Tag Archives: cosmetics

Coloured Contact Lenses: Do They Bring More Harm than Good?

Are you thinking about wearing coloured contact lenses to change the colour of your eyes? While it may appear to be a simple and risk-free way to enhance your natural eye colour or make a fashion statement, it is critical to consider the chemical composition as well as the potential risks associated with these lenses. Let’s look at the chemistry of coloured contact lenses and weigh the upsides and downsides.

Better Vision different colour contact lenses. Source.

Reasons Against Coloured Contact Lenses:

  • They Increase the Risk of Eye Infections: Contact lenses are made of hydrophilic polymers, which attract and retain water. This makes them an ideal surface for microorganisms to grow on, increasing the risk of eye infections. If you do not clean and disinfect your coloured contact lenses properly, you may increase your risk.

    Common monomers and polymers used in contact lens production. PMMA—poly methyl methacrylate, PVA—poly vinyl alcohol, PEG—poly ethylene glycol, DMA—dimethyl methacrylate, HEMA—hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, NVP—N-vinyl pyrrolidone, EGDMA—ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, PDMS—poly dimethyl siloxane, TRIS—3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate. Source

  • Manufacturers Might Not Follow Strict Safety Standards: Coloured contact lenses are frequently regarded as cosmetic devices and are therefore not subject to the same regulations as medical devices. Some manufacturers may fail to adhere to strict safety standards, resulting in poorly made lenses that harm your eyes. It is critical to select a reputable brand and avoid purchasing lenses from untrustworthy sources.
  • Sharing Coloured Contact Lenses is a Big No-No: Sharing coloured contact lenses or wearing them for an extended period of time can increase the risk of eye infection. This is because the lenses can harbour bacteria, which can cause long-term damage to your eyes. It is critical to carefully follow the instructions and avoid sharing your lenses with anyone.

Reasons in Favour of Coloured Contact Lenses:

Different coloured contact lenses in the same individual. Source.

  • They Allow Personal Expression: Coloured contact lenses are a fun and versatile way to express yourself and your sense of style. You can switch up your look as often as you like because there are so many different colours and designs to choose from. This is especially appealing to those who do not want to commit to long-term solutions such as cosmetic surgery or tattoos.
  • They Are Made of Safe Materials: Coloured contact lenses are made of eye-safe materials such as silicone hydrogels or methacrylate-based polymers. These materials are designed to be biocompatible, which means they will not harm or irritate your eyes.
  • They Can Be Customized to Your Needs: Coloured contact lenses are available in prescription and non-prescription forms, allowing you to tailor them to your specific requirements. This is especially beneficial for people who need vision correction but want to experiment with different eye colours.

Finally, while coloured contact lenses can be a fun and exciting way to experiment with your personal style, it is critical to prioritize your eye health and safety. You can reduce your risk of eye infections and enjoy the benefits of coloured contacts by selecting a reputable brand, following proper cleaning procedures, and avoiding sharing your lenses. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural eye colour or completely change your look, remember to prioritize your eye health and enjoy your new look with confidence!

~ Vivian Hou

Exposing the dark side of the skin-lightening industry

Minnesota Department of Health warns consumers to steer clear from skin-lightening products (SLPs). Their recent investigation on SLPs revealed dangerously high concentrations of unlisted ingredients that can harm users’ health.

 

Skin lightening refers to the practice of lightening complexion by reducing the skin’s natural pigment, melanin. Dermatologists prescribe patients products with low concentrations of active ingredients to treat certain pigmentary conditions and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, due to potential adverse complications, many countries either banned or strictly regulate these ingredients. 

 

Skin colour has long been the social-economic benchmark in many countries, predominantly in Asia-Pacific, where individuals often affiliate lighter complexions with attractiveness and more career opportunities. A survey of 667 participants revealed that appearing lighter was the most common reported reason for using SLPs, followed by to appear more attractive, regular skincare products, social influences, and others (Table 1).  

Figure 1: Summary of users’ reasons for using SLPs from 667 participants.

These growing demands created the lucrative business of SLPs, which was valued at US$8.8 billion in 2020. 

