Why are Women ‘Going Natural’ with their Skincare Products ?

It’s nice to just embrace the natural beauty within you.

BEAUTY is a word that holds power far beyond any other word. It’s a word that pulls a woman towards cosmetic surgeries and intense diet charts . According to the Little Oxford English Dictionary, beauty is described as “the quality of being very pleasing to the senses”.

We all live in a society which places high importance on physical beauty. But, beauty is more than what meets just the eyes. To be truly beautiful, one must possess much more than a pretty shell.

From the soot-rimmed eyes of ancient Egyptians to the lead paint worn by Elizabethans, women have always been associated with cosmetics. Makeup has become so ubiquitous that now most women feel the lack of confidence if they go all natural. Now-a -days, the crazy fad of makeup has gone beyond limits. But wearing makeup all the time have had severe health impacts as well. Many cosmetic products cause allergies, irritation, infections and even lead to skin cancer. The chemicals can even seep into the skin and then damage the internal organs overtime. Below are some common cosmetics that we use daily and have serious health impacts :

Kajals, Eye-Liners, Eye Shadow, Mascara

These are known to contain lead, a carcinogen and neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system adversely, leading to high blood-pressure, allergies, behavioural abnormalities and even a decreased rate of fertility. The area around the eyes is extremely sensitive and therefore, most vulnerable. A normal mascara wand is the ideal breeding ground for pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful bacterium that causes corneal infections, redness and sties.

Lipsticks

Studies have shown that lipsticks have concerning levels of chromium, cadmium and magnesium. This results in an increased risk to dangerous diseases and organ damage. High levels of cadmium can be stored in the kidney and finally result in renal failure. Applying and re-applying lipsticks many times during the day can lead to stomach tumors.

Hair Dyes

Dying your hair can lead to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph tissue. This cancer is often found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. As it spreads, it begins to affect the immune system function and the body’s ability to fight infection.

According to data retrieved from the National Cancer Institute, 30% of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cases are caused by regular use of commercial hair dye. 4-ABP is a hair dye byproduct that has also been proven to have carcinogenic effects. The byproduct is commonly found in blonde, red, and black hair dyes but may not be listed on the label.

Nail Polish

Chemical ingredients in nail care products range from cancer-causing compounds such as formaldehyde to others that disrupt the endocrine system. Researchers have identified toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate – nicknamed the “toxic trio” because of their serious health impacts – as three chemicals of high concern for salon workers.

Toluene is a commonly used solvent that creates a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the pigment from separating in the bottle, but can affect the central nervous system and cause reproductive harm. It’s major use is as an additive in gasoline.

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is used as a nail-hardening agent and disinfectant for nail care tools.

Exposure to dibutyl phthalate, added to polishes to provide flexibility, has been linked to reproductive problems. In addition to this trio, there are many other harmful chemicals used in nail care products.