Are You Ruining Your Skin?

So you watch out for parabens in your body wash, ammonia in your hair colour and phthalates in your perfume, but there might be bigger offenders sneaking into your daily skin care.

- Neeti Jaychander

Your skin is more than just your largest organ. It protects, nurtures, helps in cell regeneration, keeps you warm or cool, and tells stories of where you’re from and how you treat yourself. And although it has the almost miraculous power to regenerate, there are some stressors that push it too far. The simplest of mistakes—like keeping your sunglasses on for too long can cause skin abrasion on the bridge of your nose. Here are eight of the most common mistakes people make, and tips on how you can fix the fallout.

SCARY FACT: MATTE, DARK LIPSTICKS CAUSE CHAPPING

Well, you’ve been told to go easy on that ravishing red lipstick because it contains lead acetate, but that doesn’t mean other colours are 100 per cent safe. The composition of a matte lipstick, ie more wax than oil, dries out your lips, as do long-lasting colours, which contain silicone oil, and any fragrant lipstick which contains alcohol. Dr Kousalya V Nathan, Chennai-based anti-ageing consultant, says that avoiding matte and very dark lip colours is wise. “Use a lip balm before putting on lipstick. Tinted lip gloss looks just as good for regular daily use. If you use lipstick on a regular basis, make sure you wipe it off completely with a good cleanser before bedtime and massage your lips with ghee. This will moisturise your lips and prevent discolouration.”

SCARY FACT: SOME SUNSCREENS ARE LINKED TO CANCER