1. Lead-Based Makeup
Back in the day, women used lead-based makeup to get that perfect pale complexion. Little did they know, lead is super toxic! It caused all sorts of health problems, from skin issues to serious organ damage.
2. Radium Beauty Products
Radium was once a hot ingredient in beauty products because it made your skin glow—literally. Unfortunately, radium is radioactive and can cause cancer and other severe health issues.
3. Arsenic Wafers
Women used to eat arsenic wafers to clear up their skin. Yes, you read that right—arsenic! It’s a poison that can cause major health problems, including death.
4. Belladonna Eye Drops
Belladonna drops were used to make pupils look larger and more attractive. However, belladonna is highly toxic and can cause hallucinations, blurred vision, and even death.
5. Mercury Treatments
Mercury was used in ointments and creams to treat various skin conditions. But mercury is incredibly toxic and can lead to mercury poisoning, affecting the brain and kidneys.
6. Electric Facials
Electric facials were once a thing, where small electric shocks were applied to the face. This was supposed to rejuvenate the skin, but it often resulted in burns and other injuries.
7. Tapeworm Diet Pills
Believe it or not, some people took tapeworm diet pills to lose weight. The idea was that the tapeworm would consume the food you ate. However, this caused severe malnutrition and other health issues.
8. X-Ray Hair Removal
X-rays were used for hair removal, but this method exposed people to dangerous levels of radiation. Over time, this led to an increased risk of cancer.
9. Lye Hair Treatment
Lye was used in hair treatments to straighten hair, but it’s a strong chemical that can burn the scalp and skin. Prolonged use could cause permanent hair loss.
10. Lash Lure Mascara
Lash Lure was a popular mascara that contained a toxic dye. It caused severe eye infections and even blindness in some cases.
11. Corsets
Corsets were worn to create an hourglass figure, but they were so tight that they often caused broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and other internal injuries.
12. Ceruse Foundation
Ceruse was a foundation made of white lead and vinegar. While it gave a smooth finish, it also caused lead poisoning, which could be deadly.
13. Paraffin Wax Hair Removal
Paraffin wax was used to remove hair, but it was heated to very high temperatures. This often resulted in severe burns and scars.
14. Carbolic Acid Peels
Carbolic acid was used in chemical peels to exfoliate the skin. However, it’s very harsh and could cause burns and permanent scarring.
15. Sulfur Baths
Sulfur baths were believed to cure skin ailments, but sulfur can be irritating and cause allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory issues.
16. Bleach for Skin Lightening
Bleach was used to lighten the skin, but it’s a harsh chemical that can cause burns, blisters, and long-term skin damage.
17. Formaldehyde in Nail Polish
Formaldehyde was used in nail polish to strengthen nails. However, it’s a known carcinogen and can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
18. Borax as a Cleanser
Borax was used as a facial cleanser, but it’s a harsh chemical that can irritate the skin and eyes. Long-term use could cause more serious health problems.
19. Snake Venom Creams
Some beauty creams contained snake venom, which was believed to reduce wrinkles. However, snake venom is toxic and can cause serious health risks.
So there you have it! These old-school beauty practices were downright dangerous. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in understanding what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to looking good.
