It's really shocking that in 2012, in the United States, that mercury containing creams have been found. However, this does not mean it’s fine to incorporate them in your skincare regimen. The woman far exceeded the recommended usage, using two tubes of Clobetasol a week for over seven years and developed the unexplainable symptoms. High blood sugar can result from regular use of skin lightening creams that contain high levels of steroids. Though effects are treatable, she says using these products for long can make management hard and sometimes impossible. Mercury will slowly accumulate within the skin cells striping the skin of it’s natural pigment leaving behind the tell tale signs of grey/blue pigmentation in the folds of the skin. It can damage the kidneys and wreak havoc on the nervous system. Possible risks of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone, corticosteroids or mercury include: skin turning dark or too light ; thinning of the skin By altering the skins natural structure and inhibiting the production of Melanin, it’s natural protection, the skin is more susceptible to skin cancer. Last articles. A lot of the products developed to lighten skin contain chemicals that react differently to different skin tones within the Asian population too. An example case is where doctors in the UK were confused by symptoms presented by a woman where there was no reason for her weight gain, stretch or stripe marks and inability to conceive. The dangers of mercury are several. Why are Desi Women Blamed for Miscarriages? Skin lightening creams contain mainly two chemicals, hydroquinone or mercury. Some of these products were later banned by the government. If you are using such creams always strictly check the ingredients and make sure you are not doing yourself more harm than the perceived good. According to market researcher Global Industry Analysts, sales of skin lightening products in the U.S. are expected to increase nearly 18 percent by 2015, reaching $76 million annually. Banned products containing Hydroquinone and Mercury will not stop the products from entering the UK and being sold under the counter. Creams, lotions, treatments are all available to ‘enhance’ your skin colour. She says that the best … When it comes to skin bleaching, it really is what’s on the inside that counts. For more than a decade, we found high mercury content in many products sold on Saudi markets. There are many techniques used to lighten skin, these include skin bleaching, using skin lightening creams, soaps, pills, laser treatments and even surgery. In addition, it can lead to severe birth defects. This means that they have the potential to cause cancer when used for long. The Fine Line Between Forced and Arranged Marriage, Khushi Kapoor makes Her Instagram Profile Public, The Most Searched Indian Celebrities on Google in 2020, Planets Jupiter & Saturn Conjunction seen in India, Unique Gifts to Buy for Men for Christmas, 12 Indian Celebrities feature in Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars, COVID-19 Impact on Hair and Beauty in Birmingham. Therefore, you should read all ingredients very carefully before applying any skin lightening cream or treatment bought from a non-professional outlet. The overall results indicate that many of the skin-lightening creams sold in the Saudi market contained one or more toxic ingredients that in most cases were not listed on the packaging. Because it is considered a possible carcinogen (a substance that encourages cells to develop cancer) and has risks of causing respiratory issues, it is banned for use in cosmetics in the UK , EU, Japan and Canada, however, it is still allowed in the U.S. Mercury – Many skin lightening creams have this chemical in them usually in the form of Mercury Chloride and Ammoniated Mercury, which is a carcinogenic. High blood sugar can lead to diabetes, and using skin whitening creams that elevate the blood sugar can be dangerous if you already have diabetes. Side effects of skin-lightening creams can include: redness and swelling (skin irritation and inflammation) a burning or stinging sensation ; itchy and flaky skin ; What could go wrong. People use over-the-counter skin-lightening creams for all sorts of reasons: to vanish freckles, combat dark spots left by scarring, fade pregnancy-related melasma spots, even skin tones, and enhance fair skin. Over-the-counter skin-lightening creams are “like paint stripper,” according to a new public health alert. Topical Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are skin lighteners and dangerous substances. This study showed that 2 of 34 skin-lightening creams had mercury above the US FDA limit of 1 µg g−1. "Ali is clearly a serious danger to children,", Abhay Deol creates Social Media storm on Skin Lightening Creams, The Bollywood Stars who oppose Skin Lightening Creams, Skin Lightening in Britain ~ Practices and Findings, Unilever renaming 'Fair & Lovely' Skin-Lightening Cream, Huda Beauty 'Vagina Lightening Tips' spark Online Controversy, Kim A. 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Mpumalanga – Desperate women have fallen prey to scams that promise ‘amazing results’ and some have joined social media groups where they buy home-made skin products that have never been tested. Here are some of the brands of products banned due to their content of Hydroquinone or Mercury. 5 Howick Place | London | SW1P 1WG. Makhado says that she is concerned that this issue of skin lightening is not a priority for the medical agenda. NUNII’s Expert Pigment Corrector brings breakthrough innovation to skin pigmentation control April 21 2020; NUNII’s active participation in IMCAS this year March 4 2020; 10 beauty tips for a healthy winter skin February 3 2020; Once more, the use of illegal skin lightening creams highlights the dangers of Hydroquinone December 20 2019 In the long term the chemical will damage vital organs and lead to liver and kidney failure and mercury poisoning. A total of 33 different brands were selected for the analysis of titanium (50 samples), hydroquinone (55 samples), and corticosteroids (56 samples) with the exception of mercury in which only 23 brands (34 samples) were tested. It was only after further questioning that she admitted to using a skin lightening product called Clobetasol. More product is then applied in an attempt to correct the darker blotchy appearance. Preity Zinta signs Hrithik Roshan for Web Series? Are Indian Women Afraid of Exercising