential oil blends. - top -
All Novaurora products contain organically grown aloe barbadensis Miller, otherwise known as aloe vera. You should not use Novaurora products, if you are among the small number of people allergic to aloe vera.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you have specific questions not answered in this FAQ, please email us at mail@auroranova.com.
Also, be sure to visit Our Ingredients page and our Organic E-Store for further descriptions on our products. Thank you for your interest in Novaurora Organic Skin Care.
