Skin & Makeup/Cosmetics Use

Recently Answered

• QDoes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate permanent cosmetics?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Arthur W. Perry, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered

  

  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate permanent cosmetics. This stance is illogical, since these pigments function basically as microimplants and are capable of causing much damage. Their problems are escalating, and government regulation is imminent.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)
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• QWhat precautions should be taken before a permanent eyeliner procedure?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Arthur W. Perry, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered

  

  Permanent eyeliner was introduced in the 1980s. It is a tattooing technique that permanently draws dark pigment on the upper and lower eyelids, simulating eyeliner. The eyelid must be anesthetized to apply this tattoo safely. Otherwise the patient may jump, causing eyeball puncture by the needle. To protect the eyeball, steel contact lenses must be used.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)
  Buy book
• QWho can perform permanent makeup procedures?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Arthur W. Perry, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered

  

  Permanent eyeliner was introduced in the 1980s. It is a tattooing technique that permanently draws dark pigment on the upper and lower eyelids, simulating eyeliner. The eyelid must be anesthetized to apply this tattoo safely. Otherwise the patient may jump, causing eyeball puncture by the needle. To protect the eyeball, steel contact lenses must be used.
  
  Anesthetics and steel contact lenses are the province of physicians. Occasional physicians perform the permanent makeup procedure, but most are done by nurses or specially trained individuals. Physicians should supervise the procedures and use sterile tattoo pigment and needles. Permanent cosmetics applied outside of physicians' offices are dangerous.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)
  Buy book
• QWhat is permanent makeup?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Permanent makeup is a tattoo that looks like eyeliner, lipstick, or another type of makeup. Risks include swelling, allergy, and infection. Areas with permanent makeup may swell or burn during an MRI. People may get permanent makeup to improve the appearance of the face or breasts after surgery. Others may have difficulty applying makeup due to a medical condition.

• QHow is DHA used to get a tan?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is a common ingredient in many tanning lotions. It acts as a color additive that reacts with the amino acids in the surface of the skin, causing it to look tan.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

• QWhat are some sunless alternatives to getting a tan?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  You can add a "healthy glow" to your skin without going out in the sun by using bronzing cosmetics, tinted moisturizers, and sunless tanners. Both bronzers and tinted moisturizers contain pigments that may temporarily darken your skin, but that you can apply and wash off in the same day.
  
  The "tan" you get from a sunless tanner usually lasts longer because most sunless tanners contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, that binds to the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. The tan "fades" as your skin naturally sheds the dead cells, usually within a week or so. See your dermatologist for advice on the best ways to get a sunless tan.
• QDo sunless tanners work?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Cybele Fishman, MD , Dermatology, answered

  

  Sunless tanners do work, in essence by dying the dead layer of the skin that sits on top; when the dead skin flakes off, the tan fades. In this video, dermatologist Cybele Fishman, MD, explains the benefits and the warnings of using sunless tanners.

  See All 2 Answers
• QIs spray tanning safe for skin?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Spray tanning products containing DHA are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat is the main active ingredient in tanning sprays?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The main ingredient is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, a sugar that occurs naturally in plants.

   

• QHow long does a sprayed on tan last?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Spray tans usually last from three to five days.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.