Constructed from 1987-1991 by Space Biosphere Ventures, the original biosphere was designed to test if and how people could live and work in a closed structure. It was the ultimate experiment under glass to explore the complex web of interactions within life systems. Today, Biosphere 2 is operated by the University of Arizona, which uses the site as a laboratory to study climate change. Original Biosphere financier Edward Bass gave the university an additional $30 million to preserve and maintain the site.

With a size comparable to two and a half football fields, Biosphere 2 is the largest closed system ever created. The sealed nature of the structure allows scientists to monitor the ever-changing chemistry of the air, water, and soil within. The structure is comprised of mangrove wetlands, savannah grassland, desert, agricultural system, living quarters, and a 1 million-gallon ocean.

Since 2006, the structure has no longer been maintained in an airtight state and its accessibility to the outside world has been expanded with the “World of Discovery Under the Glass” Tour. For the first time since its construction, student group travelers can now explore the entire Biosphere 2 on a fully guided tour along a newly built trail system which traverses most of the structures wilderness ecosystems.

Group tours begin in the human habitat where students can see one of the apartments that the original inhabitants of the biosphere lived in, the farm where they grew their crops, and the kitchen where their meals were prepared. Also on view is the command-and-control room, where scientist’s monitored data collected by hundreds of sensors.

Located within the habitat is “Climate Change and Life on Earth,” an exhibit that examines past climate changes on earth, greenhouse warming, the causes of its impact on humans, and the choices people will have to make to manage the planet.

The tour then continues through the airlock door into the wilderness area. The first environment student’s encounter is the tropical savanna. The trail system then travels along a 40-foot ocean cliff for a dramatic look above the ocean. Moving along the trail, students descend into the lower savanna and the lush mangrove through the tropical thron scrub, and into the coastal fog desert.

The techno sphere gives touring groups a view of all of the mechanical systems that make it possible to control the environments of the Biosphere. Inside, students can descend through a tunnel into one of the Biosphere’s two lungs. These large geodesic domes originally prevented the massive structure from exploding or imploding its airtight state. Essentially, the lungs allowed the Biosphere to grow larger during the day when it was warmer, and shrink due to cooler air during the night. The tour then moves to the underwater ocean viewing gallery exhibit before concluding at the stating point on the hill overlooking the biomes.

Self-guided tours of the exterior of the Biosphere 2 are also available. They begin with an orientation movie and then the visitors see the human habitat, climate change exhibit, and ocean viewing gallery.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

The idea for the project originated from four wealthy New York businessmen. One of these men was John Jakob Raskob, who played a significant role in the creation of General Motors. Their project had yet another automotive connection because it was in a race with plans by Walter Chrysler to erect the world’s tallest building in New York City.

In 1929 these businessmen united to form Empire State, Inc. and construction of the skyscraper began on March 17, 1930. Amazingly, it took just one year and 45 days to build this towering edifice. When it opened in 1931 the Empire State Building was officially designated as the World’s Tallest Building.

Once the construction began, the building’s steel frame rose at an average rate of four and a half floors per week. To speed construction, the posts, beams, windows and window frames were made in factories and put together on the site. Some 60,000 tons of steel was brought in from steel mills in Pennsylvania by train, barges and trucks.

William Lamb of Shreve, Lamb & Harmon was the architect for the Empire State Building, and his design was influenced by the perpendicular style of Eliel Saarinen. Most of his design was based on a simple pencil with its clean and soaring lines. Lamb decided that the columns of stone would be easier to put up if they were separated from the windows with metal strips. The fact that they covered the stone’s edges meant the stone could be rough-cut at the quarry and then heaved into place without any final cutting or fitting. This feature turned out to be another time saver in their race against Walter Chrysler.

By October 3, 1930, 88 floors were completed and only 14 top floors remained to be built. These were the most difficult ones due to building’s distinctive design of a tower made of glass, steel, and aluminum topped with a dome, rising about 200 ft. into the sky. Yet, on May 1st, 1931, President Hoover pressed a button in Washington, D.C. that turned on its lights and officially opened the Empire State Building to business and visitors.

Over the years, the Empire State Building has gone on to host important dignitaries and political and entertainment figures. The famous observation deck has been the site for many movie scenes. Among the many films that featured it were Annie Hall, The French Connection, Guys and Dolls, Independence Day, Serpico, Superman II, Taxi Driver, and When Harry Met Sally. Perhaps movie fans will remember the Empire State Building most of all for the infamous scene in King Kong where the giant ape hung from the tower swatting at bi-planes.

