9 beauty rituals that can be bad for your health

With each passing day, people become more vain and look for the most varied procedures that can make them more satisfied with their appearance. Many women spend hours in gyms; often go to beauty salons and beauty clinics; Not to mention all the beauty rituals that follow in daily life at home.

All of this, of course, has its positive side. Everyone should do whatever is within their power to feel good about themselves, ensuring more self-esteem. However, in this quest for more beauty, she should not let worry about her health take a back seat.

Many beauty rituals can have negative effects and, in some cases, pose serious health risks. By this, all caution are little! Below is a list of some of these harmful habits:


1. Artificial tanning

Cristina Salaro, a dermatologist member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, points out that tanning should not be done under any circumstances.

? Artificial tanning, composed exclusively of UVA rays, in a very high amount of energy, is among the most dangerous carcinogens in existence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB and UVC and alter the skin's supporting fibers. Ten minutes in an artificial tanning chamber is, on average, an hour of unprotected sunshine ?, explains the doctor.

Thus, the main risks that tanning can offer are: skin cancer, premature skin aging and cataract.


• In people under 30, artificial tanning increases the risk of melanoma incidence by up to 75%. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with a high degree of metastasis (ability to spread to other organs of the body). The risk is higher in people with clear eyes and skin ?, adds and warns the dermatologist.

2. Keep hair always tied or braided

Many women keep their hair constantly tied in ponytails or braids (very common especially for black women). But this habit can bring negative results.

"There is a localized type of alopecia (hair loss)," traction alopecia ", which results precisely from excessive traction of the hair," says dermatologist Cristina Salaro.


3. Flat iron daily

Still with the idea of ​​taking care of hair, the habit of daily flat ironing is extremely negative. This is because the strands are formed by a protein called keratin, which is lined with scaly cuticles. These scales protect the wire from all damaging agents such as wind, sun, chemicals etc. And the excessive heat from the flat iron, usually above 180º, deteriorates this protection.

Doing daily flat iron also the hair tends to fall more, since the board pulls the wires.

So the tip is to straighten your hair in moderation! And always use a specific product that protects (or at least helps protect) the wires from heat. The same caution applies to those who use the dryer frequently.

4. Get tattoo

Many people today already have or are getting tattoos. However, this is a procedure that may pose health risks.

"The main risk of a tattoo is hepatitis B or C. People with tattoos have a significantly higher risk of having hepatitis C, according to a publication in the journal Hepatology," says Cristina Salaro.

? The risk of developing paint pigment allergy also exists, as does the risk of keloid? in people predisposed to this reaction ?, adds the dermatologist.

The person who decides to get a tattoo anyway should take certain precautions. The main thing concerns how this tattoo will be done. The place should have a professional using sterile and disposable equipment? Warns dermatologist Cristina.

5. Make Botox

Cristina Salaro points out that the application of botulinum toxin type A, popularly called "Botox", is very safe when applied by adequately prepared professionals (in general, those with the title of specialist by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology or Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery). . A potential risk is that of ptosis. eyelid, that is, drop of the eyelid, making it difficult to open the eye and facial asymmetry? when one side of the face relaxes unequally to the other side. Like any invasive procedure, the material used (the needles) needs to be sterilized and disposable ?, explains.

The dermatologist adds that applications for facial cosmetic purposes are usually performed every six months, however, application may be more frequent, up to every four months.

Thus reinforces the need to seek qualified professionals to perform this procedure to avoid possible problems.

6. Use excess whitening creams

Whitening creams are indicated in cases where there are hyperchromic spots that bother the person, aesthetically. However, they should never be overused and without a prescription.

According to Cristina Salaro, skin lightening compounds commonly contain two actives that, if misused, can be harmful to the skin: corticosteroids and hydroquinone. • Misuse of corticosteroids in the skin causes thinning and appearance of small varicose veins that become very unsightly on the face. Hydroquinone, on the other hand, may cause a reaction called? Ocronosis? ? when hyperchromic (dark) patches appear, with a bluish or brownish-blue tone on the skin, which is difficult to treat. This is a significant risk to people who take medication without the strict monitoring of a dermatologist ?, highlights.

7. Hair Removal with Depilatory Creams

Hair removal is a common habit among most women. However, the dermatologist points out that the use of some depilatory creams can cause contact dermatitis due to primary irritation or contact (allergy).

In such cases, it is essential to discontinue use of the cream in question and seek guidance from a dermatologist.

8. Hair Straightening Creams

Many women, looking for seemingly straight hair, often use straightening creams. "The problem is that they can lead to wire breakage," says dermatologist Cristina.

Therefore, before opting for this type of hair treatment, it is crucial to consult trusted professionals who can point out all the pros and cons of this procedure.

9. Use nail polish often

Most women like to have their nails always "well done". Many of them do not even spend a day without nail polish. However, highlights dermatologist Cristina, this very common habit can lead to contact dermatitis in the eyelids. "This is an increasingly frequent reaction in dermatology offices," he concludes.

Do you now know some beauty rituals that can bring negative results? some should be avoided altogether; others should be done in moderation and always with professional guidance. After all, for aesthetic result none is worth endangering your health!

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