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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : February 20, 2019 4:49 PM IST
Consult with your dermat before using beauty products ©Shutterstock
Overuse of certain beauty products can lead to massive health problems. Dr Kiran Godse, Consultant Dermatologist, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi A Fortis Network Hospital, warns us these kind of products that you should use with precaution.
1. Nylon Brush for scrubbing skin: These can cause Nylon Brush Dermatitis in which you get dark-coloured patches on hands, legs and all friction areas. Nylon The pigmentation is usually bluish black and is often seen on the inner ends of the collar bones and at the protrusion seen at the back of the wrist.
2. Fairness creams: Many triple combinations with Hydroquinone, Retinoid and Steroids are available in the market. Melasma is a common acquired Pigmentary Skin Disorder characterized by macular pigmentation of the face involving the cheeks, upper lips, and the forehead in varying combinations. Prolonged use can cause skin thinning, bruising, white spots and Hypersensitive Skin.
3. Steroids: Prolonged use of potent steroids, primarily used in fairness creams, is commonly seen in India. Betamethasone, Clobetasol and Mometasone are common potent steroids being used as OTC in India for all kinds of skin diseases, without the supervision of a skin specialist. These steroids can cause thinning of the skin, bruising and pigmentation. Overuse of steroids causes Steroid Rosacea , which is classified as redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Topical steroid use also causes acne breakouts.
4. Hydroquinone: This is a skin lightening and bleaching cream often used by the public for fairness and to treat age spots, freckles & other skin pigmentations. This can cause irritation redness, burning and depigmentation (loss of pigment).
5. Salicylic Acid creams are often used to treat Ringworm and Warts, which can cause irritation, Ulcers and dark patches on the body.
6. Dithranol or Derobin is used to treat a variety of skin diseases, they often cause irritation, redness and black spots on the body.
7. Parabens are found in facial cleansers, makeup, deodorant, and other beauty products. They are used as a preservative. Parabens mimic Estrogen in the body and can, therefore, interfere with the reproduction; there is also an associated increased risk of Breast Cancer.
8. Fragrance can be found in many beauty products including moisturizers. These have been associated with Dermatitis, allergies, Respiratory Distress and can have detrimental effects on the reproductive system.
9. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in personal care products which include soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc. These are irritants to the skin, Lungs and Eyes. They are Carcinogenic and can damage the Kidneys and Lungs.
10. Formaldehyde is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is Carcinogenic, and can cause skin allergies; it can also adversely affect the Immune System.
