This article is written by Renaud Naturals’ very own Amanda Stone and originally appeared in “Articles Base” (see the link below)

What are parabens?  Why should we avoid products containing them?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in a wide range of cosmetics. They are commonly found in many personal care products, such as lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving gel, lubricants, deodorant, skin tanning solution, and topical medication. Parabens are also used as food additives.

This inexpensive preservative effectively prevents bacteria and fungi from growing in products. For many years parabens were considered safe, but today many experts recommend avoiding products that contain this synthetic preservative.

Parabens have been widely used as an effective preservative in cosmetic products for many years. They were considered to have low toxicity, and caused only the occasional allergic reaction. In recent years, experts have discovered that parabens mimic the female hormone estrogen. When estrogen-like substances are absorbed by the body, they can disrupt the body’s normal hormone production. This can contribute to cancer and other health issues.

Studies Find Paraben Compounds in Breast Cancer Tumors

A study conducted in 2004 at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom found a substantial amount of paraben compounds in breast cancer tumors. It is believed that parabens absorbed through the skin migrated to the breast cells and eventually caused the growth of tumors. Parabens have also been linked to male reproductive abnormalities, such as testicular cancer, sperm abnormalities and prostate disorders. Skin is a living, breathing tissue that covers and protects the body, but it also absorbs substances that come into contact with it. When products made with chemical preservatives are used, these chemicals can be absorbed into the body. The environment may also be affected by the regular use of synthetic products. These chemicals are washed into the water supply with every use of products such as shampoo, body wash, shave gel, etc.

The amount of parabens in cosmetics may not be much, but skin care products are usually applied on a daily basis. The long-term and cumulative effects are not known with daily use of products containing parabens. Products left on the skin, such as makeup and skin lotions, are of greatest concern because of the long exposure time and opportunity for migration via the skin into the bloodstream.

Natural and Organic Products are a Better Solution

Alternative cosmetic products exist that do not include potentially dangerous parabens. Natural and organic products rely on natural ingredients that have self-preservation qualities. Many of these ingredients have natural antioxidant qualities. Although the shelf life may not be as long, the natural products offer many benefits for the skin, and do not contain the harmful artificial preservatives. Some natural preservation ingredients commonly used in natural products are grapefruit seed extract, tocopherol (vitamin E), retinyl (Vitamin A), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), potassium sorbate, many essential oils, and rosemary oil extract.

For many years parabens were considered safe, but today many experts recommend avoiding products that contain this synthetic preservative. The skin is permeable, and can absorb the ingredients of the products applied to it. Natural skin care products contain alternative types of preservatives that are not harmful to the body. Using natural and organic skin products free of dangerous parabens is important for the skin and the entire body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/paraben-dangers-1570710.html

About the Author

Want your skin to look and feel fabulous? Check out Renaud Natural’s all natural, organic products. Be kind to your body and use natural products! To learn more about natural skin and body care, visit http://www.RenaudNaturals.com Renaud Naturals “Where Science and Nature Become One”.

Brrr! Aahhh! It is that time of year when we think of hot chocolate and delightfully warm fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. We say – “gosh where did the Fall go? It’s Winter now!”.  We seem to be surprised by it, but in reality we knew it was coming. Did you stock up on a thicker moisturizer for the winter? No? Not yet, huh. Your skin is at it’s most dry state right now. It is probably trying hard to keep things ok – but it is a little sensitive.  Ah, the “I have sensitive skin” comment is pretty common and it usually stems from the fact that your skin is screaming for moisture and it is very unhappy.

What to do? First, if you haven’t purchased an exfoliant - now is the time. You need to slough off that layer of dry skin that has built up to protect your skin from the wind and cold.  It is trying very hard to keep the skin from total unhappiness! Using one of our exfoliants free of parabens, chemicals, dyes and fragrances is a good idea as your skin is now “sensitive, i.e. mad” and will really have a reaction to anything that has bad ingredients in it. Go natural. Go chemical free!

After exfoliation we usually recommend a moisturizing masque (like our Spirulina Masque) to help infuse needed moisture. But if your skin is really not happy – just a thick application of your winter moisturizer is perfect.  We recommend the Tamanu Nut Masque due to it’s great combination of healing properties (Tamanu Nut & CoQ10) and heavy moisture content. When you apply it – go thick. The first time after you exfoliate very dry skin and then apply moisturizer your face is going to drink it up like mad! Yes! Over-apply. Wait 10 minutes, then touch your face – now where did all that product go? And wow! My skin is so soft and dewy and feels much better. It’s amazing what a difference a great all natural moisturizer has on your skin. It’s ok to put a little bit more on – your skin will thank you with even skin tone and softness for sure!

Another benefit you get from this combination of exfoliating and moisturizing with your winter moisturizer is that your makeup will apply smoother – more evenly. Your skin tone will not be so blotchy with red patches from the over dryness. So there is less corrective make-up application, helping your skin to breathe easier.

So if you haven’t made the switch to your winter moisturizer now is the time! Doubling up on the light summer product will not help – the cold temperature and wind will go right through a light moisturizer and leave your skin unprotected. Also, using an over the counter moisturizer full of fillers and chemicals also contains a lot of alcohol.  Avoid products containing alcohol on your face. This creates such a dry state that it makes it hard for you to smile! Amp up the moisturizer and be sure to exofliate at least once every two weeks to rid your skin of the dry, flaky bits. Smooth, soft and dewy – that’s our goal for your all-natural skincare here at Renaud Naturals!

(While we have mentioned our own products here on the blog, Renaud Naturals will formulate your own private label skincare line for your spa, salon or boutique store. Brand yourself and your business with a special skincare line of your own. Call us at 970-667-1433 to inquire or see our website for more information. Also, if you found this article informative please feel free to re-Tweet it or post it on your Facebook page! We appreciate the link! Click below)