Make up has become one of the most popular lifestyles in Ghana and in most parts of the world. In 1920, Faktorowicz invented the word ‘make-up’ as an alternative to saying cosmetics. Make-up products are used by almost every woman across the world. Some men also use make-up, but they are usually actors and male anchors who need to look good before they appear on TV set. Some people make- up on a daily basis without thinking of its side effect.
This article will point out some effects of make-up and will help us know the associated risks to enable us to reduce or limit how often we use them.
According to Oxford.com, “make-up is defined as cosmetic such as lipstick or powder applied to the face used to enhance or alter the appearance. Make-up also consists of things such as lipstick, eye shadow, and powder which some women put on their faces to make themselves look more attractive or which actors use to change or improve their appearance.” Many women use make-up to beautify their face without looking at the harm it may cause them. I am not against the use of make-up, but I want my readers to know there are so many chemicals in them and the excessive use of it could cause harm or permanent damage to your body. Before I touch on the main issue of make-up causing harm to the body, I would like us to examine some types of make-up. Below are some types of make-up listed.
Water based make-up: this type of make-up comes with water as its main binding agent as opposed to a cream, oil or gel, which makes it feel light on the skin.
Silicone based make-up: this type of make-up gives a unique slip effect which is why it raves a lot.
Powder based make-up: this type of make-up is finely milled to get the soft texture that gives your skin an airbrushed look.
Mineral make-up: this type of make-up is pure mineral and does not contain any oil or additives.
Airbrushed Makeup: The airbrush make-up help spray a uniform layer of make-up all across the face hiding imperfection and flaws. Also, experts believe that the airbrush technique helps use fewer products. Once you start spraying, the product comes out to form a smooth layer.
All these types of make-up enhance, improves, and beautify the face when you apply them. There is an adage that “too much of everything is bad”. Even though these make-ups enhance or beautify our face, they also cause harm to our body, and even give us health implications.
God in his own wisdom created us without these things because he knew effects or causes attached to it, since he is the all-knowing God.
Some elders in various communities frown on such things.
Below are some effects of make-up according to cure Joy.com and Yes Madam blog site.
Acne: Acne which is also known as pimple is the common side effect of makeup that most women experience. Your skin is as much a part of your body as any other organ. It is also needs to breathe and grow when you cover your skin with make-up, you also end up clogging it. Some type of make-up which are in the form of liquids and creams clog the pores in your skin. This leads to the formation of blackheads, which when not cleaned regularly can form acne.
Cancer: many of the chemical-based cosmetics available in the stores today contain toxic ingredients that could cause cancer. With regulations in place, there is testing being done on the ingredients before the products can be sold. However, cosmetics companies need only prove that there will be no immediate harmful results. So, there is no conclusive research done on the long-term effects of all the ingredients.
Allegic Reactions: although many make-ups product look similar, the ingredients in them vary. If certain ingredients don’t suit your skin, it can create havoc on your skin. Many beauty products are located with harmful chemicals. These chemicals include paraben and SLES and they trigger allergic reactions. They make your skin unpleasant. If you normally wear make-up frequently, your skin is exposed to harmful chemicals, and you get side-effect of make-up.
Eye Infection is the last effect I would like to talk about. The area around your eyes is thin and delicate as compared to other areas. The undereye layers of foundation and concealer to cover dark circles. Any harmful ingredients in your make-up can cause severe harm to your eyes. In most cases, a small irritant can lead to severe eye infection. Not removing make-up before going to bed also leads to dark circles.
These are but a few mentioned under the effect of make-up, they are very real, please avoid the use of make-up, otherwise limit the use of it for a healthy skin. It is also advisable to carefully read the label of the make-up before you buy and apply on your skin.
The writer is a student at the School of Communication and Media Studies, department of Journalism and media studies at the University of Education, Winneba
