A year is not a year, if it is not marked by the emergence of a new "friend" of beauty, but an "enemy" of health: at different times even irreplaceable antiperspirants and perfumes were referred to them! Well, it's time to reveal all the cards and talk frankly: which beauty products are really not trustworthy, and which ones can be used fearlessly.
Sunscreen remedies
What's wrong: free radicals
There is a lot of talk about this popular segment of cosmetics nowadays and not always unambiguously. Yes, indeed, ultraviolet light interacts with our skin even on dull winter days, but daily SPF treatment is not the best solution.
The fact is that they contain so-called filters - physical (reflecting and scattering ultraviolet light) and chemical (absorbing ultraviolet light). The latter account for most of the criticism. They account for such unpleasant properties as allergenicity, as well as photoreactivity - the ability to break down under increased exposure to UV rays, often with the release of free radicals. Of course, such radiation is unlikely to happen every day and it is unlikely that you use Sanskrin on a regular basis, but it is still worth considering the facts mentioned. Again: everything is useful, if in moderation.
Hair dye
What's wrong: carcinogens
If ancient myths are based on something, then it is precisely on outdated data. In the 1980s, hair dye manufacturers in the United States were required to affix warning labels to their products. This measure was a response to emerging research data, which showed that derivatives of coal tar promote the development of cancer cells in animals. Then the manufacturers abandoned labels and decided to simply remove the "dangerous" ingredients from the composition of their products. How is it now?
In fact, there is no (and hardly any) scientific proof that paint can cause cancer in humans. Scientists have already conducted many studies comparing diagnosed and non-diagnosed women who practice coloring, but have not found a correlation that could confirm the link between cancer and hair dye. Most experts also argue that staining is not prohibited even during pregnancy, unless there are obvious contraindications.
Mascara
What's wrong: germs
It would seem, where are they not? However, the area of the eyes, and the eyes themselves, are a rather vulnerable area, closely related to the internal flora of the body. Note that germs do not enter the ink tube by themselves. Research by scientists has shown that bacteria colonize mascara along with a brush that has already managed to visit your eyelashes and collect harmful environmental particles from them.
We conclude: most often, if you do not take into account the cases of marriage, ink is absolutely harmless before using it. In addition, it always contains preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria for three months. However, the fact that in their experiments the scientists tested substances that were not guaranteed for three months, makes us think about the effectiveness of seemingly "omnipotent" preservatives. So, in order to extend the safe period of using your favorite mascara, we suggest not neglecting the following preventive measures:
- Try to put mascara in a cool shaded place: heating will quickly lead to decomposition of preservatives and premature deterioration of the product;
- Do not apply more than two coats of mascara: multiple coats can lead to clogging of the sebaceous glands at the edges of the eyelids and provoke the appearance of such a nuisance as barley;
- Get up early and paint your eyelashes at home: in a car or public transport, you definitely should not do this. Corneal damage is also a risk of infection;
- Rinse off mascara thoroughly before going to bed: overnight, painted eyelashes can collect a variegated set of bacteria and disrupt the fine microflora of the eyes.
Nail polish
What's Wrong: Cancer Risk
It has long been known that regular exposure to chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate is associated with respiratory illness and an increased risk of cancer. However, it should be noted that this is completely true only in cases of regular interaction with very, very large quantities of these substances.
Previously, they really were the basic components of varnish compositions, but now they are trying to replace them with alternative and guaranteed safe in use. But again: in small quantities, the maximum harm that these substances can cause does not go beyond dermatitis and skin irritations. However, even here, we do not forget to carefully check the labels and choose only proven products: dermatitis is not skin cancer, but still.
Hair straighteners
What's wrong: formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that gives off its presence with a pungent odor. For him, the ill-fame of a carcinogen, an allergen, a source of tears (literally) and skin irritations was entrenched. And yes, it is formaldehyde derivatives such as formalin and phenoxyethanol that are frequent building blocks of most hair straighteners: they line up the most unruly strands of hair, actively affecting every hair.
It is important to understand that in the phrase "formaldehyde derivatives" the key is the second word, even if the tempting "formaldehydefree" is written on the label of the product. If you straighten your hair several times a year, you should not expect any negative post-effects. However, it is obvious that if during the salon procedure you feel excessive tearing and shortness of breath, then the remedy used at that moment does not inspire confidence.
The maximum permissible norm for the content of formaldehyde in cosmetics is 0.2%. If its percentage is less than 0.5%, then the manufacturer is not obliged to indicate its presence on the label. In general, one piece of advice here is to be vigilant about the composition of your cosmetic bag.
Photo: Getty Images
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