Health Tip: Cosmetics Safety

(HealthDay News) - Some cosmetic products can cause irritation, rashes or even infections, especially if shared with others.

Here are some suggestions to prevent problems from using cosmetics, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Never allow other people to borrow your makeup, which can spread bacteria and other germs.
• When trying on makeup at a store, always use a new applicator, or ask the salesperson to clean it with alcohol before using.
• To prevent bacterial growth, keep your makeup closed tightly, and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing makeup to sun and other forms of direct light and heat.
• If you have an eye infection, stop using makeup until the irritation clears. Discard any makeup you used when you had the infection.
• Throw away old makeup, and any makeup that turns color or develops an odor.
• Try not to inhale powders or aerosol products, which can irritate or damage the lungs.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 01, 2008

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