With the huge variety of herbs, essential oils, and science-based additives found in skincare products, it’s hard to choose which ingredients you want in a product. But this blog isn’t about all the amazing things you should look for in a product so I’ll save that for another time. This is about what you should be avoiding. One word in particular comes to mind: parabens.

What Exactly Are Parabens?

Parabens are a group of man-made preservatives made from a blend of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (try pronouncing that one!) and alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, and n-proponal.

Doesn’t exactly sound like something you want to slather all over your skin, right?

Here’s where commonly you’ll find the parabens:

  • Skin Creams
  • Face Wash
  • Body Washes
  • Shaving Lotions & Gels
  • Deodorants
  • Lotions
  • Toothpaste
  • Some Foods

Why Are They In My Skin Care Products?

Basically because parabens are very cheap to produce and they’ve been proven over time to work effectively as preservatives.

Commonly Used Parabens On Your Ingredients Labels:

  • Methylparaben
  • Propylparaben
  • Isoparaben
  • Butylparaben

Are Parabens Safe?

It really depends on who you ask. Some experts will tell you that research shows parabens having no effect when used on rats. Now I don’t know about you, but since the last time I checked, I’m not a rodent and don’t exactly feel comforted by these studies.

Other research (which is deemed controversial) shows that over half of breast cancer diagnoses occur in the underarm area, leading many people to believe that the parabens found in deodorant may be the culprit.

And these aren’t just your average people. Many experts & physicians believe that parabens mimic estrogen, leading to a freight train of issues. Cancer is clearly at the top of that list, but there are others that, though less threatening, are still a huge concern.

What Can Excess Estrogen Do To Me?

If parabens really do mimic estrogen (the jury is currently out on this one), they can cause unnecessary hormonal imbalances in the body. Here are some of the hallmark symptoms of estrogen dominance:

  • Acne
  • Body Aches
  • Dry Skin & Hair
  • Decreased Sex Drive
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swings
  • Breast Tenderness & Fibroids
  • Weight Gain particularly in the lower half
  • Difficulty Losing Weight
  • Headaches & Migraines
  • Endometriosis

Yikes!

So Should I Avoid Parabens?

I don’t make a habit of telling my clients what to do. But I do like to raise awareness so that you can make healthy choices that bring happiness, peace, and wellness to your life.

Here’s my personal opinion. We still don’t know exactly what these parabens are capable of doing to the body, but we do know they can be stored in the body and may be mimicking estrogens. Considering the unpleasant, even dangerous symptoms of estrogen dominance, maybe it’s best to avoid parabens for now?

In my own life and profession, I avoid parabens (see my paraben-free deodorant recipe below) by looking for the paraben-free logo on all of my products. In fact, any skin service you have at Beautiful Skin By Carmen or any product you purchase through us is free of these potentially life-threatening preservatives. Instead, we use Image Skincare – an amazing, wonderfully effective paraben-free line of skin care that I believe in 100%. They were one of the first skin product companies to avoid the use of parabens in their products, so they’re not only my go-to because they work, but because I love their holistic and proactive attitude when it comes to skincare. Rest assured, you’re in good hands!

Carmen’s Paraben Free Deodorant:

  • Mix Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray with 1/3 Cup of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • Apply & Let Dry
  • Apply Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone

Enjoy this all-natural combo that’s both sweat & smell-proof. You can find any of the above products right at your local health store. Too many women are getting breast cancer, so please be proactive by eliminating standard deodorant from your medicine cabinet!