Why You Should Use Paraben-Free Shampoos

Parabens are a sort of preservative used in cosmetics in general and shampoo in particular. They are even used in some foods and medicines. Parabens are used to inhibit microbial growth, and they are not a new substance – as far back as the 1920s, parabens were used as preservatives.

You can recognize them in ingredient lists on shampoo bottles – known variously as “methylparaben, propylparaben, benzylparaben and butylparaben,” all end in “paraben,” making them fairly easy to recognize. Why are some people concerned about the safety of parabens? Should you be concerned?

Here is a list of some of the common concerns with parabens.

1. Breast cancer

A 2004 study showed traces of five parabens in cancerous breast tumors. Although the study did not prove the parabens caused the cancer, parabens do have estrogen-like activity in the body, and excess estrogenic activity is highly implicated in breast cancer.

The concern regarding this study is that it clearly shows that parabens are capable of remaining intact in human tissue, and are not necessarily excreted from the body quickly and easily, as was once thought. The 2004 study is inconclusive, but that is the point – the study does not prove that parabens are safe, either. It raises important questions about the safety of parabens.

2. The water supply

When you use shampoo that contains parabens, those parabens go down the drain and into the public water supply each time you wash your hair. If you have a septic system, the parabens will be excreted into the leach field, and thus into the general environment. Ground water, creeks, streams, springs, and other water supplies are therefore contaminated with each rain.

Municipal water systems are obligated to sanitize water by killing bacteria and other microorganisms before it is considered drinkable tap water. Parabens, however, are not microorganisms. Like other chemicals dumped into the water supply, parabens can easily go “full circle” in the water supply, going from shower drain to rivers and back to the water treatment facility. Parabens on the skin are one thing, but the effects of actually drinking them is something else to consider.

3. Baby products

There is no limit on the amount of parabens that manufacturers can use in shampoos; the amount is not regulated. Babies, with their smaller bodies and less-developed systems, are more at risk for all toxins and chemicals than adults. So be sure to read ingredient lists on baby cleansing products.

Parabens are a controversial substance. The studies are not definitive regarding the safety of parabens; parabens have not been proven unsafe, but they have not been proven safe, either. Due to this doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry and avoid parabens.

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Skin Care Tips for Men

If you’re walking through a department store, you’re unlikely to find skin care counters for men. Men seemingly aren’t as concerned about their skin as women. However, they may still want to follow these skin care tips.

Did you know your skin is the largest organ of your body? It sure is! That’s why it’s important to take care of it. It is also your body’s first line of defense against some types of illnesses; if your skin is whole and healthy, germs are less likely to enter the body and cause infections.

What can a man do to help him take better care of his skin? There are a number of things. Obviously, washing their face every day with a non-drying cleanser will keep it clean. However, they may also like to try some of these ideas.

One of the simplest things a man can do to care for his skin is to wait until after they shower to shave. The skins pores often open with hot water or steam, so it may make shaving easier because the whiskers are softer. This may also reduce the possibility of razor burn; but it’s also important to use a clean razor blade.

Getting a facial may be something you associate with a woman, but more men are beginning to get them. They can help restore the skin’s balance and return a more youthful appearance. You can try a facial at home, but why not take the time to visit a reputable spa where they will analyze your skin and choose the best products to treat it. Pay attention to what they’re using so you can find similar products to use at home.

If your skin has blackheads, a facial can do wonders to bring them under control. Using a cleansing mask can also be very effective. Masks can be used in a targeted area rather than over the entire face. These types of cleansers will help loosen the blackheads so a mask can help remove them.

Having a daily skin care regimen is also a good idea for men. A cleanser, moisturizer, and moisturizing mask can help reverse some of the effects of daily living. Moisturizers will also help your skin stay softer if you drink alcohol.

Men generally don’t think about being out in the sun and the effect it has on their faces. While a suntan may be desirable, the sun’s rays can damage the skin. Moisturizers and cleansers may help soften the skin for a short time, but it is best to avoid the damage in the first place. Find a good quality product which blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

These are a few skin care tips for men to follow to keep their skin healthy and young looking. While men may not be known for spending time at a spa getting a facial, it may actually be something they want to consider doing. They can enjoy a good facial once in a while too.

Keep Your Lips Beautiful in Winter Time

It’s one of the major pet peeves during the winter months. Nearly everyone’s lips are dry, chapped, and sore. There is a way to keep your lips beautiful in winter time; if you continue to read, you can find out the secrets.

If your lips are chapped and sore during the winter, you may have noticed dead skin which is unsightly. Removing the skin gently is one trick to helping your lips begin to look better. How do you do that?

Run a clean, soft bristle toothbrush under warm water. Gently brush your lips to remove the dead skin. A child’s toothbrush may be the best choice since they’re designed for tender gums. Then apply lip balm and allow it to penetrate into the lip. Using a lip balm with a sunscreen will give extra protection from the sun as well as from the wind.

Avoid licking your lips. Winter air is drying to skin and lips, so its important lips get their moisture through a lip balm rather than your tongue. Licking your lips actually makes your lips drier, because the saliva from your tongue evaporates and draws the natural moisture from your lips away. So, even though it’s often an unconscious habit, try to keep your tongue in your mouth.

Some people, when they get dried and cracked lips, will bite their lips in an attempt to remove the dried skin. They may also bite their lips while in thought. Like with licking your lip, biting is a no-no – particularly in the winter. If it’s a habit, do your best to break it. Applying lip balm more often may not help you break the habit, but at least your lips will be protected between bites.

Other habits you might want to give up for the sake of your lips are smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking will dry out your lips, cause wrinkles around the lips and mouth, and thin the skin on the lips due to the chemicals in the cigarettes. Alcohol is also bad for your lips as it will dehydrate the body which normally shows in the lips first. If you?re looking for a reason to quit either of these habits, maybe having beautiful lips will be enough of a reason.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during the winter. The dry air, both inside and outside, can dehydrate you quickly. If your body is hydrated, your lips are less likely to suffer. Eating healthy meals and snacks will also go a long way to keeping your lips healthy during the winter season.

You can keep your lips beautiful in winter time if you’re willing to take care of them. Follow these secrets to help your lips remain hydrated and healthy this year rather than dry and chapped.

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