Make-ups and women seem to be synonymous. Women want to look best always and make-up seems to help them attain that satisfaction. But most make-ups are often full of chemicals that can be harmful to the skin and also result in other diseases as well. Studies show that an average woman uses almost 12 products a day which might be containing more than 150 different chemical ingredients. Branded or the cheaper version all contain some or the other form of ingredient, with the cheaper version containing them in more or at times cheaper substitutes. Even the organic or herbal labeled make-up kits are also not without the risk of damaging your skin.
1. Lipsticks & Lip-liners:
One of the most common and used make-up materials is the stick that colors the lips and makes them wow. Most girls start to use them at 12 or even earlier. Bright colored lipsticks also contain some chemicals that might not be good for your skin. Lip liners may also contain those chemicals. Bright red lipsticks or lip liners may contain lead that is very bad for the overall health of the body. Moreover non-washable or kiss proof lipsticks may act a non-porous layer on your skin, and interfere on the general well being of the skin. They can also dry up the lips from their natural moisture and give a drab look. Mineral oils and some other chemicals present on the lips can be harmful to your lips also.
It is better to use a lip balm before applying lipstick. Also check the shelf life of your lipstick before using it. Throw away your lipstick when the expiry date is over. Another thing that should be always done with any make-up ingredient is to check for irritability or allergic reaction before using them.
2. Eye make-ups:
Eye make-ups like mascara, kohl, Kajals can contain chemicals that can harm the eye. Most of the glittery and shiny ones contain harmful chemicals that can affect the skin around the eye badly. The skin around the eyes is one of the most sensitive areas.
Eye shadows and other eye makeup should be checked for irritation before use. Most importantly they should not be shared as that result in spreading infection from one another. Also apply some moisturizer before applying eye make-up as that will reduce the direct contact of the chemicals with the skin. Even the branded ones also cannot make these make-ups without certain chemicals that harm the skin on the longer run.
3. Moisturizers:
A good moisturizer can block the ultraviolet rays from the sun and also keep the pollution from directly affecting the skin. But moisturizers also contain certain mineral oils and paraffin that are known to have adverse effect on the skin. Most popular ones also have some detergent or similar chemicals that degrade the skin over time and also hamper the skins natural protective and regenerative function. Moreover they can also clog pores and accumulate dirt that can lead to severe acne or other skin problems.
Using good moisturizers that are water based and contain vegetable oil can be one way out. Also cleaning up the face, and washing it clean after some time seems to be a better option for a healthy skin for a longer time.
4. Foundation:
This one is the basic thing used before a make-up. Some of these can be allergic to the skin because of the chemicals they use. Also they can block the pores of the skin, accumulate dirt and result in skin problems and acnes. Moreover over the time they can be home to certain bacteria and other microbes which can also harm the skin in an irreversible way.
Always go for a patch test before applying foundation or buying it. Always check for the ingredients and expiry date before buying. Even the best and most popular ones might not suit your skin.
5. Nail polish:
Dark or exotic colored nail polishes can contain chemicals that can be very harmful to the nails. They can also be harmful to the skin as well. Many nail polishes contain acetone or the removers contain acetone that degrade the nail quality and affect the skin. Even the good and branded ones also are made from the same stuff, but the concentration might be low. But they affect in the long run in the same way.
Check the acetone percentage and other chemicals used before buying. Do not change your nail polish too often.
6. Deos, Antiperspirants and Fragrances:
Though many might not consider this to be a part of a make-up, but this is an essential part of a make-up, albeit a good one. Most deos and antiperspirants contain some chemical or the other, mostly alcohol that causes the skin to burn and itch. Antiperspirants block sweat glands or suppress their function, which is unhealthy as that keeps the body from releasing the waste toxic products.
The Final Word:
Hair color has also become one integral part of today’s make-up. Most of these hair colors contain chemicals and pigments that are harmful to the hair and also to the skin. Many have been known to cause irritation and reaction to the scalp.
Check for parabens used as preservatives in cosmetics and make-up tools. This is very bad for the skin, also Sodium lauryl Sulphate which is used in most cosmetics have been known to effect adversely to the skin. Do not share make-ups that contact directly to the skin like your lipstick, eyeliners etc, as they can bring back infections. Also do not try to dilute hardened cakes of foundation or thickened mascara as they can be bad for health. Do not use materials that are way past their shelf life, as the degraded chemicals can harm you more.
Always remove make-up after the purpose is over and do not overlay make-ups. Clean your make up tools like brush and sponge regularly with disinfectants. Check for allergy or irritation before buying, and also check contents.
Good brands tend to be less harmful as they try to use lesser harmful chemicals. buy one good quality thing instead of four of its cheaper versions for your own good. It is worth.
A no-make-up is the best make-up as you are naturally beautiful when you feel you are beautiful.
About The Author: Brianne is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes in Craig Murray Gilmour
