Cinco Vidas

It’s hard enough being a teenager without throwing cancer into the mix. There are all the cliques at school, worrying about your wardrobe, trying to fit in, after-school activities, and somewhere in there, hoping to get good grades to make it into college. Dealing with cancer can definitely put you into overload, and then trying to still look good…is it even possible? Especially with dry skin, redness or acne?

Cancer definitely changes your face. It may be hard to recognize yourself in the mirror on some mornings. Following are some tips to help you camouflage problem areas without overdoing it, or putting a huge dent in your already crammed schedule. Of course, remember to always use non-toxic, natural products! (more…)

Can you imagine how you would feel if doctors took a blood test and found chemicals? It happened to Emma Spencer, a teenage girl who gave blood as part of a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Scientists found pthalates, parabens, and fragrances coursing through her veins—possibly from the makeup and personal-care products she uses everyday.

“It’s definitely scary,” she said. “I’ve been using all of these things all of my life and not realizing it.”

In the survey, EWG detected 16 chemicals from 4 chemical families (phthalates, triclosan, parabens and musks) in the blood and urine samples from 20 teen girls age 14-19. Two of the parabens were detected in every single girl tested. (more…)

Animal testing has become extremely unpopular around the world, particularly when it comes to cosmetics and personal-care products. The European Union is on its way to completely banning any products that have benefited from testing on animals, but so far in the U.S., it hasn’t gone that far. What’s the hold-up?

Many personal-care companies have already stepped away from the practice, including Avon, Almay, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Liz Claiborne Cosmetics, and many more. However, according to caringconsumer.com, some are apparently still doing it at least on some of their product lines—companies like Clairol, L’Oréal, Max Factor, Olay, and Ponds. And some, to avoid bans or market their animal-friendly stance, outsource the testing to other companies. (more…)

Know that feeling of walking on the beach on a really windy day? You squint, blink, rub. Tears wet your skin. If you’re wearing contacts, they burn, like crazy. Eyeliner and mascara bleed and run, and eye shadow disappears or settles into lines.

If you’re going through treatment for cancer, this may sound like a normal day. Drugs like isotretinoin and tretinoin, cytarabine, fluorouracil (Adrucil, 5-FU, 5-Fluorouracil, Efudex); radiation; and medications to reduce side effects can all cause dry, gritty, sensitive eyes that water and itch, and often create blurry vision. Not a horrible side effect, but certainly one that can interfere with your daily activities, restrict your use of contact lenses, and screw up your makeup in a big hurry. (more…)