Counterfeit cosmetics causing skin cancer among women

Dermatologists have issued a strong warning to women using counterfeit cosmetics and make-up preparations sold in two-riyal stores to stop or face disfigurement and possibly cancer.
According to one cosmetics specialist, many studies conducted on counterfeit makeup products proved conclusively that they contain carcinogens that can cause severe skin rashes, allergic reactions, sinusitis and even skin cancer.
The warning came after cosmetic clinics said they noticed a marked rise in complaints from women whose skins were disfigured using these preparations.
The clinics estimate that around 40 percent of young women use counterfeit products because they are sold at greatly reduced prices.
Dr. Ali Raddadi, vice-chairman of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and chief dermatologist at the National Guard’s King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Jeddah, said that a number of factors contributed to the use of these counterfeit preparations.
For one, there are many more two-riyal stores than real cosmetics shops, and these stores sell the products very cheaply. Then, he said, there is the lack of health awareness regarding the hazards of using counterfeit products.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abd Al-Mun’im As-Sayyed, a cosmetic specialist, said that the market for the counterfeit cosmetics is one of the largest in the world.
“There is a huge demand for these products from women of limited means who cannot afford to buy the original products, which usually command much higher prices,” he said.