Can we skip showering or brushing our teeth every day when we wake up? The thought itself makes us feel unhygienic. That’s the importance of cleanliness in our lives. Right from waking up in the morning, we have been using cosmetics in our daily lives. Cosmetics are products designed for cleansing, protecting, and changing the body’s external appearance. Cosmetics are not a modern invention and have been used for ages. Cosmetics is a broad topic of discussion and a huge business today.

Rules and Regulations

Some ingredients that form the cosmetics base include emulsifiers, thickeners, moisturisers, preservatives, colours, fragrances, and water. Cosmetics are not just products that can be sold off quickly. Their production, distribution, and sale must be made via specific guidelines. These items should be labelled under the trade practices under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and 145. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the protocol for the manufacturers and traders of cosmetics and drugs. There are different specifications set by BIS for skincare as well. 

• Rule 135 of drugs and cosmetics has imposed restrictions on applying cosmetics containing dyes, pigments and colours, apart from the one approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS: 4707 Part 1 as amended) and Schedule Q. 
• Rule 135 also restricts the import of cosmetics containing lead or compound as colouring agents. T
• The rule of 1945 restricts the application of lead and arsenic compounds in cosmetics for colouring. 
• Rule 145D and 135A restricts the manufacture and import of cosmetics containing mercury compounds, respectively.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cosmetics

Advantages of Cosmetics

• Cosmetics enhances self-confidence
• Provides skin protection
• Provides extra nutrition to the skin
• Cosmetics help display the skin more youthful and beautiful if used in proper quantities.
• It helps in creating a professional look.

Adverse effects due to Cosmetics 

• Changes in hair texture: This situation may arise when oxidised dyes or bleaches are used on the scalp.
• Changes in nail texture: Nail destruction or nail discolouration may be due to nail polish or nail polish remover.
• Lichenoid eruption: Itchy purple colour eruptions which look like lesions. This can appear on the facial and neck region due to the ingredient paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which could be present in hair dyes.
• Contact urticaria: Cosmetics that have ingredients like balsam of Peru, acetic acid, paraben, and cinnamic acid can cause multiple hives on the area exposed. These hives are known as contact urticaria.

How to choose the correct cosmetics?

While it’s practically difficult to decide on the right cosmetics, few precautionary steps can be taken to know the right product for you.

• Know your skin type: Depending on skin type (dry, oily), you can choose suitable cosmetics.
• Know your skin tone: Cosmetics fit well when the correct skin shades are chosen according to skin tone.
• Patch test: Before applying to the whole area, always go for a patch test on your wrist or on your chin area to check if any allergies persist 
• Research and Guidance: Social media is a boon these days. Researching the product and reading reviews or comments of people who have already used the product can help. Always visit a dermatologist or skin expert if you have sensitive skin.

Conclusion

While many skincare products and cosmetics range across all price levels, knowing your skin type skin tone and taking precautionary steps is a wise choice. The user should be aware of the ingredients used in the product and their adverse effect. Apart from contents, the user should also be mindful of the laws that the trader, manufacturer or distributor should follow.