Is Stage Makeup Bad for Your Skin?
Transforming your face with cosmetics is an essential part of being a performer for most entertainers. Yet all that glitters is not gold when it comes to stage makeup. Clogged pores, outbreaks of acne, and allergic reactions are not uncommon. The fact that certain cosmetics may be dangerous to your health requires even more consideration. So before reaching for that outdated tube of mascara or foundation with the mind-boggling list of ingredients, please take a moment to consider what you are applying to your face.
Safety Precautions
Apart from color additives, cosmetics are not subject to FDA approval in the U.S. prior to their release. As a result, it’s hard to guarantee the safety of the endless products flooding the market, leaving you to rely on the quality assurance tests conducted by the largest cosmetic companies. While many cosmetics are safe, occasionally a new product slips through the cracks, even in so-called organic makeup with ingredients that could potentially harm you, such as the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4- dioxane. Check the ingredients. To ensure that a cosmetic is truly organic, it must be certified USDA Organic.
Controversy also exists over the use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetics, as these may mimic estrogen (at least in animal testing—another controversial topic), leading to intense speculation about whether this might increase the risk of breast cancer or reduce sperm count in humans. A small percentage of people are also allergic to parabens, resulting in skin irritation and a localized rash known as contact dermatitis.
Given these circumstances, check out the ingredients in stage makeup, while being aware that, as a general rule, less is more. Overall, it’s best to use makeup with 3 to 8 additives at most to avoid questionable components, such as those derived from petroleum, or cosmetics that add in fragrances, to avert an untoward reaction. It’s also crucial for you to replace conventional makeup after expiration dates, since bacteria grows in moist environments. You can play it safe by investing in allergy-tested cosmetics. One example is mineral makeup where components, such as zinc and iron oxides, are ground into a powder with no expiration date. While this is often recommended for those with sensitive skin, rosacea, oily skin and acne, it isn’t fool-proof. A patch test in the store can pinpoint potential problems. Bismuth oxychloride, a byproduct of lead, copper and other minerals that give a dewy look, can irritate sensitive skin. Itchiness or rashes are a red flag. Talc, a common filler, also can be linked to clogged pores, acne, and respiratory issues. In addition, be aware that even with mineral makeup, it is possible to develop allergies over time. Consequently, it pays to know the ingredients in your makeup and invest in safe cosmetics.
The bottom line when using stage makeup is to do your homework. Check out the ingredients, pay attention to how it affects your skin, and consider changing certain products if you notice adverse results. Your face will thank you!
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