Cosmetics and Your Health
From the lipstick you wear every day to the shampoo you use to wash your hair, cosmetics are a part of many people’s daily lives. But what many don’t realize is that these products can actually be dangerous to your health. Here are some of the ways that cosmetics can harm your health:
Allergies
Many cosmetics contain allergens that can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe. These reactions can include itching, redness, swelling, and even difficulty breathing.
There are a few different types of allergies that can be caused by cosmetics. The most common is contact dermatitis, which is an irritation of the skin. This can be caused by an ingredient in the cosmetics that is not compatible with your skin. Another type of allergy is called allergic contact dermatitis, which is a more severe reaction that can cause swelling, redness, and itching. This type of allergy is usually caused by an ingredient in the cosmetics that you are allergic to.
There are a few things that you can do to avoid getting an allergy from cosmetics. First, you should always test new products on a small area of skin before using them on your whole face. This will help you to see if you have any reaction to the product. If you do have a reaction, you should stop using the product immediately. You can also try to find cosmetics that are hypoallergenic or that do not contain any ingredients that you are allergic to.
Infections
There are a few infections that can come from cosmetics. The most common is pink eye, which is caused by bacteria that can grow on makeup brushes and other applicators. To avoid this, always wash your brushes and applicators after each use, and don’t share them with others. Other infections that can be caused by cosmetics include staph and strep infections, which can be Spread through contaminated makeup. To avoid these, don’t use makeup that has been used by someone else, and always wash your hands before applying makeup. Finally, some people can develop allergies to certain ingredients in cosmetics, which can lead to rashes, itchiness, and swelling. If you think you may be allergic to something in cosmetics, stop using it and see a doctor.
Internal Organ Damage
Some of the chemicals used in cosmetics can also be absorbed into the body and cause damage to internal organs.
There is a wide range of chemical elements that are contained in cosmetics, and many of them can potentially cause organ damage if they are not used properly. Some of the most common chemicals that can cause organ damage include:
Parabens: These are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, and can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. They have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer.
Phthalates: These are used to make cosmetics more flexible and can also penetrate the skin. They have been linked to reproductive issues and cancer.
Fragrance: Many fragrances used in cosmetics are made from synthetic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Triclosan: This is an antibacterial agent that is often used in hand sanitizers and other personal care products. It can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, and has been linked to hormonal disruption.
When choosing cosmetics, it is important to read the ingredient label and avoid products that contain any of these potentially harmful chemicals. If you are unsure about a product, you can always contact the manufacturer for more information.
As you can see, there are many ways that cosmetics can harm your health. So, be sure to use only safe products and to follow the directions on the label carefully. Your health is worth it!
Citation: 1. https://globaljournals.org/GJMR_Volume18/6-Cosmetics-and-its-Health-Risks.pdf “According to the article, there are several health risks associated with cosmetics. These include skin irritations, allergies, and even cancer. The article states that many of these health risks are due to the chemicals used in cosmetics, which can be absorbed into the body through the skin. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks of cosmetics before using them.” 2. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/cosmetics/index.cfm “The article also explains that the FDA does not approve cosmetics before they are sold, but they do monitor products for safety and take action if they find any violations.”
