Top 10 Women Products You Should Stop Using Immediately
Introduction
All the ladies out there, I wish to share with you 10 products that you should stop using immediately. These 10 products are extensively marketed as essentials and are fast becoming a part of daily life, but during the research of this article, I was shocked to learn that they pose serious health hazards. We will discuss why they are so damaging and how to switch to healthier alternatives, which are also available and affordable.
So, without any further delay, let’s get started, Top 10 Women Products. Hello friends, welcome to My Herbal Hope
Top 10 Women Products List You Should Stop Using Immediately
Products | Reason | Alternative |
Fairness Creams | Contains heavy metals and steroids causing skin damage, redness, acne, and unwanted facial hair | Natural remedies: Gram flour, curd, turmeric, honey, sandalwood powder, and rose water |
Underwire Bras | Hinders blood circulation, causes discoloration, and upper abdominal pain | Wire-free bras (preferably cotton), regular breast massage, and push-ups |
Synthetic Underwear | Synthetic fibers obstruct oxygen flow, causing yeast infections, Chemicals from dyes can cause allergies | Cotton underwear, Synthetic underwear with cotton-lined center |
Pubic Hair Removal | Strong chemicals can burn skin if applied for more than 5 minutes Darkens skin with regular use | Trimming with clean, sharp scissors, Bikini trimmer with shaving head and trimming combs |
Plastic Luffa | Breeds bacteria, doesn't decompose, and damages skin | Plant-based luffa or green moong dal paste |
Period Painkillers | Can cause stomach problems, headaches, nausea, and heartburn, Only a quick fix, not a solution | Heat therapy with natural ingredient, based pain relief patches (Nua Cramp Comfort, EverEve) - Warm castor oil rub, Iron rich diet |
Multivitamins | Poor absorption, may contain harmful synthetic chemicals, and can cause hormonal disruptions | A diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, and varied grains; an active lifestyle |
Keratin Treatment | Contains formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic; causes allergies, scalp irritation, and hair loss | Raw milk and lemon juice mixture for natural hair smoothing |
Kajal Pencil | Contains harmful chemicals like cyclopentasiloxane, Can irreversibly damage eyes | Natural Ayurvedic kajal like Tatsat, Farm Herbs kajal |
Food Plastic | Plastic leaches microplastics into food, Linked to hormonal issues like PCOS, thyroid problems | Metal, glass, mud, and ceramic containers - Avoid plastic coming in contact with heat or being scratched |
1. Underwire Bras
Underwire bras are an indispensable part of women’s clothing, which not only gives a defined look and shape to the overall body but also has a health aspect attached to them. Breast tissue, if not supported by a bra due to gravitational pull, can cause a change of posture in women, leading to problems like neck and back pain.
Why Underwire Bras are Harmful
You should avoid wearing an underwire bra. Yes, the one that comes with a supporting metal wire under the cup for extra lift. While it serves the purpose well, it also significantly hinders blood circulation, causing stagnation in that area. This is why it is common for women accustomed to underwire bras to have a permanent line of discoloration under their breasts where the metal wire sits.
It can cause serious health problems in the long run. Another issue with underwire bras is that they require the exact fit to be comfortable. This is why many women complain about issues like upper abdominal pain after wearing an underwire bra. And if the wire comes out, it gets frustrating.
Healthier Natural Bras Alternatives
Here is of top 10 women products which is, Switch to free-wire bras, which are made entirely of fabric, preferably cotton. They are not only more comfortable but also healthier. The breast lift and shape are more relaxed in a wire-free bra. You can easily find one that is shapely and doesn’t create the uni-boob effect. Underwire bras may be used occasionally, but the less, the better. Cotton padded bras are still better. Rather than just depending on a piece of clothing, massage the breast area often and perform regular push-ups for a well-defined shape. Top 10 women products
2. Fairness Creams
This is one category of products that should be thrown out. The way these products have been promoted over the years gives an ugly message that dark isn’t beautiful. Be it a dance competition, marriage proposal, or job interview, the deciding factor shown always is skin tone. And we thought confidence, skill set, and hard work were prime for success.
