Over the past half century, new chemicals have come into use in industry, workplace and our homes. Cosmetics industry is a big business all around the world. Nowadays, most people are using variety of cosmetics such as face cream, lotions, lipsticks, moisturizers, hair dyes and etc. 1000 new chemicals are quietly introduced to the marketplace every year. Mostly the products are sold with "brainwashing" advertising in the television, radio, multimedia, magazines, newspapers and more on the internet. Lots of claims are made how good the products are at rejuvenating the skin by reducing lines, wrinkles and working anti-aging etc. However, there are variety of toxic effects to human health and the environment. Most manufacturers strive to make their products as safe as possible for many people but there are still cases where cosmetics can have some side effects on some people. Do you really know what the ingredients are in these products? Even if listed on the product label, do you understand for example what isobuthyparaben, triethanolamine, sodium cocoyl glycinate, propyl parabens, triethanolamine (TEA) mean and how it affects to your skin and body? Many cosmetics that are used all over the world had chemicals that contained carcinogens which can cause cancer. Some have been shown to have toxic effects on reproduction in humans and animals. Others may be endocrine disrupters, chemicals that affect the hormone producing organs of the body. Some people who are sensitive to those things are affected in varied levels. The allergens present in them are the main cause for the allergy.
Phthalates, Acrylamide, Formaldehyde and Ethylene Oxide are some chemicals present in the cosmetics act as Allergens. A phthalate is an industrial plasticizer i.e. a substance used to make plastic more pliable. These are mostly used in moisturizers, skin softeners, nail paints and fragrances. This toxic substance if used regularly leads to various birth defects and jeopardizes ones reproductive life. Acrylamide or acrylic amide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C3H5NO and formaldehyde with the formula CH2O. Acrylamide is a suspected human carcinogen with severe neurotoxin. Those are the things cause an allergic reaction in our human body such as irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. This will create the allergic condition of skin with itching and swelling when immune system in our body wrongly recognizes. Sometimes, the condition may need higher treatment to overcome the situation according to the sensitivity of the people.
Another method of attacking hyper pigmentation problems is exfoliating the skin's top layers to elimate excessive pigmentation. Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface and has been used for many years to help maintain the skin. Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking. Exfoliation also makes penetration easier for expensive facial products like serums. However, exfoliating products can cause damage to the skin if it is exposed to excessive sunlight. This is because they remove the top layer of the skin, which is the protective layer. Excessive scrubbing or frequent washing can have similar effects by stripping away the oily layer the body provides for protection of the skin. There are a range of exfoliation methods, such as:
| AHA's - Glycolic Acid Lactic Acid Malic Acid | Microdermabrasion | Peeling masks |
| BHA's - salicylic acid | Micro-bead face scrubs | |
| Enzyme treatments | Exfoliating cloths and gloves | |
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are mostly used in cosmetic products claiming to reduce wrinkles, acne, facial marks and spots. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is non-toxic, single chain molecules occurring naturally in nature. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound which contains a carboxylic acid functional group and hydroxy functional group separated by two carbon atoms. They are closely related to alpha hydroxy acids, in which the two functional groups are separated by one carbon atom. AHAs and BHA work mainly as chemical exfoliate. They speed up cellular renewal by loosening the outer layer cells, making way for new ones. AHA’s and BHA decrease wrinkles, evens the texture and tone of the skin and improve sun damage. However, these toxins mostly cause itching, swelling, redness, burning and pain as short term effects. AHA's and BHA can both cause irritation but BHA to a lesser extent. Their long term effects can be such more devastating such as increased risk of skin cancer and doubled UV induced skin damage. Both AHAs and BHA increase sun sensitivity by a whopping 50%! Darker skin is more susceptible to scarring and pigment changes when using AHAs and BHA. Nowadays, AHA and BHA are present in most sun block lotions and moisturizers and all that regulatory bodies can do about it is to suggest people not to use these products in the sun when in fact these are meant to protect against the sun.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Beta Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are mostly used in cosmetic products claiming to reduce wrinkles, acne, facial marks and spots. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is non-toxic, single chain molecules occurring naturally in nature. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound which contains a carboxylic acid functional group and hydroxy functional group separated by two carbon atoms. They are closely related to alpha hydroxy acids, in which the two functional groups are separated by one carbon atom. AHAs and BHA work mainly as chemical exfoliate. They speed up cellular renewal by loosening the outer layer cells, making way for new ones. AHA’s and BHA decrease wrinkles, evens the texture and tone of the skin and improve sun damage. However, these toxins mostly cause itching, swelling, redness, burning and pain as short term effects. AHA's and BHA can both cause irritation but BHA to a lesser extent. Their long term effects can be such more devastating such as increased risk of skin cancer and doubled UV induced skin damage. Both AHAs and BHA increase sun sensitivity by a whopping 50%! Darker skin is more susceptible to scarring and pigment changes when using AHAs and BHA. Nowadays, AHA and BHA are present in most sun block lotions and moisturizers and all that regulatory bodies can do about it is to suggest people not to use these products in the sun when in fact these are meant to protect against the sun.
Say NO to those cosmetics which contain chemicals that harm your skin!!
Reference:
1. John Howley & Spiritual Guides, 2001. Cosmetics and theirs effect on skin.
Available from: < http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Additives/Cosmetic-Skin-Effect.htm >
[Accessed on 16th July 2010]
2. Ratnaveera, copyright 2010. The effects of cosmetics & perfumes on our body.
Available from: http://hubpages.com/hub/THE-EFFECTS-OF-COSMETICS-AND-PERFUMES-ON- OUR-BODY-HEALTH
[Accessed on 20th July 2010]
3. Cosmetic side effects. N.D.
Available from: < http://www.promond.org/cosmetic_side_effects.html >
[Accessed on 7th July 2010]
