Fake cosmetics can lead to long term skin problems

Islamabad : Medical experts on Sunday warned the public about the dangers of buying fake beauty products as rising demand for deeply discounted cosmetic products is leading to a spurt in fake items, many with import tags, which not only violate intellectual property rights but also pose serious health risks.

Senior Dermatologist, Dr Hiba Javed told this agency that counterfeit and low-quality cosmetic products sold in markets, discount stores and online, a growing economy business, are imperilling the health of consumers and harming the country’s economy.

Hiba Javed said, now days everyone loves a good deal, which makes incredible beauty discounts online or on the street hard to resist. “But consider this before bagging that bargain, Counterfeit beauty products have become increasingly common. They’re being manufactured and sold at such a rapid pace these days that it’s now considered a global epidemic,” she added.

She said consumers are reporting a number of symptoms from using counterfeit makeup, including eye infections, allergic reactions, skin rashes, swollen lips and chemical burns.

In worst cases, the toxic ingredients in many fake makeup products have caused long-term health problems such as high blood pressure and infertility.

However, most customers are unaware of the harmful side effects until it’s too late, she mentioned.

Almost 30 to 60 per cent of the people in our country suffer from allergic reactions, and yet we continue to use cosmetics to a large extent, she said.

Cosmetics are not a healthy choice, but one cannot stop using them.

It is advisable to use the products in moderation, and only when absolutely necessary.

Long-term exposure can lead to the accumulation of toxic materials in the skin, which can cause skin cancer, said Dr. Hiba Javed.

“Some products that claim to be sun protective does not protect the skin but, on the contrary, lead to skin burns,” she claimed.

Skin Specialist, Dr Imtiaz Rao, said “it is crucial to indicate the expiry date and place other forms of information on products.