Why Fairness Creams are Harmful
Playing on Indian insecurities, skin whitening creams have become a million-dollar industry. What’s worse is that these products don’t even work; they rather damage the skin. A breakthrough study found large amounts of unpurified heavy metals in these creams. The high levels of steroids in these products can cause redness, thinning of the skin, acne, and even unwanted facial hair.
These creams bank on a melanin-suppressing ingredient added to them. It may remove tan to some extent, but what about the other extremely harsh chemicals added along? One can’t get fairer, but yes, natural skin tone can be restored, and for that, natural remedies are way more dependable.
Healthier Natural Fairness Creams Alternatives
Here is of top 10 women products which is, take gram flour, add curd, a pinch of turmeric, honey, sandalwood powder, and rose water. Mix well and apply it evenly on your skin. Wash it off after 30 minutes with running cool water. In just one wash, you can see a difference that won’t be visible even after days of applying a fairness cream.
3. Plastic Luffa
Luffa is a popular bath accessory among women, as it has the ability to produce lather and cleanse much more effectively. However, plastic luffa is not just unhealthy for the skin but also a menace to the environment.
Why Plastic Luffa is Harmful
Plastic luffa sponges, if left moist, hold on to bacteria and can be a breeding ground for various infectious organisms. Moreover, the cheap plastic used not only doesn’t decompose for thousands of years but also, when rubbed against the skin, damages it due to its harsh nature. Experts strictly prohibit using them on the genital area. Since a woman’s body is hormonally sensitive, the less it is exposed to plastic, the better.
Healthier Natural Plastic Luffa Alternatives
Top 10 women products, If you soak green moong dal in raw milk overnight, grind it to a paste in the morning, and then scrub it all over your body, you will be amazed by the miraculous exfoliating properties it possesses. If you can’t do without luffa, switch to the traditional plant-based luffa, which is not only eco-friendly but also gentle on the skin. Offline, it is available at dirt-cheap prices. But again, you must try to keep it dry to prevent any microorganism growth. A simple way would be to sun-dry it after every use, just as you sun-dry your towel.
4. Multivitamins
This is one product that companies are desperately trying to make you believe your body needs. Well, it doesn’t, but guess what? Their marketing strategy is working. That is why many women have started popping these pills without a prescription.
Why Multivitamins are Harmful
The major problem is that almost 90 percent of the multivitamin pills sold in the market won’t get properly absorbed by your body. Most multivitamin companies do not mention the source of their vitamins and minerals. Have they been extracted from real foods? Or synthetically extracted in a lab? We consumers have no clue. If you go through the ingredient list of any such multivitamin box, you will find chemical names as its ingredients.
Beware, vitamins and minerals can be extracted from petroleum products, animal body parts, and whatnot. That’s not how our body works; a nutrient has to be in an absorbable form. As if this was not enough, they have now started adding buzzwords like hormonal health and period health to the same general tablets to ensure women are their customers.
Healthier Natural Multivitamins Alternatives
Here is of top 10 women products which is, Due to such weak regulations, brands take undue advantage, and numerous cases of fake products, unreasonable claims, and poor quality of products have come into the limelight. If your diet comprises seasonal fruits and vegetables, you keep varying your grains regularly, and you have an active lifestyle, your body will get what it needs. These pills can never replace real food; they surely can find a place in your dustbin.
5. Keratin Treatment
If your hair often gets frizzy, wavy, and dull, a beauty salon expert might suggest you go through keratin hair treatment or hair smoothening. Keratin is the protein of which our hair strands are made, and in this treatment, keratin is supplied to the hair. Sounds healthy, but it isn’t.
Why Keratin Treatment is Harmful
The keratin is supplied through many chemicals, including highly unsafe levels of formaldehyde. A flat iron at over 200°C is used for this purpose. No doubt, the immediate effect of keratin treatment is quite visible, but it comes at a cost, not just monetarily but health-wise as well. Formaldehyde is a known cancer-causing substance that has many side effects attributed to its name: allergies, scalp irritation, burns, rashes, hair breakage, and loss, to name a few.
