Is Your Makeup Routine Effecting Your Skin and Health

Do you find your skin is blotchy, acne prone or dull?  Your makeup routine may be to blame.  Researchers have found that makeup can have various side effects on your skin and even your health.

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Here is a list of side effects that can be caused by makeup.


1. Allergies

People can have adverse reactions to chemicals and dyes in the makeup products that they wear.  Parabens that are used as preservatives to prevent bacteria growth in cosmetics can cause various allergic reactions such as skin irritations, blemishes, and blotches.  Another ingredient in makeup, Salicylate can cause hives and rashes, especially if you have sensitive skin.  


2. Eye Irritations

Eye makeup is one of the most used cosmetics worn by women.  The eyes are the most sensitive area on the face.  If you wear a lot of eye makeup, you can be damaging your eyes.  Makeup that gets in your eyes can cause irritation.  Wearing too much mascara and eyeliner can inhibit the growth of lashes.  It can also breed bacteria which may lead to infections or irritations.

3. Headache

There are chemicals in some makeup products that tend to release formaldehyde.  Diazolidinyl urea and DMDM Hydantoin are used as preservatives.  They can cause headaches, mucous membrane irritations and even damage the eyes.  If you find yourself getting headaches often, check the ingredients of your cosmetics or try going without makeup for a week and see if that makes a difference.

4. Acne

This is probably the most common side effect of cosmetics.  Because makeup covers the skin and blocks the pores,  the skin is not able to breathe and grow.  When you cover the pores, they can become clogged.  This leads to blackheads and break outs.  It is important to thoroughly clean the skin with natural cleansers at the end of each day.

5. Hair Loss

Hair products, such as gels, dyes, sprays, serums, shampoos and conditioners can have harmful chemicals in them.  You may not see the effects immediately, but over time and with continued use, you will see the damage.  These chemicals can cause scalp irritation, thinning hair, dandruff and hair loss.  Even extended uses of hair dyes can lead to discoloration.

6. Premature Ageing

Chemicals can cause permanent damage when skin products are used over long periods of time.  Eventually, you will begin to see signs of skin ageing.  These signs include wrinkles, skin patches and enlarged pores.  Trying to cover these flaws can cause even more damaging effects.  

7. Hormone Inbalances

Cosmetics can have effects on edocrine glands and even interfere with thyroid gland functions.  The chemical Triclosan, which is commonly used in deodorants and acne scrubs can accumulate in your body and affect the thyroid gland.  This can lead to hormonal imbalance, headaches, depression and even weight gain.


8. Infertility

Since, skincare products are absorbed into the skin, the chemicals seep into your body.  One product in particular, butyl paraben can effect the function of the male reproductive system.  These same parabens that are found even in products labeled natural, can have harmful side effects.


9. Skin Discoloration

Some skincare products contain ingredients that bleach or even darken skin.  Products that are not properly regulated can also cause skin discolorations.  This can lead to skin pigmentations, patchy skin, redness, freckles and uneven skin tone.  Try to avoid using chemical filed skincare and cosmetic products in your daily routine.  Instead, try natural and herbal products.  The best way to be sure to avoid the chemicals, is by reading labels.


10. Cancer

Toxic ingredients that are found in many skin care products can cause cancer.  While many products are tested before entering the market, there are still products that can have long term harmful effects.  Unfortunately there is no conclusive research that shows long term effects.  The chemicals that you should try to avoid are the following:

Formaldehyde
Coal tar
Benzene
Phenacetin
Untreated mineral oi
Chromium
Cadmium
Arsenic
Ethylene oxide
Quartz (Crystalline silica)

Pay attention to the ingredients you put on and in your body.  Over time, your skin will thank you.

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