5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to a Sulfate and Paraben Free Shampoo

Many people now prefer to use a sulfate and paraben free shampoo; this is because many scientists are now looking negatively on sulfates and parabens as they are believed to have many adverse side effects. Let’s take a closer look at sulfates and parabens and find out exactly what they are:

What is Sulfate?

When you wash your hair with most shampoos, you will most likely work up a thick lather. This thick lather that many of us love to see, is actually produced by the sodium lauryl sulfate placed in the shampoo. Sodium lauryl is a detergent and crystalline salt of sulfated lauryl alcohol. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant; a surfactant is a product that reduces surface tension between a liquid and a solid. This reduction in surface tension is what produces the rich lather. Once surface tension is removed, the barrier between your hair and the shampoo is eliminated, enabling the sodium lauryl sulfate to rid the hair of oil and dirt.

What are Parabens?

In order to preserve the shelf life of many shampoos, parabens are used. A paraben is a preservative and it is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus in shampoos. There are many different types of parabens, namely, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben and isobutylparaben. For over seventy years they have been used as preservatives but recently scientist have begun to question their safety. Sulfates are known irritants that are harsh on the scalp and hair. Recent studies have found it to be more toxic than previously realized. Parabens an cause allergic reactions and exacerbate some skin conditions. With all the doubt being cast on the safety of sulfates and parabens, it is wise to switch to a sulfate and paraben free shampoo. Here are five reasons why you may find this switch beneficial:
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1. Sulfate may have the ability to get rid of oil and dirt but recent studies have found that it is toxic and carcinogenic. Sulfate has been found to be one of the key culprits of hair loss and thinning hair, it actually destroys hair follicles and inhibits hair growth.
2. Increased levels of estrogen causes breast cancer and it has been found that parabens actually attach themselves to estrogen receptors, the result is that paraben causes a weak estrogen effect on the body. This is why they are referred to as phytoestrogens. This may or may not cause breast cancer depending on which research you believe but why take the risk? When you can simply switch to paraben free shampoos.
3. Parabens have been linked to the irritation of skin conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea, it also causes allergic reactions in some small children.
4. Studies have found that sulfates can cause eye damage and blindness in young children. This is why it is best to use sulfate free shampoo on babies and infants.
5. Shampoos that are sulfate and paraben free actually keep the hair moisturized. Moisturized hair is less prone to breakage and split ends.

 
This article appeared on ShampooTree