A study carried out by The Renfrew Center Foundation found that practically half (44%) of all women said they felt unattractive without makeup. But the problem with counting on makeup to build your self-confidence does not end there. A growing number of medical practitioners, scientists, and consumers are becoming increasingly interested in how makeup affects our physical health.What is the danger of makeup products?
There is a great number of chemicals contained in makeup, and some of them can be very dangerous to your health as they interact with the skin, causing it to dry, flak, and cause allergic reactions. The chemicals penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, entering the bloodstream, and if they are toxic, then their exposure will increase the health risks.
One study which has been published in the Journal of Archeological Science discovered that the bones of children in Japan from the Edo period contained levels of toxic metals which has been 12 times higher than the safety threshold. This was due to the use of white facial powder by breastfeeding women which contained dangerous levels of mercury and lead.
Some Of The Harmful Chemicals Found By The BCF Study
1. Cadmium
This bluish-white metal is associated with bone disease, kidney failure, and even cancer. It is believed to be toxic at levels below limits sets by the World Health Organization.
A test on heavy metals done by the FDA found cadmium in Gamble, Mary Kay, Jafra Cosmetics, l’Oreal, Yves Rocher, Revlon, Proctor, and several Estee Lauder, including eye primers, foundation, cream eye shadows, and powder eye shadows.
2. Toluene
Toluene, which is normally found in hair dyes and nail products, has been linked to damage of the nervous system and neurological conditions such as dementia.
3. Lead
It is present in many makeup products especially those with more pigment like eyeliners, lipstick, eye shadows, and foundation. Once lead enter the bloodstream it may cause neurological disorders, and may also cause cancer and infertility. It is used in lip products like lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, hair dyes, mascaras, eye shadows, foundations, and blushes. According to the FDA’s testing, there was lead found in almost each tested products, except for the baby powder and most lotions.
4. Parabens
These chemicals are added to products in order to prevent overgrowth of bacteria. They disrupt the endocrine system. Further concerns have been risen when the presence of these chemicals in breast cancer tissue. Paraben is used in perfumes and colognes, shower gels, lotions, conditioners, shampoos, and shower gels.
5. Benzophenones
According to a short article published in Dermatitis, these chemicals may lead to allergies like skin rashes and anaphylactic shock. Being used to protect against UV light, they are found in fragrances, hair shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, lip balms, foundation, nail polish, and baby sun sunscreens.
Conclusion
With this being said, exposure to these chemicals on a regular basis might be a reason for concern. To stay on the safe side, read the labels, reduce the amount of makeup you use, or try some natural makeup products you can make yourself!