These days it is common to see paraben free skin care products on the shelves of health food stores and conventional grocery, drug, and department stores. You might be wondering what parabens are and why you would want to avoid them. There is an on-going debate on whether this class of chemical compounds is safe or if there is a health risk to their use.
There are naturally occurring parabens, in blueberries for instance. However, the ones found in mainstream cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are synthesized in laboratories. They are compounds that contain alcohols and have bacteria and fungus killing effects. They are inexpensive and effective ingredients that have been used for decades with no obvious health concerns. However, new research revealed traces of these chemicals in cancer tumors.
There is now a spirited debate on the health risk, if any, posed by these chemicals. There are naturally-occurring parabens, as well; for example, they are found in blueberries, supposedly one of the healthiest of foods. However, it is the man-made chemicals that are under scrutiny at the present time.
Some think that, while a tiny amount might be acceptable, the use of the preservatives in so many things used daily causes a toxic overload. Parabens are used in shaving gels, shampoos, soaps, moisturizers, sunscreen, nail polish, makeup, and processed foods. They are often high on the list of ingredients, meaning that there is more than a trace amount in the formula.
Although some consumers are allergic to parabens, most people have no skin reaction to them, and most people do not exhibit allergic reactions to their presence in foods. However, those who feel that they pose a health risk say to avoid all man-made chemicals of this type. A partial list contains anything with ethyl, methyl, propyl, butyl, or heptyl in the name.
After finding traces of these chemicals in breast cancer tumors, researchers began to intensify safety tests. It is believed by some experts that they mimic natural estrogen and may disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the human body. They also may reduce testosterone and sperm production in males, and may increase the sensitivity to UV rays from the sun and heighten their aging effect on the skin. This is ironic, considering that they are used in many sunscreening products.
Substitutes for these chemicals may not be any safer, so 'paraben-free' on the label should not give a false sense of security. Natural cosmetic and body product lines use vitamins, like E, or herbals, like rosemary oil, as preservatives. Grape seed extract, tea tree oil, and grapefruit seed extract are other things you might see on an ingredients list for a more natural cosmetic or lotion.
Remember also that, when choosing paraben free skin care products, a 'naturally derived' ingredient might have been processed into a harsh chemical. When deciding what to put on your skin, which can absorb many substances, you need to either trust your manufacturer or become an informed consumer.
There are naturally occurring parabens, in blueberries for instance. However, the ones found in mainstream cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are synthesized in laboratories. They are compounds that contain alcohols and have bacteria and fungus killing effects. They are inexpensive and effective ingredients that have been used for decades with no obvious health concerns. However, new research revealed traces of these chemicals in cancer tumors.
There is now a spirited debate on the health risk, if any, posed by these chemicals. There are naturally-occurring parabens, as well; for example, they are found in blueberries, supposedly one of the healthiest of foods. However, it is the man-made chemicals that are under scrutiny at the present time.
Some think that, while a tiny amount might be acceptable, the use of the preservatives in so many things used daily causes a toxic overload. Parabens are used in shaving gels, shampoos, soaps, moisturizers, sunscreen, nail polish, makeup, and processed foods. They are often high on the list of ingredients, meaning that there is more than a trace amount in the formula.
Although some consumers are allergic to parabens, most people have no skin reaction to them, and most people do not exhibit allergic reactions to their presence in foods. However, those who feel that they pose a health risk say to avoid all man-made chemicals of this type. A partial list contains anything with ethyl, methyl, propyl, butyl, or heptyl in the name.
After finding traces of these chemicals in breast cancer tumors, researchers began to intensify safety tests. It is believed by some experts that they mimic natural estrogen and may disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the human body. They also may reduce testosterone and sperm production in males, and may increase the sensitivity to UV rays from the sun and heighten their aging effect on the skin. This is ironic, considering that they are used in many sunscreening products.
Substitutes for these chemicals may not be any safer, so 'paraben-free' on the label should not give a false sense of security. Natural cosmetic and body product lines use vitamins, like E, or herbals, like rosemary oil, as preservatives. Grape seed extract, tea tree oil, and grapefruit seed extract are other things you might see on an ingredients list for a more natural cosmetic or lotion.
Remember also that, when choosing paraben free skin care products, a 'naturally derived' ingredient might have been processed into a harsh chemical. When deciding what to put on your skin, which can absorb many substances, you need to either trust your manufacturer or become an informed consumer.
About the Author:
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