Parabens are synthetic chemical compounds used in most cosmetics in order to preserve the product. Parabens give the product a longer shelf life. Examples include shampoos, make-up, moisturizers, shaving creams, deodorants, and toothpastes. Parabens can also be found in some pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Typically, a combination of different kinds of parabens are used in a single product. These types include butylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and methylparaben. Their frequent use is due to their effectiveness as bactericidals and fungicidals, as well as their low cost.
In the last decade, studies have strongly linked parabens to breast cancer. Parabens have been found in nearly all breast cancer tumors upon examination. Usually more than one kind of paraben can be observed in these tumors. Parabens have the ability to be absorbed by the skin, as well as the digestive tract. These chemicals can resemble and behave like the female hormone, estrogen. They bind to estrogen receptor sites in the body. This is especially notable since estrogen has been known to play a key role in the development of breast cancer.
Because of parabens’ ability to mimic and act like estrogen, researchers are also beginning to investigate parabens as an explanation of early puberty in adolescent boys and girls. The average age for the onset of puberty has decreased over the last few decades. Endocrinologists are looking into whether parabens are negatively impacting the endocrine system.
Another association that is being analyzed is the association of parabens and quality of sperm cells. It has been noted that as increased paraben levels in urine are observed in males, so are their levels of damaged DNA in their sperm cells.
Much more research needs to be done with parabens to make any absolute conclusions about this man-made compound. Why risk your health by using a product which may harm your body? You have the choice to use products that do not contain parabens. With this knowledge, you can be equipped to read product labels and understand their risks. YNS Cosmeceutical Skincare does not use butylparaben, propylparaben, ethyparaben, methyparaben, or any other paraben in our products. Your overall health is important to us at YNS Cosmeceutical Skincare ,as well as the health of your skin.
