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The Case Against Parabens
Research shows endocrine disruption, estrogenic properties, and acelerated aging of skin cells
Parabens found in breast cancer tissue
Parabens are commonly found in cosmetics, shampoos, and skin creams and have been considered one of the safer ways to preserve products -- at least, that was true up until recently.
In January of 2004, research showing that parabens not only may cause a reduction in sperm count in males, but also act as endocrine disruptors in women by interacting with estrogen receptors.
This preservative is used in thousands of foods and cosmetics - alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid or parabens - and has been found in human breast cancer tissue. In animal and lab tests, parabens have been shown to affect reproduction in rats and to increase human breast cancer cell growth. Parabens act like estrogens and estrogen is a major factor in the growth and development of human breast cancer.
Dr Philippa Darbre, an oncology researcher at the University of Reading, concluded from preliminary research that parabens accumulate in breast cancer tissue. At this point, researchers do not know how it gets there. Parabens move through the digestive tract easily, but might be absorbed intact through the skin, and approximately 95% of skin care products on the market, including most of the so called natural lines still contain the paraben preservatives.1
Parabens accelerate aging of skin cells
New, just published research in Japan demonstrated that methylparaben, used as a preservative in skin care products and sunscreens, causes skin to age when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays.
The Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine researchers expressed particular concerns about cosmetics and facial products because they are used on a daily basis.
Now, before we go further, it's important to note that parabens aren't all bad. They are said to have antibacterial properties as well as a mild stimulating effect that can be beneficial. And, as I stated earlier, it's also considered to be one of the safest chemical preservatives.
”I think women should avoid strong and direct sunshine when wearing cosmetics containing methylparaben,” professor Toshikazu Yoshikawa told The Asahi Shimbun.2
Researchers applied methylparaben to skin in the amounts commonly found in cosmetic products. They then exposed the skin to 30 millijoules of UV rays per square centimeter, considered to be typical daily exposure in summer weather. Approximately 19% of the exposed skin cells died, while only 6% of the skin cells died which did not contain methylparaben. In addition, three times the amount of lipid peroxide (something that accelerates the aging process) was found in the cells containing methylparaben as compared to the skin cells not containing it. 3
Based on these results, researchers conclude that continued daily use of products containing methylparabens may result in a higher rate of dark spots, wrinkling, reduced skin tone and other signs of aging.4
To find out more about the skin care products I use that utilize a patent-pending self-preserving formula with no parabens, click here.
You'll be directed to my web site that focuses on these products.
To read Mr. Pitman's article in full, go to http://www.costmeticdesign-europe.com/news/ ng.asp?n=62166&m=2CDE829&c=bkgljyhokubpxbi
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1. "Samples from 20 human breast tumors were collected at the Edinburgh Breast Unit in Scotland. Because parabens are so widely used in consumer products, including cleaning solutions, special care was taken to make sure testing equipment had not been contaminated. The samples were tested for 6 different parabens: methyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, n-propylparaben, n-butylparaben, and benzylparaben. Concentrations of paraben were found sufficient to lead the scientists to conclude that parabens should be added to the list of “environmental estrogenic chemicals that can be found to accumulate in the human breast.” quoted from article by Rachael Myers Lowe, http://www.cancerpage.com/news/article.asp?id=6664
2. Quoted in article by Simon Pitman at www.costmeticdesign-europe.com/news.
3.Ibid.
4.Ibid.
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