WHAT ARE PARABENS?

When caring for your skin, high-quality ingredients are essential. Unfortunately, many creams, body washes, haircare additives, and other beauty products contain artificial preservatives, colors, and dyes. One of these many harmful ingredients in your products is parabens.

While parabens do help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, they also enter your skin and body tissues. Recent research has shown that parabens act as a xenoestrogen in your body. This means they can emit estrogen, and this has been linked to several side effects including brittle hair and advanced signs of aging. Other results of parabens are early puberty in girls, acne, developmental and neurological disorders, altered thyroid hormone levels, and various cancers to just name a few.

Studies have reported that these harmful preservatives can have an inflammatory effect on pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. This is the primary reason you won’t find parabens in topical hydrocortisone creams or antibiotic ointments.

Parabens made their introduction dating back to the 1950s to preserve, and extend, the shelf life of cosmetic products. However, parabens are now present in over 85% of beauty products including lipstick, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and body scrubs. Additionally, other bathroom products that contain parabens are facial cleanser, eye cream, deodorant, and even toothpaste. The top three parabens you must look out for in these products are methylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben.

THE ALTERNATIVE FOR PARABENS

Fortunately, you have many options for parabens-free products these days. There are even companies who craft pure organic and all-natural beauty products which is a great alternative. Not only do they not contain parabens, but they are also eco-friendly – they are not tested on animals, and they only have authentic ingredients. Freesens is one of these brands that offers a variety of paraben-free products from shower gels and body washes to body oils and creams. All their products are eco-friendly. Their ingredients are high-quality, all-natural, and their products are handmade in France.

BENEFIT #1 – PROTECT THE PLANET & HELP THE EARTH

If there is one natural thing you want to think about caring for, it’s where you live – Earth. When you support companies that use parabens-free products, you’re protecting the planet. Parabens and petroleum-based products increase greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change.

Parabens also release carbon into the atmosphere of forests and nutrient-rich lands which results in the habitats of endangered species being harmed and destroyed. When you are done showering, the parabens from your product washes down the drain and eventually reach the ocean; researchers have discovered parabens in the tissues of marine mammals such as polar bears, dolphins, and sea otters.

BENEFIT #2 – HAVE A HEALTHIER BODY & BETTER SKIN AND HAIR

Not only will the environment and its inhabitants be happier, but you will also see the positive effects on your body, skin and hair. Although parabens have not been directly linked to cancer, 99% of women with breast cancer had parabens in their tissues and bloodstream. Our beautiful bodies are already made to self-cleanse and remove toxins through the body’s largest organ – the skin.

Just like with your skin, parabens-free products are great for your hair. Parabens can cause scalp irritation, and studies have shown when you use parabens-based products like shampoos and conditioners, your blood samples contain preservatives after using the product.

Another issue with parabens-based products is that while it may claim to have anti-aging properties, the product actually has ingredients that cause early signs of aging. One of the specific harmful paraben ingredients is known as methylparaben, and it can cause a decrease in collagen production.

Collagen offers benefits such as the easing of joint pain and creates an appearance of more youthful skin. If you’re looking for a more natural alternative to parabens-based products, try olive oil or an occasional egg white facial mask, steam treatments, and drink plenty of water.

BENEFIT #3 – REDUCE YOUR ALLERGIES

Choosing parabens-free products will reduce your allergies as well as any skin conditions you may have. Since the 1960s, allergic contact dermatitis has been an issue related to the use of parabens. Allergic contact dermatitis includes side effects such as excessive itching, and red, blotchy, patches. Other allergic reactions can include blisters and bumps, swelling, tenderness, dry and scaly skin, and a burning sensation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Fortunately, as said before, there are a myriad of all-natural, organic, and eco-friendly parabens-free alternatives. Freesens offers products that are the ideal, high-quality, and handcrafted choice for your skin. All their skincare products are handmade in France and are never tested on animals. In addition to not containing parabens, you will also never see any animal fats, palm oils, or sulfates. No matter your skin type, Freesens delivers results you can’t miss out on.