Healthier Natural Keratin Treatment Alternatives
Wasting thousands of rupees on such a thing when you can get smooth, shiny, silky, and above all, well-nourished hair with just two simple ingredients: raw milk and lemon juice. Mix them together in a spray bottle and let it sit for a few minutes. Then spray the mixture all over your hair from root to tip, being sure the tips are just as milky as the roots.
Then tangle out your hair with a wide-tooth comb. The milk needs time to soak into the hair and weigh it down, smoothing it. So, wait for at least 30 minutes before you wash off with a mild natural shampoo. The results after just one application will amaze you. You can do it every week. Not only will the smoothing effect be enhanced, but your hair will also become healthier like never before.
6: Pubic Hair Removal Cream
Is It Good To Remove Pubic Hair?
The hair removal industry is desperate to make us believe that having pubic hair is unhygienic and gross. The opposite is true. Gynecologists are unanimous in saying that pubic hair has a major role in preventing urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections.
Just as the hair in your nose filters out dirt and microorganisms, pubic hair also traps dirt and harmful bacteria which otherwise could enter the vagina. They have even more benefits to offer. All you need to do is keep them clean by washing that area regularly with plain water.
The Risks of Hair Removal Creams
Still, to remove or not to remove pubic hair is a personal choice. However, using a hair removal cream to do so is a bad idea. Such creams are made up of extremely strong chemicals that should not be applied for more than 5 minutes, or else they may burn the skin. Dermatologists also warn that such creams darken the skin when used regularly.
Waxing is not only pricey but also inconvenient since the skin down there is much thinner compared to other body parts. Waxing can be extremely painful and may cause severe redness. Yet, if you want to go through with it, do visit a professional.
Is It Good For A Woman To Shave Her Private Part?
Shaving, no doubt, is fast and cheap but it makes the delicate skin down there prone to cuts through which bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing infections. The expensive laser reduction method has its dangers. Though its long-term side effects are still unclear, short-term skin irritation, redness, and pigmentation are common.
What Is The Best Method To Remove Pubic Hair?
So, Here is of top 10 women products which is a safe method that is also affordable? Yes, it’s trimming. Just make sure that you use a clean, sharp, small, and dedicated pair of scissors. After using, keep them in a dry place. You can even use a bikini trimmer which comes with a shaving head and two trimming combs to suit your preference. It’s a one-time investment and surely worth your precious health.
7: Kajal Pencil: Is It Safe To Use Kajal?
The Tradition vs. Modern Products
The kajal pencil finds a place in almost every woman’s grooming kit. Depending on the way you apply kajal, it can give your eyes an intense, smoky, or pretty look. But beauty is not the only reason why applying kajal became a traditional practice. According to Ayurveda, kajal keeps the eyes cool, relaxed, improves vision, and adds strength to the eyes. It’s antibacterial, improves blood circulation in the eye area, keeping dark circles and many diseases at bay. But is all this true for the popular “kajal pencil” as well? Certainly not! Top 10 women products
The Hidden Dangers of Modern Kajal
They seem to be too frightened to mention the ingredients on the pack. Although, I was able to find its ingredient list which now makes sense why they hide it. By applying cyclopentasiloxane-based, synthetically pigmented kajal close to the delicate area of the eyes, it can irreversibly damage them.
Color Bar’s kajal is no better. So-called natural brands like Himalaya and Biotique pull the wool over your eyes as they don’t mention the complete ingredient list. Using these instead of traditional ones is like replacing a fire extinguisher with kerosene oil. Little wonder why today eye doctors are all against this once considered medicinal cosmetic.
Which Is The Safest Kajal?
So, it’s time you throw this so-called kajal away and embrace natural, Ayurvedic kajal pencils like Tatsat and Farm Herbs. Top 10 women products
Tatsat, is made from the soot extracted from Chakshushya herbs like Triphala and Tulsi with A2 ghee and castor oil as mentioned in Sahasrayogam.
Farm Herbs kajal is another outstanding formulation comprising numerous eye-friendly herbs. Lead-free, smudge-proof, and without any preservatives, they come in both pencil and stick form. Surely, they are priced premium, but isn’t it worth your priceless eyes?
8: Period Painkillers: Which Painkiller Is Best For Period Pain?
