Sure, cosmetics make you look good, but just like all things too good to be true, with the benefits of using chemically inflated cosmetics, come the detriments as well. According to studies, the average woman uses 12 personal care products a day containing 168 different chemicals. A recent study has revealed that the skin may absorb up to 60 percent of the chemicals it comes in contact with. Environment California, a non-profit organisation that works towards environmental legislation, once issued ‘Growing Up Toxic: Chemical Exposures and Increases in Developmental Diseases’, which details chemicals found in consumer products and their potential health impacts.
According to those reports, makeup, shampoo, skin lotion, nail polish, and other personal care products contain chemical ingredients that lack safety data. Moreover, some of these chemicals have been linked in animal studies to male genital birth defects, decreased sperm counts, and altered pregnancy outcomes. There is no definitive evidence for the same effects in humans, but widespread exposure, primarily to phthalates, has been shown to occur. Phthalates, as key components in plastics, appear in many consumer products. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. Often, their presence is not noted on labels.
Another most common chemical found in beauty products is paraben, which is used as a preservative in deodorants, moisturizers, shampoos, body wash, and makeup, and increases the chances of breast cancer. Its chemical structure is similar to estrogen, and it can be carcinogenic even in tiny amounts. There's also ethanolamine, which contains impurities like nitrosamines and is usually not listed on product labels. It's actually a respiratory, skin, and organ cancer-causing toxicant, and is usually found in soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners and dyes, shaving creams, eyeliners, mascara, fragrances, and sunscreens. Moreover, men who excessively use products containing parabens can have lower sperm counts and less testosterone. It could also cause endocrine disruption. Meanwhile, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers found in nail products, hair dye, hair straighteners, false eyelash adhesives, cosmetic glues, and some shampoos, are also linked to causing cancer and can also damage the immune system.
Dr. Rachna Jagia, MD, DNB, DAAAM-USA; head and senior consultant, Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, says, "Beauty products may not impart the projected results. On the contrary, substandard quality, grade, harmful compositions can result in allergies, discoloration, texture alteration, or permanent damage to the skin or hair. Increased usage and unregulated production has led to a steep rise in side effects suffered by the consumers. I've seen the number of cases double, especially in the younger to middle-aged patients."
“The concerns that are focused around this particular chemical [class]have arisen from a series of tests and studies that have been released recently that point to significant potential health concerns,” says Sujatha Jahagirdar, an environmental advocate.
Tattoos are another thing that can be a pain, if not looked after properly. Dr. Rohit Batra, dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and Derma World Skin and Hair Clinic, says, "Tattoos that contain P-Phenylenediamine (PPD) can cause severe allergies to the sensitive skin." Most commonly, the red tattoo pigment contains mercury sulfide, while the black tattoo pigment contains iron oxide So, what alternatives can you use to keep the chemical exposure to a minimum? As advised by the experts, when it comes to beauty products, chemically detrimental-free is always better! You are likely to damage your skin by using all products that contain irritants and harmful extracts. Opting for a routine body check-up and using good alternatives to beauty products like an organic face wash instead of a chemical one, pomegranate seeds instead of lip gloss, aloe vera gels as a great moisturizing agent, and coconut oil instead of harmful body lotions can prevent potential skin damages.
- Manasa Madhusoodanan