Parabens: The various effects of parabens on your skin and hair

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are used as preservatives by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. They are used by a lot of companies as they are very cheap and easily accessible. Since parabens prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria, and yeast in products, it increases the shelf life of the products to a great extent. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and heptylparaben. Parabens are found in almost every cosmetic and hair care product there is.

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How do parabens affect our skin and hair?

Aside from preventing microbial growth, parabens also mimic estrogen. Parabens can very easily penetrate through the skin. They are absorbed by the skin and run into the bloodstream, disrupting the normal functioning of the hormones. The increased levels of estrogen through parabens reduce the production of this important hormone in women. 

Estrogen is a hormone in females which helps in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. This increases the risk of breast cancer to a great extent. Parabens are also being suspected to cause early puberty in girls as well.

Hair scalp is an extension of the skin. Therefore, the parabens used in hair-care products are also being absorbed by the users. This further gets absorbed into the bloodstream, which in turn, increases the level of estrogen in the body.

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In a recent study, it was found that not just females but males are also being affected by the increased levels of parabens in their bloodstream. Parabens were found in the urine and blood of healthy males after using paraben-based products. Using products containing parabens might also become a cause for low sperm count and testicular cancer.

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Disclaimer: These facts are taken from various medical reports please consult a medical practitioner for more details