Have you encountered and used paraben free facial moisturizers and hand cream, among other products? Paraben free products are increasingly becoming popular since people are getting more careful when choosing their skin care products. Here, we learn how paraben affects our health and how to find replacement for products laden with paraben.
As an old adage would put it, knowing your enemy is winning half the battle. In the context of this article, we will be discussing about paraben and its harmful effects on us. We will also briefly highlight the need to shift to paraben free skin care products, such as your lotion, facial moisturizers and hand cream, among others.
What is paraben?
The kind of paraben now commonly used in almost all skin care products is synthetically produced. Paraben is an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is mainly used as a preservative in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The most common form of paraben used nowadays are ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Normally, when paraben is used, say in moisturizers and hand cream, it is likely that these products also contain other harmful substances. They may include mineral oil, which is notoriously known to cause acne and other skin inflammation due to the clogging of the pores. Alcohol and fragrance, some of them being cancer causing, also accompany paraben used in many skin care products.
Links between paraben and certain illnesses
Scientists at the University of Reading, UK, conducted a study on breast cancer and tumor. The researchers, led by PD Darbre, discovered that parabens were present in substantial amount in the breast tumor cells. This lead to suspicion that parabens may be closely linked to cancer. many studies have shown also that paraben is a potential allergen. It is also suspected of triggering some endocrine conditions due to estrogenic property of paraben inside the body. Paraben behaves like an estrogen, altering the natural balance of several hormones too.
Many of us had been using facial moisturizers and hand cream. Moisturizers are used to treat skin dryness. Dry skin is very prone to premature appearance of wrinkles, usually around the face, arms and legs, among others. People who already have wrinkles are using skin care products that aim to minimize the ugly lines forming on the skin surface. We develop wrinkles soon because of diminished ability of the body to replace collagen bundles that are primarily responsible in making our skin firm and elastic.
Facial moisturizers are essential in keeping the skin layers moist, even with some exposure to the direct rays of the sun. As I had said earlier, overly dry skin are more prone to develop wrinkles and flaky scales earlier than those who do not. Facial moisturizers cleanse and nourish the skin's top most layer, also known as stratum corneum. Similarly, hand cream enables the skin regain its elasticity and firmness. Dry skin is quick to get loose and eventually develop wrinkles.
There are thousands of skin products available in the market today. I highly suggest that should take extra precaution when choosing your facial moisturizers and hand cream, for example. We all want you to enhance your skin's health, unless we continue to use paraben-laden products. Do your own share now. Always go for paraben-free facial moisturizers and hand cream, etc.
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