The cosmetics industry is a big business all around the world. Most manufacturers strive to make their products safe for as many people as possible, but there are still cases where cosmetics can have some side effects on some people. A recent study found that many cosmetics that are used all over the world had chemicals that contained carcinogens, agents that are known to cause cancer. Others had not done research or studies on the effects their products had on human beings. Because of this, it was concluded that more research on the safety of cosmetics for humans is needed.
When certain fragrances or preservatives are added to different kinds of cosmetics, skin allergies, or allergic dermatitis can appear in some people. This can cause irritation or rashes where the product is applied to the skin. People that are allergic to some substances or try a product that irritates their skin could benefit greatly from a patch test, conducted by a dermatologist or physician. A patch test is when a variety of different chemicals is applied to the skin in small applications and observed for a few days to see the reaction the skin takes. At this point, consumers can avoid the chemicals that cause allergies by reading the ingredients on the product labels. Some people will find that even if they are not allergic to a certain substance they may still get skin irritation because of a condition known as irritant dermatitis where the cosmetic damages the outer layer of skin.
Exfoliating products such as deep cleansers and skin peels can cause damage to the skin if it is exposed to excessive sunlight. This is because they remove 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 the body provides for protection of the skin.
Some ingredients found in cosmetic products are suspected to contain chemicals that could have serious side effects. A recent study was published that claimed some deodorants may be a factor in causing breast cancer. The study was specifically on parabens, which is a certain kind of chemical commonly used in deodorants and anti-perspirants as preservatives. Parabens are found in breast cancer tissue. The study was not conclusive in linking the two, but caution should still be used when shopping for cosmetic products. It is a good idea to be aware as a consumer that many of the products we use everyday can be complex chemical compounds. Read the label for ingredients and be aware of the properties the products contain. After all, we’re putting these things directly onto us.