🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Lately, news about phthalates in cosmetics and perfumes harming health might have alarmed beauty enthusiasts?
In reality, until medical science conclusively proves phthalates pose health risks, women can still use them safely—but must do so responsibly and observe safety precautions.
To date, scientific and medical studies have not provided sufficient evidence that the levels of phthalates in cosmetics affect female reproductive health. Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority also confirms no complaints or cases have been reported.
That said, cosmetics are chemically synthesized products. Though they protect and beautify the skin, they may release harmful substances that irritate the skin, causing swelling, itching, rashes—commonly known as “cosmetic dermatitis.”
In summary, the main harms of cosmetics to women include:
☆ Inducing allergic reactions.
☆ Causing bacterial skin infections.
☆ Triggering dermatitis.
☆ Toxic substances being absorbed into the body leading to chronic poisoning.
☆ Low-quality cosmetics producing “photo-toxicity” under sunlight exposure.
Preventing Cosmetic Hazards
To avoid cosmetic-related harm, follow these guidelines:
If any adverse skin reaction occurs after using a cosmetic, discontinue use immediately.
① Do not use expired cosmetics.
Cosmetics contain fats and proteins prone to spoilage or bacterial contamination over time. Choose fresh products and use within 3 to 6 months, storing in a cool, dry place.
② Avoid low-quality cosmetics.
To prevent harm from toxic substances like mercury and carcinogens, choose products approved by the Ministry of Health.
③ Prevent allergic reactions.
Before using a new product, perform a patch test. Only use if no redness or itching occurs. If irritation appears, stop using immediately.
④ Use season-appropriate cosmetics.
Use oil-rich cosmetics in cold, dry winters; opt for water-rich formulas in spring, summer, and autumn.
⑤ Teenagers should use specialized cosmetics.
Avoid perfumes, powders, lipstick, and other cosmetics unless necessary.
⑥ Keep cosmetics out of the mouth.
Use cosmetics externally only. To be safe, wipe off lipstick before eating to prevent ingestion.
⑦ Always remove makeup before sleeping.
Wash off all facial cosmetics before bed—never sleep with makeup on.
⑧ Choose suitable cosmetics.
Oily skin: use water-in-oil creams. Dry skin: use oil-in-water ointments. Sensitive skin: choose low-irritation products. Children should avoid cosmetics altogether.
Perfume Usage Tips
Since no conclusive proof exists that phthalates in perfumes harm health, women can still use them safely. However, observe these precautions:
① Avoid overuse.
Excessive perfume causes discomfort. Ideally, the scent should be faintly detectable within 1 meter. If still noticeable at 3 meters, it’s excessive.
② Avoid applying to exposed areas.
When exposed to sunlight, perfume’s fragrance and alcohol can cause UV-induced skin irritation and pigmentation. Apply perfume only to shaded areas, such as collars or sleeves, allowing it to evaporate naturally.
③ Maintain cleanliness.
To maximize perfume’s effect, cleanse your body first to eliminate odors. Unclean bodies emit unpleasant smells that cannot be masked by perfume—and may mix into worse odors.
④ Do not mix perfumes.
Avoid combining different brands, series, or types of perfume, as this may obscure their individual characteristics and create unpleasant odors.
⑤ Avoid spicy foods.
Garlic, onions, chili, and other pungent foods produce body odor that interferes with perfume’s effectiveness.
Lipstick Usage Tips
Many women wear lipstick even without full makeup. Thus, lipstick is among the most commonly used cosmetics.
Lipstick mainly consists of lanolin, waxes, and dyes. Lanolin’s complex composition easily triggers allergic reactions—such as dry, cracked lips, peeling mucosa, occasional itching, or mild pain.
Improper use of lipstick can also harm health. Lanolin strongly adsorbs airborne dust, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metal ions onto the lip mucosa. During talking, drinking, or eating, these harmful substances enter the mouth along with the lipstick.
Adults should especially avoid giving lipstick to children, as children’s lip mucosa absorbs these substances more easily.
For health, women should apply lipstick lightly. If mild itching or unusual sensations occur, wash lips immediately and discontinue use. <Health>