This may be the end for the oompa loompa troop globally! Seemingly, an association between products such as fake tan and conditions like obesity and diabetes has been observed. Despite the radioactive appearance of your average fakely baked individual, we are thrilled that people would rather walk around these days, blissfully unaware of their nuclear hue, than to hop from tanning salon to video shop shower curtain in order to find the ultimate in sun-kissed glow. We are therefore keen to see just how true this theory is and look at how it is all supposedly down to key properties in the fake tan known as phthalates.
Phthalates have been used for approximately 50 years in beauty products, household products and bottles made of plastic and were first used to soften PVC. Although they are presently being removed from the manufacturing process, many companies are not listing phthalates as an ingredient on their labels. Now it is thought that this common ingredient causes hormone imbalances which can lead to very serious physical conditions and a resistance to insulin. With both the packaging and the product inside containing phthalates in many cosmetic and household products, everyone is potentially at risk.
A recent study showed that taking into consideration other factors which are known to cause diabetes (Type-2), it was discovered that even those who have small amounts of this environmental chemical in their bloodstream had a higher risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, its effect on hormonal changes was shown to contribute to weight gain in men and women.
The study included the data of 1,000 patients but had its short comings in that all of the participants were over the age of 70, all of whom were white. This age and ethnicity range limits the study in terms of generality. Additionally, although an association between phthalates was evidenced, there was no proof that the presence of these pollutants was the direct cause of Type-2 diabetes or obesity.
For now maybe it’s best to keep lashing on the fake bake instead of laying out, oiled up beneath the temperamental British sky but keep an eye on future studies involving this chemical and the ingredients on the label of your cosmetic products.