When natural is not always better
By JESSICA KELLER - ARGUS OBSERVER
Sunday, June 10, 2007 12:46 AM PDT
FRUITLAND - With natural and herbal products gaining popularity in the United States, local dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt warns consumers to be careful what they use.
In response to a recent study published in the “New England Journal of Medicine” linking products with high concentrations of lavender and tea tree oil to breast enlargement in pubescent boys, Thornfeldt spoke on “America’s Newsroom” on FOX May 31.
Thornfeldt, who is a nationally-known dermatologist and founder and developer of Epionce skin care products, said he was asked to speak on FOX because of his knowledge on drug delivery and skin barriers.
“So I guess I’m considered an expert,” he said.
As Thornfeldt explained on “America’s Newsroom,” certain males, specifically teenage boys or men with skin problems, should be careful when using products with high concentrations of lavender and tea tree oil in them because they can upset the balance of estrogen and androgen, which pose the risk of breast enlargement, called gynecomastia.
He said lavender can increase the production of estrogen, while tea tree oil can limit the production of androgen in males when a high concentration is absorbed through the skin.
Thornfeldt said boys and teens with poor skin barriers and skin problems run the risk of gynecomastia when they use products with a concentration of more than 8 percent lavender and 10 percent tea tree oil.
“It’s not a great problem. That’s why I was somewhat surprised to hear about it,” he said.
Thornfeldt said, however, the problem does exist and is something people need to be aware of because of the number of products in which tea tree oil and especially lavender can be found.
“It’s estimated lavender is available in somewhere near 400 products in the U.S.,” he said.
While gynecomastia is linked with lavender and tea tree oil, Thornfeldt said people should be aware of all products containing herbs.
“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe,” he said, adding it is a common misconception that herbal and botanical products don’t have any risks associated with them because they are natural.
Also he said, more is not better. Thornfeldt said studies have shown the body can experience positive effects of herbal or botanical products when only small concentrations are used.
The trick, Thornfeldt said, is to read labels and pay attention to what is being used in a product, what concentration is used and to work hard to have healthy skin.
Since commercial companies are not required to do safety studies, Thornfeldt said people should search out products where the companies have performed studies.
