Revealed: the secret truth about the beauty industry (Part 3)
Methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and buthylparabens
Parabens are low-cost preservatives used in the beauty industry. You see them most often on the labels of shampoos, hair conditioners, deodorants and sun lotions. In some cases these chemicals appear even in cosmetics labelled ‘natural’. If you take a closer look you can see that 9 out of 10 cosmetic products have parabens in them. Manufacturers are quite generous with these chemicals: there are products out there which contain 3-4 different types of paraben.
Parabens block the reproduction of microorganisms, hence their ability to extend the product’s lifespan. Preservatives are instrumental in low-cost serial production: once they have come off the conveyer belt, cosmetic products travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to logistics hubs where they are stored for several months before landing on the shelves of drugstores and supermarkets. That’s the reason why the body lotion stuck in the back shelf of the cabinet is still ‘OK to use’ 3 years later. But there is a trade-off: as the years go by you may have to pay with your health for these relatively cheap and comfortable cosmetics.
Scientific studies have uncovered the truth about these preservatives
Parabens can be detected in the bloodstream 3 hours after application – meaning that they really do get absorbed through the skin and enter your body. If you are intolerant to them, they may cause allergy and irritation.
This is particularly true for cosmetics which have a lasting effect and products that you use regularly – such as body lotions and day/night creams.
They promise 24-hour hydration. In fact, these synthetic compounds get into your bloodstream incredibly fast – you couldn’t absorb them faster even if you ate the cream. And parabens don’t just drift idly in your blood.
Parabens impact on your hormone system and medical studies have linked them to different types of cancer – especially breast cancer.
Breast cancer can develop even in men. There are studies associating parabens in the body with symptoms such as low sperm count and low testosterone levels. Despite all those conclusions the compounds have been used in cosmetics for decades – and there is no sign of any significant change on that front.
Methylparaben is responsible for the premature aging of the skin, especially if it’s exposed to UV-radiation. Would you have ever imagined that anti-aging creams would contain such a preservative? They do – don’t ask me why...
It’s time to take control – don’t fall for the ads!
There’s only one way to protect yourself from the accumulation of harmful compounds and their effects: use as little of the synthetic, chemical-based stuff as possible. Parabens are hard but not impossible to avoid. Whatever you buy, check the list of ingredients first and make your judgment. If you can spot any ‘Paraben’ among the ingredients do not buy the product!
It’s best to do it right away: ditch all your cosmetics that contain artificial colours, scents and other chemicals. Take control over your skin’s health now!
Have a lovely, chemical-free day,
Andrea Varga-Darabos
Soap Fairy