in Public? In this study, we found 8 creams from 7 different brands had hydroquinone above 1.5% (w/w), the newly proposed FDA limit of hydroquinone in OTC skin-lightening drug products. Almost all skin bleaching creams contain a variety of dangerous chemicals that have proven links to the production of free radical cells, which cause cancer. The idealism of fair-skin within the South Asian communities is especially important in women – would-be mothers-in-law crave for fair-skinned brides for their sons; men young and old, prefer lighter-skinned partners (if they have a choice) and amazingly, Asian women from all socio-economic backgrounds go to unbelievable lengths to become just a little whiter. Asian skin has a more compact surface layer of skin, it has higher levels of melanin, it has larger sized melanosomes which makes the degradation and dispersal much slower than the smaller melanosomes found in the white skin and it produces more melanin in response to UVB light than most white skin. You do not want to put these chemicals on your beautiful skin. Liver, kidney or nerve damage: The long-term use of creams containing mercury and its compounds can lead to severe organ damage. Skin-lightening creams are extensively promoted online and in the media. Indicating the huge growth of this market and use of such products. Hydroquinone or Mercury applied to the skin will react with the sun’s rays and re-oxidise, leading to more skin pigmentation and premature ageing and loss of the natural protective barrier. Among the four tested corticosteroid compounds, the most frequently detected was cortisone and 18 products from 13 different brands were above 6 µg g−1 (MDL) with a maximum of up to 0.32% (w/w). Dexamethasone was found in 7 creams from 5 different brands with only 3 above the MDL of 9 µg g−1. Skin lightening products marketed at bleaching darker-toned skins have been critiqued for their racist overtones. Also known as skin whitening creams, these applications are available from street vendors and cosmetic counters at chain stores, supermarkets and pharmacies across the country. For more than a decade, we found high mercury content in many products sold on Saudi markets. Uneven skin tones and areas of hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of sun damage, skin irritation, hormonal imbalances or birth control pills. Do you agree with using Skin Lightening products? Despite warnings on the dangers of using illegal skin lightening products, women continue to use these creams. Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Commonly found in facial chemical peels, these are not ideal to be used without professional guidance. Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab. Especially, if bought on the Internet. She said she wanted to even out and brighten … #eNCA. DESIblitz is a ® registered trade mark | Email:[email protected]. Tottenham vs Fulham gets Postponed due to Covid-19 Outbreak, The Massive Support for Chelsea FC in India, Poor Women in India have to ‘ignore’ Sex Abuse at Work. Skin whitening or skin lightening creams can be used to treat a range of problems including dark spots, acne scarring, freckles and melasma but be care should be taken when choosing a product. It’s best to avoid bleaching the skin, and learn to love the skin you’re in. Copyright © 2008-2021 DESIblitz. Therefore, the products created to ‘lighten’ the skin can affect these genetics of Asian skin and destroy the natural elements within it. To learn about our use of cookies and how you can manage your cookie settings, please see our Cookie Policy. 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These compounds have carcinogenic properties and long term use can lead to lethal health concerns like skin cancer and liver damage. They have been shown to cause leukemia in mice and other animals. Mercury – Many skin lightening creams have this chemical in them usually in the form of Mercury Chloride and Ammoniated Mercury, which is a carcinogenic. By closing this message, you are consenting to our use of cookies. It is used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and medical preparations. These should not be in anything you use at home regularly. Soon she was applying it more frequently, up to six times a day. In Africa, at least four in ten women bleach their skin. Beauty products today have soared in both these markets due to the growing demand. 2) Hyperpigmentation Using hydroquinone in doses higher than 2% or for periods longer than 3 months will lead to darkening of the skin … After several months she noticed strange dark, blotchy marks on her thighs, legs and the sides of her face. Skin whitening or skin lightening creams can be used to treat a range of problems including dark spots, acne scarring, freckles and melasma but be care should be taken when choosing a product. Some of the creams are manufactured in India and Pakistan containing high toxic levels. However, the presence of other ingredients has not been documented. These are the beginnings of a vicious cycle. TREATMENT. Hydroquinone – The most common bleaching ingredient used in skin lightening products and is also found in film developing products. Checking Your Skin Care is Free of Dangerous Compounds. Skin-lightening creams are extensively promoted online and in the media. some skin-lightening cream that promised it could bleach her whiter. Consumers are being warned to steer clear of skin lightening creams that can "act like paint stripper". Many skin lighteners still contain chemicals that pose serious health risks if used for prolonged periods. Due to the photo protection by melanin, Asian skin tends to wrinkle and sag less. Many of them are banned products and should not to be used because of their hazardous chemical content. Diljit Dosanjh to Star in Film on 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots? The UK market for skin whitening products is growing all the time, and there are many unscrupulous sellers of products which promise much, but either do not deliver what they promise, or are either dangerous to skin or banned for other reasons, possibly because of the ingredients used in their production. We recommend that consumers who wish to use lightening skin creams try a more natural alternative such as Uva Ursi leaf to lighten their skin tone or hyperpigmentation. Dangers of skin lightening creams include cancer and bacterial infections. Derby Pervert jailed for Sexually Assaulting Underage Girls. Nazhat