The Hidden Cost of Beauty

we often blame God for sicknesses, not realizing that we bring them on ourselves. I am thankful to my daughter, Minal, who brought to my attention the hidden cost of cosmetics and beauty aids.

- MONICA FERNANDES

Minal and I have switched to soaps and shampoos made by cottage industries. It is back to nature for us.

According to azchemistry.com, the highly toxic chemical mercury is found in some skin-whitening creams and mascara. It causes allergies and damages the nervous system. Beauty isn't skin deep, especially when cosmetics contain laboratory-made chemicals slowly

and steadily go through the pores of the skin and attack our vital organs. Imagine a stone placed beneath a tap that keeps on dripping one drop at a time. The water is slowly but surely wearing away the stone until there is a dent in the stone.

Talc used in eye shadows, blush, deodorants and soaps is carcinogenic. It is a mineral often found along with the deadly carcinogenic chemical asbestos. Hence, talcum powder is sometimes contaminated with asbestos. Talcum powder and foundation also block the pores of the skin, thereby accelerating aging. Aluminium found in some cosmetics could cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's.