Posted in Bacteria, Beauty on a Budget, Cleansers, Cosmetics, Eyecare, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Infections, Lip gloss, Lipstick, Make up
A survey by the UK College of Optometrists reveals the 92 percent of women are putting their health and appearance at risk by using old makeup.
It’s not generally known that makeup has a sell-by date in most advanced countries. For example :
* Mascara has an expiry date of 3–6 months.
* Liquid and cream foundations, concealer, cleanser, moisturiser, 6–8 months.
* Pressed, loose and compressed powders, eye shadow, blusher, lip gloss, lipstick, toner, 1 year.
* Eye and lip liner, 18 months.
The problem is that these products can be a “hot house” for bacteria which can cause infections when the makeup is applied. The bacteria builds up over time until it becomes dangerous to use. Mascara is a particular problem because the stick used to apply it can scratch the soft tissue surrounding the eye.
The worst offenders, says the study, are women in their 30s and early 40s.
Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the college, said, “Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s not surprising we’ve found nearly half of women suffer from itchy, watery and red eyes when they are holding onto their eye makeup for so long and sharing it among their friends.”
Posted in Beauty on a Budget, Infections, Listerine, Nail care, Thymol, Toenails
Listerine for toenail fungus? There’s a lot of buzz on the net that recommends soaking your feet in Listerine to rid them of toenail fungal infection. The truth is that this may work for you. But it may not be for the reasons stated. Unfortunately, most people writing about it on the net quote a source (there are so many, I can’t tell who originated it) that says it’s the antiseptic quality of Listerine that kills the fungus. Actually, it’s the thymol.
Thymol is the active ingredient that cures the fungal infection. The fungus isn’t on the surface of the nail, it’s deep in the nail bed so just applying topical fungus-killing preparations won’t work. Thymol is also present in Vick’s VapoRub which can be applied under the nail with a Q-tip.
But if you don’t want to go around smelling like VapoRub all day and if the expense of twice daily Listerine foot baths would seriously dent your wallet, why not just buy concentrated Thymol? A small bottle of Thymol can be found available on the net for about $15.
Toenail growth takes time so don’t be discouraged when the effects are slow to show. Infected toenails are often thick, yellowed or discolored with black lines and spots. These nails take time to grow out. Keep up daily use of the thymol and within 6 to 12 months you will have healthy, normal-looking toenails.