In 1986, the Empire State Building was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Recent improvements have modernized it so that visitors today are whisked by high speed elevator to the 86th floor open-air observatory. There they can enjoy a panoramic view for as far as 80 miles, as well as New York’s incredible architecture.

Don’t forget to schedule a visit the observation deck the next time you take a student group to New York City. Not only will the students learn about this amazing skyscraper they’ll also have the best seat on the East coast to view the sights of New York City.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

On the shores of Lake Michigan, on Chicago’s Museum Campus, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum is dedicated to the study of planets, moons, stars, and distant galaxies.

Founded in 1930 by Max Adler, this facility was the first planetarium in America. The original 1930’s building still remains, but in recent years a new addition, the Sky Pavilion, was added to increase exhibit space. Today, the Museum features one of the largest and most important collections in the world, including more than 2,000 historic astronomical, navigational, and mathematical instruments.

Some highlights of the planetarium include exhibits on the Solar System, the Milky Way Galaxy, the history of astronomical discovery, and an exhibit showing how astronomy has affected various cultures. Teachers planning student tours of the Planetarium can take advantage of on-site educational programs and pre-visit lesson plans.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world’s best art collections. With more than 300,000 works on display, representing over 40 centuries of art, the Institute’s collections include some of the finest and most famous art ever created.

The Art Institute began as the Chicago Academy of Design, founded by a small group of artists in 1866. The first collections included a gift of plaster casts from the French Government. Many other name changes occurred before becoming The Art Institute of Chicago in 1882.

Art collections include: European and American paintings, African and Asian art, architecture, photography, textiles, and sculpture. Some of the individual highlights include masterpieces such as Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte–1884, Cassatt’s The Bath, and Wood’s celebrated American Gothic.

The Institute also boasts an impressive collection of works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, and many others. The Institute consists of three levels of exhibits, divided into three buildings. The only connection between the three buildings is Gunsaulus Hall, throughout which arms and armor are prominently displayed.

One especially unique exhibit found at the Art Institute is the display in the Thorne Miniature Rooms. The collection contains 68 rooms that are miniature replications of rooms ranging from the 17th century to the 1930s. The rooms focus on American, European, and Oriental decorative arts, with architectural interiors from the various time periods.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Another great Chicago landmark is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio which has been restored and preserved as a museum. It’s a memorial to one of our country’s most influential and innovative architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Best known for his Prairie style of architecture, Wright moved away from the detailed ornamental abundance in the Victorian homes of the time and created a style that focused on simplicity and clean lines.

In 1889, Wright borrowed $5,000 from Louis Sullivan to build his Oak Park home. At the time, Wright was working for Sullivan’s architecture firm as a draftsman. Sullivan and Wright parted company in 1893. Wright began his own architectural practice in Chicago. In 1898, Wright added the studio onto his home.

Wright moved away from the home in 1909 and finally sold the house in 1925. Over the years, the home fell into severe disrepair. It was not until 1974, when the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation was formed.

Plans were made to turn the house into a historic museum and education center dedicated to Wright and his work. It took 13 years and three million dollars to meticulously restore the house to its 1909 appearance.

Students can tour the Home and Studio and learn about both Wright’s life and work. In addition to seeing where Wright lived and worked for 20 years, the home also contains a number of furniture pieces and decorative art objects designed and built by Wright.

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago and Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio are all sites of exceptional scientific and cultural importance and are fruitful venues for student tours in the windy city.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Quebec City is an astounding student tour find. Perched on one of the most beautiful riverside settings in North America, Quebec is the only walled city in Canada or the United States. It is four centuries old.

Old Quebec is set out on terraces of land shelved up from the wide, blue river.It has beautiful ramparts and stone arches. The streets are cobblestone and redolent with some delicious but vaguely unfamiliar cooking. As you walk through town, the air rings with church bells on the hour.

The city has been so beautifully preserved that UNESCO designated Quebec a World Heritage Site in 1985. With great proximity to the United States, this dramatic, French-speaking destination offers a quick trip from the United States to a city which gives you the feel of a European vacation.

In 1535, Jacques Cartier discovered the site of Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River and in 1608 Samuel de Champlain founded New France in this area. It remained under French control until the British captured it during a half-hour battle on September 13, 1759. Despite the British victory, and 200 years of subsequent British control, almost the entire half million native Quebec City inhabitants claim French as their native tongue.

