Lead-Based Makeup, for the Deathly Pale Look
As the ancient world moved into the Renaissance, surely people would understand the health hazards of using lead makeup, right? Surely, they would see how it was discoloring the skin and causing people to lose their hair! Alas, no. While people across the ages knew lead based makeup was bad to wear, if not for their health, at least for their skin and appearance. AS lead was absorbed into the body, the skin would grow yellowish, wrinkled and leathery. To remedy the decreasing quality of their skin, they covered it with more lead-based makeup. It attacks the brain/ nervous system, causes headaches, anemia, paralysis, insomnia, and contributes to skin conditions. Ironically, people back to ancient times knew lead was toxic and often sought safer alternatives. French women in the 1700s were advised to avoid lead makeup. The cosmetics weren’t as good, but at least the alternatives wouldn’t eat their skin.