More Health Tips

The United States FDA defines cosmetics as: "Intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body’s structure or functions.

The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in Ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. The Romans and Egyptians used cosmetics containing mercury and often lead.

In the Western world, the advent of cosmetics was in the Middle Ages, although restricted to use within the upper classes. Cosmetic use was frowned upon at some points in history. For example, in the 1800s, Queen Victoria publicly declared make-up improper. It was viewed as vulgar and acceptable only for use by actors.

By the middle of the 20th century, cosmetics were in widespread use in nearly all societies around the world. Today the cosmetic industry is a big and growing one. One report said that women could use more than 20 make-up products as part of her daily routine. Even the guys are getting into it.

Let us face one fact: Make-up is an entirely unnatural phenomenon. Hence, no cosmetic product can claim to be totally safe. Even those without carcinogens could have ingredients that cause allergy and irritation. Cosmetics may also have ingredients that are supposed to be "safe" simply only there are no safety data for them.

When it comes to looking good, you do not need to make unhealthy choices. If your lifestyle is relatively clean, the use of well-chosen make-up may not add much to your total toxic load.

When buying or using cosmetics, here are some simple tips:

• Start from the inside

"I know the power of make-up," a doctor friend once told me, "I get to see my wife in the morning." The truth is really very simple: true and lasting beauty comes from within. Beauty is deeper than you skin! It starts with a nutritious diet, adequate rest, good sleep, regular exercise and periodic stress-free breaks.

• Study the label

It makes sense, but it bears repeating: Carefully read the labels of the stuff that you are going to put on your face. Don’t rely on claims of ‘all natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘cruelty-free’. These claims are increasingly becoming meaningless. Check for independent third party endorsement and credibility. The true story of the product can only be found in the list of ingredients.

• Natural Products

Look for natural waxes like honey, beeswax and carnauba, plant oils, cocoa butter and more natural powders based on cornstarch, kaolin and silk. Make sure these are the main (if not only) ingredients, and not simply added to pay lip service to the idea of being a "natural" product.

• Beware the price hype

Price is no guarantee. It used to be. Not anymore. Sometimes, the cheaper brands use fewer toxic ingredients, but only the label will tell you for sure. Ask for and about independent tests on done on the products in accredited laboratories.

• Re-read the label every time you buy

Don’t just buy a product because it was safe the last time you looked. By the time you replace your eye shadow or lipstick, it may be made from completely different ingredients. Manufacturers are continually reformulating their products.

• Avoid cosmetics that are pearly, glittery or frosted

To achieve this effect, manufacturers add ingredients such as pure aluminium, mica and even fish scales. Used near the eye, these particles can flake off and cause corneal damage. Ingested aluminium is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

• Choose lip gloss over lipstick for everyday wear

Conventional lip glosses contain less colour, but are high in phenol, a poisonous substance that is easily absorbed into the delicate tissue of the lips (aided by petrolatum, a petroleum-derived moisturiser along with other wetting agents).

• Seek "safe" colours

In cosmetics terms, a number beginning with "CI75 ..." is considered a "natural" colourant, even though some are highly synthesised. Anything else may be considered suspect. Those beginning with "CI77..." are inorganic substances used as colourings (such as iron oxides, natural carbon, and the more toxic aluminium and barium sulphates).

• No Perfumes. No Sweet

Avoid all perfumed cosmetics. Avoid lip products that taste sweet. Often, these use saccharin (a suspected carcinogen) and phthalic anhydride (made from another suspected carcinogen, naphthalene), an irritant which can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion. It has been linked to kidney and brain damage in infants.

• No sunscreens

Make-up is for indoors anyway. Don’t be fooled by claims of natural sunscreens. The only effective sunscreens are synthetic chemi- cals that add to your toxic burden.

• Don’t need to makeup

Sadly, many women wear makeup for the most trivial occasions — shopping for groceries, weekends at home or even for walks in the park. Get used to the way you look without make-up. Give your skin and body a break. If you really must put something, stick to the basics — swipe of carefully chosen mascara and a bit of lipstick or lip gloss is fine for everyday use.

* Datuk Dr Rajen M. is a pharmacist with a doctorate in Holistic Medicine.