Quebec still has the feel of a rugged outpost city, as well as the feel of a civilized city of refuge, a seat of old-world culture, and an epicurean capital.

The 19th-century Louis XIV style Parliament Buildings are home to the National Assembly of 125 province representatives. If you are visiting the parliament buildings, here is a tip: “door three” of the front Parliament entrance admits you, during most weekdays, to a public restaurant providing a view of the inside of the building.

Just as local French speech is skewed with a Canadian influence, the local cuisine is largely French, with a touch of indigenous ingredients like maple syrup, wild berries and caribou steak.

Quebec City is set out in terraces overlooking the water. Above the city is La Citadelle, a star-shaped fortress inherited from the French and improved by the British to protect the port from re-encroachments by the French.

Below the city, the old trading quarter of Lower Town has been revitalized into a vibrant arts, hotel, shopping and restaurant district, one main thoroughfare of which is Rue du Petit-Champlain.

Between La Citadelle and the Lower Town is the Upper Town, surrounded by thick stone walls and crowned by the centerpiece of a romantic and gravity-defying luxury hotel, the Chateau Frontenac. The turreted, brick and copper-green Chateau Frontenac is the most memorable landmark in a city with enough ingredients to provide you with a rich supply of travel memories.

One of the joys of Quebec City is the way the inhabitants embrace every season.

Springtime comes late to this northern climate. In April, you can witness the annual ritual of “sugarshacking,” the local harvesting of maple syrup. In May, you will see the return of the wild geese and a bounding natural rebirth of flora and fauna from the long, blue-white winter.

The tourist high season begins in July, during which Quebec City hosts the musical events of the International Summer Festival, now in its 35th year.

All of this is enough to make Quebec City a “can’t miss” North American student group travel destination. So, if you haven’t been there yet, put it high on your list of places to visit next.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Three of the city’s most distinctive areas are Chinatown, Kensington Market and Casa Loma.

Chinatown in Toronto

Chinatown has a population of more than a quarter of a million people, making it one of the largest Asian communities in North America. There are at least five different Chinatowns located in Toronto, but the best known remains downtown at the intersections of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street.

People in this neighborhood come from places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, to name a few. Toronto’s original Chinatown had been located around the corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street, but when that area was cleared to build the New City Hall in the early 1960s, the Chinese population moved west into the streets around Dundas and Spadina.

Chinatown continues to grow and prosper, offering a number of authentic indoor and outdoor food markets, clothing stores, herb and medicinal shops, and restaurants.

Toronto’s Kensington Market

Just a few blocks from Chinatown is Kensington Market. It was started by British immigrants in the 1790s. It did not become a prominent cultural neighborhood until the 1920s. That’s when more than 80% of Toronto’s Jewish population settled here.

Today, Kensington Market contains an eclectic mix of outdoor food stands and produce shops, unique restaurants and cafes, vintage clothing boutiques, and much more.

Portuguese, West Indian, and Caribbean immigrants have settled here, making Kensington Market one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Casa Loma in Toronto

Sitting high on a hill, overlooking downtown Toronto, stands Casa Loma. This majestic castle was built in the style of European medieval castles. In addition to the 98-room castle, the grounds of Casa Loma include stables, connected to the castle by an 800-foot underground tunnel, and six acres of estate gardens.

Built in the early 1900s, the castle was constructed by Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto businessman and industrialist. Pellatt’s travels to Europe inspired him to build his “house on the hill.”

Work on the castle began in 1911 and the new home was completed three years later. More than 300 men worked on the home and it cost a total of 3.5 million dollars to complete.

Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced him to move from his elegant home less than ten years after its construction. The abandoned castle was left to deteriorate. Toronto took over possession of the property in 1933 and Casa Loma was almost demolished.

Thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto, Casa Loma was saved. The Kiwanis Club spearheaded an extensive restoration of the castle, and in 1937, it opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk through the decorated rooms, climb the towers, and walk through the gardens.

Toronto’s Chinatown, Kensington Market and Casa Loma are all worthy of a visit when planning student group travel in this region.

Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to “empower teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world.” To discover more about Travel Adventures and its many educational programs, visit http://www.traveladventures.com

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

At 110 stories, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States and the third tallest building in the world. Commissioned by Sears, Roebuck and Company, construction began in 1970. The structure has the second most floor space of any building. Only the Pentagon in Washington, DC has larger floor space.

