HOW MUCH LEAD IS IN YOUR LIPSTICK?

Let’s revisit a lady’s typical morning, preparing for work: Upon waking up, we rush to the bathroom to brush our teeth with toothpaste, gargling with (tap) water, possibly a mouthwash. Then, we use a facial cleanser followed by toner, moisturizer, powder, eye shadow, lipstick. Soap and shampoo to wash our hair, before using other hair products to keep our mane proud. And not to forget, underarm deodorant and perfume to leave a whiff of fragrance and a good impression with everyone we meet today.

Perhaps we have heard that heavy metals are used in these products, perhaps not. But surely it can’t cause much harm? Think again.

Lead (listed as lead acetate) is a common heavy metal used in coloured-cosmetics especially lipstick. Authorities acknowledge it, but claim that the level is below what is deemed toxic. But consider this: we apply it once before leaving home, then reapply after every drink and meal, day in and day out, and touch up more during parties…

Mercury (often listed as thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative) is used widely in many mascaras. It is linked to neurological, psychological, and immunological disorders in people, and has also been linked to heart arrhythmia, headaches, blurred vision, and weakness.

Deodorants, shampoo, skin creams, and sunscreens are frequently contaminated with aluminum. Cottonseed oil, typical in cosmetics, is often laced with pesticides that contain alarming levels of aluminum. Aluminum can exert toxicity at neurological, immune, and even reproductive levels.

Cadmium is often found in eyeliner, mascara, and foundation, as like in common nickel batteries. It may not be as famous as the other heavy metals, but it is plainly able to inhibit the body’s ability to use nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium, leaving people more vulnerable to bone and immune system disorders.

While our bodies are actually equipped with efficient detoxification processes to clear heavy metals and toxins from our systems, being exposed to heavy metals can lead to cumulative damage to our organs and even cause serious diseases. The first step to detox from this heavy metal load is, of course, acknowledging the existence of this issue. Be mindful of the impact your choices have on a healthier, better life. Make key changes in your diet and more mindful choices in your day-to-day cosmetics. To help further, a wide range of specialized wellness therapies for detoxification are available. Make sure you get advice from a certified wellness specialist, like the Swiss Wellness Center, about what therapies would suit your particular health case and deliver the best personalized care and benefits.

Article by SWC in The Expat magazine, Health Editorial, March 2015 Issue

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