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A growing number of studies question the safety of chemicals in skin care products. Two chemicals of concern–paraben preservatives, and phthalates, found in synthetic fragrance–are employed extensive in baby lotions. Both parabens and phthalates are effortlessly absorbed through thin infant skin. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found measurable levels of phthalates in the urine of 81% of the infants tested. The most eminent levels were found in babies whose caregivers applied scented shampoos and lotions to bathe and moisturize their skin. Phthalates adversely affect the developing hormonal system. They have been linked to early puberty in girls and genital defects in boys, and not so long ago to insulin resistance and obesity. Parabens are endocrine disruptors–chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones that control growth and reproduction in humans and animals. It is now known that parabens cumulate in fatty tissue such as breast tissue, where they have been found in breast cancer tumors. Why are parabens and phthalates used in baby lotions? Lotions and creams integrate high percentages of water and ought to be preserved to prevent bacterial contamination. Parabens–methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben, and butylparaben–are very effective at preventing growth of bacteria, fungus and molds. Discovered in the 1930s, they are still applied in hundreds of merchandise in spite of a great deal of studies linking them to health difficultnesses and cancer. Today, safer number of things from which only one can be chosen exist. Manufacturers add synthetic fragrance to mask the smell of other ingredients in a product. Phthalates are chemical “plasticizers,” used to support the fragrance blend with other lotion ingredients and aid the smell last longer. Are natural fragrances safe for infants? Natural fragrances made from necessary oils don’t incorporate phthalates. However, long-term effects of daily necessary oil use haven’t been studied. There is concern that some necessary oils, exceptionally lavender, may affect a baby’s immature endocrine system. And any necessary oil may cause contact sensitivity or an allergic reaction on an infant’s sensible skin. Fragrance-free baby oil–the safest way to moisturize your baby’s skin You may keep away from exposing your baby to preservatives and fragrances by using a fragrance-free, vegetable-oil-based baby oil rather of a lotion or cream. Baby oil holds no water, so it doesn’t need the host of preservatives, emulsifiers and other chemicals required in a water-based product. But it’s primary to read the ingredients. Drugstore baby oils are made exclusively from solid homogeneous inorgani substance oil–distilled from petroleum as a by-product of gasoline refining–and synthetic fragrance. Unlike solid homogeneous inorgani substance oil, natural vegetable oils provide crucial fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that support your baby’s skin stay healthy. Look for sunflower oil or safflower oil–both high in vitamin E and considered splendid for preventing water loss in infant skin–in a baby oil’s ingredient list. In various studies, sunflower oil has been shown to reduce bacterial contagions in untimely infants. A high-quality oil will have to also comprise antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, to keep the oil from getting rancid. It’s a safe and effective way to keep your baby’s skin soft and moisturized, without chemicals. References 1. “Phthalates Overview.” Environment California. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/environmental-health/stop-toxic-toys/phthalates-overview. 2. Stahlhut, R, van Wijngaarden, E, Dye, T et al: Concentrations of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated with Increased Waist Circumference and Insulin Resistance in Adult U.S. Males. Environ Health Perspect. 2007;115(6):876-882. On Medscape.com. 3. Sathyanarayana, S, Karr, CJ, Lozano, P et al: Baby care products: possible origins of infant phthalate exposure. Pediatrics. 2008 Feb;121(2):e260-8. Full text at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e260 4. Darmstadt GL, Badrawi N, Law PA et al: Topically used sunflower seed oil prevents invasive bacterial contagions in preterm infants in Egypt. A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2004;23:719-725. |
