DO PARABENS REALLY CAUSE SKIN AGING AND DNA DAMAGE?
IMAGE SOURCE: PINTEREST
ANSWER - UNFORTUNATELY YES, IT APPEARS SO!
It’s very easy to put your hands over your eyes (and ears) when the word paraben comes up! I’m sure you know that parabens are in many conventional personal care products and that they are bad news- but do you know exactly why?
WHAT ARE PARABENS?
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives used to to prevent fungi, microbes and mould growth in personal care products.
WHAT ARE THEY FOUND IN?
Unfortunately parabens can be found in MOST commercial personal care products! Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash, fake tan, hand wash, hand cream- you name it!
DANGERS OF PARABENS?
According to Maria Hannaford from Econest, Natural Skincarethere has been a UK study which found parabens in “18 out of 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer”.
Parabens can:
- Mimic estrogen in the body, which is why they can be;
- Linked to cancer and tumour development.
As endocrine disruptors parabens have also been linked to
- Fertility issues
- Skin irritation (contact dermatitis and rosacea are common)
Studies also indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to
- Increased skin aging and
- DNA damage.
Not only are parabens bad for users themselves, they are also destructive to the planet as well! Maria notes that parabens have been linked to the bleaching of our coral reefs! NOT COOL!
Parabens Can Mimic Estrogen In The Body, Which Is Why They Can Be Linked To Cancer And Tumour Development
LOOK OUT FOR…
Any word on the ingredients list of a product that ends in ‘paraben’, such as “butylparaben”, “methylparaben”, “isobutylparaben” and “propylparaben”, is a paraben! So next time you’re purchasing a product, make sure it has no form of the word ‘paraben’ on it. But also beware! Just because a product is paraben free, doesn’t mean it isn’t free of other harmful nasties! Click HERE to see other nasties to avoid!
One more thing - just because a product says "PARABEN-FREE" it does not mean that they aren't using other harmful synthetic preservatives such as formaldehyde and phenoxyethanol.
To ensure your products are safe from synthetic preservatives, check the labels or only shop with trusted natural stores! Here's my PERSONAL CARE BASICS BLOG on safe products and places to start!