Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Benefits Of Paraben Free Skin Care Products

By Vicki Diaz


There are certain basic things people expect from items such as moisturising cream. The idea is that it will keep the skin looking plump and youthful, offering sufficient hydration. One way you can get the benefits of the best brands and get the best long term care is by choosing paraben free skin care products.

In order to know why you need to avoid parabens it helps to know what they are. In simple terms they are sourced from plants to produce a chemical additive. These are added to a range of products including shower gels, shampoos and toothpaste. These additives are antibacterial and antifungal, helping to extend the shelf life of these products.

This means that the brands that contain them are often cheaper than the brands that do not contain them. This can then lead people to ask why these are so bad. Perhaps it is snobbery on the part of the people avoiding these items rather than an actual ethical issue. However this is quite simply not true.

Another place you will find this additive is in some foods. The danger with this is that people who already have some form of sensitive reaction can become even more vulnerable with prolonged exposure to this additive. This includes conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and some studies suggest this reaction can also occur with people suffering from asthma and irritable bowel syndrome as the increased inflammation can trigger flare ups.

One reason that is still being studied is the link between parabens and cancer. While this is not fully proven there is a theory behind this. The ingredient is said to mimic the effects of the hormone oestrogen. This can affect hormonal balance in the body and consequently can increase the risk of women getting breast cancer.

The first thing to do is to check the label. The difficulty is that a label is unlikely to say it contains parabens. However a brand that does not contain them will clearly state this on the label. Words to look out for on the ingredients list will often include the words benzoic acid or a variation on those words featuring numbers, dashes and letters. If you see these ingredients listed then these are the products that are best avoided.

If you wish to avoid this additive read labels carefully. Look for any reference to benzoic acid or variants on that phrase within the list of ingredients. You can also find organic products that use natural ingredients that do not have this kind of additive. These are often better to use in the long term and will not dry out in the same way as more artificial brands may do.

In simple terms it is better to be cautious. While the studies into the risks of these additives are on going you should strongly consider seeking out paraben free skin care products. Look online to find the various brands available as well as customer reviews to find the ideal brands to suit your needs.




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