Introduction:
Cosmetics are largely used for beautifying or promoting attractiveness and altered appearance. But, these products are not intended to alter or interfere with the normal physiology of human skin or body. Most cosmetic products do not initially cause a reaction, but subsequent sensitization causes an allergic response. Reactions to cosmetic ingredients are common nowadays, out of which contact dermatitis is very common.
What Are the Benefits of Cosmetics?
Some of the benefits are as follows-
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Cosmetics boost one's confidence.
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Protects the skin
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Gives the skin additional nourishment
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When applied appropriately, cosmetics can make the skin appear more radiant and youthful.
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It aids in giving off a polished appearance.
What Adverse Effects Are Caused by the Cosmetic Industry?
The cosmetics industry has always been prosperous. Hair dye, cosmetic cream for a different purpose, lipstick, nail polish, epilators, antiperspirant, pre, and aftershaves are now used frequently. Relative to its wide usage, cosmetic products have rarely been associated with serious adverse reactions. But, it does not mean that cosmetics are always safe to use.
Cosmetic dermatitis predominantly affects females, probably due to their frequent use of cosmetics. Common cosmetic dermatitis due to the use of various cosmetics products are,
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Pigmentary changes.
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Lichenoid eruptions.
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Nail changes.
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Hair changes.
1) Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
It is the most common adverse reaction to cosmetics. The most common site is the eyelid. In this, the sufferer will present with redness and scaling of the affected areas. This adverse reaction occurs due to hair dye, eye makeup like mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and eyebrow pencils due to various sensitizers in them like paraben phenylmercuric acetate, etc.
2) Contact Urticaria:
In this, the individual presents with multiple hives and flare responses to topically applied cosmetics. It is basically due to various ingredients of cosmetics like Balsam of Peru, acetic acid, paraben, and cinnamic acid.
3) Pigmentary Changes:
Hyperpigmentation of the face, also called Riehl melanosis, occurs due to the use of various fragrance ingredients containing cosmetics like benzyl salicylate, sandalwood oil, and jasmine absolute.
4) Lichenoid Eruptions:
Lichen planus, itchy purple color raised eruptions like lesions on the face and neck may occur due to hair dye ingredients paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
5) Nail Changes:
Onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed), nail destruction, and nail discoloration may be caused by nail cosmetics such as nail polish and nail polish remover.
6) Hair Changes:
Hair breakage is more common due to improper use of hair straighteners, or hair damage may take place due to the oxidation type of dye or bleaches.
7) Acneiform Eruptions:
Various cosmetic ingredients like Lanolin and its derivatives, detergents, and dyes are known to cause acne-like lesions.
How to Perform a Patch Test Before Cosmetic Use?
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To achieve this, simply apply a tiny bit of makeup behind the ears and leave it there for two days without washing it off. This product is safe for the skin if one does not experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as burning, itching, or redness at the test site.
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Once the work is finished, or even before going to bed, remember to always wash the face. It is crucial to use a cleanser to wash the face to prevent residue from clogging pores or causing other damage overnight.
How to Choose Cosmetics for Different Types of Skin?
There are a variety of cosmetics available in the market with lots of attractive levels and fragrances claiming lots of things that are liable to confuse a normal person who has no knowledge of personal care products. First of all, the caretaker must know the type of his or her own skin, whether it is normal, dry, oily, or in combination.
Products like moisturizer and foundation are chosen according to his or her skin type. For dry to normal skin, oil-based formulations are required, and for oily skin, water-based formulations are required. The cost of the product or the manufacturing company should not guide the purchase since cheaper products may often give equal or better results.
While selecting cosmetics, the result should be evaluated under natural light and not bright artificial light. If a sample of the product is available, then it should be checked first in a small area to see for any irritant or allergic reaction.
What Are the Certain Myths Regarding Cosmetic Products?
Certain myths regarding cosmetic products are as follows:
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Household cosmetics are harmless - Household products can also irritate or be sensitive to the skin or have comedogenic potential. So, it should be used with care.
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Skin creams and moisturizers with vitamins A, E, and other plant extracts prevent aging and skin wrinkling. Most of these substances are absorbed topically, hence carrying no added advantage over a plain moisturizer is needed.
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Face cleaning with milk and the use of facial packs are more effective ways to clean the deep pores. But, in reality, soaps are equally effective for facial cleaning as compared to others mentioned earlier.
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Soaps or shampoos that produce more lather on the application have better cleansing actions. The lather production depends on the addition of foam booster to soaps or shampoos, while cleansing depends on the presence of a detergent ingredient in soaps and shampoos.
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Medicated soaps are better cleansing agents and good for skin disease. In reality, the normal flora acts as a defense against harmful bacteria and prevents their growth over the skin surface.
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The application of eyeliner improves eyesight and eyelash growth. Eyeliner contains carbon, and it is used for the cosmetic purpose of enhancing eye appeal. It serves no beneficial action, and it can cause contact dermatitis and other eye problems.
Why Is It Crucial to Comprehend Cosmetic Labels?
Make sure to carefully read the entire label, which includes the ingredients list, safety instructions, and cautions. Additionally, take note of the following terms that the label can use:
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Hypoallergenic: Never presume that a cosmetic product is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
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Natural or Organic: The ingredients' origin has no bearing on the product's safety. Remember that these goods are not necessarily safer than those containing components from other sources.
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Expiration Dates: Cosmetics are exempt from legal requirements to have an expiration date. On the other hand, improper storage conditions, such as an excessively warm or damp location, might cause a cosmetic product to expire.
Conclusion:
If people experience any side effects from cosmetics, they should wash their faces right away. They can use ice packs for the affected areas and topical steroids, such as Hydrocortisone for the face and Mometasone for the neck and other body parts if they experience severe burning, stinging, or redness. See the general practitioner or dermatologist as soon as possible. Keep in mind that makeup should only be used to enhance and promote beauty to a certain degree. This article does not advocate against using cosmetics, but it does suggest that one can use them sparingly, carefully, and only after testing out a sample of the products on a patch
