April 19 2012
Sulfate
& Paraben-Free Fur Cosmetics:
Bark or Growl?
You ask what is the
fuss about sulfates and parabens? We
are seeing more and more products claiming to be sulfate and paraben free these
days, and we ask ourselves what all the craze is about. Over the past few years
there has been a debate amongst scientists, product safety regulators and
manufactures about whether these chemicals used for many years are harmful to
our health and our furbuddy’s health.
Reading shampoo labels can be
very confusing and often times we have no idea what the chemicals we are
reading actually are and what they do.
What’s
in the label?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate A.K.A (SLS) is a powerful, grease cutting detergent that creates the
bubbles found in shampoos. It is relatively inexpensive, and is found in
cosmetics, household cleaners, and heavy degreasing products. SLS is found in many
fur cosmetics and human shampoos, used to cut and remove oils and dirt.
Parabens AKA (methyl, butyl, ethyl, & propyl) are
chemicals used to stop bacteria and microbes growth and used to preserve and
prolong the shelf life of products.
What the labels don’t say?
In
recent years SLS has been investigated for its irritating compounds damaging
the hair follicle and causing aggressive skin conditions and much more. Although
they may leave your dog feeling squeaky clean, SLS rids the skin of dirt and oil while breaking down precious lipids, that
binds skin cells together, keeping them resistant to dryness and damage. This
reaction often leads to skin conditions with itching, burning and peeling
sensations. This reaction is often mistaken or diagnose as your pet having a
skin allergy.
In fact Paraben
chemicals have been said to build up to toxic levels that can be absorbed into
your dog’s skin and paws, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and overtime
developing allergic reactions, a change in hormone levels that can cause cancer.
What Poochie Glam Says?
It
is extremely important to protect your dog’s health and wellbeing. For starters
the skin is the largest organ that acts as a barrier against harmful chemical
and external factors and is responsible for storing nutrients, water balance, and
sensory perception. Because a dog’s skin is relatively thin when compared to
humans, it tissues can easily absorb toxins in the blood stream leading to
diseases.
The
use of sulfates and parabens are way too harsh and will strip away our furry friend’s
skin protector elements that are essential in defending the body from trauma.
When
buying fur cosmetics for your pooch, it is important to buy products that are made for
dogs. Bathing your dog with human shampoo or even baby shampoo is a big no-no!
Human shampoo have a different pH level then the pet formulas and likely leave
residue behind that can be very irritating to their skin. You should look for products
that are made with natural plant base ingredients and free from SLS and
Parabens. Luckily today many pet product manufactures are turning to sulfate
and paraben-free options, due to the increased demand from concerned consumers.
Poochie Glam opts to Bark-A-Bout
IT!
PoochieGlam is proud to offer a sulfate and paraben free salon, using 100% safe and
natural products for our furry friends. Our guests deserve products of the
highest quality and that is exactly what we deliver. Our highly nourishing and
delicious smelling products are all natural and contain no artificial
fragrances and toxic preservatives. You can rest assured knowing that your
dog’s well being is our number one priority!
