Overly Sensitive Skin? Try Paraben Free Products

Us laymen and laywomen know what we mean when we say we have “sensitive skin” – easy to breakout, swollen red bumps from minor scratches and bug bites, as well as rashes from contact with a variety of elements such as environmental irritants. Regards of whether or not you have always had sensitive skin or it is a condition that developed over time, one of the things that can really aggravate allergic reactions and skin conditions is all the parabens that are in everything from shampoo to soap to detergent to moisturizers. I have very sensitive skin to the point where lotions, soap and makeup make me breakout and get red bumps all over. Paraben free products have really helped me get my skin under control.

Parabens are basically chemicals that are in a variety of products that work to act as preservatives to keep out mold, fungus and bacteria from taking over and ruining different products. Such chemicals keep your soap and lotion fresh so to speak. Look for any ingredients with these names: methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben or butylparaben.

There is controversy surrounding whether or not parabens cause breast cancer and other health problems. Parabens mess with estrogen levels, so there have been many studies, but still some dispute on the long-term impact of parabens. Regardless of if you believe that parabens can lead to cancer, there is no argument that parabens are unnatural and manmade substances that fail to exist in nature. As a result, it is possible that they are not 100% safe and that people could possibly have allergic reactions or adverse impacts from something unnatural. And, that people with overly sensitive skin could benefit from using more paraben free products.

It is not so easy to find paraben free product. And yes, most of the time and like most “natural” products, they cost a little bit more than your cheap and loaded with chemicals product. However, I find the aggravation I save from itchy, bumpy and red skin has made the extra costs worth it.

When looking for paraben-free products, it is important to remember that just because a product says “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean it is automatically paraben free. Paraben free products usually say so right on the label so that there is no confusion.

It is hard to be 100% paraben-free. But, here are some ways you can get started:

• Body Wash/Soap: Since you hopefully bathe or shower regularly, you probably use a lot of soap. Soap comes in contact with your skin on a daily basis. It seems like a great place to start your paraben free journey. I use African Black soap or shea butter body wash. Both can be found in a natural form that is paraben free. Read the label to make sure, as there are many types that are processed. A site like Soap Hope can give you an idea of the variety of paraben free soaps on the market.
• Shampoo: Harsh shampoos can irritate scalps. There are tea tree oil soaps for itchy, dry scalps, soy and green tea shampoos as well as moisturizing shampoos with natural oils. I personally like tea tree oil shampoos because it can help heal any sores or bumps that are on the scalp area.
• Detergent: Chances are that you wear clothes most days. Detergents can be very irritating to the skin. Paraben free laundry detergent is hard to find. Free and clear isn’t the same thing as paraben free. Free and clear usually means no perfumes or dyes, which is a start. Dapple laundry detergent and Green Clean are some that are paraben free. Seventh Generation comes close but still has some parabens. To be honest, I often use free and clear detergents over paraben free to just save money, and they still really help reduce skin irritation.
• Makeup: Makeup has tons of parabens. A lot of people find makeup very irritating and the cause of breakouts. Paraben-free makeup can really help you still wear makeup without breaking out. There are many types of paraben-free cosmetics on the market (http://bcaction.org/our-take-on-breast-cancer/environment/safe-cosmetics/paraben-free-cosmetics/).
• Protect Your Baby: Why not get your baby started off healthy. Here is a great list of baby products that are paraben free http://safemama.com/2008/02/10/cheat-sheet-paraben-phthalate-free-baby-care/.

Obviously, there are many other types of products that you can switch to paraben free such as lotion, shaving gel and dishwasher detergent.

There are some difficulties to the paraben free lifestyle. Some organic products have short shelf lives, so you want to make sure you read labels carefully and look at expiration dates. Harsh products such as anti-aging creams are still hard to find that are paraben free, making these products very expensive to purchase.

As the knowledge about parabens increases, there will be more and more products available that are paraben free. There are already so many more products to choose from than even 10 years ago and easier to find through online searches and online stores.

I still have allergic reactions when I get bitten by a mosquito. However, I have fewer rashes since using paraben free products and can wear makeup again. This strategy is one that has worked for me, and I hope going paraben free helps heal your skin as it did mine.