*Covering blemishes with more makeup may worsen acne*

Today’s Nigeria girls have an image to keep, and for many, that image includes masking their faces in makeup every day. In fact, some refuse to leave the house without it on. Unfortunately, most of them are less aware that makeup have damaging effects on a teenager’s skin and even cause additional health woes.

Apparently in our society today, young girls may not have the positive thinking of engaging their self's meaningfully on skills training which could improve their standard by developing themselves. But rather have an idea of the influence makeup on their face in the name of having a beautiful look for men's attraction which is very common in our society.

Many young girls who do makeup will not subject to this post. But as they do say the truth is always bitter, and i have to make you aware that 45 percent of women who used makeup religiously had skin disease related to the makeup they were wearing. To make you understand my point , am no saying you should not use make-up but not using an heavy makeup looking like Egyptian masquerade.

At the same time, 14 percent suffered from makeup-induced acne. Since girls often use makeup more heavily than do adults, they have a greater chance of suffering from skin problems. In addition, the pressure of body image and social status from their peers will prompt them to cover any blemishes with even more makeup. In turn, this action will worsen the acne, creating a harmful cycle of skin damage that may take months or years to reverse.

First, most of the makeup on the market actually have harmful chemicals in them. Researchers have linked these chemicals to various health issues due to the known or suspected effects on people’s hormones.

In young teens whose hormones are just developing, these chemicals can offset the body’s balance and could lead to detrimental effects like infertility and even skin cancer.

In addition, Ladies who use makeup often share it among friends, unknowingly spreading harmful bacteria. This practice can lead to eye infections, cold sores, common sicknesses, staph infections, and even herpes. As one of the mildest side effects, sharing makeup can worsen acne due to bacteria, already a problem for thousands of young girls.

At the same time, makeup itself can breed bacteria over time, causing damage even without makeup-sharing. Makeup provides a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, especially liquids like foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. The users then add their own bacteria from their hands and faces, and the makeup turns into a dangerous culprit for sickness or acne.

There is no better way to look older than trying to look too young. Furthermore, there is a fine line between attempting a more youthful look and just looking bad. I believe it's important to aim for a generally age appropriate look. When young girls try too hard to look cool and it seems unnatural, it's a clear indication to others that you are just not that secure. It's best to be the best you can without going overboard with heavy makeup.

Written by Ifreke Udoyo from Eket a social media influencer.