My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts
Day 61: The Dangers of Parabens
Earlier this week I shared with you my concern whether deodorants and breast cancer are related. Today we’re going to go a step further and look at the effects parabens have on the human body.
What are Parabens
This is what the experts have to say ...
Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Chemically, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They are found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, makeup,[1] and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives.
While it hasn’t been proven that parabens cause cancer, studies have found that parabens have an effect on human hormones, leading to cancer. When I read this piece of information it made me wonder why manufacturers are allowed to put such harmful ingredients in everyday items.
Pseudo-Estrogen Effects. Specifically, parabens act like estrogen, which may increase the risk of women developing estrogen-positive breast cancer. Researchers conducted tests on 20 different samples of human breast tumors, which revealed parabens to be present in each sample.
Isn't this shocking? In every single breast tumor traces of parabens were found. How can the FDA allow this!
Avoiding Parabens
Avoiding parabens is easier than you might think. All it takes is paying attention to the label of certain products.
Paraben-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
Pick up any supermarket shampoo or conditioner and chances are they’ll contain parabens or another harmful ingredient. Bain de Terre and Jason haircare products, on the other hand, are not only of a better quality than most supermarket products, they are paraben free.
Paraben-Free Shower Gel
Does your shower gel contain parabens? This website lists shower gels and body washes that do not contain these harmful chemicals. https://kit.com/Lucy/best-natural-paraben-free-bath-and-body-washes-2017
Paraben-Free Body Lotion
After showering or bathing, most women use a body lotion to keep their skin hydrated. In addition to various brands in this list there’s also St. Yves who has a large range of paraben-free body lotions.
Paraben-Free Moisturizer
Another item women use on a daily basis is moisturizer. Moisturizer is known to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay and should be used before applying makeup. Other than moisturizers in this list there also Nivea.
Makeup
The majority of women use makeup before they go to work, out for a visit, out shopping or even just around the house. They don’t feel like themselves until they have their face on. Unfortunately, the foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, blush and lipstick they use all contain parabens. To avoid those nasty chemicals, have a look at this list. You’re sure to find a makeup brand you like. https://www.bcaction.org/our-take-on-breast-cancer/environment/safe-cosmetics/paraben-free-cosmetics/
Once you start paying attention, you can find all kinds of products that don’t contain harmful ingredients. Whatever you want or need, simply type “paraben free makeup” or “paraben free lotion” in your favorite search engine and see what comes up. Within no time you'll be on your way to a healthier way of life.
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