What is Paraben and Why Should You Avoid It?

You may or may not have heard of this substance but what is paraben? A preservative is added to skin care products in order to prolong the shelf life. A chemical additive allows the product to sit on the store shelf until someone purchases it.

Another reason why the cosmetic companies use it is that it is a cheap additive. Mineral oil is added to many skin care products as well because it is a cheap additive. For many cosmetic companies, the bottom line is far more important that manufacturing a safe effective cream or lotion.

Some of the chemical names for it are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben. What is paraben and why is there such uproar about it now? Recent studies have found it inside tumors of some women who have breast cancer. It is not known whether paraben caused the tumors though. However, it is better to be safe than sorry, which is why it is now banned in some areas of the world.

In addition, studies were done on animals and it appears that it does affect estrogen activity. By causing estrogen activity in the body it can disrupt hormones, which can lead to various health related issues such as breast cancer.

The reason that many cosmetic companies continue to use is that they say there is no conclusive proof that it actually does cause cancer or that it poses any sort of health risk. Even though this may be true, why take a chance when studies show that the possibility is there?

The best way to avoid using products that contain parabens is to use skin care products that contain natural ingredients and to avoid using products that contain chemical or synthetic additives.

Some of the most effective skin creams and lotions use specific natural substances that help to repair damaged skin by penetrating deep into the layers of skin and thus heal the skin from the inside out.

Now that you are much more knowledgeable about skin creams, when someone asks what is paraben, you can certainly tell them that it is something to avoid. If you would like more information on safe natural products to use, then please take a minute and visit my website today.

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