| What is paraben? No, it is not a new religion or | | | | There are a whole range of diseases and conditions |
| disease! It is basically an anti fungal agent, made from | | | | which have been linked to these agents, from breast |
| petroleum, which can help a product such as a | | | | cancer to liver disorders and leukemia, depression and |
| shampoo, face cream or body lotion to stop | | | | schizophrenia. Any skin product can be absorbed into |
| developing bacteria or fungi from ruining them. | | | | the skin and because they mimic oestrogen, then they |
| Otherwise we would have to keep our face creams in | | | | should be avoided where possible. What is paraben |
| the fridge. Cosmetic companies hope that by using | | | | doing to our bodies? There is no conclusive evidence |
| these agents, their products can last up to three years. | | | | as yet but it is always better to opt for paraben free |
| Longer shelf life means more money so paraben free | | | | products where possible.. |
| products are not a profitable option. | | | | Is there a limit established for cosmetic products? |
| These substances have been in use for almost a | | | | Parabens are allowed but there is a limit. This limit is |
| hundred years but research is now linking them to | | | | about 3.8 grams for your typical cosmetic product. If |
| certain diseases so it is just plain common sense to | | | | we were to use the product, such as a body cream |
| buy paraben free products, especially when it comes | | | | and rub it into the skin for a long period, then there |
| to skin care preparations. They are used in a myriad | | | | would obviously be a risk. We should bear in mind that |
| of other products such as shoe polish, foods, glues and | | | | cosmetic companies are subject to little or no control |
| various oils and fats. | | | | by the FDA and are therefore for the most part self |
| What do they do to the body? | | | | regulating. |
| Nobody thought about these friendly antifungal agents | | | | Go for the safer option. |
| until recently and now there are several studies which | | | | Some companies actually make a point of NOT using |
| say that their long term safety cannot be guaranteed. | | | | parabens but they are not very many. One of these |
| Why? Simply because they can readily absorbed by | | | | companies has made a point of rejecting these agents |
| the skin, the largest organ in our bodies and then get | | | | and other harmful ingredients such as fragrances and |
| into the bloodstream. They are not so easily excreted | | | | alcohols in all their skin care products. Why not click |
| from the body either. | | | | through and find out how choosing paraben free |
| What are the diseases that have a paraben link? | | | | products could change your life. |