Products that you should use with care

Certain products ought to be used with utmost care because they can cause adverse effects on the skin and health if used carelessly. Some of these include:

Nail polish remover: This often  contains acetone, a strong flammable chemical that is petroleum derived. It is the one ingredient that is responsible for damaged and brittle nails and peeling skin around the nails.

Acetone polishes suck out the natural lipids (oils) found in the nails and skin leaving them vulnerable. Look out for acetone-free remover and limit the use of nail polish remover to a minimum of once every fortnight.

If you cannot find acetone-free remover, you should add a drop of vegetable oil into the bottle. The added oil helps to prevent the drying effects of the acetone.

Hair relaxer: This is used on the scalp and is one of the most corrosive chemicals used. Do not relax your hair at home. Always visit a professional hair stylist to do it so that all the protective measures can be taken.

The active ingredient in relaxers, lye, breaks down protein and is harmful to skin and nails. It also causes blindness in case it enters the eyes.

To use it safely, always ensure you have some neutraliser nearby to apply to affected areas after rinsing thoroughly with water.

Talcum powder: This is listed as one of the most carcinogenic ingredients used in beauty products. Do not breathe it into your lungs as this is where it causes problems. Also, the use of talcum on the face encourages the formation of wrinkles because it absorbs all the moisturising oils and water. It is better to use compact powder, popularly known as “ponds” as these are formulated with cream and oil to keep the skin moist.  

The author is the national director of the safe skin care initiative. [email protected]