COSMETICS AND SKIN DISORDERS

Wordsworth rightly says, “Nature never betrays a heart that loves it.” Contenting with what has been bestowed by nature never proves harmful but the situation turns all the way round when blissful grant of nature is tampered with. Same is the situation with use of cosmetics to better appearance as it, at times, becomes harmful and causes multiple skin disorders. If nothing is used to enhance appearance and remains contented with what has been given by nature, no problem will occur but excessive use of cosmetics may court some issues which are needed to be properly taken care of.      

Some of the skin disorders caused by use of cosmetics may be discussed as under;

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS (ICD)

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a common skin disease caused by the use of different cosmetics. The skin disorder is non-responsive, non-allergic reaction of the skin to the chemicals used in the cosmetics which are corrosive in nature and releases mediators of inflammation from epidermal cells. This type of irritant can be acute or chronic.

Some cosmetics causing ICD are;

• CLEANSERS: These are used to cleanse the face but have surfactants as the usage of strong and harsh surfactants for a longer time can change permanently cell structure of the skin surface and can be damaging for the barrier function of the skin and cause inflamed skin.
• TONERS: These moisturizers and skin enhancers improve skin surface, makes it fresh, smooth and hydrated. These can reduce enlarged pores and excess oil on combination and oily skin and for normal, dry or sensitive skin types, the toners decrease redness and flaking but toner mists if used excessively can cause redness, patches of dry skin, inflammation, itching and acne breakouts and if a wrong formula not in commensurate with the skin type is chosen, it can drain out skin’s natural oil and natural pH balance gets disturbed.
• ASTRINGENTS: A tissue shrinker substance meant to draw out water from the tissues. This cleanser product can tighten the skin though not for a longer time, shrink pores and draw out oil but the drying substance is not suitable for all skin types and can make the skin itchy, inflamed, cracked and rough.
• FACIAL TREATMENT: This is a cleansing process in which manual manipulation and chemical’s direct application are done to remove makeup, dirt and other impurities but the excessive facial treatment can cause acne breakouts, skin dryness, itching, irritation and other such issues.

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS (ACD)

Allergic contact dermatitis or ACD is a rash that is highly irritating and itchy. It occurs due to direct contact with an allergen or skin allergic reaction to substances used in cosmetics such as fragrances, preservatives and sunscreen. Some plants and jewelry can also cause ACD.

Some ACD causing substances are;

• FRAGRANCES: Different fragrances used in cosmetics can cause allergy situation and may cause occurrence of dermatitis of the hands, face, neck, axillae and patches in areas where cosmetics are used.
• PRESERVATIVES: Preservatives are the necessary ingredient of many chemicals and toilet accessories. These preservatives are generally source of acute and chronic allergy.
• SUNSCREEN: Some people are sensitive to the ingredients used in the sunscreen and there may be an interaction between sunscreen ingredients and UV lights which may cause skin reaction. Sunscreen allergy looks like sun allergy, heat rash or sunburn and result in redness, itchiness and rashes.

COSMETICS INDUCED PIMPLES (ACNE)

Cosmetics induced pimples or acne cosmetica may occur due to pore-clogging (comedogenic) cosmetics. Lanolin and coconut oil are the well-known comedogenic. Some other products like pomades and eye creams may be more comedogenic than others.

• LANOLIN: Lanolin can clog pores because of its thickness and heavy substance particularly when it is used on oily or acne-prone skin. It may also cause breakouts and irritations.
• COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is hydrating but it can clog pores and cause acne breakouts if the skin is oily.
• POMADE: Pomade is perfumed jelly such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil and lanolin may be comedogenic (pore clogger) and can block pores and give rise to acne formation.
• EYE CREAMS: Eye creams have also the ingredients which are comedogenic and their excessive use may cause irritation in the eyes.

SPECIAL COSMETIC ALLERGIES

Special cosmetic allergies may cause irritant contact dermatitis and the reaction causes damage on the skin like burning, itching, stinging and redness. The blisters and oozing may occur in case of skin scratch. Five ingredients such as natural rubber, fragrances, preservatives, dyes and metals used in cosmetics may cause special cosmetic allergies.

• NATURAL RUBBER: Natural rubber is a sap of rubber tree and latex are made of it. Natural rubber latex can cause irritation like itching, rash or hives and runny nose and watery eyes.
• DYES: Allergies due to hair dyers is common among men and women and it happens due to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and user’s face, ears and neck are affected with swelling, itching and irritation.
• METALS: Heavy metal contaminations are found in cosmetics of various brands. Heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel and lead are used in lotions, foundations, whitening creams, lipsticks, hair dyes and sunblock creams and how damaging these ingredients for skin may prove to be needs no rocket science to understand.

BOTTOMLINE

Cosmetics is part and parcel of women’s beauty box and men’s shelf even children are not kept away from them. Despite health hazards, these are excessively used through the world. However, some ingredients used in the cosmetics suggest that they should be used sparingly and cautiously. Rather, it is preferable to follow healthy lifestyle, natural food products, better eating habits, proper rest and sleep, morning walk, judicious use of water inwardly and outwardly, positive thinking and care for the others to have natural happiness sprouting from the core of heart to have better skin and glowing appearance.

FAQs (Frequent Asked Questions)