Why are you afraid of Chemicals?

I was in a cosmetic store last Monday, and I overheard two girls talking to each other about a particular skin care product:

Girl 1: This looks like a nice cream.

Girl 2: *Grabs the cream for Girl 1’s hand and reads the label Oh no! It has Parabens! Don’t buy it. Don’t you know that Parabens can cause cancer?

Girl 1: Oh yeah. *puts cream back on the display counter

Photo Credits: ehow.com

I almost approached them, gave them my calling card, and said: “Hi. Please visit my blog in two to three days. I have something to say.”

I sometimes shake my head whenever blogs, ads, and people say that chemicals are a threat to humanity, and therefore, they should be abolished. And when you question them, all they can only say is one thing: “It causes cancer.” Okay, if I may ask, what type of cancer? Where are these chemicals deposited in the body? How long will it take for you to see the effects? What exactly are the most dangerous types of chemicals? I’m pretty sure they do not know.

The year 2010 marked the veritable rise of the Organic and Natural industry. It is so strong and influential, that this coalition have converted many people into the cause and forced many companies to come up with organic and natural versions of their products. The reason for this astounding success? Chemical malignancy. The Internet, glossies, and news have been bombarded with scaremongering (current fave word. Thanks Rae) reports about the health risks posed by Parabens, Talc, and other chemicals.

HEY, WHY U SO AFRAID OF CHEMICALS?

Photo Credits: rodkirby.com

Okay, so if I’m going to ask you why you’re avoiding chemicals. What would you tell me?

Because they cause cancer

Because I read it in the Internet.

Because the label on this product says so

What else? *taps foot

Now, a lot of people have been misinformed about chemicals. I, too, have been wary about chemicals when these alarming issues came out, but I was never contented with hearsays. I have researched and asked a couple of doctors and found out that they are not as dangerous as alleged. Click READ MORE and find out why there's no reason to fear them. (Yet)

Since Parabens are subject to vilification nowadays, let’s just focus on this ingredient.

Let’s start with the Paraben-Cancer issue since it is the most prevalent today. Indeed, there have been studies about this issue, but people must realize that this still remains a theory. There were evidences, but these are not sufficient and are too weak. If these were true, then Parabens would have been banned a long time ago. In fact, some of the studies and tests performed were unrelated to the reality of product usage.

What are Parabens? Simply put, they’re preservatives—they are used to combat microorganisms from natural plant and food grade extracts, and they fight new bacteria brought into jars and bottles by air, humidity, and your fingers. It has been used for over 70 years in the industry, and was found to be the most effective anti- bacterial ingredient that causes minor side effects. (Skin sensitivity) Thank goodness we are living in the now because back then, Formaldehyde was used as a preservative!

Perhaps you have read excerpts about Parabens and Cancer in websites that advocate organic/natural products and food. You see, when something is taken out of context, it tends to have a whole new meaning. What you’re reading and have just read is just a part of the story. So do yourself a little favor: Save yourself from paranoia and read the whole article!

Maybe if Parabens could speak, it will say:

We, Parabens, are absorbed, ingested, and excreted rapidly by the body. We can go no further than your stratum corneum aka skin surface.

We, Parabens, are strictly regulated, and we cannot go beyond our required dosage in each and every product.

Our brothers, Methyl and Ethylparaben are deemed safe by the medical industry. Currently, more studies are being done on our other brothers.

Parabens are safe when used properly and taken in right amounts. Anything excessive is dangerous, and this true for all chemical and non-chemical ingredients.

FACT: Most of the packaged food you eat contain PARABENS. It is not exactly called PARABENS in the ingredient list but instead, it is guised under serial numbers.

SO WHAT GOOD AND HARM CAN ORGANIC AND NATURAL PRODUCTS DO FOR YOU?

Perhaps you’ll only say one thing: “They don’t cause cancer that’s why they’re good.” But have you ever asked yourselves if there is a catch with organic and natural products? And do you honestly believe that chemicals are the only cause of cancer?

I’ve been to two different health forums last Monday, and the topics were all about skin care and skin care products. The issues about chemical toxicology were raised, and the doctors have provided very sound answers and interesting facts! Here are some of them:

Organic and Natural skin care products cannot be sold straight from the backyard. It requires testing and an FDA license to ensure the consumers of its efficacy and safety. Organic and Natural products require an FDA seal before they can be sold in the market. (At least in foreign countries) So have you ever asked yourself, “Is my organic product legit?”

When compared to chemical- laden products, Organic and Natural products have little to no efficacy at all.

Since Organic and Natural products contain food grade ingredients, they can worsen allergies. For example, if you are allergic to milk, yet you use products with milk, your condition will still worsen even if you don’t ingest milk. How? New studies have shown that internal allergies can be triggered through the skin.

Organic and Natural products don’t use preservatives, thefore they have a shorter shelf life. In a few weeks, bacteria will start thriving in these products, and it will do your skin more harm than good.

Preservative- free products are not exactly preservative- free. They use preservatives that are not listed in the permitted and recognized list of preservatives by governments. However, some use natural preservatives such as alcohols and essential oils. But these products have been found to be unstable and incompatible with most product formulations.

Don’t get me wrong. I still use a couple of organic and natural body products. This is not a barrage on the Organic and Natural industry, and I don’t own a Paraben manufacturing company either. This is just my simple advice to people who don’t inform themselves properly. I do not know and I do not care if you're using organic or chemical- based products. Regardless, I would still advise you to do research.

There’s no reason to fear chemicals in cosmetics, as they are strictly regulated by government agencies. I just can’t understand this too much fuss on them, when in fact, there are more alarming issues to focus on. People are so afraid of Parabens and the likes, but they continually eat canned food and processed meat rich in cancer- causing Sodium Nitrite, binge on carcinogenic treats such as donuts, and indulge in sodas with alarming sugar content.

Before jumping into a trend, it’s best to ask ourselves not only the question “How will it benefit me?” but also “Will it do me harm?” And it pays to be informed correctly—ALWAYS. Don’t just believe stories. Research and ask about them.