Recently there has been a lot of discussion and controversy over
the use of Paraben. Paraben is a common chemical preservative
used in many makeups and health and beauty products. It is found
in soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, makeup, lipstick, lotions,
sunscreens, deodorants and toothpastes just to name a few.
Paraben is very effective as a preservative and in addition with
its low cost, it makes it a popular choice.
The traditional belief was that due to the small amount of
Paraben used in cosmetics and personal care products, they are
not harmful. This has been proven in clinical studies in the
past. However, lately there has been some talk of potential
health risks involved with Paraben. One concern is for those
with sensitive or allergic types. There are a small percentage
of people who might develop rashes or itching from using
Paraben. For some, the allergic reaction may develop after
prolonged usage of products with Paraben.
Another controversy revolves around a clinical study that
Paraben was discovered in some breast tumors. This has caused
some to question whether the estrogen-like effects of paraben
helps the development of some tumors like estrogen does. Some
scientists say that is almost impossible while others have
stated that more research is necessary before any conclusion can
be drawn.
While there is no compelling evidence between the link of
tumors, breast cancer and Paraben, some people prefer to take
the safer side. Some organizations such as the Breast Cancer
Fund and the Organic Consumers' Association seemed to have taken
a similar stance.
Finding Paraben free products might not be a very easy task
though. Almost all the beauty and personal care products we use
need some form of preservative in them. Or else they would not
last more then a few weeks. Some of the natural preservatives
like grape seed extract are less effective then Paraben which
gives them shorter shelf life. Odds are if a product does not
state it is Paraben free or made with all natural ingredients,
most likely there is Paraben is used as a preservative in it.
In addition, products with all natural ingredients are more
expensive then those produced with chemicals and sold in large
retailers. If you had to change your makeup, shampoo, soap,
deodorants, toothpaste, lotions, etc. to Paraben free ones, the
cost might start to add up for you.
We may not really know if there is any significant potential
risk from the usage of Paraben until further studies are
finished. However, the question of should you or shouldn't use
Paraben products ultimately rests on you. Some rather not take
the risk. Others, might not see any problems with Paraben having
already used products with it for so many years.
For more information and links to http://www.freeskincare.net ;free trials of skin care;
and other health and beauty products visit my website at http://www.freeskincare.net www.freeskincare.net
About the author:
Ping is currently a full time mother of a 16 year old son and a
8 year old daughter who is also working part time. She places
great importance in proper health and skin care and has tried a
numerous amount of different health and beauty products. Her
website is http://www.freeskincare.net