For centuries, women have been using a vast array of lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners and other lip-enhancing cosmetics to make their lips appear as plump and luscious-looking possible. In ancient times, these cosmetics were made from natural materials, such as red berries, pulverized gemstones or dyes extracted from certain plants and flowers. It wasn’t until the 19th century that lipstick became available as a man-made commodity conveniently packaged for use by the modern woman and composed of mostly wax and artificial coloring.
Recently, however, research performed by scientists working for Berkeley’s School of Public Health at the University of California discovered that today’s lip glosses and lipsticks may contain potentially harmful levels of chromium, lead, aluminum, cadmium as well as several other metals toxic to the human body. Although previous studies have been conducted that examined the existence of metals in lipstick and other cosmetics, this is the first study that actually analyzed and quantified the concentration of metallic substances.
When the results were compared to how much of these toxic metals were being absorbed by typical users each day, the conclusion found that continuous exposure to these levels could pose as a long-term health problem, especially for individuals applying lipstick more than two or three times in a 24-hour period. The report further emphasizes that average use of certain lip glosses and lipsticks could lead to a person receiving excessive amounts of chromium, a known carcinogen associated with development of abdominal tumors.
Lead in Lipstick? Is There Such a Thing As A Poisoned Kiss?
Many name brand lipsticks contain lead, a proven neurotoxin that accumulates in the body because the body does not exhibit chemical processes necessary to break down and assimilate any amounts of lead. Abnormally high levels of lead have been correlated to miscarriages, infertility and cognitive issues. In addition, pregnant women using lipsticks containing lead and other toxic metals may be exposing their fetus to these harmful substances because metals can easily enter the placenta and find their way to the baby’s brain.
Found in mostly in lipstick colorants or ingredient byproducts derived from raw materials like mineral oil, petroleum or paraffin, lead amounts are not currently limited by the FDA. However, the FDA has put limits on other additives used to color lipsticks but these limits permit up to 20 parts per million of lead, an unacceptable amount according to research standards.
What makes using lead-based lip enhancers doubly dangerous is the fact that not only are the lips constantly absorbing these cosmetics but we are also ingesting lipsticks and lip glosses when we eat or drink. [blockquote author=””] Even though nearly 400 lipsticks were found to contain varying amounts of lead, FDA officials have concluded that the estimated amounts of lead entering the body via lip cosmetics does not present a health hazard. [/blockquote]In effect, they plan to leave the inclusion of lead in lipsticks unregulated and essentially, up to the company manufacturing the product.
Safe Alternatives to Lip Enhancement
Even minimal exposure to lead is unsafe and may lead to symptoms such as anemia, headaches, low energy and irritability in those who have too much lead in their system. As knowledge about the potential health risks of lipsticks and other cosmetics emerge in academic journals and newspapers, many women are choosing to enhance thin, nondescript lips with safe and effective injections of appropriate dermal fillers.
Following lip enhancement injections, lips immediately present a fuller, more plumped appearance that can be further emphasized by using organic lipsticks or making lipstick at home with all-natural ingredients such as beeswax, cocoa butter and organic beet root powder for coloring. Instead of poisoning your body with toxic metals, make an appointment with Mayoral Dermatology to experience the convenience and health benefits of lip enhancement techniques that give you the beautifully shaped lips you have always wanted.
