Paraben Free Skincare.
One of the necessities of producing a natural skincare is that we find something that preserves it, and sustains it for a length of time so it can stay fresh until used. One of the earliest preservatives that we used was Gum Benzoin. It was used as early as the times of the Pharaohs for preserving mummies. Various parts of plant extracts over the years have been used as a preservative. What was difficult about these plant extracts was some contained a very pungent smell and were also reactive when used in the quantities required to preserve a cream. It was really only this century that creams have been able to last more than a few days.
In the 1930s, scientists developed something that could preserve creams. Synthetic Methyl, Ethyl and Propyl Parabens were developed from benzoic acid. These parabens were deemed excellent preservatives for skincare. They weren’t really allergenic, were low cost, they didn’t have that pungent smell and they incorporated reasonably easily into creams and functioned as a broad spectrum microbial bioside. Parabens are very effective at killing most bacteria, fungus and yeasts. Hence that’s really when skincare companies starting producing skincare.
Parabens have now been found in cancerous tumours, and particularly in breast tissue (Darbre et al (2004)). The source of these parabens is not yet clear as parabens can also be found in some foods, so there are internal and external possibilities to consider. Kyoto University (Japan) has studied how external parabens or topically applied parabens can penetrate the skin and get into the blood stream. Heildburg, Reading and Brunel Universities have carried out various studies regarding likely effect of parabens on our bodies. They found that alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben) are weakly estrogenic. In other words, these preservatives have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body (oestrogenic), with butylparaben being the most potent.
There are several theories about what is happening, including the oestrogen mimicking factor of parabens and how that’s impacting on cancerous tumours. Our own theories glean from all the research seen. We know through Kyoto University studies that topically applied parabens can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Numerous studies with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (“EDC”s) have shown that they (EDCs) can get stored in fatty tissues and our major organs (ref www.epa.com).
Because the normal healthy cells around the deposit of synthetic paraben cannot form in their normal way, you can get abnormalities. That’s one of the things which may be a result of using strong synthetic preservatives. Alternatives and most plant preservatives don’t have the strength that synthetic preservatives do. They tend to break down when they come into contact with air and warmth causing oxidisation. This process can also release new beneficial compounds for the body, all derived from the natural plant extracts.
This is what we have aimed to do with the Living Nature skincare natural preservative system.
However more research is needed to measure the effects of doses in humans to see if they are similar to those in the animal experiments (Routledge et al 1998). If the human exposures are significant - as far as being oestrogenic, these findings could assist studies which are seeking to help explain why the sperm counts have fallen by half over the past 50 years, and breast cancer in women is an increasing threat.
Routledge, E.J., J Parker, J. Odum, J. Ashby and JP Sumpter 1998 Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 153, 12-19
Darbre, PD A Aljarrah, WR Miller, NG Coldham, MJ Sauer and GS Pope 2004 Journal of Applied Toxicology 24 5-13
LIVING NATURE PARABEN FREE SKINCARE WITH NATURAL PRESERVATIVE SYSTEM:
Living Nature Skincare of New Zealand is a completely natural skincare range, paraben free skincare free from synthetic perservatives. The comprehensive paraben free skincare range is available online through the NZPacific webstore with free delivery worldwide.
Click Here to View the Living Nature Paraben Free Skincare Range
