Published By: Puja Sinha

After-Effects of Daily Makeup and How to Combat Those?

Makeup infinitely worsens skin troubles adding to your beauty woes, but the good news is, those could be easily remedied!

While many people are weary of applying make-up on a daily basis, few can do anything about it. Be it a lifestyle, preference, or professional requirements, some individuals might have certain compulsion to put on make-up and go on about their day for hours. At the outset, this might look like a glamorous thing to pull off, but this practice on a regular schedule could cause some irreversible damage to the skin. Let’s take a quick look at the harmful ingredients present in make-up products:

Parabens: These are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of products which disrupt hormone function.

Phthalates: Often used to make fragrances last longer, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive health and development.

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasing Agents

Used as preservatives in some cosmetics, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Lead: Found in some lipsticks and other cosmetics, lead is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body over time, leading to serious health issues such as cognitive impairment and reproductive problems.

Talc: Used for its moisture-absorbing properties, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, leading to respiratory issues and cancer risk.

Benzophenones: These chemicals, including oxybenzone, are used in products with SPF to protect against UV light. They can cause skin irritation and have been linked to hormone disruption.

Triclosan: An antimicrobial agent found in some makeup products, triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt endocrine function.

Synthetic Fragrances: Often undisclosed mixtures of various chemicals, synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and hormone disruption.

Petroleum Distillates: Derived from crude oil and used in mascaras and other products, these can be contaminated with carcinogens.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Used for their foaming properties, these surfactants can cause skin irritation and may be contaminated with carcinogenic substances.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): Used as thickeners, solvents, and moisture carriers, PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are carcinogens.

How to Control the Pressing Side-Effects?

Look for the Right Product

There are certain parameters to be cognizant of when buying makeup to ensure the products do not affect your skin. Knowing the skin type and its specificities, for instance, sensitiveness, is the first significant step towards choosing a label. Be sure to read the ingredients to thwart off an allergic reaction. If it is a newbie, try to assess its performance—perhaps by reading reviews or looking at the compositions. Check the features of the item: if you are buying a kajal, it should at least be hydrating and not trigger itching and irritation in the eyes.

Look for the Dermatologist-Tested Tag

Products that are dermatologically tested are often formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin types, minimising the risk of adverse reactions. Besides, these products surpass certain levels of excellence, which means they would not downright wreak havoc on your skin. It also implies that the brand has complied with safety regulations and standards, providing additional consumer protection.

Cleanse your Skin before Going to Bed

At night, your skin undergoes repair and rejuvenation. Removing makeup ensures that skin care products, like moisturizers and serums, can penetrate effectively and support this natural process. If the day’s makeup is left on the skin for hours, it can trigger breakouts and acne and cause excess dryness. Prolonged exposure of skin to the chemicals also accelerates the ageing process besides making it vulnerable to infections.