11 Fashion Accessories that are Bad for Your Health
We all want to do what we can to help our health and wellbeing flourish but there are so many factors we need to consider. For one, did you know that the accessories you wear can have a negative impact on your health? Here are a small selection of the items that you probably wear every day and how they can be harmful to your health.
The Big Bag
The oversized bag has become a style staple but this comes with a price, and we aren’t talking about the price tag! The issue is not with the bags themselves, rather the weight they can hold. Wearing a backpack that is too heavy can cause you to hunch your shoulder, and doing this every day can cause a hump or your shoulders to roll. Even a heavy handbag can cause problems including nerve pain and pulling your back out of alignment. As a general rule, carrying a handbag shouldn’t give you too many problems, the problems only appear as the bag gets heavier and your body works harder to carry it. Never carry a bag that is heavier than 4.4 lbs or 2kg, especially on one side of your body.
High Heels
The issues with high heels have been doing the rounds for years but this seems like a great time to remind you of the health issues that can come with a pair of killer heels. Wearing high heels a lot can cause a shorting of the achilles tendons. Or, having your toes in a small toe box can cause ingrown toenails and nerve damage. Anything over 3 inches is not recommended for walking in so you might want to think twice about those stilettos! Remember, the damage caused by high heels can be permanent, so be sure to do some stretches after wearing them.
Flip Flops
If wearing heels is bad for you, wearing flip flops might be great, right? Everyone loves getting their toes out, especially on a hot day. But are flip-flops really safe? Unfortunately they are not. For one, they lack arch support, something that is crucial for foot health. There can also be problems with the dyes which are used for cheap flip-flops. Your feet contain the biggest pores on your body, and toxic dyes can be easily absorbed through the soles of the feet. So, you might want to think twice about grabbing that cheap pair when you are on holiday. Stick with natural materials and get a pair with arch support. Your feet will thank you for it.
Sunglasses
On a sunny day, sunglasses might seem like a great idea to shield your eyes but they are often useless. Just because they have a tint on the lenses, doesn’t mean that they have a UV filter. Why is a UV filter important? This is what protects your eyes from the sun. Without a UV filter, you can develop cataracts as you age. The immediate side effect of UV damage can be itchy eyes that feel gritty. Check out https://www.eyeglasses.com/ if you need a selection of designer glasses that can be delivered to your door. Sunglasses are one of those things that should be done right, our eyesight is precious so take care of your eyes.
Piercings
Back in the 1990’s, there was a massive influx of people getting body piercings. As pretty as they are, there can be serious health problems. If you decide to get something pierced, you will have to make sure that you choose a reputable place to ensure you get the best possible care. If you use somewhere that is a little questionable, you run the risk of catching an infection such as hepatitis or HIV. These are extreme examples but they do happen. More common infections are the result of the fresh piercing not being properly cleansed or an allergic reaction from the metal in the jewellry.
Yoga Pants
Let’s be clear, yoga pants and workout bottoms are awesome. We love them for a variety of reasons, they are like a comfy second skin that is colorful. However, this second skin can block your pores and cause fungal infections if you wear your yoga pants all day. Don’t get us wrong, they are amazing for working out in, but that is what they are designed for. If you are not working out but still want something comfy to wear, you could try loose cotton bottoms such as maxi skirts.
Copper can be toxic
Copper bracelets have long been hailed as a great way to increase your health and wellbeing. However, did you know that they can be bad for you? It is believed that wearing copper bracelets can help with the pain of arthritis. And while this is great, too much copper is a bad thing. Wearing a bracelet on its own may not be a bad thing but if you are eating copper supplements or your bracelet gets exposed to certain chemicals (such as fungicides) they can leach extra levels of metal into your skin and this can be toxic.
Bras
Did you know that wearing the wrong bra can massively impact your health? Is it any wonder that women are on the quest for the perfect fitting bra! If you have found the best bra for you, great! If you are still looking, you may want to consider ditching the bra until you have the right one. Ill fitting bras can damage your back, your ribs, and your shoulders. Over time, the poor fit can warp your body, pulling the ribs in and causing breathing problems. There has even been research conducted to see if there is a link between poorly fitted bras and breast cancer, spoiler alert, there was.
Shapewear
Wearing shapewear has become very popular over the last few years but it can be very bad for your health. We aren’t saying to ditch it completely but you do need to be mindful about the length of time that you wear it. You shouldn’t wear it any longer than eight hours at a time. Wearing shapewear too much can cause your internal organs to shift and can cause blood clots. The main issue comes from how tight it can be, there is nothing wrong with an extra bit of support but you need to draw the line at being so tight you can’t breathe.
Necklaces
Sometimes, you would be better off wearing plastic. Especially when you realise the problems that can come with cheap accessories, in particular necklaces. Why necklaces? We tend to ask questions about piercing jewellery such as our earrings but what our necklaces are made of tend to fly under our radar. Metals such as nickel can cause skin irritation. Some items are even made with lead, and if you have to pop it in your mouth, such as holding a ring between your lips, you could end up with lead poisoning.
Cosmetics
Cheap make-up is long known for causing problems. Foundation can cover a lot of skin issues but they are only temporary patch jobs. The most concerning issue is the rise of counterfeit makeup. Designer makeup palettes are not cheap and the desire to be seen with one is growing. For some people, counterfeit palettes are just as good. Unfortunately they are nowhere near the quality of the real deal and can be made with questionable ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. If you are going to wear makeup, make sure it is legitimate with no hidden nasties.
What do you think about these 11 fashion accessories that are bad for your health?
What do you agree with? What do you disagree with?
Share below what other accessories that you don't use anymore because it impacted your health.
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