Green People Edelweiss SPF 15 Sun Cream - click image for more details
A leading UK seller of Aloe Vera creams and cosmetics is asking consumers to check the ingredients in their skin care products to ensure parabens is not present. Whilst there is no established evidence that parabens in itself is harmful, research has indicated there may be a risk when cosmetics and sun creams containing parabens are exposed to sunlight.
The research suggests that parabens used in skin care products may contribute to breast cancer, accelerated skin ageing and DNA damage, as well as contact dermatitis, rosacea (acne) and skin irritation for those allergic to the ingredient.
Creams and cosmetics advertised as ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ often contain at least one synthetic type of parabens, including sunscreens, moisturising creams and lotions, cleansers, deodorants and toothpastes. It is used to preserve product shelf life. It can also be referred to in the ingredients list as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben.
A 2006 study conducted by researchers from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan found parabens in 18 out of 20 samples of breast cancer. It concluded that further research needed to be undertaken to determine if the parabens group is safe.
“Initial studies reported here show that parabens can be extracted from human breast tissue and detected by thin-layer chromatography.” – Osamu Handa, Satoko Adachi, Tomohisa Takagi et al. (3 October 2006). “Methylparaben potentiates UV-induced damage of skin keratinocytes”. Toxicology 227 (1-2): 62-72.
In 2008 researchers at Meijo University investigated the possible connection between parabens and DNA damage and concluded that under the right conditions the risk of damage could be increased by as much as five times. – Yoshinori Okamoto, Tomohiro Hayashi, Shinpei Matsunami, Koji Ueda, Nakao Kojima (July 26, 2008). “Combined activation of methyl paraben by light irradiation and esterase metabolism toward oxidative DNA damage”. Chemical Research in Toxicology 21 (8): 1594-9.
These tests revealed that when methylparaben (parabens) is applied on the skin, it reacts with UVB (ultraviolet B) leading to increased skin ageing and DNA damage. Although considered ‘safe’ by industry for use in skin care products, a small percentage of users may also develop an allergic reaction such as contact dermatitis or rosacea (acne).
Lavera After Sun Lotion - click image for more details
Gerry Newbold, spokesman for AloeVeraCream.net, suggests the decision for consumers isn’t difficult because there are plenty of parabens-free products easily available.
“With Summer temperatures soaring across the UK the temptation to get outside for some sunbathing will increase and of course everyone should be using sun cream with a sufficient protection factor before exposing themselves to ultra violet rays for any prolonged period. Whilst it should be remembered the risks associated with parabens are unproven at this time, why take any risk at all given there are parabens-free alternatives available from many suppliers that are just as good?”
“Of course check your moisturisers and anti-wrinkle creams too, it would be unfortunate if the product designed to look after your skin ended up doing the reverse just because you go out in the sun.”
AloeVeraCream is a UK based web site dedicated to Aloe Vera based creams and lotions that are parabens free.
Release Date: 11th July, 2010
