Be careful about what you use on your skin

For centuries men and women have been using various kinds of herbs, potions, e.t.c., for enhancing their beauty. Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen is said to have been using milk of a female donkey for that purpose. Today many kinds of chemicals are available for enhancing softness or color of the skin. They are in form of soaps, ointments, creams, lotions and powders. They are fine to use so far as they are safe in the long run. One should know the contents of the product he or she is using and whether it is safe to use them or not. Many of the fairness producing creams contain corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are produced naturally in the body by the adrenal medulla and have strong anti – inflammatory effect. They are prescribed by doctors for local application in cases of eczema or allergic skin conditions because of the anti – inflammatory properties. It may be a cream or lotion containing hydrocortisone or betamethasone or fluticasone. But when used for a long period, adverse effects are invariably produced. The earliest side effect developing after use of a steroid cream is loosening of the skin. This will cause early and more severe wrinkling. Atrophy and thinning of the skin also occurs due to which the minute blood vessels beneath the skin become dilated and, “visible”. There is depigmentation of the skin, more so, in dark colored skins. This, “fairness”, is not healthy but heralding a permanent damage to skin and making it more prone to skin cancers. In people who apply any steroid regularly, the skin becomes more susceptible to infections. There is also easy bruising. Acne may develop or the pre existing ones may be aggravated.When applied over the skin, the corticosteroid contained in a cream is absorbed and over a time can produce systemic side effects. Commonly, these are; swelling over the face and feet, diabetes and hypertension, susceptibility to infections, liver damage, stunting of growth in children, masculinisation in case of women. Presence of other skin diseases or infections can also aggravate the damage caused by corticosteroids. The intensity of side effects depends on the steroid content of the product and how long one has used it. Pregnant women or those breastfeeding babies should avoid these products totally.After being absorbed from the skin, the steroid can harm the baby.Many of the sun-screen lotions prevent melanin which is protective for the skin. This makes the user more prone to skin cancer.Some of these products claim to contain vitamins like retinoic acid or vitamin E. to provide nourishment to the skin. But these make the skin more intolerant towards the sun and lead to formation of skin rashes.Mercury is present in traces in some of these beauty enhancing products in traces which is toxic to the nervous system.The skin is a cover for the entire body. So please do not abuse it by applying anything you fancy, for short term enhancement in cosmetic appearance. Moreover, short term gains, obtained by these products are nullified and the condition is aggravated, when use is stopped for a short while.Beauty of the skin depends on age, genetic factors, hydration and nutrition of the body, amount of exercise taken and the general health of the person. Apart from age and genes inherited, one can very well regulate the other factors and achieve a soft and lovely skin. It should always be remembered that beauty is skin deep, i.e. there are many other factors which make a person more attractive, rather than a beautiful complexion. A smiling, kind face will always look beautiful, irrespective of the skin texture. Still if one is keen on using cosmetics, it is wise to check what the product contains before using it. Pande is a specialist internal medicine-Ruhengeri Hospital