Why You Might Decide To Use Paraben Free Skin Care Products

By Rebekah Alford


If you were to check the ingredients in your cosmetics, you would probably find that parabens were included in at least some of them. Many people are not sure if this is something that they should be concerned about. The medical world itself, is still very divided on this issue. With this in mind, some companies are now producing paraben free skin care products for their customers.

A variety of different parabens are used to preserve the items, that they have been added to. Often found in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, they are included in such items as moisturizers, toothpaste and hand cream, along with many others. They are easily recognized, as each different compound ends with the word 'paraben', such as propylparaben, methylparaben or butylparaben.

Nearly all the different forms of this compound are man made, although there are a few naturally occurring ones, as in the case of blueberries which produce methylparabens. These chemicals, which are simple to make, provide manufactures with a cheap way to fight off bacteria in their product ranges. However, there is still considerable controversy over them being used in this way.

Anyone who is susceptible to allergies in connection with chemicals, or sufferers from sensitive skin, may develop a rash or suffer irritation when using products such as face creams or moisturizers. There have been some cases of methylparaben being effected by UVB rays, which can then result in an increase of the skins aging process.

Concerns have been raised about the risks involved in using propylparaben and butylparaben in the production of deodorants. This is due to the compounds acting in a similar style to the female hormone estrogen, which is known to be connected with the development of breast cancer. These chemicals have been discovered in tissue, which was removed from tumors from breast cancer patients.

The use of these chemicals in items produced specifically for young children, is no longer allowed in some European countries. Research has indicated a possible link in the reduced sperm levels in males, and the onset of early puberty in females. There is no firm evidence to connect these factors, but some companies are now starting to look for other choices.

One of these alternative products is grapefruit seed extract, which is a mixture of seeds and pulp of the grapefruit, and is referred to as GSE. Naturally produced GSE is simply mixed with glycerin, and contains anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. In addition, this form of GSE, may be used as a holistic remedy for throat and ear infections, as well as alleviating diarrhea. It should be noted, that there are also commercially produced versions of GSE, which may contain high quantities of synthetic compounds.

Parabens are used as an economical way to prolong the lifespan of products, in both the beauty, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Evidence as to whether or not they are harmful has still not been proved conclusively, and further research is required. In the meantime, many people are deciding to use paraben free skin care products, and companies offering a wide range of items can be found online.




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