Perfumes and hair mixtures on “social networking sites”… an attractive garment with unknown ingredients

Doctors have warned of the danger of personal care products that are popular on social media, such as perfumes inspired by international brands and home-made hair lengthening mixtures, because of the health risks they carry, especially since most of them have unknown ingredients and manufacturing methods.

They said that some inspired perfumes, which attempt to imitate the scents of luxury international brands at attractive prices, may contain unsafe chemicals, making them a potential cause of skin infections or respiratory problems, noting that this applies to home-made hair mixtures, which are prepared. Incorrect methods, which may lead to scalp irritation or hair loss due to unknown additives or inaccurate ingredient ratios.

Doctors called on consumers to be careful and rely on products with well-known brands and manufactured according to strict health standards, stressing that the price appeal of these products does not justify the health risks that may result from them, and stressed the importance of checking the ingredients and testing them on a small part of the skin before use. To avoid any allergic reactions that may harm public health.

Health complications

Dermatology and Cosmetic Consultant, Dr. Khadija Ahmed Al Zaabi, explained that there are health complications for some products, such as inspired perfumes and home-made dyes, that may cause serious skin problems, most notably allergic contact dermatitis, which appears in the form of redness and itching, and sometimes blisters and peeling of the skin, warning. The use of such products on the scalp leads to hair loss and damage, as a result of they contain irritating chemical components.

Al Zaabi explained that signs of allergy resulting from such products include redness and itching of the skin, swelling or irritation of the treated area, the appearance of blisters or crusts, in addition to a feeling of burning, pain, dryness in the skin, and sometimes peeling.

She emphasized that household formulations often contain irritating or allergenic substances, such as formaldehyde, which is used as a preservative, parabens, which may lead to the appearance of allergies, artificial dyes that contain irritating compounds, in addition to alcohol, which causes dry skin, and synthetic aromatic substances that may It causes allergic reactions in some individuals.

Al Zaabi said: “The face, around the eyes, neck, hands, and scalp are the areas most susceptible to allergies resulting from the use of these products, due to the sensitivity of the skin in these areas compared to other areas,” warning that continued use of these formulations may lead to diseases. Long-term skin conditions, such as eczema or chronic contact dermatitis, especially in the event of continued contact with irritating or allergenic substances.

She explained how to deal with the effects of allergies that begin by immediately stopping using the product, washing the affected area with cold water and gentle soap, and moisturizing the skin using soothing products. She stressed the importance of seeing a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen to ensure quick and effective treatment.

ingredients

For his part, consultant dermatologist, Dr. Anwar Al Hammadi, called for avoiding products of unknown origin, especially those that spread through social media, because they carry great health risks as a result of not being subject to health oversight, as they may contain irritating or allergenic substances, whether Whether it was strong chemical or natural, it was recommended to rely on well-known products manufactured by companies subject to strict medical standards.

Al Hammadi stressed that describing a product as “natural” does not necessarily mean that it is safe, explaining that some natural ingredients may cause irritation or allergies to some, especially if they are not prepared correctly, or if they are mixed with chemicals. He added that the presence of impurities or pollutants in These products increase the possibility of skin irritations and health complications, and he pointed out that hair mixtures that are marketed as natural, work to thicken hair and are prepared at home, may cause Skin infections of the scalp due to product contamination during manufacturing or storage.

He stressed that some impure ingredients and strong essential oils may increase skin pigmentation and irritation, leading to long-term problems.

In addition, Dr. Bassam Mahboub, a lung and allergy consultant, confirmed that using perfume formulations inspired by well-known brands, and not adhering to approved international standards, can cause several health problems, because most of these perfumes contain volatile chemicals, which leads to an increase in symptoms. Allergies in individuals with asthma and respiratory diseases.

Mahboub pointed out that inspired perfumes, especially those in high concentrations, are among the most prominent factors that cause irritation and increase in asthma attacks and chest allergies, explaining that unapproved chemicals in these formulations stimulate the immune system to release defensive substances that lead to narrowing of the bronchi and increased mucus secretions. Which may cause bronchial obstruction.

He explained that inhaling the chemicals contained in these perfumes directly affects lung function, which increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and severe respiratory attacks, adding that there are local studies that have proven that incense not only exacerbates asthma attacks, but also increases the rates of respiratory diseases. .

Mahboub pointed out that the groups most affected include individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, which represent about 10% of the country’s population, in addition to children and the elderly, whose respiratory systems are more sensitive to these substances.

He stressed the need to pay attention to warning signs, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and increased mucus secretion, when using homemade or inspired compound perfumes, stressing that inhaling these substances over time may lead to an accumulation of damage to the respiratory system, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases. .

Dr. Mahboub called for avoiding the use of perfumes of unknown origin, and making sure to purchase approved products that are subject to health supervision, to protect the health of the respiratory system and the safety of individuals.

For his part, Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Bahr, expert and president of Al-Bahr Economic Consulting Company, stated that inspired perfumes sold through social media represent both an economic and health challenge, as these products often depend on exploiting the consumer’s desire to obtain scents similar to the original perfumes. Low prices, but lacks quality assurance or adherence to health standards.

Al-Bahr stressed the need for caution and intensifying control over the trade in personal care products sold through social media, as they pose harm to individuals’ health.

Al-Bahr pointed out that trade on social media does not stop at inspired perfume products and others, but rather extends to other products such as henna and hair mixtures, stressing that henna is sold from its official sources after undergoing periodic examinations from the competent authorities to ensure its safety and components, while henna mixtures Products marketed through social media lack these guarantees, which increases the possibility that they contain materials that are irritating or harmful to health.

Al-Bahr called for enhancing community awareness about the dangers of purchasing products that affect a person’s general health, even if they are in great demand, whether they are inspired perfumes at low prices, hair care mixtures, or other products.