Yahoo Lifestyle 
Toxins found in cheap Halloween make-up
If costume make-up is on your agenda this Halloween, you may want to reconsider your get-up or at least be cautious with your cosmetic choices.
Side effects of toxic costume make-up can be extreme, so take some tips from the pros this Halloween and be thoughtful when you’re dressing up.
Yahoo Beauty spoke with New York City dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah, an expert in skin conditions and diseases such as acne and rosacea, as well as those affecting hair and nails.
* The most spook-tacular Halloween weddings
Shah filled us in on the hazards you might encounter through your Halloween costume – it turns out the scariest part of your costume might be what’s in your make-up. Here’s what to look for, and how to avoid the risks.
Colorful make-up and dyes
“Besides colour additives, make-up contains a number of base ingredients, such as fillers, fragrances, binders, emollients, and preservatives, to name a few,” Shah said.
“In cheap Halloween make-up, it’s usually these base ingredients that are lower quality and likely to cause skin problems. Halloween make-up has also been found to contain detectable levels of heavy metals that can cause problems.”
As far as reactions go, Shah says that the heavy texture of Halloween make-up makes it more likely to cause acne. But a few pimples should be the least of your worries.
“The FDA does not require cosmetic products and ingredients to be FDA-approved before going to market,” she warns. “The exception to this is colour additives, which do require FDA approval, but it is possible to have reactions to dyes.”
Shah advises checking the FDA-approved list of colour additives. She says red dye is known for causing reactions (it’s also found in other colours) as is PPD (paraphenylenediamine), found in black and dark-coloured cosmetics and dye.
Masks, prosthetics, plasticisers, and adhesives
Even if you’re not wearing make-up, you may be putting your skin at risk with low-quality masks, plasticisers, or prosthetics when worn for an extended period of time. “Absorption of these plasticisers through the skin from wearing a mask for a short time is low, but the risk is still there,” Shah said. “A poorly fitting mask can [also] cause skin irritation.” Another risky Halloween add-on may be your faux eyelashes or nails. “Glue can damage the nails or cause loss of the eyelashes, either due to pulling and traction [or cause a] skin reaction at the lash line or eyelids,” says Shah.
Be on the look-out for heavy metal
And no, we don’t mean the loud music. “The scariest and most concerning substances found in Halloween make-up are heavy metals, which can be toxic,” says Shah. “For example, lead has been found in these makeups, and although lead poisoning doesn’t commonly occur via the skin, it can be absorbed through the skin.”
How to be safe this Halloween
Do a patch test
Shah suggests doing a patch test any time you are using a new product or have sensitive skin. “I recommend applying a small amount to your inner arm – the inner elbow or inner wrist work well – to see if you develop a reaction,” she says. “Some people may develop a reaction immediately; whereas in others it might take a few days, so it’s a good idea to test it out for a few days, even up to a week.”
Check your ingredients
“There is a list of approved colour additives on the FDA’s website, so check your makeup’s ingredient list against this list,” says Shah. Be sure to bring the list with you when shopping for costume makeup, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Don’t be too frugal
If you spend more money on face paint or Halloween make-up, you can expect better quality ingredients. “If your regular make-up isn’t going to complete your Halloween costume, try to go for high quality theatre make-up,” says Shah. Look for natural-based makeup to be safe.
Treat your skin right
Be mindful of the instructions on your costume make-up – they’re there for a reason. “If you must use inexpensive low quality make-up, don’t use it around your eyes or mouth, especially if it’s not meant for that area,” says Shah. For example, certain dyes are only FDA approved for certain areas. When it comes to removal, wash your makeup off as soon as possible. “You may need to double up on the cleansing (such as a make-up wipe or remover followed by cleanser) to ensure all the make-up is off, and apply a gentle moisturiser with calming ingredients to reduce any mild irritation or dryness. If you have a more significant reaction you may need to see your dermatologist.”
Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram
