The Paraben Factor

One of the biggest topics in cosmetics is the concern towards preservatives ie: Parabens.

Found in most of our skin care,make-up, shampoos, yes, and even baby products. The cosmetic counters have become more and more bombarded with confused women who seem to fear that our lipsticks and lotions contain cancer causing ingredients and are demanding paraben-free products.

Understandably, we want the healthiest for our skin and bodies, but it's time we took a closer look at what parabens are all about. Not all parabens are "bad".

Methyl Paraben, one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, having a broad spectrum of ant-microbial activity and is relatively nonirritating, and nonpoisonous. We need preservatives in most anything we put on our skin. Especially that which sits around the bathroom for more than three days. Unless your o.k. with tossing away a $250 eye cream, bacteria growth and other microbials caused by outside contaminants thrive in moist dark areas(jars). There is a need for parabens physically it seems as well as financially.

Then we have Benzoic Acid, a commonly used anti fungal preservative, which occurs in nature from cherry bark, raspberries, tea , anise, and cassia bark. Now because it is more "natural", more studies have shown that this ingredient is more likely to bring on asthma and eczema if a person is prone. This can make one think twice about the word "natural" when deciding what's healthier for them.
As temporary alternatives, in nature we can find helpful preservatives such as, caraway, cinnamon, clove, cumin, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood and thyme. Wonderfully delicious ingredients, who wouldn't want to include these within any spa experience,yet, it has been found that people can react adversely to these natural ingredients due to allergies and skin sensitivities. So skin care specialists should always take note.
Now there are many forms of parabens out there; natural, man made, and something in between. Knowing your own skin, keeping aware of it's sensitivities and your potential to reacting to certain ingredients, is the most important defense you have when approaching a cosmetic counter and preventing adverse reactions to your skin and personal health.
For more info on organic preservatives and hormone free preservatives visit www.specialchem4cosmetics.com.