A cosmetic queen

Be careful about the make up you use...

Who doesn't want to look their best? Be it at an interview, a social function, or even if it is just a walk to the park. Everyone agrees that there is no extent to what make up can do to a person. Right from the darkest scars, to the ugliest pockmarked skin, cosmetics works wonders for those who need a quick transformation or a 'make over'.

Today, however, some cosmetic products contain toxic and chemical substances, leaving your skin haggered and wrinkled before time.

According to a recent research, putting chemicals on your skin is worse than ingesting them, because when you eat something the enzymes in your saliva and stomach help break it down and flush it out of your body. But when chemicals are applied on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your blood stream without filtering of any kind, and no protection against the toxin.

The toxic chemicals you may be absorbing from the use of beauty products are, largely, going directly to your delicate organs. The research also showed that cheap cosmetics may clog the pores of the skin and make it prone to acne, pimples and eczema.

A lot of cosmetics contain chemicals that are harmful to the body. Make sure you check the cosmetic you purchase, opt for a reputed brand and never use expired products. Here are some that you need to be most careful about...

Lipsticks
These are considered to be the most toxic among all cosmetics. The perfume oils and indelible dyes used in lipsticks can cause health hazards like numbness, respiratory problems, swollen gums and inflamed eyes.

Exfoliating products
Products such as cleansers and skin peels can cause damage to the skin if exposed to excessive sunlight. Too much exfoliating removes the top layer of the skin, which is the protective layer. Excessive scrubbing or frequent washing can have similar effects by stripping away the oily layer that the body provides for protection.

Foundation
Liquid foundation mostly contains mineral oil, which is considered as a petrochemical pollutant. These can play havoc with hormones. Foundations may contain agents that slow down the process of cell renewal, which results in premature ageing.

Nail Polish
Nail polish contains toxic products like toluene, phenol and xylene. These ingredients can cause bleeding under the nails, discolouration and can roughen the smooth texture of the nails. Phenol, when in contact with the skin can cause pimples. Tuluene can cause headaches, nausea and loss of appitite. Nail polish removers have acetone, a solvant, which causes the nails to become brittle.

Go natural
Opt for synthetic cosmetics — natural cosmetics made with natural products are as effective. These cosmetics are harmless and improve the texture of the skin as they include a combination of potent herbs.

Natural cosmetics use fruit juices, crushed leaves and oil, which is extracted from seeds, milk, eggs etc. Spices and condiments like turmeric and saffron quite often figure in the list of ingredients for natural cosmetics.

Natural cleansers like milk and lemon are effective natural cosmetics in themselves. Fruits can make up excellent face packs. The oils obtained from almond and coconut act as good massage oils for skin and hair and bring a healthy glow to the skin and hair. They also help control wrinkle and crease formation on the surface of the skin.