Warning: Putting on Make-up Could be Hazardous to Your Health!

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Everyday, we are bombarded with advertisements on TV, print, radio and even in the internet by cosmetics companies trying to sell us products guaranteeing to make us look prettier, younger, and thinner. These products, unfortunately, are not regulated to a level that would make most people feel very safe. Majority of these products contain harmful ingredients and toxic agents that are not even mentioned on the label. Don't despair though, there are affordable alternatives available for everyone.


But firstly, let me enumerate what these harmful ingredients are that are  found in cosmetics.  Parabens, phthalates, perfume, petroleum and carcinogenic coloring are some of the ingredients found to have adverse effect on human beings.  Parabens are used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels and personal lubricants.  They are known to cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis or allergic skin reactions.  Phthalates, on the other hand, are used for nail polish and deodorants.  They are reported to cause birth defects.  The sad thing is phthalates are not listed as ingredients on product labels.  They can only be detected through lab analysis.  Perfume or fragrances are known causes of allergies and difficulties in breathing.  It is reported that 2,600 chemicals are commonly used in perfume of which 95% of these chemicals are derived from petroleum.  Perfumes easily penetrate the skin because of their sheer low molecular weight.  Mineral oil and petroleum are evident in foundations, cleansers and moisturizers.  They help lock moisture against the skin and cause pimples to appear as the skin cannot properly breathe.  Aromas and scents in lotions, shampoos and other cosmetic products and propylene glycol (helps maintain moisture in cosmetics) are derived from petroleum.  Propylene glycol pose serious health problems to liver and kidneys.  Hair dye products are not spared
as they contain ingredients derived from carcinogenic coal tar. 


This post doesn't aim to scare women who regard make-up as a second skin.  It aims to give information on something that everyone takes for granted.  We just have to make adjustments in our routine.  We spend so much time and money for our personal care and appearance, would it be sensible to do so in a way that doesn't harm ourselves and our environment?


http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/womens-personal-care/