9 popular beauty trends that are actually pretty dangerous

We live in a society where it's increasingly important to "look good" at all times. In the pursuit of beauty, people pour extremely large amounts of money and time. Nevertheless, some of the most popular ways of modifying our looks come with brow-raising health risks that clearly outweigh all of their temporary benefits. Here are nine of the most detrimental beauty trends you should definitely avoid at all costs:


1) Tanning

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and it's also one of the most preventable. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is now the most common cancer among people ages 25 to 29. Indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by up to 75 percent. It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots: preventing young people from tanning could be a huge win for public health.



2) Costume Contact Lenses


The chairman of the contact lens and cornea section of the American Optometric Association told the Daily Mail that ill-fitting contacts can deprive the eye of oxygen and cause serious damage, and back in 2010, a spokesperson from the FDA told the New York Times they could lead to blindness.



3) Fake Eyelashes


According to Consumer Reports, Eyelash extensions—single synthetic fibers glued one by one to natural eyelashes—are usually fixed in place by formaldehyde-based adhesives or other biologic glues. The adhesives can cause allergic reactions, as can the solvents used to remove them. In addition, cosmetic eyelash enhancers carry a risk of bacterial and fungal infection.



4) The Brazilian Wax


A small study out of Nice, France, found an association between pubic hair removal and an increased risk of sexually transmitted Molluscum contagiosum, a skin virus causing raised bumps or growths. While the study found only an association and not a definitive link, it stands to reason that waxing would increase the risk of a virus like Molluscum contagiosum, says Jessica Krant, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York and founder of Art of Dermatology. (via The Huffington Post)



5) Waist Training


Waist training isn't the same thing as committing to a daily ab routine. It's a scary, painful and potentially dangerous "technique" that women are inexplicably embracing in order to take a couple inches off their midsections -- a change that only lasts as long as you continue to "train" your waist. (via The Huffington Post)



6) Gel Manicures


Because of the low UV levels, the skin cancer risk even from repeated salon visits remains small. That doesn't mean the polishes get a free pass, according to Dr. Chris Adigun, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "The problem is there's no regulation of nail lamp exposure," Adigun says. "For patients who aren't concerned about the melanoma risk, do know about the photoaging that comes from UV exposure." -Calif. Study: Nail Products Contain Toxic Chemicals (via NPR)



7) Being an active member of #TeamNoSleep


In addition to the weight gain, memory problems, inability to perform, depression, and increased cancer risk that come with sleep deprivation, it turns out that not getting enough sleep also allows neurotoxins to build up in your brain, especially one protein, beta-amyloid, that can further worsen sleep and is also linked to Alzheimer's disease. (via AOL)



8) Skipping sunscreen


When it comes to sunscreen, avoid the spray-on varieties. You are not inhaling anything and they don't cover up completely. Also, don't trust an SPF over 50. SPF's sun protection ability tops out between 30 and 50. Lastly, stay away from common ingredients like retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone. Kids should especially avoid retinyl palmitate, which can lead to skin lesions and cancer. Oxybenzone can affect hormone levels in our bodies. (via AOL)



9) Juice Cleanse


There is very little research out there supporting the juice diet, and many nutritionists suggest that juice cleanses are actually dangerous. What's more, apparently our body is very good at doing just what the juice cleanse aims to do. "Our body has a great detox system built in: our kidneys and liver," explained Lauren Blake, a registered dietitian with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in a US News & World Report article. (via Business Insider)



Now here are some natural beauty habits you should adopt:

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