For student visitors, the Sears Tower Skydeck offers one of the best views of Chicago, as well as distances up to 40-50 miles away. The Skydeck also has high-powered telescopes allowing visitors to see portions of four states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Beginning with their arrival at the Sears Tower, student groups will experience art and artistry:

- The Wacker Drive entrance contains the sculpture “Universe,” designed by Alexander Calder, a noted American sculptor. The massive sculpture features seven elements, each of which is driven by its own motor as its own speed. Inset into the large red granite floor tiles are stainless steel medallions of varying sizes. The medallions are representations of the construction of the building.

- The Skydeck’s entrance pavilion off of Jackson Boulevard is paved with warm red granite from Argentina and has flags from many countries hanging overhead.

During a visit to the Sears Tower, students learn the average sway of the building is approximately six inches from true center. The elevators operate as fast as 1,600 feet per minute, making them some of the fastest in the world. The second level contains exhibits chronicling the construction of the building, and a free public film – “Over Chicago.” From the Skydeck, students can be challenged to identify some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Just a few minutes away on North Michigan Avenue, the John Hancock Center, named after the John Hancock Insurance Company, stands at 100 stories above the Magnificent Mile. When it was completed in 1969 it was the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. Today it is the fourth tallest building in the United States.

For those students interested in architecture, the Hancock Center is one of the most famous buildings of the structural expressionist style, which was pioneered by Bangladeshi-American structural civil engineer, Fazlur Kahn. The building’s distinctive X-bracing exterior hints at its tubular system that acts as a spine and helps the building stand upright during high winds and in the event of an earthquake. This unique system has made the Hancock Center a cultural icon.

On the 94th floor, the newly renovated Observation Deck provides views that span 80 miles and four states. The open-air viewing area allows students to feel the wind in their hair a thousand feet above ground level, and find out firsthand why Chicago is called the “Windy City”. “Soundscope” talking telescopes provide sound effects so real that students will think they are hearing the baseball fans cheering at nearby Wrigley Field.

Audio Sky Tours provide inside information that even the most seasoned Chicagoans may not know. Stretched out before students’ eyes, the History Wall traces Chicago’s rise from marsh to metropolis on a giant 80-foot display. More than 100 photos depict everything from the great Chicago fire to the first skyscraper. Students can also take a memento of their trip to the observatory with a unique photo. The observatory provides an artistic backdrop where visitors to pose as a construction worker enjoying lunch on one of the tower beams or a skyscraper window washer.

Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to “empower teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world.” To discover more about Travel Adventures and its many educational programs, visit http://www.traveladventures.com.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Separating the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula lies east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a northwestern geographic partition separating Central America from the rest of North America.

The capital of Yucatan, Merida, is an ideal hub from which students can explore the Gulf of Mexico. Combining its colonial roots with a contemporary feel, Merida is known as the “White City,” for both its predominance of white limestone buildings and its clean streets and plazas. Guided tours of El Centro Merida introduce students to the city’s colonial history and architecture. The Casa de Montejo is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish Platersque style in the world. Additional highlights include the oldest cathedral in the Americas and the picturesque Plaza Grande.

The peninsula is largely an irregular limestone formation, comprised of cenotes, underground streams, and caverns. Cenotes, or sinkholes, are widespread in the northern lowlands and served as the main water source for many ancient and contemporary Mayans. A now famous ring of cenotes outlines what is thought to be the site where an ancient asteroid crashed. Located off the north coast near the town of Chicxulub, the site is believed to outline the shock wave of the event which dropped the surface limestone into the underground Yucatan aquifer.

The town of Cuzama is known for its large number of cenotes. Students can board a horse-drawn buggy which travels through the surrounding countryside to visit these cenotes. Incredible clear, blue waters and unique stalagmite formations make for amazing swimming adventures. Chicxulub and Cuzama are just two of the numerous places where cenotes can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

The porous limestone has also spawned spectacular cave systems throughout the region. Once considered sacred places for the Mayan, these caves are impressive and provide students with vital learning experiences in geology and the ecosystem. Guided tours of the Calcehtok Caves reveal a complicated series of tunnels and fascinating chambers that resemble objects such as waterfalls, elephants, and animals. Pre-historic findings in the caves include quartz hammers, arrow tips, and burial sites.

Further eco-adventures can be found in the little town of Punta Laguna at the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh Reserve. Naturalist guides lead student groups into the jungle to observe and learn about the spider monkey, as well as the diverse flora and fauna. As groups traverse through the jungle they also have opportunities to see temple ruins from 700 A.D. This excursion provides memorable photo ops for visitors.

