Unusual products used in cosmetics in the past

Every year science goes further, trying to make cosmetics as safe as possible. But not so long ago, the secrets of female beauty could be not only harmful in the near and long term, but also frankly dangerous.

Arsenic

Now it is perceived exclusively as poison. But back in the 19th century, arsenic tablets were touted as a remedy for an even complexion and "nice roundness". True, this roundness arose due to diseases of the thyroid gland.

Mercury

It's hard to imagine, but once it was used to get rid of acne. It was also added to anti-inflammatory drugs. Mercury tends to accumulate in the body. At first, it causes disorders of the nervous system, diseases of the respiratory tract, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, seizures, depression, and over time - multiple organ failure and death.

Lead

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, white was popular - a powder that made the face very pale. It was composed of lead. This is a poisonous metal, so it is not surprising that the average life expectancy in those centuries was much lower.

Moreover, lead poisoning caused a lack of appetite, natural pallor, thinness, a wobbly gait - and all this was then considered fashionable.

Radium

Back in the 30s of the 20th century, cosmetics with radium were advertised as a miracle cure for acne and enlarged pores, for fat, for redness and unevenness on the face, for pigmentation and wrinkles. Of course, many wanted to achieve this effect. But the radioactive substance ended up turning the unfortunate women into cripples.

X-ray

X-rays, when they were first discovered, tried to be used for cosmetic purposes. For example, unwanted hairs fell out well from radiation. True, the coda itself became thin and wrinkled. And after regular procedures of such hair removal, oncological diseases manifested themselves.

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