Parabens in skin care products and concerns about skin cancer are topics of much discussion. A reader’s question about parabens highlights a common concern, and it’s important to address these questions, especially for anyone involved in the Exposed Skin Care Affiliate Program or considering it. Parabens raise eyebrows for various reasons, but what are the facts, and how concerned should we be? Let’s delve into this question, particularly in the context of promoting skin care products through affiliate programs.
Hello Dr Bailey,
I’m a big fan of your blog and have incorporated many of your recommended products into my skincare routine. I’m curious about your perspective on methylparaben and its potential to increase sun damage in exposed skin, as mentioned in the article “Methylparaben potentiates UV-induced damage of skin keratinocytes” by O Handa et al, 2006. (see article Methylparaben potentiates UV-induced damage of skin keratinocytes).
Is this a legitimate concern? Should we avoid moisturizers with this ingredient, or is using sunscreen and antioxidants sufficient to counteract this issue?
Thank you, Brent C
Dear Brent,
This is a fantastic and insightful question! It’s excellent that you’re approaching skincare with such thoughtful detail. Understanding these details is crucial, not just for personal use, but also if you are involved in, or considering joining, an exposed skin care affiliate program. Your audience will look to you for informed recommendations. The Handa paper from 2006 in Toxicology examined keratinocytes (the cells in the outer layer of our skin that can become cancerous) in vitro, meaning in a lab dish. This kind of study is similar to the retinyl palmitate/UV study that gained media attention previously.
Why Petri Dish Studies Require Real-World Context for Skin Care Affiliates
In my professional opinion, in vitro studies are valuable for initial investigation but need to be substantiated by in vivo studies – research on intact skin, ideally on living human beings. – Dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey
For those in the exposed skin care affiliate program, or any health-related affiliate marketing, it’s vital to understand the nuances of scientific research. Drawing firm conclusions about skincare based solely on petri dish studies can be misleading. Our skin is an incredibly complex organ, with intricate interactions between cells, biochemical processes, and structural components.
Interpreting the implications for human skin from a study on isolated keratinocytes is like judging a book by reading a single, potentially out-of-context sentence. These studies are intriguing and justify further research in living systems. However, decades of paraben use and extensive scientific investigation over the last half-century haven’t demonstrated causal links between paraben use and adverse effects from UV exposure in humans. This is important information to convey accurately if you are recommending products through an exposed skin care affiliate program.
Because your question about parabens is so pertinent, especially for those recommending skincare, I sought the perspective of a highly respected skin product chemist. Here’s what they shared:
The FDA has consistently sought scientific data on paraben safety, particularly given its use as a food preservative. To date, they have found no evidence of risk in paraben usage. Parabens have been a primary preservative since World War II. Crucially, epidemiological studies – research on large populations – have not indicated increased risk from paraben use. There is no conclusive, peer-reviewed study showing a definitive risk from the combination of parabens and UV exposure in humans. This kind of robust, peer-reviewed evidence is what scientists and medical professionals consider most reliable.
For anyone involved in an exposed skin care affiliate program, understanding and communicating this level of scientific understanding builds credibility and trust with your audience.
Nevertheless, I remain attentive to new information regarding parabens for my patients, myself, and my family. I personally use products containing parabens, as do my family, friends, and patients. Being health-conscious, I want to ensure we avoid any avoidable health risks.
Paraben-Free Options and Appealing to Consumer Preferences in the Exposed Skin Care Affiliate Program
Here in Northern California, where I practice, a significant number of people prefer to avoid parabens. For my patients with these concerns, I aim to provide peace of mind. I assist them in finding high-quality, paraben-free products that align with their budgets and lifestyles, and that utilize safe alternative preservatives.
I believe it’s always wise to trust your intuition in these matters, as science can be fallible and slow to evolve, and peace of mind is invaluable. – Dr. Bailey
This consideration for consumer preference is also important for those in the exposed skin care affiliate program. Offering a range of options, including paraben-free alternatives, can broaden your appeal.
Preservatives are Essential for Safe Skin Care Products
My professional judgment is that parabens are often a preferable choice compared to many alternatives. While natural preservatives exist, products using them often have short shelf lives once opened, making them impractical for many consumers. They also tend to be more expensive due to their limited shelf stability. I’ve personally tested numerous naturally preserved skincare products and found they often degrade and develop an unpleasant odor quickly.
The Evolution of Preservatives and Choices for the Modern Consumer and Affiliate
Many products I recommend and have used for years are now paraben-free. Since initially writing about this topic in 2010, by 2023, the majority of products I endorse are paraben-free. Skincare science has advanced significantly, providing effective paraben alternatives. Consumers appreciate these options. Are these newer preservatives ultimately safer in the long term? Only time will tell. The positive outcome is that we now have more choices than ever before. For those in the exposed skin care affiliate program, this means a wider variety of products to recommend and cater to different customer preferences.
Brent, thank you for posing this insightful and highly relevant question. It’s crucial for consumers and particularly valuable for anyone involved in the exposed skin care affiliate program to understand these nuances.
Warm Regards,
Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist
References:
Handa O, et. al, Methylparaben potentiates UV-induced damage of skin keratinocytes, Toxocology. 2006 Oct 3;227(1-2):62-72.
Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products. Int J Toxicol. 2008;27 Suppl 4:1-82
Disclaimer: Please be aware that submitting questions to and receiving answers from Dr. Bailey does not establish a doctor/patient relationship. The information provided is for general health knowledge inspired by your question. It should not replace medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical condition. Never disregard your doctor’s advice because of information read here; this content is for general information purposes only.
