Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

The word cosmetic comes from the Greek word "kosmetike," which meaning "technique of dress and ornament." Beauty is something that everyone needs, and ladies are not the only ones who crave it. Since beauty not only draws attention from others but also fosters a sense of psychological comfort and self-assurance.^[1] The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (DCA) defines a cosmetic as any item that is meant to be cleaned, beautified, augmented with attractiveness, sprayed, poured, sprayed, or introduced into the human body or any part of it. It also includes any item meant to be used as a component of a cosmetic.^[2] Every person aspires to be beautiful in order to please the senses. Beauty not only makes people happy, but it also, in part, generates pride and confidence. Cosmetics like Tilak, Kajal, Alita, and Agaru (Aquilaria agalbeha) were used as body ornaments and to produce beauty spots on the cheeks and chin in the days when gods and their deities ruled. Ancient texts such as Kalidasa's Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadootam, along with many mythological epics, have references to these topics. The secret to using Ayurvedic cosmetics is found in the surrounding natural environment. Indians are adept at creating one-of-a-kind skin care products by combining precious stones, metals, minerals, fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

Our bodies and skin experience both instant and long-term renewal when these treatments are combined with Ayurvedic massages and cleansing techniques.^[3] Everyone aspires to appear more stunning, intelligent, and powerful. Cosmetics are products that are applied externally to improve someone's appearance and self-esteem. Though the goal isn't always accomplished because it depends on the product quality chosen, which is determined by the skin type - oily, dry, normal, or combination. Poor quality goods, lack experience, or insufficient competence prevent someone from achieving their goal. Dermatologists classify cosmetics under the following categories:

1. Skin Care Cosmetics - Cleansing agent, moisturizer etc.
2. Hair Care Cosmetics - Shampoo, Hair Colour etc.
3. Face Care Cosmetics - Facial foundation, eye shadow, lipsticks etc.
4. Nail Care Cosmetics - Nail paint, Paint remover.

As to Ayurveda, Bhrajaka Pitta is situated in the skin and contributes to the color and sheen known as Bhrajaka. According to Acharya Charaka, Pitta is responsible for both regular and aberrant skin colors. Skin pigmentation varies because Bhrajaka Pitta is found in the skin. In Ayurveda, the concept of beauty has a long history.

Ayurveda offers a range of skin care therapies that are appropriate for all stages of life and holds that having excellent skin is a direct result of overall health. The ancient science of indigenous medicine is known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda is in high demand in the field of cosmetology because of its original notion of beauty and its capacity to deliver long-lasting, cost-effective, and side-effect-free beauty therapy.

It is not just a medical discipline; it is an art of living in human beings.^[7] According to Acharya Sushruta, an individual who possesses "Swastha Purusha" is one who has achieved harmony between the Doshas and the Agni, as well as specific and balanced functioning of the Dhatu and Malas. These indicate physical health, with a pleasant state of mind, soul, and senses serving as the mental aspect that constitutes health.^[8]

Both conditions result in a sound personality, which is the foundation of beauty. Three major categories can be used to classify the descriptions of healthy personalities and cosmetics found in Ayurvedic writings:

Elements that determine beauty:

Prakriti, Sara, and Samhanana are often regarded as qualities that define beauty. Twak, broadly speaking, Varna, Prabha, and Chhaya. The organic beauty is determined by the Pramana of different Angavayavas. Texts describing Dirghayu Lakshanas supply the aesthetic sensibility and essential elements of uniqueness and beauty.

Elements that lead to beauty:

Dosha and Dhatu contribute to the preservation of beauty when they function normally. Through digestion and metabolism, Agni in an equilibrium condition gives rise to Bala, Varna, Ojas, Dhi, Dhriti, Smriti, and other things. Similarly, Matrijadi Shad Bhavas and Panchamahabhautic combinations contribute to inherent beauty. A person's beauty is greatly influenced by their age, sex, race, religion, and anthropology.

Cosmetic Toxicity

Cosmetics are any materials intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, injected, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part of it in order to enhance attractiveness, clean, beautify, or alter appearance. Cosmetics come in a variety of forms that can be used for fragrance or perfumes, skin care, hair care, and makeup. Creams, lotions, cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and sunscreens are examples of skin care cosmetics. Shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, and hair sprays are examples of hair care cosmetics.

Ayurvedic Concept of Cosmetic Toxicity

Gara Visha, commonly referred to as concocted poisons, are made by mixing non-poisonous substances that could turn toxic. An additional way to characterize Gara Visha is as artificial poisons. Poisons have a special quality in that they do not metabolize naturally since Apaaki is a Guna of Visha. When non-toxic materials combine, they can also develop this property and act as toxins due to a malfunctioning Bio-transformation that can produce a host of pathological reactions that are not compatible with tissue metabolism. Numerous poisoning manifestation, or Gara Visha Adhisthanas, are bodily mirror images of these diseases.

Dushi Visha affects the skin, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and other systems of the body, exhibiting a wide spectrum of toxic symptoms and disorders. When poison accumulates over time, cosmetics are permissible. Long-term cosmetic use can have harmful toxic side effects in addition to a host of systemic issues. By using Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa in addition to the specific Ayurvedic treatment for Dushi Visha, these ailments can be cured.^[12]

Discussion and Conclusion

Repeated exposure to such chemicals over long periods of time may cause build-up in the body, which the body can finally eliminate and cause symptoms of poisoning. The idea of cosmetic toxicity can be successfully combined with the Ayurvedic notions of Gara Visha and Dushi Visha.
The multibillion-dollar global cosmetics industry is profiting billions at the price of the health of its consumers, who are unaware of the risks these products represent to their well-being. Although 90% of the ingredients used in cosmetics are unsafe for ingestion by humans, governments are not doing enough to halt this dangerous trend. Therefore, consumers should be made aware of these facts and replace these harmful cosmetics with natural, organic, and herbal substitutes. One of Ayurveda's own purposes, then, is to maintain beauty.

References

1. Aditi Gandhi et.al Cosmetology in Ayurveda, A Journal of Ayurvedic Science Yoga and Naturapathy Volume 9, Issue 2, 2022 page no. 7-17.
2. MoHFW, GOI, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Chapter 1, p.7p
3. Panda AK Cosmetology in Ayurveda Literature, Ayursurabhi, 2005; 2-14.
4. Meena Kumari Mahto et. al Role of Ayurvedic Management in Chemical Toxicity of Cosmetics: A Review, International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, Page No. 9-13.
5. Agnivesha, “Charaka Samhita”, revised by Charaka and Dridhabala with “Ayurveda Deepika” commentary, by Chakrapanidata, edited by Vd. Yadavaji Trikamji Acharya, Chaukhambha Surabharati Publications, Varanasi- 221001, (India), reprint 2002, Vimana Sthana8/96, pg. no. 277.
6. Samichha Neupane et. al Cosmetology- An Approach in Ayurveda, WJPR, Volume 9, Issue 3, 639-647.