Facial moisturizers are essential to the well being and smoothness of our faces, and there are a variety to choose from. You may want something to put on at night and sleep in or something to go under your makeup. Whenever or however you use a moisturizer, you need to choose one that is right for your skin type and for you.

There are a lot of over the counter moisturizers that have a lot of ingredients promising to deliver younger looking skin. They also tend to have a lot of chemicals and preservatives added to them which may not be the best ingredients for your skin.

One of these ingredients is parabens. These are chemical preservatives that have been used in cosmetics, skincare items, and even in foods for many years. Although they have been considered safe enough to consume, they are now being called into question. Parabens mimic the hormone Estrogen in your body and binds to Estrogen receptors. Parabens have been found in breast tumors and have been thought to lead to problems in the development of the male reproductive system.

Although a few studies have been performed that concluded the possibility of detrimental effects from parabens, they have not been scientifically conclusive. It is thought that when you put a product on your skin that contains parabens, then it finds its way through the skin to the tissue inside and may lead to cancer. If that is the case, then you can imagine what harm may be possible when you put a moisturizer on your face containing this ingredient and let it soak into your skin all day or all night. When you faithfully apply your moisturizer, then you have almost constant exposure to this ingredient.

Using paraben free facial moisturizers makes much more sense. There are other ingredients that can be used as preservatives in your skincare products that are just as effective and hold no potential risk to your health. These products are natural, or organic products made from ingredients that have had no chemicals used for their growth or in their processing. These products are also less likely to produce reactions in nearly everyone who uses them.

Since it has been determined that parabens used in products that are on the hands of those who have prepared food have been passed on to the people who have eaten the food, paraben free hand cream is also a good idea. If you can “spread” paraben to others in this manner, then you can spread it to your family through their food preparation.

You should be able to use a facial moisturizer that you feel good about and which has not been linked to any serious health problems. By using paraben free facial moisturizers any time you need them, you can feel good about what you are doing for your skin as well as for your health.