AllyCatAvoiding Paraben Preservatives in Rosacea Skin Care
July 21st 2008 09:40
Some interesting information from the Rosacea Treatment Clinic regarding a certain preservative found in a lot of commercial creams and cosmetics.
Paraben preservatives, alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, including methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben, are problematic components in virtually all mass-marketed cosmetics including facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and make-up.
Parabens are included in products to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi and mold and to extend shelf life up to and beyond the point of opening. Most skin care products containing parabens have a shelf life of approximately 4 years.
Despite their widespread use, paraben preservatives produce overt and subclinical allergic and other undesirable reactions in rosacea patients' skins.
Overt reactions include dermatitis (itching, dryness, scaling) and inflammation (redness) which deteriorate the health and appearance of the skin.
Subclinical reactions are those which don't produce symptoms visible to the naked eye or which aren't generally sensed by patients, nevertheless these also permanently deteriorate the skin's potential to function healthily.
Although patients are quick to spot potential overt reactions to skin care products, subclinical reactions are a greater concern for the (initially) undetected damage they produce.
Subclinical reactions can be diagnosed by patch testing using a doppler laser, a relatively expensive and time-consuming procedure unavailable to the public at large.
Because almost all skin care products contain paraben preservatives, there is likely an epidemic of undetected damage accruing in rosacea patients' skins.
Unless a skin care product containing paraben preservatives is producing superior net improvement in your symptoms, you should discontinue its use.
Conclusions for Paraben Preservatives in Rosacea Skin Care
Although paraben preservatives are generally thought to be suitable for patients without rosacea, and at the very least do not provoke obvious skin reactions, our extensive clinical experience with rosacea patients confirms long-term harmfulness of this ingredient.
Patch testing of patients' skins comparing response to parabens on rosacea-affected facial skin vs forearm skin proves that the ingredient causes additional inflammation that encourages free radical damage engendering a variety of rosacea symptoms.
Rosacea patients whose skin has absorbed parabens generally exhibit greater numbers and frequency of papules, pustules and pimples.
Frequently, when patients discontinue paraben-preserved skin care there is some initial breakout associated with the skin detoxifying itself, however ultimately it achieves a healthier state of functioning (and appearance).
In spite of evidence and experience, this mild detox-reaction is sometimes misconstrued as harmful and leads to failed treatment and a worse prognosis.
None of the preservatives mentioned in this article are contained in any of the recommended lotions or creams I use. That is why I think natural products with the least ingredients will always be the safest way to go. If you do have a reaction to a particular ingredient, it is much easier to narrow down an irritating ingredient if there are less in the product. If you are at the supermarket trying to pick a cleanser or moisturizer, remember to stay away from alcohol based products and look for labeling that says “non-comedogenic” and “chemical free” on them.
Paraben preservatives, alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, including methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben, are problematic components in virtually all mass-marketed cosmetics including facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and make-up.
Parabens are included in products to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi and mold and to extend shelf life up to and beyond the point of opening. Most skin care products containing parabens have a shelf life of approximately 4 years.
Overt reactions include dermatitis (itching, dryness, scaling) and inflammation (redness) which deteriorate the health and appearance of the skin.
Subclinical reactions are those which don't produce symptoms visible to the naked eye or which aren't generally sensed by patients, nevertheless these also permanently deteriorate the skin's potential to function healthily.
Although patients are quick to spot potential overt reactions to skin care products, subclinical reactions are a greater concern for the (initially) undetected damage they produce.
Subclinical reactions can be diagnosed by patch testing using a doppler laser, a relatively expensive and time-consuming procedure unavailable to the public at large.
Because almost all skin care products contain paraben preservatives, there is likely an epidemic of undetected damage accruing in rosacea patients' skins.
Unless a skin care product containing paraben preservatives is producing superior net improvement in your symptoms, you should discontinue its use.
Although paraben preservatives are generally thought to be suitable for patients without rosacea, and at the very least do not provoke obvious skin reactions, our extensive clinical experience with rosacea patients confirms long-term harmfulness of this ingredient.
Patch testing of patients' skins comparing response to parabens on rosacea-affected facial skin vs forearm skin proves that the ingredient causes additional inflammation that encourages free radical damage engendering a variety of rosacea symptoms.
Rosacea patients whose skin has absorbed parabens generally exhibit greater numbers and frequency of papules, pustules and pimples.
Frequently, when patients discontinue paraben-preserved skin care there is some initial breakout associated with the skin detoxifying itself, however ultimately it achieves a healthier state of functioning (and appearance).
In spite of evidence and experience, this mild detox-reaction is sometimes misconstrued as harmful and leads to failed treatment and a worse prognosis.
None of the preservatives mentioned in this article are contained in any of the recommended lotions or creams I use. That is why I think natural products with the least ingredients will always be the safest way to go. If you do have a reaction to a particular ingredient, it is much easier to narrow down an irritating ingredient if there are less in the product. If you are at the supermarket trying to pick a cleanser or moisturizer, remember to stay away from alcohol based products and look for labeling that says “non-comedogenic” and “chemical free” on them.
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