Parabens – The Truth of What is in Your Personal Care Products

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“Paraben free” labels have been popping up on some beauty products at the drugstore and elsewhere. Parabens are the most widely used preservative in personal care products; they stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.

Their names are a mouthful—methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. You’ll find them listed on thousands of personal care products such as shampoos, mascara, foundations and body lotions.

why are they bad?

Parabens are potentially bad for a number of reasons. They affect people in different ways. Many products that come into contact with skin contain parabens, which often cause irritation of the skin. This is particularly true for adults, children or babies with sensitive skin. If you or your child has sensitive skin you may find that moisturizers, shampoos, and bath products, which contain parabens, may be causing the skin problems. Common skin problems associated with parabens include dermatitis, rosacea and other allergic reactions.

Parabens are also said to have a negative effect on hormones. Studies have shown that parabens have the ability to imitate estrogen.  This can disturb the body’s delicate hormonal balance, and is a concern for men, teens and women. A study conducted by Dr. S. Oishi in 2002 found that the paraben butylparaben had a negative effect on male rat’s testosterone levels. The fact that parabens can mimic estrogen is also a concern for women as oestrogen is said to play a part in the formation of breast cancer.

Even though there is a lot of con-traverse in regards to whether or not these parabens are harmful, I always come to the conclusion, I would rather avoid them completely, than take a chance. I think as time goes on we will start to see the hard evidence that these chemicals are no good.

To a bright and beautiful you,

Maria.