Study confirms trace parabens in breast tumours
In 2003, Philippa Darbre and colleagues at the
University of Reading carried out landmark tests of 20 different human breast tumours. Their results were published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology and confirmed traces of parabens in every tissue sample.
The tests suggest that parabens, which are widely used in personal care products as a preservative seeped into breast tissue after being applied to the skin.
“This is the first study to show their accumulation in human tissues,” said Dr Darbre. “It demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals (parabens),
then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies.”
While there is currently no evidence directly linking parabens and cancer, the scientists called on authorities to review the use of parabens in personal care. The personal care industry continues to insist on the safety of parabens.
“We have an enormous amount of information which supports the safety of these chemicals and their use in cosmetics.”
Chris Flower, Director General of the UK's Cosmetic
Toiletry and Perfumery Association
Dry winter skin ... try shea butter ...
Pure shea butter is simply one of the most exotic
and effective moisturizers available. As many
companies jump on the shea bandwagon, it is
important to note how the product is handled and how much shea butter is actually found in the product.
If possible, opt for unrefined pure shea butter that is clearly marked as the base ingredient of the product for maximum benefit. It will be more expensive, however it will outlast any waterbased lotion or cream with shea butter as an ingredient.
How does one determine how much shea butter is in the product? Take a look at the label and take note on the position of the ingredient you are looking for. If it is listed near the bottom of the list, as most “high end” ingredients often are, that means there is very little shea butter in the product.
Protect your skin from the sun ... naturally ...
Shea butter protects the skin from sun damage and offers natural UV protection due to the high content of cinnamic acid. Cinnamic acid has a natural blocking effect on UV rays and is considered an indispensible ingredient in sunscreens. Obviously, the highest content of cinnamic acid is found in pure unrefined shea butter.
While shea butter helps protect the skin from the sun, it also promotes skin and tissue cell regeneration. It is ideal for all ages, however older women will discover a special benefit as it helps the skin remain soft and supple and at the same time guards against the effects of environmental pollution and aging.
Parabens and anti-aging ...
Parabens are widely used in all personal care
products as a preservative which helps to inhibit bacteria growth. This enables your lotions and potions to stay on the shelf for a number of years. Recent studies of the use of parabens in
anti-aging formulations however, have proven to have the opposite effect on skin causing premature aging and sagging. So how many anti-aging formulations contain these parabens? According to the Environmental Working Group, 11,335 personal care products contain parabens.
Parabens can react to UV rays ...
Parabens have also been found to react with the sun's UV rays in a way that can actually accelerate the aging process. According to research conducted
at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, skin treated with parabens, particularly methylparaben, demonstrated a 16 percent increase in skin cell death when exposed to monitored UV rays as opposed to untreated skin.
Further to these findings, lipid peroxide which has been identified as speeding up the ageing process, was found at a rate three times greater than untreated skin cells.
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