In today’s era, people focus more on applying products to look beautiful and pretty. They opt for products with chemicals, which remove the imperfections of their face. This is a common misperception of people that the layer of makeup and products they put on will hide the imperfections, but only for a very short period of time. Sometimes, it looks artificial as well. Moreover, the beauty products have harmful chemicals, which in return harms skin in a long run. The chemicals present in most of the beauty products are parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, triclosan, and toluene. These chemicals are not only harmful for the skin where the product is applied but increased quantities of the chemical can cause chronic and long term disease. Due to which many dangerous chemicals are banned from being used in beauty products in several countries.
Harmful Effects of the Chemicals:
There are many harmful chemicals present in the beauty products such as sodium laureth sulphate, which is very toxic and cannot be touched by bare hand without proper precaution still it is used in common products like tooth paste. For instance, propylene glycol, a chemical present in beauty products, penetrates in the skin and is the root cause for liver and kidney abnormalities. This chemical is usually found in shampoos, and deodorants. Moreover, talcum powder can be a cause for ovarian cancer. Many consumers are not aware about this fact, due to which they continue using products with harmful chemicals. So, some of the most harmful chemicals present in the beauty products about which the consumers should be aware are:
Phthalates
Phthalates is a chemical found in fragrances, hair products, nail polish, and others, which can cause early puberty in girls and reduce fertility in males, if it is used in high proportion. Products with this chemical are banned in countries like Australia.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products. Although, the effects of this chemical is not well understood on humans but in lab testing it has shown effects like endocrine disruption. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety in 2015 stated that limited use of this chemical is safe but in concentration limits. It is to be noted that few versions of parabens such as isobutylparaben, pentylparaben, phenylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben are banned in European countries.
Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles
Titanium dioxide, also known as zinc oxide, is present in a few mineral make-up and sunscreen products and can contain nanoparticles, which is connected to cellular damage, including DNA damage. If the chemicals are absorbed or inhaled in the body in significant amounts then it may cause harmful effects to the body.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors
Formaldehyde is a preservative that can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and the respiratory tract, and can potentially cause cancer in individuals with increased levels of exposure. Less amounts are permitted for use in cosmetics and products, and it is mostly found in nail polish/hardeners and hair straighteners.
Coal tar
Coal tar
Coal tar is a known carcinogen that is used in psoriasis and dandruff remedies, as well as some colouring dyes. A few colorings in cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos have been banned in Europe and some Asian countries. In Australia, shampoos and soaps containing coal tar have warning labels and are not recommended.
The chemicals don’t affect the skin immediately as it is consumed in very small quantities every day, but if long term effects are taken into consideration it may cause the effects. The effects of the chemicals are generally seen after a long time and one even fails to detect the exact reason.
Drinking Water:
One should opt for other organic ways to improve skin care and natural beauty. There are several home remedies, which can be used to improve the quality of skin, enhance inner glow, and achieve flawless skin. Some of the ways to increase natural beauty and inner glow are:
