Cosmetics And Health Hazards

 

The varieties of cosmetics that are found in the market are endless. Most items like shampoos, deodorants and soaps are necessities and you have to use them no matter how many chemicals they include. Some women are so attached to their make-up that even while driving, they are tempted to reach out for a dash of powder or lipstick.

Although cosmetics are only applied externally, the fumes may be inhaled and the skin can absorb toxic chemicals. The longer the cosmetic is left on the skin, the more it will absorb. A few of the cosmetics that are more likely to contain toxic ingredients are hair bleach, relaxer, nail polish and skin creams that are used to lighten the skin.

There are alternatives that you can use that are cheaper like herbal hair dye or henna. Henna is free from toxic chemicals and even nourishes the hair giving it a sheen. However, you need to be careful about the henna you are using as a number of the boxes you purchase from shops may be mixed with other ingredients. The ingredients need to be checked and you can then opt for the products that contain more of the natural ingredients.

The contents in cosmetics are often not suitable for everyone since a number of people get allergic reactions. You can tell if you have an allergic reaction if the skin shows adverse effects after using a cosmetic. The skin will become itchy, swell or red and blotchy. Some products like skin creams can cause vomiting and insomnia but the user may not be aware of what is causing such medical conditions.

The natural products that are derived from plants and do not contain any preservatives cannot be stored for long periods. They are best used instantly as bacteria can easily form. Although all natural products do not include toxins, they are not completely safe because they can cause allergies as well.

When hair-dyes are used, certain precautions need to be taken. Patch tests are recommended and the dye should not be kept on the scalp for longer periods than necessary. Guarding the dye from the eye is important because the eye can get affected with permanent damage. Therefore the food and drug administration (FDA) bans the use of hair dyes on the eyelashes and eyebrows.

It pays to keep in mind that sometimes allergic effects do not emerge instantly after using a certain product. Sometimes, the manufacturer of the cosmetic can change the ingredients and you may not be aware of it.

Ethanol is a common allergen present in perfume bottles. We often hear people complaining about getting headaches due to strong odors. Asthmatic people will experience heavy breathing or wheezing and they need medication like antibiotics with anti-allergic medicines to fight the effects of the allergens. The effect with some people is reported to have been so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

Studies conducted amongst 3,813 women in the United Kingdom showed, 49% do not check the expiry dates and some women use cosmetics even if they are discoloured or start to smell. The recommended lifespan for lipsticks is 12-24 months. However a number of women continue to use it for over ten years.

No matter how harsh the effects of certain make-up are, some women love it so much that they will never give it up. For maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, cosmetics are essential but there are lots of different varieties on the market and all of them may not cause the same reactions. Perfumes can be replaced with strong oils to combat any allergic reactions.

You may be well aware of the chemicals that you are allergic to but checking the ingredients don’t work at times because lab tests have proved that a number of chemicals used in top perfume brands are not even listed on the box.

Besides the allergens, chemicals present in cosmetics also cause hormone disruption. Furthermore, the effects of some chemicals to the body are still unknown.

Research states, artificial colours like blue and green in cosmetics are another dangerous ingredient. The powders and sprays affect you when it is inhaled as it can damage the lungs. Serious complications resulting from cosmetics are not very common, but mild irritations and allergies have been reported.

Most people use all kinds of cosmetics without encountering a single problem. It all depends on how sensitive your skin is. The same goes for using wax to remove hair growth. A number of people have dealt with harsh outcomes like spotty red skin patches but others use it with the result of clear, clean, hair free skin.

Regarding the studies conducted on cosmetics, all of them do not come out with the same results, resulting in confusion about what to believe. As a result, personal experience with cosmetics will tell you exactly which cosmetics are suitable for your type of skin.

The United States researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals.

 

“A cosmetic manufacturer may use any ingredient or raw material and market the final products without government approval.” –FDA