For many of us, henna (or henna) is primarily a means of decorating our hands and feet with stunning designs. On adventurous days, we can also use it for a hint of red in our hair, considering it to be a safe alternative to harsh hair colors. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of social media, surprises are always around the corner.

A few months ago, fake freckles started trending, with influencers using henna cones to create delicate dots on their cheeks and nose to get the freckled look.

Now, the henna trend has reached new heights, with people using it for full face makeup – applying it as eyeliner, lip tint and more. While creativity is always exciting, this is one social media trend you may not want to miss!

loaded with chemicals

Henna is the name of a medicinal plant (Lawsonia inermis), and henna is made from the dried leaves of the henna plant. The leaves are ground into powder or paste and used as dyes.

Dr. Piyusha Bhagde, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Skin Ethics Clinic, Akola, Maharashtra tells India Today Henna, obtained from the henna plant, contains an active ingredient called lawsone, which oxidizes when it comes in contact with the skin, giving it an orange-red color.

Doctors say that henna available in the market contains many active chemicals like p-phenylenediamine (PPD), silver nitrate, carmine and chromium.

On this, Dr. Aditi Wadhwa, Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Care, NCR, says that Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is often found in black henna. It is a synthetic dye that is used to produce a very dark stain. Natural henna produces a reddish-brown color, so if a product gives a jet-black color, it probably contains PPD.

Meanwhile, sodium picramate is a chemical that is sometimes added to henna stains to make them darker or appear more vibrant.

Dr. Wadhwa further tells us that pre-mixed henna paste may contain preservatives or stabilizers to increase the shelf life, which are not present in natural henna.

“All of these are known to cause allergic reactions like itching, burning, redness, blisters and even scarring of the skin,” explains Dr. Bhagde.

Let’s not ignore the benefits

Dr Vidushi Jain, dermatologist and medical head at Dermalinks, NCR, mentions that henna has some benefits, especially when used in its natural form.

• cooling agent:Henna has long been valued for its cooling properties, making it a popular choice during hot weather. Traditionally, people apply henna on their skin to get relief from heat and scorching temperatures.
• anti inflammatory: Formulations containing henna within the herbal composition can help soothe the skin and can be used to treat wounds.
• hair health: Henna applied to hair and scalp increases hair strength, treats dandruff, and provides natural shine and conditioning effects. Even when used as a natural dye on hair, it does not damage the hair like chemicals do.

However, repeated use of henna to cover gray hair can make the hair brittle and can also cause chronic sensitivity of the skin on the scalp.

crazy trend

Dr. Bhagde warns against the practice of henna makeup, as applying it on the face can cause watery eyes and nose, itching, redness, swelling and even severe irritation, leading to scarring. Can.

She says, “This practice can cause allergic contact dermatitis, similar to hair dye used to color hair. It can be so severe that a person needs to be hospitalized and treated for allergy relief. The use of steroids may be required.”

“The chemicals in henna can cause permanent damage to the skin or sensitize it, making future exposure more dangerous,” says Dr. Wadhwa.

Additionally, Dr. Jain says that natural henna can cause dryness, irritation or even allergies to the delicate skin of the face. If harmful additives such as PPD are present in the composition of henna, the risk of major reactions, burns or permanent scars increases. Eyes are also weak; If accidentally exposed to henna, it may cause irritation or burning sensation.

Henna is generally safe on areas with thick skin such as hands, feet, arms and legs, but extra care should be taken on sensitive areas such as the face or near wounds. Additionally, henna containing chemicals should not be applied to broken, irritated, or sunburned skin, as it may increase irritation or lead to infection.

Experts say that it is not advisable to apply henna on the face, eyelids and even lips.