Makeup Health Risks You Should Know

By Sydney Lewis

 In recent times, it is popular for teens and adults to have a variety of makeup, including mascara, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow, and many more. With the mainstream of makeup tutorials and the constant commercials advertising these products, it is reasonable to say that many people buy and uses these products. With such product usage it is good to know what the effects are when using make-up.

    First of all, makeup can easily damage the skin. Makeup usage can lead to skin problems such as acne. Acne Cosmetica is a form of acne triggered by the use of certain cosmetic products. In an article on The Conversation website, titled “Health Check: Is Make Bad for Your Skin?”, it states that acne cosmetica “is linked to certain ingredients that cause comedone formation (a blockage in the pore) and typically presents as small rash-like bumpy pimples.” Application of makeup can cause such a reaction that nobody wants.

    Another way that makeup can damage one’s face is in the eyes. In most cases eye makeup is safe to use, yet with an allergic reaction it can cause an irritation, infection or injury to someone’s eyes. It is also stated from EyeSmart that it is recommended that you should throw away eye makeup products after three months. The bacteria accumulated in liquid eye makeup can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis, an inflammation in the eye.

    Makeup also can cause damage to the place applied because of the chemicals within it. Researchers from TIME suggest that the chemicals in makeup may potentially raise a person’s cancer risks, speed the onset of menopause, lower your IQ, or contribute to other health concerns. There are four chemicals that are potential hormone disruptors: phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and oxybenzone. Dr.Kim Harley, associate director of UC Berkeley’s’ Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, stated that “these chemicals may block, mimic, or interfere with the hormones in our bodies.”

    The overall usage of makeup can lead to skin damage, eye infections, and hormonal problems. The next time you lift up your brush to apply blush or eyeshadow be sure to consider the potential consequences that occur.