In the 19th Century, Dr. Mackenzie’s Improved Harmless Arsenic Complexion Wafers promised flawless skin. Arsenic kills blood cells in the body and, as such naturally improves skin tone and colour. It also builds up in the body and leads to hair loss, internal bleeding, and deadly arsenic poisoning.
Despite being outlawed in the early 20th Century, arsenic still shows up in counterfeit beauty products. That’s a crime, even if it’s not illegal. “What’s good for your health is good for your skin and your overall beauty,” says Dr Austin. “That’s why it’s so important to get your cosmetics and skin care products from a source you trust.”
Let’s take a look at some other dangers lurking in today’s trending cosmetic fashions:
Toxic Trend: Sunless Tanning
“Indoor tanning beds aren’t safe,” says Dr Austin. They were banned in Australia 2015, but are readily available in other parts of the world. Like natural sun, tanning beds expose your skin to damaging UV light. “This can lead to skin cancer, skin ageing, and skin burns,” reports Dr Austin. “I urge people to avoid them. The risk is too great.”
Spray tans, say advocates, are a great way to get your glow on before a special occasion. However, physicians and researchers are concerned that one ingredient in spray tans, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), may be problematic if inhaled. “More research needs to be conducted before we can call all spray tans ‘safe’,” says Dr Austin.
For a safer way to tint your skin, Colorescience Sunforgettable Tint Du Soleil gives you beautiful colour, along with sun protection.
Toxic Trend: Colourful Tattoos
Brits are the most tattooed people on the planet, says Inkfection, but 14.5% of Australians have at least one tattoo. Unfortunately, an increased risk of Hepatitis C is associated with ink art. To protect yourself, go to a reputable provider with a long history of success.
“Tattoos themselves are not intrinsically dangerous, but they can lead to skin infections,” says Dr Austin. She recommends avoiding red, green, yellow, and blue dye colours as they are most likely to cause allergic skin reactions.
Toxic Trend: Pale Skin
The popularity of movies such as The Favourite has re-ignited a passion for the pale, luminous complexion popular during Victorian times. “Skin-lightening creams can be wonderful,” says Dr Austin, “but not if they contain mercury.” She notes that many anti-ageing products contain mercury, an ingredient that prevents the production of melanin, but one that has been linked to damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
Aspect DR Complete Pigment Brightening Serum can help correct pigmentation problems, including melisma. “One of the key benefits of this product is how effectively it blocks the formation of new pigment as well as lightening and brightening skin,” says Dr Austin.
Looking Great: How to Be On Trend Safely
We love to help our patients discover the many safe strategies and treatments we have for achieving today’s most popular beauty looks. Whether you’d like to erase wrinkles and lines, correct problems caused by veins and pigmentation, or simply want to make some changes, we’d like to help. We invite you to contact us today and schedule a visit.