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PART 2 – Healthy Times very own skin care expert Dr Sylvia Ramirez gives the low-down on how to take care of your make-up and whether permanent make-up is a good thing.

Looking after your make-up.

Different products have different expiry dates. In general, if the make-up changes in colour or smell, of if the liquid foundation separates out, don’t use the make-up.

There are some general guidelines from industry experts on time limits for certain types of make-up however, they have not been supported by clinical studies.

• Foundation: 1 year after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Eye Shadow: 1 year after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Lipstick: 18 months after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Mascara: 2 months after opening, 1 year if unopened

In general, keep your products in a cool, dry place – not in your car or under the sun!

Sharpen your make-up pencils regularly and always cover the heads to keep them clean.

If you use make-up brushes, clean these at least once a month by washing with soap and water, or even with shampoo. Dry the brushes thoroughly before use.

Should you share make-up?

Sharing make-up increases the risk of getting infections. These include spreading of conjunctivitis (pink eye) from sharing eye make-up and mascaras, to cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus from sharing lip products.

This includes using samples at make-up counters. Make sure that the product has been cleaned and that appropriate disposable brushes or applicators are used by the counters before you try the products.

Chemicals, make-up and you.

Cosmetics sold in Singapore are registered with the Health Sciences Authority which ensures that potentially harmful ingredients are not present.

Although studies show that true make-up allergy is not common, 4 it is important to realise that there are components in make-up which can irritate the skin in certain individuals.

The most common components of make-up (or even skincare products) that lead to allergies or irritation are fragrances and preservatives.4

If you are having a reaction to a particular product, discontinue use but don’t throw it out, bring the product and the ingredient list when you see your doctor.

Permanent make-up.

There is always a risk of a reaction to eyelash or eyebrow tinting or to the application of lip liner tattoos. There have been reported cases of irritation leading to inflammation granulomas (small reactive bumps around the area) to lip liner and eyebrow tattoos.5

In addition, reactions to eyeliner tattoos have been reported and such allergic reactions have required surgery to remove the tattoo pigment.6

Allergic reactions have also been reported with eyelash tinting which have resulted in loss of eyelashes in some individuals.7

If you are considering any of these procedures, you may wish to ask the artist to do a test spot on your skin first to check for allergy or sensitivity.

References

4 Biebl KA et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics. Dermatol Clinics 24, 2006: 215-232 lbid iv.

5 Martin JM, et al. Granulomatous reactions to permanent cosmetic tattoos successfully treated with topical steroids and allopurinol.J Cosmetic Dermatology 2007 6(4): 229-31.

6 Vagefi MR, et al. Adverse reactions to permanent eyeliner tattoo. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2006 22(1): 48-51.

7 Bhat J, et al. Xanthelasma palpebrarum following allergic contact dermatitis from paraphenylenediamine in a black eyelashtinting product. Contact Dermatitis 2003; 49(6): 311; Wachsmuth R, et al. Loss of eyelashes after use of a tinting mascara containing PPD. Contact Dermatitis 2006; 54(3): 169-170.

The writer is the medical and scientific director at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics at 81 Club Street, Telephone 6237 9700 (formerly known as Dermacare). She is a Harvard trained epidemiologist and is US board certified.

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