LIPS - (Not quite) like Sugar. ( In fact, possibly just as bad or even more harmful than sugar)

Cosmetic products are being produced and purchased at increasing rates.This news isn't surprising, as most of us are pursuing our own journey/battle to become the ultimate individual we can be according to how we "should" be.  

Our everlasting pursuit for individual beautification has resulted in the application of a large number of chemicals on our skin. Be it moisturisers, soaps, cleansers, toners, shampoos; everything we apply on our skin has a chance of penetrating beyond our skin. Yes, into our bodies, such that these chemicals reach vital organs and the systemic circulation within the body.  Don't get me wrong, the skin definitely provides protection, but not 100% protection. Especially so, if chemicals are applied on mucous membranes, such as those found in lipsticks. What makes things worse though is that lipsticks have a high risk of direct oral ingestion, aggravating the negative effects of it's ingredients and its negative effects on the body.

Today, I'm going to blog about Lipstick

because I want to create awareness about how a specific ingredient in Lipstick (not ALL lipsticks, but MANY) is found in many big brands we are surrounded by. That ingredient is LEAD. In fact 60% of lipsticks contain lead ( oh my goodness as I type, I realise how L in Lead if replaced by one letter D, would give us Dead. ha ha ha.. hmm coincidence or..? I don't believe in coincidences but anyways..)

Also, on average, women are thought to consume ( pun intended ) 4 lbs (1.8 kg) or more pounds of lipstick in their lifetime.

Did you know that everyday lead exposure may already arise from:

• Inhalation of lead-contaminated dust in the home
• Old paint from old buildings
• Exhaust emissions from leaded gasoline  
• Consumer products
• Exposure to certain toys
• Consuming foods stored in foods cans which contain lead

(Of course exposures to lead from the sources mentioned above vary depending on the rules and regulations different countries abide by)
                         
                     
  What has lead exposure been found to cause?

• permanent brain damage
• anxiety
• depression
• headaches 
• muscles aches
• cancer
• learning problems
• language problems
• behavioral problems 
• reduced school performance 
• increased aggression.
• lowered IQ

These problems are greatly magnified in children especially during critical windows of susceptibility during their life stages. Those who are pregnant, children and young teens really should stay away from this stuff! The amount of lead in the body accumulates over time and using lipstick more than once a day and on a regular basis really increases your exposure to the contaminant.

                                                                      

 Big brands which have lipsticks containing lead:

1. Cover Girl 
2. L'Oreal 
3. Body Shop
4. Maybelline
5. Revlon
6. Dior (Dior Addict)
7. MAC
8. Clinique

This is what I've managed to find so far, if i come across other brands, i will definitely add it in this post! This DOESN'T mean other brands have no lead ok! Also, I'm not saying every type of lipstick by these brands has lead, but be cautious because these brands have been found to manufacture ranges of lipstick which do contain lead. Whether or not contained in high or low amounts, it must be made clear that to date there has been no level of lead exposure claimed to be a "safe" level.

 Hence, any level is harmful!


So, if you find it unrealistic to avoid using such products, or if you find organic products too expensive to buy, why don't you minimise how often you use your lipstick? You could also do some reading up on the ingredients contained in your lipstick before your next purchase. That way you can control the new things you buy, right?

YEaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssss that is quite rightttttttttttttttttt!

Tempting to try or buy? I feel it too.

 But NO!

:D