Agreed, it is difficult to test a myriad of home remedies for your beauty routine all the time. While the concoctions that you use would be pure, they might not be in the perfect proportions, reducing its benefits. Which is why it is okay if you use some expertly crafted products for your beauty needs sometimes. However, it is important that you are careful about the ingredients that these expert products contain.
Often in the pursuit of beautiful skin and hair, we fail to notice the impact of different ingredients present in the beauty products. Mentioned in monosyllabic words, many of such ingredients can be detrimental not only for your skin and hair but also health. One such harmful ingredient that you should watch out in your beauty arsenal is parabens.
What are parabens?
Parabens are a set of preservatives that are used in beauty products such as moisturizers, body wash, creams, shampoos, soaps, deodorants., etc. Parabens prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus and so is used in products to increase their shelf life. The different chemical compounds containing parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and heptylparaben. You can save yourself from harmful parabens by avoiding ingredients beginning with methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, or isobutyl in beauty products.
Effects of parabens on skin
Get absorbed in the body
Studies have found that parabens not only penetrate the skin but are also absorbed in your body. A study conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated the presence of parabens traces in human urine. It is known that parabens enter your bloodstream and remain in your body for a long time irrespective of its low quantity in your beauty products.
Can cause cancer
Parabens are infamous for their estrogenicity. Experts have found out that parabens mimic the estrogen hormones in your body causing the growth of cancer cells. It has been linked to the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Some experts also opine that paraben can trigger cell division in the breast posing a risk of breast cancer and tumours. Ouch!
Cause reproductive problems
The estrogenicity property of paraben has been linked to early puberty in girls and other reproductive problems in females as well as males. Disrupting body hormones, parabens can also cause acne, male breast growth and thyroid issues.
Sulphate is another chemical that can harm you and your skin. Check out our blog on why sulphate is bad for skin to learn more about it.
Looking for an alternative to paraben for skin? Trust Coco Soul. Coco Soul believes that mother nature has the solution to all your skin and hair woes. The products of Coco soul are infused with centuries old secrets of Ayurveda along with king virgin coconut oil from Sri Lanka in its core. Its natural ingredients solve your beauty woes and give you flawless skin and gorgeous hair. We recommend the following natural products -
Coco Soul Hair & Scalp Cleanser
Created with virgin coconut oil and natural ingredients in its core, this hair cleanser gently washes off the dirt and pollution, balances scalp oil, unclogs hair follicles, and strengthens hair roots. Natural and chemical free, it nourishes your scalp and hair and keeps your hair soft and healthy. It contains -
- Virgin coconut oil - Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it nourishes the scalp and nurtures the roots.
- Godapara - An organic herb, it soothes the itchy and flaky scalp and strengthens the hair.
- Kikirindiya - It boosts blood circulation in the scalp, treats dandruff and hair fall and promotes hair growth.
Coco Soul Revitalizing Shower Gel
Free from parabens, this shower gel is like a splash of pure ingredients on your skin. Made with pure virgin coconut oil and choicest Ayurvedic herbs, it gently cleanses, purifies, and rejuvenates the skin without any lingering dryness. It contains:
- Virgin coconut oil: It has skin-nurturing compounds that hydrate, moisturize and nourish the skin.
- Sandalwood: It reduces oxidative stress in the skin, minimizes age spots, and reverses sun damage.
- Gotukola: It fights sagging skin and promotes collagen production.
Coco Soul has a wide range of natural hair care and skincare products that includes paraben free face wash, paraben free moisturizer, paraben free body lotion and paraben free face cream, to name a few. They are free from parabens, sulphates, sodium chloride, DEA, mineral oils, formaldehyde, petroleum, silicones and any other chemicals. They are also MadeSafe certified, 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Conclusion
Used in a wide range of beauty products, food and drugs, parabens have been linked to serious health issues. Now when you know the harmful effects of parabens, why not switch to paraben free products? Adopt a natural beauty regimen today and head over to Coco Soul website to shop for Ayurvedic and paraben free products here.
Also, read our blog on the side-effects of sulphates, parabens and phthalates on skin to learn about the side-effects of more such chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions on Side-Effects of Parabens
1. Why are parabens bad for your skin?
Parabens are known to penetrate in your skin and enter your bloodstream. They remain in your body for a long time and can cause various health issues including cancer.
2. Why are parabens bad for your hair?
Parabens can cause irritation in scalp, drying of hair, flakes and even hair loss.
3. Is paraben in cosmetics safe?
No. Parabens used in cosmetics are not safe. They can disrupt the working of hormones in your body and cause various health issues.