Page 37 - HPIC-Magazine (Feb-2021)

Special Article

Products containing mercury heat. Laser hair removal creams are
Complexion creams should help for topical application as an anes-
our skin and not damage it. Avoid anti- thetic to minimize the pain dur-
septic soaps, skin creams and beauty ing to laser hair removal procedure.
lotions that contain mercury. Check These creams numb the skin and us-
the label and if the words like “mer- ing a product containing the lowest
curous chloride”, “calomel”, “mercu- amount of anesthetic is preferable.
ric”, or “mercurio” or “mercury” are There are reports of serious side ef-
present on the label, mercury is in it. fects after use of these skin-numbing
Stop using the product immediately. products prior to laser hair removal.
The major culprits are skin lighteners Laser hair removal can itself give rise
and anti-aging treatments that to blistering, discoloration after treat-
remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, ment, swelling, redness and scarring.
wrinkles and some products for ado- Avoiding sunlight during the healing
Inspired by science lescents as an acne treatment. These process after hair removal is impor-
The product is clinically tested. products usually sell in illegal shops tant.
(Omits information on how and by the roadside and are promoted
where the product was tested.) online on social media sites through Needle epilators
This product brings miracles to mobile apps. If ingredients listing are It introduces a fine wire under the
your skin absent on the label of any cosmetic skin, close to the hair shaft, and into
The claim is classified as being or non-prescription body care pro- the hair follicle. An electric current
acceptable. ducts, it is better to avoid using them. destroys the hair root at the bottom
Even though the promotion of these of the follicle, to loosen the hair for
Cosmeceuticals or is it plain cheat- products is like cosmetics, they could removal with simple tweezers.
ing? well be unapproved illegal new drugs
Injections marketed to whiten or under the law. Medical electrolysis devices
lighten skin complexion often promise Electrolysis is a permanent hair
to set right uneven skin tone; sort out Exposing oneself to mercury can removal method by destroying hair
skin discoloration issues, in addition have serious health consequences follicles and its growth with a short-
to whitening and lightening the skin. not only to the user, but also to their wave radio frequency, by keeping
These injection products are selling families. Babies are particularly sen- a thin probe in the hair follicle. Im-
online and in retail outlets and health sitive to harm as mercury can ad- proper technique and infection from
spas. They can be potentially unsafe versely affect their developing brains non-sterile needles can increase the
and ineffective, may contain unknown and nervous systems. Newborns are total time for complete hair removal
harmful ingredients or contaminants. also vulnerable as mercury can pass and the risk of skin scarring.
Injecting an unknown substance into into their bodies through breast milk.
a vein or muscle or under the skin our Typical signs and symptoms of mer- Tweezer epilators
body, without any knowledge of what cury poisoning are changes in vision This method also uses an electric
it is or contains can be a considerable or hearing, depression, irritability, current to remove hair. The twee-
safety risk to users. In addition, im- memory problems, numbness and tin- zers first clutches the hair close to
proper or unsafe injections may also gling in hands, feet or around mouth, the skin. The application of electrical
transmit disease, infection and result shyness and tremors. energy at the tip of the tweezer cuts
in serious injury, as these products the hair. Success of this method for
could contain ingredients like gluta- Hair removal techniques permanent hair removal is in doubt.
thione, collagen or even human pla- The practice of professional hair
centa and no one is sure whether the removal is another commercial pro- Depilatories
product complies with FDA regula- motion we come across. Understand- Depilatories or hair removers are
tions of good manufacturing practices. ing the positives and negatives of available as creams, lotions, gels,
Consumers should be cautious of us- various methods can help consumers aerosols, roll-on and are either highly
ing any product selling online with take informed decisions. alkaline or highly acidic formulations.
exaggerated claims of effectiveness and It affects the protein structure of the
safety, without consulting a qualified Laser hair removal creams skin hair, causing it to dissolve into
medical practitioner. Lasers destroy hair follicles with a jelly-like mass that is easy for the
Home, Personal & Institutional Care India February 2021 37