Both makeup and other decorative cosmetic products (lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow, face powder, blush, mascara, etc.) are complex formulations that can be found in different formats and textures.
They come in liquid, semi-solid, and solid forms (usually in powder form) and should be selected taking into account age, skin type, phototype, sensitivity, elasticity, degree of hydration, the possibility of allergies, and other parameters. For example, powders can easily dehydrate the skin, so people with dry skin should opt for another type of format.
Gateways to the body
One aspect that deserves attention is that these products are frequently applied in sensitive areas: around the eyes, where the skin is thinner, and on the lips and mucous membranes, which lack a stratum corneum that makes penetration difficult. In addition, the potential for ingesting a lip product is greater, since it can easily be dragged inside with saliva and the tongue.
Another critical area is the area around the nose, where powder or mist products, such as make-up, blush, gloss, and highlighters, can be inhaled and, again, easily penetrate the body. Therefore, the safety of the ingredients used in the formulations is of utmost importance.
Heavy metals, nanomaterials, and other harmful substances
Makeup products can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals. Despite their known toxicity, some of these compounds appear in some makeup formulations as impurities or traces, so they are not included in the list of ingredients.
Articles containing arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel have been detected. There is some concern about certain compounds, such as lead in some lip glosses or the high concentration of nickel, chromium, and cobalt identified in certain eye shadows, some of which are imported from China.
Heavy metals even appear in children’s make-up toys. The problem here is that children’s skin is thinner and still developing, making them more vulnerable to the penetration of substances and reactions to them.
Another cause for concern is the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which increase durability, improve emulsion spreading, and have the ability to form a film. Repeated exposure to these chemicals has been found to be harmful to human health. A recent study has revealed that the highest levels of PFAS are detected in water-resistant, oil-resistant, and clothing-resistant makeup and long-lasting products.
Nanomaterials have also colonized the glamorous world of makeup, as they improve texture and sensory experience. Although their safety is still being studied, we now know that they remain in the epidermis, without penetrating the body.
However, this is not the case when these tiny particles are inhaled, which can cause lung problems. The danger lies in products in powder or mist form that are applied near the nasal area.
At what age is it advisable to start wearing makeup?
Taking into account all of the above, it depends on the maturity of the person and the knowledge they acquire about these products. In general, we do not recommend it before the age of 15 or 16: you need to know the ingredients, how to use the different products, or how to clean the skin after makeup.
The user should also practice good hygiene habits such as washing hands before and after applying makeup, properly washing brushes and other applicators, and not sharing products. In addition, the user should be alert to the appearance of possible skin problems.
Teenagers and young adults who are new to makeup should purchase products specifically for their skin, which tends to be oilier. Using the wrong products can cause or exacerbate acne or other problems. In general, they should opt for simple, hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free options to avoid skin irritation.
And let’s not forget to always use specific products if we have sensitive skin, since these have a greater risk of suffering reactions to makeup that is not formulated properly.
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