A Detailed Report On Why FDA Bans Lead Acetate Present In Hair Dyes

The Decision Of FDA On Lead Acetate

In a move prompted by petitions from consumer watchdog groups, the FDA banned lead acetate from hair colouring products. 

Lead acetate is now banned in all cosmetic products as the agency’s final rule. In which it was still allowed, hair dye was the last product. In the European Union and Canada, lead acetate is already banned. 

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, says in a statement that their understanding of the hazards of lead exposure has evolved significantly in the nearly 40 years since lead acetate was initially approved as a colour additive. No longer meeting their safety standard as we know is the approved use of lead acetate in adult hair dyes. 

One of a dozen groups that petitioned the FDA for the ban, the Environmental Working Group was saying the decision is long overdue. 

It was said that Melanie Benesh, a legislative attorney at EWG, was of the opinion that there comes no safe level of lead exposure. 

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Especially for children, lead exposure can have serious health effects.

Among other problems, the EWG says it has been linked to the developmental issues in children, reduced fertility, thereby organ system toxicity as well as cancer. 

A few continued to use lead whereas most manufacturers had long ago moved to other additives for hair colouring. To remove lead acetate, from their products, manufacturers have 1 year from the effective date of the final rule. Switching to another chemical, bismuth citrate, as a colouring agent, Grecian Formula was one of the last major brands still using lead acetate. 

Tom Neltner, chemicals policy director at the Environmental Defense Fund, another group that petitioned the FDA to act, was saying they have seen tremendous progress in reducing exposure to lead from major sources, in the last several decades. It may seem unbelievable that common hair dyes contain the neurotoxin putting those who use the product and their children at risk given this progress and wide recognition that there is no safe level of exposure. 

The FDA says consumers should examine product labels but did not provide a list of products that contain lead. It would be listed as an ingredient if the lead was included. 

There is no longer a reasonable certainty that there is no harm from the use of lead acetate as a colour additive according to what FDA says recent scientific data shows. 

The Right Time To Teach Your Teen All About Skincare

For a lifetime of glowing skin, encourage good habits. Helping keep her skin healthy for the rest of her life is the skincare habits you show your teen today. Saying it is never too early or late thereby encouraging a healthy skin routine for your teen is Laurie Polis, MD, director of dermatologic services at SoHo Skin & Laser Dermatology in New York City. She adds that throughout life, it is important to know that skin changes. So, it is necessary to adjust the skincare regimens accordingly. 

An Optimal Teen Skin Regimen

Polis explains it is helpful for your teen to establish a twice-daily cleansing ritual. You should wash your face a.m. and p.m. as well just as you brush your teeth morning and evening. 

Depending on the goal should be the cleanser that your teen chooses. You can always go for an anti-acne or medicated cleanser for breakout-prone skin as well as a moisturising and gentle cleanser thereby for sensitive skin as also an exfoliating cleanser for dull skin. Helping with acne, dull skin and pigment irregularity are chemical exfoliators containing glycolic or salicylic acid and physical exfoliators such as scrubs, facial sponges, or skin-cleansing devices boosting skin cell turnover. 

Leave a pack of gentle face wipes on her bedside table if your teen tends to blow off the evening wash altogether. To nix dirt and day-old makeup, they don’t require water. 

Serum Choices For Teens

Your teen should apply a topical treatment serum after each cleansing. Polis is of the opinion that it is better to remind your teen of some of the ingredients in topical products that have more than one benefit or function. For instance, having anti-acne, anti-aging, and pigment evening properties are some retinol in skin products. 

Finally, Here Are Sunscreen Smarts

Emphasising sunscreen application is the final and mandatory step. As Polis says, anti-aging goes hand-in-hand with anti-cancer since both involve sun protection is one of the most important skincare lessons you can teach your daughter. Helping keep skin hydrated and protected is a moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF protecting against UVA and UVB rays. 

Every day, rain or shine, teach your teen to apply sunscreen. 20 minutes before going outside she should put it on under makeup, and then reapply at least 2 hours, and more in case of swimming or sweating. To choose from, there are many lotions, sprays, and brush-on sunscreens.