THE public have been warned against using cosmetics and creams of unknown provenance, that are sold on the pavements and even in shops. They're also advertised on satellite channels. Most of these cosmetics haven't been registered at the Ministry of Health; some of them have been smuggled into the country or manufactured at back street factories. Such products, considered to be a ‘catastrophe', are made haphazardly from chemicals that may harm the facial skin in the long term. Abdel-Moneim Shoeib, professor of Dermatology, advises people never to buy these products, which can cause eczema and even skin tumours. “These complaints normally appear after women apply these cosmetics then expose themselves to the sun,” according to Dr Shoeib, who warns against exposing one' self to the sun, trying to cultivate a tan. Meanwhile, Dr Nader Bayoumi, a member of the US Beauticians' Association, notes that creams with international brand names are very expensive. They're nicely wrapped, look very attractive on the outside and smell good, but they can be dangerous too. “It's always wise to ask the advice of a beautician on which facial cream is suitable,” he told Akher Saa' magazine. “In any case, never use a cream without the name of the producing company, expiry date and the ingredients of the commodity stated on it . “Creams, cosmetics and perfumes that are registered by the Ministry of Health can be considered to be safe,” says Dr Karim Massoud, professor of Palestic Surgery, Ain Shams University. “Women should only use cosmetics under specialised medical supervision. Even some creams that are generally safe might harm certain skins. They should also ensure that, if they are locally made products, they have been registered by the Ministry of Health. “If it's an international brand, the container should include the name of manufacturing company country of origin and the product's licence number. “Cosmetics should be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). If a cosmetic hasn't been approved by the WHO, it could be dangerous, even carcinogenic,” says cosmetic surgery consultant Dr Ahmed el-Tawdi. Dr Abdel-Rahman Chahin, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, says that the Ministry has been cracking down on advertisements for medical products and herbal medications since 2007. Minister of Health Hatem el-Gabali has appealed to the Public Prosecutor Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud to get tough on the manufacturers of fake creams and cosmetics.
