Slap in the face: Why make-up is bad for you

DON'T slap on the slap... curbing cosmetics can boost your health, both physically and psychologically. 

But 98 per cent of women say they can't quit make-up, a survey for the Vitality Show trade exhibition found. 

Here TV psychiatrist and body image expert Dr Laxmi Kathuria tells HELEN GILBERT of the benefits of the natural look.

Snooze

DITCH the beauty regime and use this time to socialise with friends or grab some extra time in bed. This could help to combat stress. Dr Kathuria says: "When a person becomes so preoccupied with make-up enhancement for their looks, they can often wake up TWO TO THREE HOURS before work to start their regime."

Bank balance

WOMEN spend on average £9,000 on make-up in a lifetime. Why spend hundreds of pounds on fake tan when you can save up for a holiday?

Dr Kathuria says: "Asking why you get a buzz out of spending so much may help you address what you are actually lacking or avoiding underneath."

Friends

WHILE we often use make-up to enhance our social skills, it can cause extreme isolation too.

"The stereotype of the 'unattainable supermodel' leaves people you would otherwise click with keeping away because they think they are not good enough," explains Dr Kathuria. "Friendship and relationships thrive on similarity."

Job

ACCORDING to Dr Kathuria, people are extremely efficient at registering unconscious non-verbal signals, so no matter how much slap you have on, your insecurities will be projected.

"Deal with these instead of hiding behind something," she suggests.

"When you are a valued member within the workplace, it should be for what you achieve, not how you look."

Mucky mascara

OLD lipstick and mascara are a breeding ground for bacteria according to experts at the College of Optometrists - but nine out of ten women still use make-up that has passed its "use-by" date.

Dr Kathuria says: "Old mascara can cause itchy, watery or red eyes and the risk is greater if you share products with friends."

Skin detox

SOME eyelash glue contains suspected carcinogens and toxins which can irritate the skin. Dr Kathuria says: "A make-up free day or weekend could be a great way to detox and give your health a boost."

If you can't live without those lashes, avoid products containing formaldehyde.

Addicted to lippy

MAKE-UP free days may cause anxiety and even withdrawal symptoms but Dr Kathuria says the fresh-faced approach "gives you permission to be you and can be a great boost for your mental wellbeing."

She adds: "It gives us a chance to be proud of our imperfections."

Golden glow

LESS make-up means healthier skin than when you have acid peels and use products on your face.

"The skin is the largest organ in the body. It does not need acid thrown on it," says Dr Kathuria. "We don't need diamonds to microdermabrase and hoover up skin cells or wallpaper-paste thick foundation to keep skin alive and healthy."