Welcome back! Last week, we talked about Shower Phobias. If you missed that blog and would like to catch up, click HERE.
This week, we are going to talk about putting makeup on our kids or allowing our kids to play with makeup. Is it safe for them to use? Is it making them sick? Let’s get at it…
Personal bias revealed
My husband and I performed on stage from an early age…8 years old, to be exact. We were always heavily made up so that we didn’t wash out under the bright lights. Made sense, right? As an adult, and as a result of being forced to wear makeup as a child, I don’t wear it. It’s not a judgment on others who do, I just don’t. So the other day when I was at the store, and I saw a very young child with a lot of makeup on her face, I wondered to myself…is that even safe?
She wanted me to notice
She smiled several times at me as we stood in line to pay for our groceries, so I finally said, “You look very dressed up today…something special happening?” She responded, “No, I just like looking like this.” I asked, “How old are you?” and she said, “I’m 8”. “Wow”, I responded, “Well you definitely look grown up”. She beamed. I cringed as I looked around for an adult…any adult…that may be accompanying her. I saw none.
So now you know why that triggered my memories…she was the same age that I was when I, too, wore that much makeup.
Online makeup tutorials
This little girl isn’t alone. If you search online for “Online children’s makeup tutorials” you will find dozens. There are even videos for toddlers. It kinda made my stomach turn.
I searched for information regarding the safety of using makeup on kids
Columbia University Irving Medical Center posted this about that:
A study by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Earthjustice found that most children in the United States use makeup and body products that may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals.
Results are published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health(link is external and opens in a new window).
The study, based on more than 200 surveys, found that 79 percent of parents say their children 12 or younger use makeup and body products marketed to children, like glitter, face paint, and lip gloss.
Prior research has shown that these products often have toxic chemicals, like lead, asbestos, PFAS, phthalates, and formaldehyde in them. Toxic chemicals found in children’s makeup and body products (CMBP), like heavy metals, are especially harmful to infants and children. These chemicals, whether intentionally added or present as contaminants, have been linked to cancer, neurodevelopmental harm, and other serious and irreversible health effects.
“There is increasing evidence of harmful ingredients often included in adult cosmetics and CMBPs, and children are more biologically susceptible to the effects of toxicants,” says study co-first author Eleanor A. Medley, who co-led the study with Kendall E. Kruchten while both completed their MPHs in environmental health sciences at Columbia Mailman.
“In this context, it is important to uncover how makeup and body products are being used by children to characterize risk and improve safety,” adds Kruchten.
There are medical reasons why makeup isn’t good for your young ones
CNA Lifestyle points out the dangers: First, a child’s skin is thinner and has a decreased barrier function as compared to adults, said Dr. Lynn Chiam, a dermatologist with Children & Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic.
The skin’s barrier function refers to its ability to keep moisture in and damaging elements out “and children’s skin is less able to defend itself against irritants,” she said.
It doesn’t help that the chemicals found in makeup can cause dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation to the skin, she added.
“With prolonged use, this can adversely affect the barrier and structure of the skin, causing it to be more sensitive to other things like water, soap, sweat, and heat.”
Children have immature immune systems
“Children are particularly vulnerable to adverse health risks associated with chemicals often found in makeup and body products,” explains senior author Julie Herbstman, Ph.D., professor of environmental health sciences and director of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. “In addition to dermal exposure through the skin, behavioral patterns such as hand-to-mouth activity may increase exposure to products through unintentional ingestion. Additionally, children’s small body size, rapid growth rate, developing tissues and organs, and immature immune systems make them biologically susceptible to the effects of toxicants.”
Are we paying attention?
“It is alarming that industry is being allowed to sell makeup and body products marketed to children that contain extremely toxic chemicals. Findings from this study(1) can help federal agencies better understand how children are using these products and will hopefully spur agencies to act to protect children from toxic chemical exposures,” concludes Earthjustice Attorney Lakendra Barajas. “Unfortunately, currently little is being done at the federal level to protect children from toxic chemicals in children’s makeup and body products.”
- The study is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
It’s up to you, parents…
It’s clear that for a number of reasons the market will continue to sell makeup to children, so that leaves it up to parents to do their due diligence and research the products. It’s not worth it to set your child up for a host of potential medical issues down the road. Better to be armed with some knowledge and know when to say, “No.”
+++++++++++++
As always, this blog is not a replacement for sound medical advice. I am not a doctor. Please make an appointment to see your healthcare provider and put a good plan in place that works for you and the needs of your body.
That’s all I have for you this week, dear reader. I’ll see you back here next Wednesday to share another cup of coffee. Until then, be good to yourself and each other.
Mind, Body, Spirit…Osteopathic Doctors treat the whole person, not just the ailment. Is your PCP a DO? Would you like to learn more about Osteopathic Physicians? Click HERE!