Products used by women that infuse toxins in their skin

The Egyptian mesdemet (kohl), the Venetian ceruse (skin-whitener) or the Sumerian lip colouring are proof that cosmetics have existed since times immemorial. The beauty industry, catering mostly towards women, is a business for profit. Several skincare products, touted as 'organic' and 'ethically sourced' actually contain poisonous ingredients that impact our skin. It is essential to read the list of ingredients behind every skincare product.

1. Perfumes are necessary for people who sweat profusely, emitting a foul smell when intermingling with bacteria. Faulty hygiene, lifestyle and genetics also contribute to it. Industry-manufactured artificial fragrances may contain substances like – phthalates (endocrine disruptor), musk ketone (skin irritant), ethyl acetate (eye irritant) or styrem (carcinogen). They disrupt the skin's natural barrier and severely impact the body. Consider switching to fragrances like attar, an essential oil made from naturally occurring substances like rose, jasmine and saffron.

2. Products of hygiene like soaps and shampoos are indispensable in our daily lives. However, most of them consist of chemicals like – sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate which are foaming agents that bring the soap to a lather. They are proven skin irritants and also cause allergies. Some soaps also contain parabens and artificial aromas which irritate the skin, throw off hormonal balance and affect fertility. A better choice would be glycerin soaps that are gentle on your skin. Shampoos containing harmful substances irritate the scalp, causing clogged pores, product build-up, acne breakouts and hair loss. It is best to use homemade hair masks using eggs, flaxseeds or onion juice or essential oils made of rosemary!

3. Using hair dyes is very popular these days. It enhances our appearance and allows us to express our personality through vibrant colours. However, industry-made colours often contain harmful substances like – coal tar which is derived from petroleum (contact with skin can cause inflammation, eczema, hives, swelling or severe allergic reactions), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde which causes hair breakage and scalp tissue irritation, infusing toxins that would take years to be completely removed from the body. Instead, henna, coffee, indigo and beetroot can be used as organic hair colours!

4. Kohl and lipstick truly add the final touches to a glamorous look, making one look regal and drop-dead gorgeous. However, almost every kohl and lipstick brand has been tested to have high quantities of lead and coal tar (a petroleum-derivative). They can pose serious health risks, often remaining dormant in the body for a long time. Petroleum jelly is also believed to have cancerous properties. It is required to wash your eyes and mouth properly while removing make-up because kohl residues often make their way into the inner linings of eyes. Similarly, lipsticks can be accidentally ingested, posing severe health issues!

5. Sunscreen is a new favourite in cosmetics because it protects our skin against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun that can cause wrinkles, rapid ageing and skin cancer. Let us pause and wonder: how safe are these sunscreens? Recent studies have discovered the presence of substances like – padimate O (causing photosensitivity and allergic dermatitis), ensulizole (producing free radicals in the body), dioxybenzone (endocrine disruptor) and oxybenzone (is easily absorbed and enters the bloodstream). While there are not many effective choices beyond commercially manufactured SPFs, safe chemicals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (also found in sunscreens) provide considerable coverage from the scorching sun.

It is important to be informed and intelligent in the consumerist world that values profit over communal health and well-being.

(Author: By Ms. Shivani Bajwa, Functional Medicine and Health Expert)