 

Unsurprisingly, most toxic SLPs remain accessible in local markets and promote on social media. Some go undercover by omitting harmful ingredients or using counterfeit labels. 

Hydroquinone, a potent SL agent for hyperpigmentation treatments, causes permanent blue-black facial discoloration (Figure 1) or skin thinning with high-dosage applications, said Dr. Desai, a board-certified dermatologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Figure 2: Discolouration from long-term usage of hydroquinone-containing products. Source: Wikimedia

 

UK-based optometrists recently diagnosed three patients with corneal degeneration. This condition leads to a loss of vision over time, most likely from using hydroquinone-containing products for years, as the patients reported.

Corticosteroid, a widely-used topical steroid for skin inflammation conditions, is also a potent bleaching agent. Steroid-dependent reactions (SDR) are the tell-tale signs of chronic misuse of corticosteroids over an extended period (Figure 2). Rashes, skin sensitivity to sunlight, and infections occur when SDR patients withdraw from topical steroids. 

Figure 3: Steroid-Dependent Reactions. Source: Wikimedia

 

Mercury, another dominating ingredient in unregulated SLPs, inhibits melanin production to reveal a lighter complexion. The well-documented list from Pan American Health Organization on associated risks from mercury poisoning does not look so pretty. 

These risks range from multiple major organ failures – kidney, liver, etc. – to psychological issues – psychosis, depression, anxiety, and early-childhood development issues. 

Moreover, determining factors when assessing a patient’s health on the severity of mercury exposure include the product’s concentration, period of exposure, other compounds changing mercury’s chemical properties, etc. The complex nature of different coexisting factors raises another problem for proper diagnoses, as indicative symptoms of mercury poisoning may not always manifest equally.

While mainly mercury poisoning from SLPs occurs via skin absorption, inhalation of mercury vapours is not off-limit. Simply put, users put not only themselves at risk of mercury poisoning, but also the whole household. 

So how should buyers go on from here?

“Consumers should always check the ingredients of their skin creams, be suspicious of low prices which are likely to indicate the lotion is fake and potentially harmful, and never use a product containing hydroquinone,” said Simon Blackburn, chairman of Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities.

 

Ashlynn Nguyen

 

 

 

Nanodiamonds: A Breakthrough in Medicine and Cosmetics

Consider a diamond so small that it is measured in nanometers, but so powerful that it has the potential to change the way scientists approach cancer treatment and skincare.

Meet nanodiamonds, the tiny stones that are making waves in the fields of medicine and cosmetics worldwide. 

Illustration of nanodiamonds source

Basic structure of nanodiamonds with surface functional groups source

 

 

 

 

 

Nanodiamonds are overturning traditional cancer treatment methods.

Chemotherapy treatments, while effective, can have serious side effects. According to scientists, nanodiamonds provide new hope because they can selectively induce apoptosis, or cell death, in target cancer cells while causing no harm to healthy cells.

This makes them a game changer in the fight against cancer.

But that isn’t all.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the activity of oxygen-containing free radicals and antioxidants in the cells and tissues of your body, leading to increased oxidation reactions. If there are more free radicals than antioxidants, the former can cause damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins due to the lack of sufficient neutralizing agents.

Because of their ability to reduce this phenomenon, nanodiamonds can efficiently treat cardiovascular disease and inflammation. This makes them a potential force in the development of new therapies for chronic diseases.

Teradia TD Repair Serum Emulsion (serum composed of nanodiamonds) source

 

Nanodiamonds are used in a variety of cosmetic products, ranging from skincare creams to hair products and makeup.

They can improve skin texture and appearance, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin hydration and elasticity.

This makes them an essential component of any anti-aging skincare routine.

 

For those who suffer from acne, nanodiamonds have antimicrobial properties that make them a popular ingredient in acne-fighting skincare products. They can effectively kill the bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and aiding in skin clearing.

 

Nanodiamonds are small, but they pack a powerful punch. While more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of these tiny diamonds, it is clear that they have the potential to change medicine and beauty forever.

Prepare to shine with nanodiamonds!

~ Vivian Hou