Cosmetics enhance a person’s appearance. It is especially useful for people who like to have fun. Cosmetics is considered essential for today’s life style. The cosmetics help in addressing the sun-burnt and damaged skin. The cosmetic industry claims to use healthy and tested products but many critics argue that the cosmetic industry’s claims are not reliable. It should be remembered that cosmetics improves the appearance of a person but it does not succeed in making him look entirely different. But, cosmetics have the capability to alter a person’s appearance.
Appearance Cosmetic
The overwhelming population in the world believes that cosmetics have a positive effect on a person’s appearance. The U.S. consumers spend more than $3.4 billion on the cosmetic products.
People are advised to use those cosmetics that would suit their eyes, hair and skin. Cosmetics helps a person to attain various kinds of looks. It helps a person attain the natural look, classic look or an upscale look. The ‘concealer’ helps the person to cover blemishes. The foundation of the make-up should match the color of the skin.
The following are the positive effects of cosmetics on a person’s appearance:
- The cosmetics reduces wrinkles and puffiness.
- It tones the skin and enables improvement of the skin.
- It hides the blemishes and the dark circles.
- It helps in reducing the fine lines.
- It helps in increasing the moisture level of the skin.
- The cosmetics give beautiful and a clean appearance.
The critics point out the following negative effects of the cosmetics on a person’s appearance:
- The cosmetics do not contain sufficient extracts from the plants so they are not healthy to use.
- There is no proof that the vitamins are beneficial to the skin. It is quite a possibility that the vitamins do not have any impact on the skin.
- The claims made by the cosmetic companies are not necessarily true. Various companies claim that their product is ‘hypoallergenic’. This may not be true as the product is not tested or regulated by any body.
- Cosmetics cannot put a stop to the ageing process as the wrinkles return after a certain period of time.
- It was established that the cosmetics were contaminated with molds and other microorganisms.
The vitamin E was considered an effective medicine for scars and damaged skin. But, the tests proved that the vitamin E was in effective and that it led to incidence of dermatitis. The consumers are also requested to be careful about the usage of vitamin C in their cosmetics.
The following are the disorders caused by cosmetics:
- Cleansers: The facial cleansers have surfactants which harms the appearance of the person.
- Toners and Astringents: The toners and astringents may have alcohols and acids. It may cause serious skin problems to the consumers. Some fragrances, preservatives and sun screens are also said to cause allergy to the skin.
- Facial Treatment: The facial treatments involves chemicals. The chemicals may cause serious problems to the skin. It could cause a severe case of skin inflammation.
If the consumer has allergic reaction like swelling, blistering or redness due to his exposure to the cosmetics, he should immediately cease using the cosmetic and contact the doctor.
Cosmetic Contact Lens
Cosmetic contact lenses have become extremely fashionable. These contact lenses are purchased online without a medical prescription. But, it is essential to contact an eye-care professional before using cosmetic contact lenses. The eye doctors have a better idea on the suitability of the contact lens to a person. People who have visual problems are not supposed to use colored contact lenses. It is advisable to purchase the cosmetic contact lens from a reputable manufacturer.
The cosmetic contact lenses are manufactured in one size and they fit every person. The cosmetic contact lenses may occasionally cause corneal irritation. The ill-fitting lenses could also affect the cornea. So, it is better to consult a specialist if the cosmetic lenses are uncomfortable or ill-fitting. It is essential to use the lens that fits the eye because the cornea is dependant on oxygen. The cosmetic contact lenses should not be shared with others as it might lead to blindness. If the cosmetic lens slips from the eye, the vision might be slightly affected. It is essential to keep the toddlers away from the cosmetic contact lenses.
The people who wear contact lens may find it easier to select a similar cosmetic lens. The cat’s eyes and the white-out lenses are the popular cosmetic lenses. The cosmetic lenses are suggested by the specialists after taking into account the patient’s ocular health, refractive error and life-style.
The two popular types of cosmetic lenses are:
- Gas Permeable Lenses: These lenses contain no water component but provide high oxygen through the lens. These lenses are helpful for refractive errors and multiple designs are available.
- Soft Lenses: These lenses are used to correct near sightedness, far sightedness and astigmatism. These soft lenses are wet and flexible. These lens are larger than the cornea.
The following are the hazards associated with cosmetic contact lenses:
- Irritation in the eyes.
- Deposits on the lens.
- Allergy in the eyes.
- Eye-infection
- Dryness
The following safety measures should be taken while wearing cosmetic contact lenses:
- Non-scented and hypoallergenic lenses should be selected as they are more effective.
- The person should wash his hands before inserting or removing the lenses.
- There should be no lending and borrowing of the cosmetic lenses.
- Make up should be applied only after inserting the cosmetic contact lenses.
- Frosted, iridescent eye shadow should be avoided while wearing the lenses.
- Any cream should not be applied too close to the eyes.
- The eyes should not be exposed to water while wearing cosmetic contact lenses.
- The loose powder should not be applied after wearing the lenses.
- The eye make-up should not be applied while driving.
- The cosmetic contact lenses should not be fitted if the eyes are swollen, red or infected.