Adverse Effects of Cosmetics & Proprietary products used by females

1. Adverse Effects of Cosmetics & Proprietary products used by females Dr. Hisham Ardah , M.D. ,PhD. Associate Prof. An-Najah University-Nablus

2. Cosmetics are widely used by females and even males in every community including Palestine. In the market there is a very wide range of cosmetics 'Perfumes, Deodorants, Bleaching, Anti-acne, hair care and anti-aging agents'. Some of these products are prepared by well known companies as ROC, Vichy, Sebamed, ect….

3. Most of the products are made without scientific or medical observation but are widely propagated through the media E.g. Amana care , Zain el Atat and since many years before Opaghi. Many products are prepared by some people and said to be of plant origin .

4. The practicing Dermatologist meets the complications of these agents which occur mainly in females due to the use of whitening agents used to remove dark spots , chloasma and acne scars .

5. The aim of this presentation is to raise interest in our medical community against the maluse of such products and to call for more control and observation by the MOH on such brands prepared without professional and medical supervision .

6. Bleaching agents contain hydroquinone which is a potent sensitizer and is not allowed to be used in a concentration above 2% . Some of these agents may contain mercury 'Al sulaimani originating from Damascus' .

7. Perfumed agents are also photosensitizers if used on exposed parts of the body as they contain oil of bergamot . Other products are home prepared or of Chinese origin , but the actual ingredients are unknown .

8. The following slides are examples of what we see daily in our practice and need no comment .

9. Hyperpigmentation

26. Hair Problems

35. Detergents

41. Thank you…