Yucatan’s archaeological sites provide not only learning experiences in history, but also in math and science. A world heritage site, Uxmal is one of the best restored and maintained sites in the Yucatan. Its most impressive structure, the House of the Magician, is 100 feet tall. According to legend, the pyramid was built by the Mayan god Itzamna in a single night. The structure was situated to face the setting sun at summer solstice. Equally impressive is the Governor’s House, an ancient wonder for its architectural precision and beauty.

The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are the Yucatan’s most famous ruins and were recently designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Extensive studies of the site reveal three sections, each with its own distinctive style. As students become familiar with the culture and history of the site during their tour, they will marvel at the Maya’s knowledge of the cosmos, math, and science. At the entrance to the Chichen Itza, visitors will find an informative museum, dining room, and restrooms. After the setting of the sun, students can also enjoy the light and sound show held every evening.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, students should also visit Tulum, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya, and the only site overlooking the Caribbean. Just 1.5 hours south of Cancun, Tulum is believed to have served as a Mayan port and ancient sort of lighthouse. It was the only site still in use during the Spanish conquest. Here, students can explore the El Castillo Temple, built on a cliff with spectacular views of the coast.

Also unique to the Riviera Maya is Xel-Ha, a theme water park where students can spend a day enjoying natural, ecological, and aquatic attractions. A series of freshwater lagoons, fed by underwater springs, form a large natural aquarium with many beautiful tropical fish. Students may spend the day snorkeling in the park’s inlets and coves, swimming with the dolphins, or tubing along its lazy river.

Part of the magic of student travel to the Yucatan Peninsula is the cultural appreciation and learning it promotes. Whether it’s making tortillas and sharing a meal with a local family, or learning the art of hammock making in the little town of Tixcocob, students have the opportunity to capture the authentic flavor of this amazing region.

Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to “empower teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world.” To discover more about Travel Adventures and its many educational programs, visit http://www.traveladventures.com.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Dr Philippa Darbre and colleagues at the University of Reading carried out tests on samples of 20 different human breast tumours their findings recorded traces of parabens in every sample, suggesting the chemicals had seeped into the tissue after being applied to the skin. Results have shown that parabens have weak estrogenic activity. Some estrogens are known to drive the growth of tumors; the study has raised some concern about the use of butylparaben, and to a lesser extent other parabens as well.

“This is the first study to show their (parabens) accumulation in human tissues … It demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals, then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies. Their detection in human breast tumours is of concern since parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen can drive the growth of human breast tumours. It would therefore seem especially prudent to consider whether parabens should continue to be used in such a wide range of cosmetics applied to the breast area including deodorants.” Dr Philippa Darbre.

Chris Flower, director general of the UK’s Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association, welcomed the study, “It is welcome additional information and we will want to examine the findings in detail”.

So it is understandable people have become concerned about the use of parabens in their cosmetics, even if their link with estrogen and breast cancer remains uncertain many wish to play it safe and gain all the other benefits of completely natural products. Investigations into the subject have not proved conclusive; whilst they do not confirm a direct link between parabens and cancer, there is not definite evidence to state they are harmless.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) has reviewed the safety of parabens twice since Jan 2005. Both reviews stated that the available data on parabens does not enable a decisive response to the question of whether propyl, butyl and isobutyl paraben can be safely used in cosmetic products at individual concentrations up to 0.4%, (the allowed limit in the EU).

Whilst the paraben situation is not one to strike terror into the hearts of avid anti-perspirant users just yet, we should appreciate what nature has to offer us, why turn to dubious chemicals for a beauty fix when there are alternative products readily available? Scin boutique stocks several ranges which are completely paraben-free; ‘Apivita’ express face masks for skin, body and hair, ‘Laidbare’ natural beauty range, ‘Purepotions’, ‘Taer’, ‘Jo Woods Organic’, ‘Pai’ handmade natural British skincare and most of the ‘Earth mama, angel baby’ pregnancy and baby products, can all be used without worry!

