The Risks of Bacteria in Cosmetics: How To Protect Yourself
Cosmetics are used by a vast majority of people worldwide, but many don’t take into account the potential risks associated with bacteria present in them. Even with sterilisation and hygienic practices, not all bacteria can be eliminated and can still be present in cosmetics. Understanding the risk of bacteria, how to identify it, and protecting yourself from it is key to avoiding serious side-effects in the future.
Bacteria may naturally be present in cosmetics through the environment in which a product is produced and stored, and even when carefully sealed. Small amounts of bacteria may not cause any harm to an individual if used correctly, however certain bacteria can cause dangerous and sometimes irreversible damage to the skin and body.
The risks of bacteria in cosmetics increase exponentially when products are shared or special hygiene requirements aren’t taken into account. Sharing and/or reusing cosmetics can increase the risk of infection from harmful bacteria and should be avoided no matter the economic savings. Furthermore, caring for products correctly can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria present, such as cleansing makeup brushes, protector sealant for all products, and maintaining proper storage temperature.
Identifying bacteria in your cosmetics may be tricky, so knowing the diverse warning signs is key to our health. Bacteria may manifest itself throughout cosmetics, such as an unpleasant odour, discolouration, and consistency change of substance, swelling or inflammation on the skin or around the eyes, rash or redness on the skin, or even an itchy or burning feeling that won’t go away.
If you suspect bacteria in your cosmetics, it is imperative to properly protect yourself from the potential danger and to determine the cause. If the signs are mild, the cosmetics should not be used until its quality is thoroughly checked, and if the signs are severe, it is highly recommended to visit your doctor or specialist in these matters.
When it comes to keeping us safe from bacteria in cosmetics, prevention is better than a cure. While the risks can be serious, if we educate ourselves on the potential risks, ensure the correct hygiene protocols are followed, and take the necessary steps to verify the cosmetics quality, then we can protect ourselves from any potential harm.
