Dangers of Makeup

Makeup is a part of a lot of women's daily schedules. Some can't live without it!

Now I don't personally like wearing makeup. It's too much of a pain for me. My sister and my mom however, do wear makeup.

One of the biggest reasons why I don't wear makeup is because I've been told that it will help create wrinkles. I do not want to get wrinkles earlier then what was intended for me, so I stay away from the stuff. But, I did know that makeup can be very dangerous to your health.

What I discovered was shocking. I decided to write this hub to spread awareness of the chemicals found in makeup. What's making us beautiful (even though I feel most don't need it) is really harming our bodies.

For instance, hair tint can contain something called quaternium-15. It releases carcinogenic formaldehyde and phenylenediamine. Now, if you're like me, your saying "ENGLISH PLEASE!" Let me explain further. Quaternium-15 is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in many cosmetics. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. It can cause contact dermatitis, which is a symptom of allergic reactions. A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that causes cancer. Phenylenediamine is a chemical that when studied found associations between hair dyes and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, and bladder cancer.

Dusting powder can contain talc, a substance like asbestos. When talc is combined with a common air pollution it induced tumors in 80% of animals tested.

Blush can contain FD&C Red#3. It caused human breast cells to grow and mimic the effect of natural estrogen at the molecular level. It damages the genetic material of human breast cells.

Mascara can contain polyvinylpyrrolide. You've gotta be careful with polyvinylpyrrolide as it can cause allergic reactions.

Lipsticks can contain paraffin, a mix of hydrocarbons and derived from petroleum and known to be contaminated with carcinogens, benzo-a-pyrene and benzo-b-fluroanthe.

Now let's talk about perfume. Now I use perfume sometimes but after reading this, I don't think I'll ever use it again. Perfume can contain tolune. Tolune is suspected to be a potent carcinogen. Also, benzaldehyde is in perfume. Benzaldehyde is a central nervous system depressant which may cause kidney damage.

In some nail polish, hair straighteners, hair spray, body lotions, and deodorant chemicals from the phthatale family can be found. Too much of this chemical can result in premature breat development, lowered sperm count, testicular injury, damage to the reproductive organs, and lung, liver, and kidney cancer. It can also cause birth defects.

Now, not all makeup contains this stuff. Recently, makeup companies are getting better about having this stuff in their products. If you want to be sure if your makeup is safe, check out The Skin Deep Safe Cosmetics Database. Also, you can follow the following tips to keep yourself safe.

• Check the ingredients on the labels.
• Talk to a makeup specialist if you're buying from a makeup counter such as Lancome.
• Be informed. Don't be afraid to ask questions about this stuff. It's your body and you have the right to protect it!

Also, follow these steps to make sure you stay safe when applying makeup.

• Do not apply makeup when driving. You could get hurt and poke your eye out.
• Do not test makeup at the testing counters. They are swarming with bacteria, even if they use disposable applicators.
• Which brings me to my next point, always use disposable applicators.
• Lastly, never share makeup.