The 7 beauty habits that pose a danger to your health

Jan 16, 2024

THE beauty industry is no small fry; from cosmetics, to facial treatments, hair styling and skin therapies, there are a huge number of ways to help you look and feel your best.

Many of us will have daily beauty habits we stick to without even thinking.

You might have weekly, fortnightly and monthly routines in place too, such as a visit to the nail salon or an electric holiday (aka, the tanning salon).

But are some of these habits causing potentially problems to your health?

We spoke to the experts to delve a little deeper…

When was the last time you washed your bronzer, foundation or powder brush?

Cosmetic scientist Carly Musleh, working with Spectrum Collection, says many of us use make-up brushes daily to apply a variety of different products, but often leave them weeks or months before cleaning them.

"Studies have shown the average make-up brush can contain dead skin cells, oil and bacteria which can be transferred between the product and the face.

"Additionally, where and how we store them could add further implications."

Although not all bacteria are harmful, the human skin microbiome contains many different types of microbes which can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and protect us from microbes that can cause infections.

Carly says using dirty brushes can therefore increase the risk of causing an imbalance to the healthy microbial community, which could cause breakouts or more serious issues like impetigo or Staphylococcal (Staph) infections.

She says: "Clean make-up brushes regularly. Be sure to clean the centre and towards the base of the brush as this is often missed and can be where bacteria accumulate.

"After washing, allow them to dry either on their side or upside down and store them in closed containers to reduce the risk of contamination from other objects or airborne particles."

Try using gentle shampoo to clean your brushes or a specialist brush cleaner.

According to Cancer Research UK, using sunbeds can increase your risk of melanoma skin cancer by a staggering 20 per cent.

It's the UV radiation emitted by sunbeds which can damage the DNA in our skin, potentially causing cancer.

Sunbeds emit a high intensity UV, which can offer a quicker tan than sitting outside, but pose a high danger risk.

Plus, Cancer Research UK has confirmed that any vitamin D you might get through using a sunbed is outweighed by the harmful effects of sunbeds.

Avoid using sunbeds, and if you do want to tan, make sure it comes out of a bottle!

The British Association of Dermatologists has warned that chemicals used in gel polishes could cause allergies.

Plus, the UV lamps used to ensure our gel varnish stays put could actually lead to cancer-causing mutations, according to one study publish in Nature Communications.

As well as this, nail expert at Mavala, Lynn Mason, adds that when gel nails aren't applied correctly, they can cause the nails to become ridged, flaky and weak.

She says: "In some circumstances the nails can even feel dry to touch, especially if acetone or dehydrators have been used.

"However, this can be avoided if they are done properly.

"So, if you are going to get gels, I would suggest visiting a professional salon that you can trust; one with branded polishes."

She adds: "I would avoid attempting this kind of manicure at home with a self-gel kit, as it is easy to use the incorrect product combinations without realising.

"If you do prefer a DIY manicure, I recommend using a protective base coat, natural polish and gel look topcoat. "

Although they don't tend to cause serious harm, Sujata Paul, Optician and Professional Services Clinical Lead at Lenstore, says it's important to know that anytime you have a foreign object near your eye, there is a risk factor.

She adds that the most common problems caused by false lashes are eye infections, allergic reactions, eye injuries and damage to natural lashes: "Infections can occur when bacteria collect under the eyelash glue and on the false eyelash itself.

"If you store and reuse your false lashes, or drop your eyelash onto a surface before applying, there is a risk of harmful bacteria and dirt entering the eye.

"Infections can also result from forgetting to clean your eyelids after removing fake lashes, or from sharing them with a friend, causing cross-contamination, which can lead to styes or conjunctivitis."

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to the glue used to hold lashes in place, as it often contains formaldehyde.

Sujata says: "Allergic reactions to lashes can cause stinging, burning, swelling, or a rash.

"Severe allergic reactions require a visit to the emergency room, to prevent any loss of vision or further complications."

Contact lens wearer? "It is best to avoid wearing false lashes if you're a contact lens wearer as the glue used to apply the lashes could irritate your eye if it comes into contact with the contact lenses," says Sujata.

"If you do decide to wear fake eyelashes, make sure the glue is completely dry before applying them.

"Apply with caution, check glue is formaldehyde free and check if it is hypoallergenic for eyes."

Whether it's mascaras, brushes or lipsticks, make-up is one thing to keep to yourself.

Founder of The Face Bible, Dr Raj Arora, says bacteria can live on your make-up and make-up tools and therefore can lead to skin and eye infections if shared.

"The eyes and lips are probably most at risk. Sharing mascaras and eye make-up can lead to a transfer of bacteria, responsible for infections such as conjunctivitis and styes.

"Sharing lipsticks and lip products can lead to transfer of viruses responsible for herpes infections.

"These are the viruses that cause cold sores."

In-store trying products? "Ensure there are strict sanitisation protocols in place.

"Use clean sterilised make-up tools and ensure the product containers and pumps have been cleansed post-use to minimise the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses."

"Not removing make-up can lead to clogged pores, acne and textured skin," says Dr Arora.

"It can also lead to restriction of the skin renewal process that takes place overnight.

"It also means any skincare products are unable to penetrate the skin and essentially ‘do their job’."

Plus, she adds: "Leaving make-up on for long periods of time can increase the risk of skin sensitisation and irritable skin.

"It is important to cleanse the skin adequately and to consider using a hygienic cleansing device to ensure an accelerated cleansing routine."

Sujata adds that leaving eye make-up on when you go to bed means you are inviting bacteria into the eyes.

"Any type of bacteria introduced into the eyes may cause several vision and eye complications.

"Use a gentle eye make-up remover and swipe in a gentle downward motion."

Just like dirty make-up brushes can be a breeding ground for bad bacteria, make-up products themselves can also harbour dirt.

"It is important not to use expired skin products," warns Dr Arora.

"These products can accumulate bacteria and therefore be harmful to the skin.

"Also the stability of most active ingredients and preservatives in make-up and skincare have a shelf life and if used after this, will be unlikely to work in the way they are indicated to.

"The expiry date on skincare and make-up products in the UK may not always be clear and therefore using the Period Of Opening (PAO) symbol can be a good indicator.

"The letter M stands for month and is usually preceded by a number – pertaining to the number of months the product should be used for after opening."

Nimmi Mistry, professional services optician at Vision Direct, adds that when it comes to eye make-up products, mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for "three months, six months maximum."

As for pencil-style eyeliners and gel eyeliners, they can be used for up to a year with powder products, such as eye shadows, if stored properly, free from moisture and used with clean brushes/applicators, being safe for up to two years.