In its own right, the economy of microbeads products has been nothing short of a phenomenal success for over two decades now.
However, MonkMoorDental.co.uk says that the very same abrasive particles are what’s killing marine life and causes of potentially lethal health issues.
Different Forms
Mainly, microbeads have been a staple active ingredient in facial scrubs, washes, toothpastes, and shower gels — with a synonymous marketing promise that it helps people become cleaner. But, in closer inspection, these tiny plastic balls can cause facial and dental health damages over time apart from harming small marine animal life.
Great Teeth, But Less Gums
Whitening toothpaste with microbeads is indeed better at removing stains and other unwanted feelings of discomfort in the teeth. However, following what happened to 27-year-old sales manager, Laura Percival, you might need to sacrifice your gum health for a whiter smile.
According to Dr Zaki Kanaan of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, ‘toothpaste containing microbeads is as bad as a toothbrush that is too hard and it can wear away the tooth’s outer enamel. The enamel wears away anyway as we get older, so these kinds of toothpaste, bought to make teeth whiter, may speed that up.’
Reported Health Concerns
With some short-term success, microbead-infused products were able to gain a significant amount of interest from the aesthetically-conscious market. At the same time, however, health risks also started to become visible as these products appear in almost all conceivable products.
In a riveting report by the Daily Mail, microbeads were revealed to be not just detrimental to certain body parts, but in the entirety of human health as a whole. Below are the following prevalent wreckages that microbeads can cost you and supporting statements from specialists:
Scratched Eyes to Blindness
While microbeads aren't pointed, they can still scratch the eye’s surface, which can also lead to the same result. Ali Mearza, a consultant eye surgeon of London’s Imperial College Healthcare says, ‘Occasionally when people wash their faces, microbeads get stuck in the eye. Usually, these get blinked away, but sometimes granules can be lodged under the eyelid. This can require a visit to casualty, where we invert the eyelid and flick the particle out with a cotton bud’.
Flaky and Lined Skin
Perhaps the most widely used microbead product, facial scrubs have helped many wash their faces deeply, but with lasting skin damage. Bianca Estelle of the Bea Skin Clinic says that any misuse of microbeads will undoubtedly lead to tiny rips in the skin, which ironically will promote bacteria and a plethora of skin issues.
Beauty isn’t about how well you manage pain or the product you apply. Ultimately, how well someone looks and presents his or herself will depend on correct hygiene and lifestyle choices.