Judging by the number of anti aging skin products that contain parabens, you'd have to think they contribute in a big way in protecting the skin from aging.
What are parabens?
Parabens are a large collection of synthetic chemical products found in most skin care and cosmetic products including moisturizers, shampoos, foundation, face powder, exfoliants, baby products... There are thousands of skin care products that contain parabens, the list is endless.
The reason parabens are put into skin care products is they have an antibacterial effect and act as a preservative.
So what? There are two problems.
The first and most serious one is the potential for parabens to be absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream from where they can lodge in our fatty tissues. As women are the main users of these products, the breast tissue is of particular concern.
Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen and can be absorbed by the breast tissue. In fact parabens, in their unconverted form, have been found in breast tumours.
What's the other 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.
No problems, you may think, I'll just wear a sun block.
Good idea, you should be wearing one anyway. Just 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?
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 virtually 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 (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. The products on the site below contain no parabens whatsoever and are free of other cancer causing agents. And no, they're not expensive!
Body Odor In Young ChildrenWendy Owen is a health researcher and author. For advice on absolutely natural skin care visit http://www.just-natural-skincare.com Sign up for our newsletter and recieve 5 free beauty books