Use cosmetics with caution.

Cosmetics are active ingredients in the form of creams, serums, lotions, sprays, or products used for skin care, protection, makeup, etc.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen examines a patient with a skin condition. Photo: H.Dung

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen, Specialist I, Department of Aesthetics, Dong Nai Dermatology Hospital, counterfeit cosmetics are products of unknown origin and source, lacking complete active ingredients, and containing many substances harmful to the skin.

Unforeseen harm

* Can the doctor explain the harmful effects of using counterfeit or substandard cosmetics?

- If you use counterfeit or low-quality cosmetics, any area of ​​skin that comes into contact with them will experience symptoms such as itching, redness, burning, dryness, dilated blood vessels, acne, peeling, and even oozing and infection. Prolonged use can cause harmful substances to penetrate the skin, leading to infection, necrosis, and skin cancer; absorption into the bloodstream can cause systemic symptoms, especially in people with hypertension or diabetes, potentially leading to thromboembolism.

Doctor, does the hospital admit any patients with these symptoms?

- The hospital receives and treats a significant number of female patients with contact dermatitis and pustules caused by using counterfeit or substandard cosmetics. These patients habitually purchase unlabeled cosmetics with unclear ingredients online. These cosmetics often contain substances such as formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, mercury, and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, in particular, are pigment inhibitors; if used for the first 2-3 weeks, the skin will appear noticeably brighter. However, over time, symptoms such as skin atrophy, dilated blood vessels, redness, itching, stinging, darkening, and acne will appear when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Some patients experienced widespread facial redness after only one day of using unlabeled cosmetics purchased online.

If you experience any unusual skin symptoms, you should visit a medical facility with a dermatology department or a dermatologist's clinic for examination, treatment, and guidance on proper skin care.

* How are these cases treated, doctor?

- These patients will be examined by a doctor, who will order skin analysis and necessary tests. Simultaneously, the doctor will advise patients to immediately stop using all cosmetics and to care for their skin by washing their face with saline solution, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and applying a facial mist. Typically, patients with contact dermatitis caused by cosmetics require a fairly long treatment period. Some patients are persistent, while others are not. Some people buy corticosteroids to take. Using these medications incorrectly, not following a doctor's instructions, can lead to adrenal insufficiency and generalized edema.

Make wise choices when selecting safe cosmetics.

* Recently, there has been considerable public outrage over the Hanayuki Sunscreen Body product, which is labeled with an SPF of 50 but tested to be only 2.4. So, what are the harmful effects of using low-quality sunscreen or sunscreen with a low SPF on the skin?

- Using sunscreen with insufficient sun protection ingredients is, firstly, ineffective in protecting the skin from the sun. Meanwhile, users confidently assume they've applied sunscreen with a high SPF and therefore go out in the sun without further protection, leading to dark spots, blemishes, freckles, premature aging, and over time, the appearance of brown spots, acute sunburn, and potentially skin cancer.

* What advice do doctors give to the public regarding the selection and use of cosmetics?

- Consumers should choose cosmetics with clear origins and quality control by health authorities. When buying, check the labels, seals, and ingredients of the product. If you see ingredients such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, mercurous, etc., you should not buy them because these ingredients can erode the skin and be absorbed into the skin, causing systemic symptoms.

Before using any cosmetic product long-term, test it on a small area of ​​skin. If you experience any unusual reactions such as itching, redness, or peeling, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist immediately. Do not use products that promise quick whitening results or lack proper packaging, seals, or barcodes.

What precautions should people take when protecting themselves from the sun in the summer?

- When going outdoors and being exposed to intense sunlight, people should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 3-4 hours; avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 2 pm daily as this is when UV rays are strongest. If you must go outside, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Upon returning home, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap, shower with gentle cosmetics, and use a moisturizer after showering to prevent skin irritation.

Even those who frequently work in air-conditioned rooms and don't get direct sunlight should apply sunscreen to protect against blue light from electronic devices, which can cause skin aging.

Thank you, doctor!

Hanh Dung (compiled)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202506/can-trong-khi-su-dung-my-pham-18500ed/