The Reality of Painkillers: Period Pain Relief Tablets In India
Knowing how much women suffer from painful periods and menstrual cramps is hard to put into words. No wonder many opt for ibuprofen and diclofenac-based pills to wade off the period pain. Sure, it does give relief but not for everyone.
In a study, 81 out of 100 women who took these pills still had severe pain after a few hours. Even if it works, it’s only a quick fix, not a solution. They make you dependent and are not even safe or natural. Stomach problems, headaches, altered taste, nausea, and heartburn were some of the common side effects reported by women who regularly consume these pain-killing tablets.
Effective Natural Remedies
How To Stop Period Pain Immediately At Home
So, does that mean you should live with that pain? You will be relieved to know that after six systematic studies, it was concluded that heat therapy works, surprisingly even better than these painkillers, of course, without any side effects.
Natural Period Pain Relief Tablets In India
So, you can go for natural ingredient-based pain relief heat patches. Nua Cramp Comfort and EverEve period pain relief heat patches are two good options in this respect. The good old hot water pack works just fine, although it limits your activity.
How To Stop Period Pain Immediately
Ayurveda suggests that if one rubs warm castor oil on the lower tummy in a circular motion, it relieves pain most effectively. In fact, a teaspoon of castor oil in warm water with rock salt acts as a natural painkiller.
Which Exercise Is Best For Period Pain?
Yogic scriptures mention the child pose as a potent remedy in mitigating period pain. Remember, a normal period is a pain-free period. So, if you often suffer from unbearable menstrual cramps, it might be your body’s signal that you are deficient in iron. Cut the junk and treat your body with iron-rich homely food. So, the next time it’s that time of the month, ditch the shortcut and take the high road.
9: Synthetic Underwear
The Problem with Synthetic Fabrics
Nylon and spandex underwear are a rage right now. Why not? They fit better and prevent visible panty lines. But it comes with a cost, not just monetarily but also health-wise. The problem is that synthetic fibers don’t allow heat and sweat to pass through. It’s like wearing polythene around the most sensitive and delicate area of your body, obstructing the flow of oxygen.
It’s a clear invitation to yeast infections as these fibers can’t absorb sweat. Once you start sweating beneath spandex, chemicals could be released into the skin from the dyes and formaldehyde used in the fabric, causing allergies. The term ‘spandex allergies’ is making the rounds among gynecologists. So, ditch these synthetic fibers and go natural.
The Benefits of Cotton Underwear
Research suggests that simply switching to cotton underwear always reduces the risk of intimate health problems by at least 50%. Gynecologists suggest that if you must wear synthetic underwear occasionally, ensure that you buy one with a cotton-lined center. Another key thing to consider when picking underwear is how tight it is. If it’s too tight, it can cause friction, which will irritate you and may lead to ingrown hairs. So, switch to cotton underwear and let your body breathe.
10: Food Plastic
The Dangers of Plastic in Food
Do you often drink from a plastic water bottle, eat from a plastic tiffin box, or use nylon spatulas while cooking? Sure, it’s convenient but be alert! Since a woman’s body is hormonally sensitive, the plastic that comes in contact with food can mess with your hormones, adversely affecting health. Today, there is a wealth of research that considers food plastic a culprit behind increased cases of PCOS, thyroid, and heart problems.
Research on Plastic Hazards
In 2011, a study found that pregnant women with high levels of BPA in their urine were more likely to have daughters who showed signs of hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression. Plastic, when it comes in contact with food, leaches microplastics into it, disrupting the hormonal balance.
Have you noticed how water kept in a plastic bottle for long tastes a bit off? Obviously! One of the common solutions that is intensively promoted is to use BPA-free plastic, but sadly, BPA-free plastic bottles have either BPS or BPF, which are as dangerous as BPA. Top 10 women products
Safer Alternatives to Plastic
So, these top 10 Women Products throw away plastic and switch to metal, glass, mud, and ceramic as much as possible. Especially, avoid anything where plastic is coming in contact with heat or is being scratched. Plastic lunch boxes, disposable tea cups, nylon spatulas, plastic-wrapped food, etc. This slow poison is not what you would want to subject your body to.
So friends, these were those top 10 women products that I suggest you should throw away. The links to buy healthier alternatives are in the blue text.