Are you aware of what you put on your skin? Do you know what your shampoo, body lotion and eye make up remover contains? And if it is really safe?
It’s time to get out your magnifying glass and look at the ingredient lists of your cosmetics and skincare.
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One ingredient group you may notice are parabens. Parabens are used as a preservative in many cosmetic products, skin and hair care as well as in food and pharmaceuticals. It prolongs shelf life which is an obvious advantage for the company and distributor. But there is controversy on the safety of the use of parabens and our health and wellbeing.
There are several parabens. Some of them have been recommended not to be used in cosmetics in the EU namely: isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben. But you might still find them in your products - especially if you purchase from non-EU countries.
Why don’t we want to use parabens?
We don’t really understand the potential consequences of long-term exposure to parabens and we haven’t had any concrete evidence that they are safe. Especially considering how they may interact when we are exposed to various different parabens through the day - and through our lives.
Research has found that all the commonly used parabens possess the ability to mimic the action of the female hormone oestrogen. And further studies have been made into a connection between breast cancer and parabens. Breast Cancer UK is so concerned that they support the phase-out of all parabens from all cosmetics and products designed to be applied to the skin.
There are also concerns that this preservative has a reproductive and endocrine toxicity, and linked to early onset puberty, decreased testosterone, low sperm count and infertility. Skin issues are another problematic link.
But it is not just what we put on our skin. Parabens have been used so much that most people will have parabens in differing levels in their urine. And that level seems to be connected to how many personal care products we use.
Being Natural
Just like our fresh organic vegetables may not last as long as a processed meal our natural skin care products are not designed to last forever. Treat and use your natural products with respect. They still have a shelf life but use natural preservatives such as natural vitamin E or essential oils. For example, non of our Yogandha Oils contain any artificial preservatives at all.
We use Yogandha Relax Body Oil as our eye makeup remover and even as a facial oil. It’s simple and effective. And contains no nasties.
Look at the ingredient lists of your skin and hair care. Use the magnifying glass. Remember parabens are a suffix and another word will be in front. When aware you can make an informed choice.
Join our Journey to get to know about what else you shouldn't wear and which Essential oils and Yogic Rituals are good for you instead, especially for a smooth transition into winter.
links to articles:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/
https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/BCUK_Fact_Sheet_Parabens.pdf
links to studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23744051