Why you should give make-up a miss at times

Just believe that you don't need make-up to look beautiful and the rest will fall in place!

However attractive one may look with make-up on, it does come with its share of side effects and you can't ignore them. You could definitely take some precautions against the ill-effects and understand why it's important to do away or avoid make-up sometimes.

Avoid skin damage

Long hours of make-up absorb chemicals into the skin, especially if you don't wipe it clean at the end of the day. Skin specialist and dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi explains, 'No make-up protects the skin from the damaging effects of chemicals used. Red rashes, pimples, uneven skin texture and early wrinkling can be spared from, if make-up is avoided.' Also, the more you cover up your blemishes and pimples with concealers, the more it is contaminating the pores, making conditions worse. Visit a dermatologist instead and ensure you are relieved of those pimples, in the first place.

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Increasing effects with age

Excessive exposure to chemicals in make-up could worsen your skin's condition. Women at different ages could get affected differently, explains Dr Trasi. 'In the younger lot, oil-based make-up can lead to pimples and rashes on the face. It can also cause hyper pigmentation due to the chemicals in it, while, at a later stage, excessive make-up can cause early wrinkling and dull looking skin.'

Let it breathe

It's true, the more you avoid loading up your skin, the more you will let it breathe. Besides, there is no short-cut to having beautiful skin, other than getting the best of nutrition and skincare. Moreover, it's crucial that you understand, you don't need make-up to look beautiful.

Skip animal-cruelty

Most cosmetic products out there work on animal testing. To promote anti-animal testing, you have to avoid using such products completely.

Watch out for these chemicals in your make-up

Phthalates

Phthalates are a set of chemicals that cause hormonal imbalance in women. These chemicals are commonly found in moisturisers and shampoos. These chemicals could also lead to early puberty in girls and may be a risk factor breast cancer in later-life.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of compounds used as preservatives in all toiletries, dental and hair products. Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens are the common types used. These chemicals get absorbed into the skin and could cause breast cancer. Such chemicals are likely to irritate skin, eyes and lungs.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil gives an unhealthy coating to the skin's surface just like a plastic wrap and doesn't let the skin breathe freely. It also absorbs the skin's natural moisture.' Due to this activity, you are prone to premature skin ageing. The side-effects of this chemical are skin irritation, burning and stinging. Here are 5 home remedies for ageing skin.

Talc (magnesium silicate)

The shimmery powders contain magnesium silicate. It leads to irritation in the lungs and may be carcinogenic; having a possible link to ovarian cancer. Here are some more chemicals in make-up that could harm you.

What you can do

Control damage

If you are unable to cut down the use of make-up completely from your routine, you could make use of safer alternatives. Dr Trasi suggests, 'For dry skin, use a moisturiser as a base to avoid the skin from cracking further. Always try to use oil-free make-up. Organic make-up is a good option too.' Organic make-up is free of artificial colours, fragrances or harmful preservatives, toxic chemicals, parabens, phthalates, and does not involve animal testing. In fact, these contain organic vegetable oils and essential oils. Vegetable oil comes with active substances, essential fatty acids and vitamins, which give a natural feel and texture and are great for keeping the skin moisturised. Know all about organic make-up here.

Also, wash out your make-up thoroughly once you are done with the day. Avoid sleeping with your make-up on as this may risk you to ill-effects like excessive dry skin and skin reactions. Here are some more reasons why you should get rid of make-up before you hit the bed.

Look at other alternatives

In the video below, there are some fun alternatives to the usual make-up. It's fascinating to know how a ear bud and spoon can replace mascara. And how you don't need heavy shimmery powders for bronzing. Instead, use some cocoa powder!