Are Parabens Safe?
Food, medicines, and cosmetics, all contain preservatives that keep the bacteria, fungi, and other microbes away and prolong the shelf life of these products. Ever since 1950s, parabens have been the most widely used preservatives in the cosmetics industry. This group of synthetically made chemicals replaced the then used formaldehyde and seemed at the time as a very promising alternative. In fact, the people from the branch trusted them so much that today, almost 70 years later, you can find parabens in 77% rinse-off personal care products, and as much as 99% of leave-on ones . Take any of the makeup, skin care or hair care products that you use regularly and read the ingredients list. They are easy to spot, since the second part of the name is almost always the word ‘paraben’. The most common types are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Although, you might also come across such tongue-twisters as benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, parahydroxybenzoate, etc.
The broad use of these chemicals can be explained with 2 words – inexpensive and effective. Sounds good, but then why, all of a sudden, so many cosmetic brands are launching paraben-free versions of their products?
Over the past few years, a number of scientific studies raised questions concerning the harmful effects of this until-now-considered-safe ingredient, which made consumers think twice before buying parabens-loaded products. While the debate among scientists, cosmetic manufacturers, and regulatory bodies is still ongoing, there are some firm pieces of evidence regarding the harmful effects of parabens on the human health - pieces of evidence that we should not overlook.
Parabens and Hormonal Imbalance
In today’s polluted atmosphere, we are exposed to environmental oestrogens (xenoestrogens) on a daily basis. These man-made compounds differ structure wise from the natural oestrogen produced by our bodies, but at the same time, they mimic its effects. The most significant and most adverse effect they might have once inside our bodies is causing hormonal imbalance.
Being a xenoestrogen itself, paraben is often described as an endocrine disruptor. Although a consensus has been reached regarding the parabens’ status as xenoestrogens, there is a clash of scientific opinions on the subject of the level of their repercussions on human health. Some say that the hormonal disturbance caused by these compounds is minimal, since even the most potent paraben (butylparaben) has a relatively weak oestrogenic effect compared to natural oestrogens. Nevertheless, in our opinion, no matter how low the risk is, there is no need to take it – after all, we have one body and we have to try our best to keep it healthy.
Lastly, let’s have a look at some basic truths about human physiology. According to what we were taught in high-school, in addition to oestrogen, women’s bodies also produce progesterone – the ’opponent’ of oestrogen which, among other functions, serves to keep the level of the latter normal. When parabens enter our bloodstream they disturb this delicate balance between oestrogen and progesterone, wreaking havoc in our otherwise normally functioning reproductive system. Doesn’t sound nice.
Parabens and Breast Cancer
We have known for over 25 years that oestrogen plays a part in the formation and progression of breast cancer. It is not a surprise then that a compound that mimics oestrogen might have the same impact on women’s health.
A pivotal study, entitled Concentration of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours ,was published in 2004 by P. D. Darbre, a senior lecturer in oncology and researcher in biomolecular sciences at the University of Reading, in England. The authors of the study found intact parabens in 18 out of 20 tested malignant breast tumour tissue samples and concluded that the cancer was caused by parabens contained in deodorants and antiperspirants that we use daily.
Darbre explains that there are two steps in the development of breast cancer: first is the cell damage i.e. the “birth” of cancer cells, and second - their rapid, uncontrolled growth. The aluminium found in antiperspirants ‘takes care’ of the first step. Parabens, which act as female hormone, take care of the second, by promoting cell growth. Another argument in support of this theory is the location of the tumors. About 55% of all breast tumours occur in the Upper Outer Quadrant, which is the part of the breast closest to the armpit i.e. the place where people usually spray antiperspirants.
A more recent study conducted by Dr William Goodson, a surgeon at California Pacific Medical Centre in San Francisco, California, showed that parabens also make breast cancer treatment ineffective. During the tests, he introduced a cancer-inhibiting drug to cancer cells but they only continued to grow. Need we say more?
Other Health Issues Related to Parabens
In a study conducted back in 2002, Dr. S. Oishi found that butylparaben had a negative impact on male rats’ levels of testosterone. Does this mean that parabens might also be responsible for the declining sperm counts in men in the past few decades?
A group of scientists from the University of Michigan, Harvard School of Public Health, confirmed in 2010 that exposure to butylparaben actually damages the DNA in sperm cells. Methylparaben, which is found in facial products, does not affect the reproductive organs, but it does ironically increases the skins sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, hence increases the risk of premature aging. Exposure to isobutylparaben during pregnancy has been linked to anxiety and behavioural changes in offspring. The list goes on, but we’d rather stop here…
We, at La Mav, believe that you do not have to sacrifice your health in the name of beauty!
Our products are certified organic, 100% toxic-free and cruelty-free! We offer natural solutions for the most common skin concerns - solutions that work and do not pose any risk to your health!
The Final Verdict
Although there are still many questions surrounding parabens’ safety, U.S. National Cancer Institute advises cautious use of personal care products containing parabens until more research is done. The current trends in the cosmetics industry clearly show that manufacturers are becoming more and more aware of the damaging effects parabens might have on our health. At the same time, many regulatory organs assure us that parabens are likely to be phased out in the next 10 years or so. Sounds great, but why wait 10 years when you can limit your exposure now?
Luckily, many companies have already switched to paraben-free beauty products that contain natural preservatives, such as oregano, thyme, goldenseal root, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary, vitamin E or lavender oil. You can trust us – all of them work just as good as parabens, without threatening your health!
You have a choice – shop smart. Your body will thank you.
If you liked this post, let us know by sharing it! Share and get $5 off for your next order with La Mav!
from La Mav Combined http://ift.tt/25wXh2K
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment