PARABEN-FREE HAIR CARE
As we focus so much on health these days, many wonder what ingredients are in the products we use every day. Suspicions about parabens have been circulating in public consciousness for nearly a decade now – and these most commonly used preservatives continue to divide researchers and international organizations alike. So, it’s no wonder if often you feel unsure about whom and what to believe and which harmful substances to avoid. In our latest article, you can read about why we recommend choosing paraben-free hair care.
BUT FIRST, WHAT ARE PARABENS, REALLY?
Parabens are the most popular preservatives in the cosmetic industry (found in 90% of cosmetics). They are popular for several reasons: effective against bacteria and fungi, cheap to produce, well-tolerated by the skin, and there are no similar, natural alternatives.
Despite these beneficial properties, the use of parabens in cosmetics is a controversial topic. The main reason is the suspicion that parabens may play a role in cancer development, influence the natural estrogen (one of the main female hormones) level, accumulate in tissues, and increase UVB-induced DNA damage in cells.
Although these things sound quite scary, the current scientific consensus is that the amount of paraben to which the human body is normally exposed (as they are not only present in cosmetics but also in foods) does not cause any of the above negative effects in the body.
However, parabens can cause several problems for your hair, including drying, scalp irritation, fading hair color, and even hair loss. So, the best thing we can do is to try to avoid this not-so-safe ingredient and switch to paraben-free hair care.
HOW TO IDENTIFY PARABENS?
In foods: E214-E219
In cosmetic product ingredients (INCI): Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butyl paraben, and benzyl p-hydroxybenzoate
WHY ARE PARABENS DANGEROUS?
- They can enter the body through the skin and orally.
- Assuming that manufacturers do not add more than the permitted limit, these can accumulate because several cosmetics may contain them, and you use them every day.
- They can cause allergic reactions, with classic symptoms being contact dermatitis reactions.
- They can disrupt the hormonal system as they behave like estrogen.
- They can hinder the development of reproductive organs.
- Methyl- and propyl-paraben can irritate the eyes, while ethyl- and butyl-paraben can irritate the skin.
- Methyl-paraben is also responsible for premature aging of the skin, as it may induce skin and oxidative DNA damage in response to UV light.
WHY ARE PARABENS STILL USED?
Because they are not directly toxic to humans, effectively kill bacteria and microorganisms, and are cheap, stable, and have a long shelf life in cosmetics. The problem lies in accumulation, for example, if your toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, face cream, makeup remover, foundation, etc., are all preserved with them.
THE SOLUTION – PARABEN-FREE HAIR CARE
Carefully study the products of your hair care routine! Apart from parabens, you may find many other harmful or irritating ingredients in some hair care products, such as fragrances, colorants, SLES, SLS, silicones, and various chemicals.
Oxygeni Hair is committed to natural, paraben-free hair care, and is also a natural and cruelty-free brand. You can find a solution for every hair and scalp problem among the products, and if you’re unsure, our experts provide assistance in creating the right routine for you and finding the most suitable products through online hair care consultancy.
Our tip: Oxygen therapy
For a little extra care, choose our unique oxygen therapy treatment, with which you can achieve noticeable results after just one session!
Oxygen therapy is based on strengthening the immune system and is built on 100% natural ingredients. By providing the hair follicles with adequate oxygen, vitamins, and minerals, the hair strands are rejuvenated with new life and strength, while the scalp is cleansed of impurities and regains its proper pH balance.
During the treatment, we deliver a concentrate consisting of nearly 70 types of vitamins and minerals to the deeper layers of the scalp, right down to the roots of the hair follicles. The vitamin complex stimulates hair growth, helping not only to treat scalp problems but also to promote hair growth!
Author: Rebeka Horváth
OXYGEN THERAPY AND OXYGENI HAIR PRODUCT REVIEWS
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