In the 17-19 centuries, women applied powder with arsenic on their face and even ate sweets with poison so that the skin shone like in a fairy tale. History.ru (16+) revealed why this dangerous trend was at the peak of fashion and how it helped to remove freckles and scars.
In the 17-19 centuries, pale skin without a single spot was literally a pass into the high light. Arsenic, which is now associated with poison, was then a star of cosmetics. It was added to creams and powder to whiten his face to a porcelain shine. And at the end of the 19th century, even desserts and pills began to mix.
Arsenic in microdoses narrowed the vessels, because of which the skin looked much paler and cleaner. Plus, he suppressed the inflammation a little, helping with acne and scars. Desserts with arsenic gave a temporary effect of “radiance” because they accelerated the metabolism. But the trouble is: the poison accumulated in the body, causing weakness, hair loss, and sometimes poorer poisoning. Fashionistas sometimes paid for the beauty of health or even life.
By the 20th century, scientists realized that arsenic is not a best friend of beauty. Chronic poisoning, skin cancer, heart problems and nerves – the list of side effects grew. Cosmetics with arsenic and lead began to ban, and instead of poisonous powder, safe means appeared, such as rice powder or zinc creams.
The story with arsenic is a reminder that beauty should not be chasing at all costs. Then women believed advertising about “magic” powders and sweets, and today we know: it is better to read the composition and not be kept on loud promises.
