Cosmetics could be bad for your health
Source: Agencies |
February 25, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE average British woman's cosmetic bag is out of date by four years, according to a study released yesterday.
Women are using cosmetics well past the use-by date, unaware that some products could be magnets for germs which could damage their health and looks, said Sara Stern, Director of Cosmetics at retail chain Debenhams.
"British women are famously loyal to make-up brands and products, however, their reluctance to throw away old products is a risky business," Stern said.
"We wouldn't hesitate to chuck out mouldy or bacteria-ridden food and the same standards should apply to the lotions and potions that we put on our skin. Beauty is timeless but unfortunately, products are not."
Foundation, concealer, blusher, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and perfume all include a "period after opening" indicator, denoted by an open pot with the number of months of safe use written inside.
Debenhams asked 1,000 women aged 18 to 70 about the contents of their cosmetic bags and their understanding of the health considerations.
Despite European Union guidelines meaning brands have to state product shelf life, 89 percent of respondents said they were unaware that such information exists, did not understand what the symbol meant.
Make up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date carry a risk of irritation and infection, Debenhams said. This is due to air and bacteria infiltrating the products. Multiuse products carry an even higher risk as they can spread germs from eyes to skin to lips.
To add to the shock factor, 60 percent of respondents admitted sharing make-up with friends and family, multiplying the chances of infection.
Women are using cosmetics well past the use-by date, unaware that some products could be magnets for germs which could damage their health and looks, said Sara Stern, Director of Cosmetics at retail chain Debenhams.
"British women are famously loyal to make-up brands and products, however, their reluctance to throw away old products is a risky business," Stern said.
"We wouldn't hesitate to chuck out mouldy or bacteria-ridden food and the same standards should apply to the lotions and potions that we put on our skin. Beauty is timeless but unfortunately, products are not."
Foundation, concealer, blusher, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and perfume all include a "period after opening" indicator, denoted by an open pot with the number of months of safe use written inside.
Debenhams asked 1,000 women aged 18 to 70 about the contents of their cosmetic bags and their understanding of the health considerations.
Despite European Union guidelines meaning brands have to state product shelf life, 89 percent of respondents said they were unaware that such information exists, did not understand what the symbol meant.
Make up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date carry a risk of irritation and infection, Debenhams said. This is due to air and bacteria infiltrating the products. Multiuse products carry an even higher risk as they can spread germs from eyes to skin to lips.
To add to the shock factor, 60 percent of respondents admitted sharing make-up with friends and family, multiplying the chances of infection.
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