Sajila Nudrat | Health Editor
Featured Image: The average woman uses 13 products per day with 515 ingredients. | Courtesy of Pexels
Every individual has a different skin type, and because of this fact, it’s very difficult to pinpoint one thing that works for everyone; makeup is no exception. Over the last few years, the makeup industry has burst into the public sphere, and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. With new products being released every day, it can be a little overwhelming.
Unfortunately not all those who want to, can keep up with it. A great deal of people can experience irritation and/or allergic reactions to various makeup products. It can be quite a tedious process finding a product they would like to use. Some symptoms to makeup allergies include, but are not limited to, breakouts, swelling, redness, itching and hives. Some symptoms are more visible than others, but irritation can present itself in many forms.
Due to the potential risks that are associated with generic cosmetics, many feel natural products are a safer bet. Natural makeup products are those that are shown to use organic ingredients, and their brands and manufacturing companies tend to refrain from testing products on animals.
The biggest difference between natural and regular products, is the amount of chemicals. For regular products there are chemical preservatives added, some of which can be harmful. A product that is truly natural should not contain any of these chemicals. However, that does mean that such products will have a shorter shelf life than the ones with added preservatives. Natural products may be healthier than conventional counterparts because of their lack of chemicals, but there is no definitive evidence regarding the harm these chemical ingredients cause.
In fact, there are plenty of naturally produced toxic compounds. Biochemist Bruce Ames at Children’s hospital Oakland Research Institute compared the toxicity levels of synthetics and natural chemicals and he found that they are equally likely to be dangerous.
When asked how she keeps her skin healthy, a third-year sociology student says, “by not wearing too much makeup, and when I do, I never sleep with it on. I also try leaning towards natural products. Even though i’m not allergic to any makeup products, I try to wash my face with natural washes rather than chemically based ones. For instance, to wash my face I used this middle eastern soap called ‘sabon regge.’ It’s natural and I believe it’s made from oils such as olive oil. I do see a greater difference because my skin does not react daily to them. I feel as though natural products are cheaper and better alternatives.”
Some natural products are known to be on the pricier side. At the end of the day, the best way for an individual to take care of their skin is to find what works for them.
That does not necessarily mean throwing away all their synthetic makeup and turning towards organic products. Some may fair better than others, such as natural face washes and soaps, but If a person uses synthetic foundations and concealers, it is not the end of the world.