Hannah Walker is a writer for scinboutique

It is important to keep skin clean in order for it to be radiant! It is also important to protect our skin from chemicals and irritants. Natural skincare products use ingredients derived from nature with natural skin benefiting properties like essential oils and flowers. combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers. Essentially natural skin care products are based around botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, which are manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

Natural skin care is something that’s been used long before people decided to start rubbing chemicals into their skin… it stems back to the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. It is believed that the Egyptians developed many natural skin care treatments for a variety of skin conditions, for example one ancient treatment comprised of bullock’s bile, whipped ostrich eggs, olive oil, dough and resin mixed with milk… products have become slightly more appealing nowadays! In the modern age many people with unique skin types and needs - sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin - find that natural skin care solutions can give them the beautiful skin they want.

From mud to bark, natural ingredients offer many great healing and restorative properties and many have unique elements which make them so good to the skin, here is a taster of some of the more commonly used…

Jojoba oil comes from a shrub and is easily refined to become odorless and colorless, therefore it is ideal to use as a carrier oil or moisturiser for fragrances.

Rose hip seed oil is unique among vegetable oils in containing retinol (Vitamin A). It is high in essential fatty acids, omega-3, and omega-6. It can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, acne and eczema and as a treatment for mature and sun burnt skin as well as brittle nails.

Shea nut butter is a natural fat extracted from fruit of the Shea tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is widely used as an emollient in moisturisers.

Witch Hazel is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub, it is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which is great for treating acne, and can also be used for psoriasis, eczema, cracked or blistered skin, insect bites, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be used as a natural aftershave and hair spray for normal to oily hair.

Aloe Vera has great soothing, moisturising and healing properties and is one of the most commonly used natural ingredients.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil taken from the tree leaves. The oil has antiseptic and antifungal action, and is good for the skin, in particular the face.

Chamomile can be used in skin care to reduce minor irritation due to its mild antiseptic properties, it also lightens hair slightly.

These are just a few of the great ingredients that nature offers us. Not only do natural skincare products smell gorgeous and achieve great results for your body, one can use them happy in the knowledge that your skin is safe from chemicals and unknown long term damage… isn’t nature great!

Hannah Walker is a writer for scinboutique

Perhaps the most famous debate has been over the use of parabens, which is in general use as a preservative in many of the world’s cosmetic products. Scientists have debated the validity of health concerns regarding the chemical, but many have attributed its use in beauty products as increasing chances of breast cancer.

With some reports estimating that over 75% of cosmetic products contain parabens, the grounds for their use and the controversy over their effect is a vitally important one; if those negative effects can be proved then paraben use can be legitimately outlawed. That said, their inclusion in cosmetic products will always have to be subject to serious questioning whilst evidence remains inconclusive.

What, then, is the positive and negative evidence concerning the use of parabens and the increased risk of breast cancer?

The Journal of National Cancer Institute published a report in 2002, titled Antiperspirant Use and the Risk of Breast Cancer, which refuted claims of any links between cancer and paraben use:

“The rumor that antiperspirant use causes breast cancer continues to circulate the Internet. Although unfounded, there have been no published epidemiologic studies to support or refute this claim…Our results provide no indication that such a relationship exists…These findings are based on data collected from a large population-based study of rigorous design, and as such, the absence of any observed associations may help alleviate the concern of many that use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants could alter their risk for breast cancer.”

What is interesting, then, is that since the publication of the report - which the scholars claimed was one of the first in depth reports into the subject - has not reduced the circulation of what they call ‘rumours’ on the paraben use and cancer risk debate.

In 2004, a team of scientists including P.D. Dabre and W.R. Miller submitted an addition to the debate in The Journal of Applied Toxicology. Whilst they found evidence for potential connections, they did not deem it to be conclusive. A section of the report reads as follows:

“Parabens are used as preservatives in many thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products to which the human population is exposed. Although recent reports of the oestrogenic properties of parabens have challenged current concepts of their toxicity in these consumer products, the question remains as to whether any of the parabens can accumulate intact in the body from the long-term, low-dose levels to which humans are exposed.”

In other words, then, it is difficult for the link to be proved until scientists can establish that parabens - which are arguably exposed to the body in only small doses - can first of all accumulate successfully within the body, and secondly if the chemicals can have any negative influence.

Breast cancer and its link to parabens, as this brief exploration shows, is a troublesome field of debate. Indeed it seems that some companies are beginning to outlaw the use of parabens altogether; playing with chemical use like Pascal’s wager.

Until the use of parabens can be conclusively linked to breast cancer, damage limitation is perhaps the best way forward.

Chris Woolfrey writes for http://scinboutique.com. He specializes in natural and organic cosmetic products, and the effect of chemicals on the human body.