What's Wrong In Parabens?
What Do Parabens Do to Your Hair and Skin?
What are Parabens?
Parabens are a group of preservative ingredients used in cosmetic, personal hygiene products, food products and pharmaceuticals. They are highly effective in preventing the growth of fungi, bacteria and yeast that can cause products to spoil. Thus, they contribute directly to the quality of the products by extending their shelf life, making them safe for the families who use them. Parabens used in cosmetics are identical to those found in nature, and the human body quickly changes them into natural PHBA and eliminates them.
Parabens have been safely used for almost 100 years as preservatives in the food, drug and personal care and cosmetic industries. Parabens may be used in products such as makeup, moisturizers, and hair care and shaving products. Contrary to some reports, most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants no longer contain parabens.
What are Foods That Contain Parabens?
Typical food products which contain parabens for preservation include beer, sauces, desserts, soft drinks, jams, pickles, frozen dairy products, processed vegetables and flavoring syrups.
Why are Parabens Thought to be Bad for Us?
Parabens allow products to survive for months, even years, in our bathroom cabinet; however when you use these products, they can also enter your body through your skin. Parabens are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Too much oestrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumours, which is why paraben use has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Why are Parabens Bad for The Environment?
Parabens aren't just bad for humans, they impact the environment too. A scientific study reported that parabens have been found for the first time in the bodies of marine mammals. Researchers believe that it is likely these parabens come from products we use that are washed into the sewage system and released into the environment. So we should stop using parabens ASAP
It's important to note that the percentage of preservatives in a formulation is generally very small. It's difficult to say if parabens are categorically "bad" for us. but there are many other preservatives now available so it's no longer necessary to use them. Manufacturers are creating new and effective preservatives all the time so there is a greater choice currently available.
Some people assume that paraben-free and natural products are simply not as effective. But there are so many synthetic-free products on the market that are just as effective.
Make an educated decision about what you put on your skin.
The term 'paraben-free' isn't always the final answer. Although it looks as though many beauty companies are responding to the public's concerns about parabens, some may be merely "green washing" - a term used when a "paraben-free" company markets themselves as a natural alternative, when in fact they contain other synthetic ingredients that may cause harm or irritation to the skin.
In general, never take marketing and adverts at face value. With so much information available, it's easy to educate ourselves on the label content of our beauty products.
The Future of Beauty: a Paraben-Free Label
The awareness-driven skincare industry in India is combating overexposure to packaged and synthetic substances and is slowly moving towards the trend of paraben-free cosmetics. Many beauty companies, including just herbs, are responding to the public's concerns about parabens, and are coming up with natural alternatives.
Hence, incoming times the consumers will have a wide range of options to choose in order to save their skin & themselves at the end.
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