Rampant Use of Harmful Face Creams Damaging Skin

Atif Ismail

Multan: The widespread use of harmful face creams by beauty parlors and barbers across South Punjab is causing irreversible skin damage to men and women alike.

In a troubling trend, many of these establishments are using unregulated and substandard creams and chemicals, driven by misleading advertisements that promise quick beauty results.

Aslam, a barber from District Vehari, shared his experience, stating that he stopped using these creams after noticing adverse effects on his clients’ skin. Although this decision impacted his business, he explained, “I couldn’t afford to play with people’s faces.”

He expressed concern about the continued use of these creams by other beauty parlors in the region.

These creams, marketed to enhance facial beauty, have instead caused skin complications such as burns, redness, and even unwanted facial hair growth.

According to Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician Dr. Waqas Irqam, the issue is worsened by a lack of public awareness and the absence of regulation in the beauty industry.

Dr Waqas highlighted that untrained beauticians and barbers often mix various creams, sometimes adding potent steroids to achieve faster results. This dangerous practice thins the skin’s upper layer, leaving it vulnerable to environmental hazards like UV radiation.

“Thinning of the skin makes it more susceptible to redness, burns, and sensitivity, especially in sunlight or during daily activities like cooking,” he explained.

The problem is most prevalent in rural and semi-urban areas, where untrained practitioners dominate the beauty industry. Dr Waqas emphasized that middle-class and lower-income individuals, who frequently visit these salons, are at the greatest risk due to their limited access to professional skincare advice.

One alarming side effect of these steroid-laced creams is the unnatural growth of facial hair, particularly in women. “Excessive steroid use causes hormonal imbalances, leading to hair growth in areas where it shouldn’t appear, impacting both physical appearance and emotional well-being,” warned Dr Waqas.

He urged the public to seek skincare advice from qualified dermatologists and avoid salons that do not employ certified professionals. “Quick results may be tempting, but the long-term damage is severe,” he cautioned.

Dr Waqas also called for stronger regulatory oversight in the beauty industry. Many salons fail to follow proper hygiene and safety protocols, exposing clients to harmful chemicals and unsanitary practices.

“Steroid application should always be supervised, with protective measures like gloves, but many beauticians lack this knowledge and apply them directly on clients’ faces, unaware of the risks,” he added.

To prevent further skin damage, Dr Waqas recommended the regular use of high-quality sunblock to protect compromised skin from UV radiation. “Sun exposure can be incredibly harmful, especially when the skin’s natural barrier is weakened. Using a good sunblock helps restore this barrier and prevents further damage,” he advised.

Public awareness and regulation are critical to combating this growing issue, ensuring that individuals make informed choices about their skincare.