Parabens in Cosmetics, Anti Aging Miracles or Dangerous Chemicals?
Since most anti aging skin care products contain parabens, you'd be forgiven for thinking they must contribute in a big way in protecting the skin from aging.
What are parabens? Parabens are synthetic chemicals found in most skin care and cosmetic products which include moisturizers, shampoos, foundation, night cream, exfoliants, body lotions… the list is endless. Even baby skin care contains parabens!
Parabens are used in skin care products because they have an antibacterial effect and hence act as a preservative. Products with parabens have a longer shelf life.
There are however, two problems with parabens.. The first and most serious one is the potential for them to be absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream from where they can lodge in the fatty tissues of the body. As women are the main users of these products, the breast tissue is of particular concern.
Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen and can be easily absorbed by the breast tissue. In fact parabens in their unconverted form have been found in breast tumours.
The more body fat we have, the more parabens we can absorb. They can stay in our body for years causing serious health issues.
What’s the second problem with parabens?
Anti aging products are bought by both men and women in the hope of preserving the appearance of their skin. The problem is that some parabens can react to the UV rays in sunlight to produce a substance that actually accelerates aging.
"That's ok," you may think, "I’ll just wear a sun block."
You should be wearing a sun block anyway. Be sure to check the label though because… guess what? That’s right! Parabens are even found in certain sun protection products.
How can I tell if there are parabens in the products I use?
That's a great question, but it has no simple answer. It’s very difficult because they go under so many different names! Some of the more recognisable ones are: Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Aseptoform Butyl and Benzoic acid. Parabens have many synonyms so without knowing all the names, which is pretty much impossible, reading the label will only add to further confusion.
It’s fairly safe to say if you see several long names you can’t pronounce on the back of a product, there’s a paraben lurking somewhere inside! Over 90% of skin care products, contain these chemicals. They are there because they are cheap and until recently, considered relatively safe. The FDA has requested cosmetic companies to test the various ingredients they use to manufacture their products (letter sent May 2005). While they are to be commended for this, the process is laboriously slow and ongoing.
How can I protect my family against parabens?
Easy! Use natural cosmetics. Natural skin care products contain no parabens whatsoever and are free of other cancer causing agents. And no, they’re not expensive! Natural skin care products are better absorbed into the skin making them even more cost effective.
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