is an ambitious 'Desi' woman with interests in news and lifestyle. Skin bleaching has been linked to multiple cases of blood cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer and most notably skin cancer. Beware of skin bleaches and lightening creams, most especially be scornful of creams manufactured outside of the United States. In addition, it can lead to severe birth defects. Gahongayire says when people affected go to the hospital, they are advised to stop but also cautioned on the complications, and guided on how to go about it. 3099067 Although one might argue that these corticosteroids are of mild or low potency, and they may be unlikely to have any adverse effects, these products are marketed as personal-care products on the assumption that they are safe and free of steroids. Prolonged use of Hydroquinone based products will thicken collagen fibres damaging the connective tissues. There's an increase in demand for anti-ageing and skin-lightening products all over the world. Many of these ingredients are harmful and pose health risks if we take into account the frequency of application, the duration of practice, and area of the body applied, and their use during pregnancy and/or periods of lactation. Should Bollywood writers and composers get more royalties? Here are some known hazardous chemicals in skin lightening products. The authors acknowledge the Saudi Food and Drug Authorities for providing some of the samples and partial financial support. Skin whitening / lightening creams. We use cookies to improve your website experience. People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read. Read More . Many skin lighteners still contain chemicals that pose serious health risks if … However, it does have a greater numbers of hyperpigmentory spots and scarring of spots. For years, Allison Ross rubbed in skin-lightening creams with names like Hyprogel and Fair & White. Mostly people accept the colour of their skin. Some people apply skin lightener to their entire body to change their complexion, but this can be very risky. Some skin lightening creams are banned in the UK because their ingredients pose a risk to health. But, most creams sold in the market are a dangerous cocktail of compounds like steroids and tretinoin, alongside hydroquinone. They may contain a wide variety of active ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids that are highly toxic, especially after prolonged application. Skin-lightening products include creams, scrubs, pills and even injections designed to slow the production of melanin. Veronica, a 17-year-old from Ermelo who asked to remain … Steroids have three different stages that are dangerous in terms of lightening the skin. When using any skin bleaching product, if you do not protect yourself from ultraviolet rays of any kind, since the natural protection of melanin has been hindered, any dark spots you have will actually grow darker. However, some as we can see from the popularity of skin lightening treatments are very drawn towards attitude that fair skin is always advantageous. Share. We undertake this study on some of the most popular skin-lightening creams on the market to test for toxic ingredients such as mercury, titanium dioxide, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids. Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine. However, what is not promoted is the harm that a lot of these products can do in the medium to long term. Skin-lightening creams are extensively promoted online and in the media. They may contain a wide variety of active ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids that are highly toxic, especially after prolonged application. Accepted author version posted online: 17 Oct 2011, Register to receive personalised research and resources by email, Environmental Health Section, Biological & Medical Research Department , King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre , P.O. Some skin lighteners do contain this as an ingredient. Skin Cancer: Compounds used in skin lightening creams such as Hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids have carcinogenic properties. For example, Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream, made in Pakistan, contains a very high level and unacceptable of Mercury, as found out by a research laboratory in Chicago, US. Skin-lightening creams are heavily promoted by many dermatologists and skin care experts to even out cosmetic conditions like vitiligo, liver spots, and other superficial blemishes. They can bleach the skin by constricting blood vessels and allow for less … Organ Failure. Toxic levels of mercury can lead to mercury poisoning which causes neurological and kidney damage, and may also lead to psychiatric disorders. Mercury is the very dangerous chemical that medical officials found in the skin lightening creams that sickened the women. Box: 3354, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, /doi/full/10.1080/02772248.2011.631925?needAccess=true. All products had titanium dioxide at less than 25% (w/w) of the EU and US FDA safety limits for personal products but 8 products from 7 different brands contained titanium dioxide above 1%, the permissible limit in cosmetics as color additives. Many Asians who are dark want to be fair skinned and conversely, people of a natural white skin want to get a tan. A cream banned in the EU which contains high levels of the steroid corticosteroid. These so-called beauty products increase the … So, using skin lightening products is dramatically on the increase amongst Asians. Registered in England & Wales No. Skin lightening treatments are also not recommended for use by children or … Arsenic – This is immediately thought of as “poison,” which is exactly what it is. Thinning of the Skin: Exploitation of skin whitening creams … Skin lightening creams have been a popular cosmetic product in South Africa for many decades and are still widely used for its skin bleaching effects. Toxic levels of mercury can lead to mercury poisoning which causes neurological and kidney damage, and may also lead to psychiatric disorders. If you are someone who has used steroids or corticosteroids previously, then you may have noticed visible results of skin lightening from taking them regularly. Which was the First Women’s Cricket Team to win Gold? To avoid unknowingly using harmful skin care products, never … Gina used it twice a day and noticed that after a few days her skin looked fairer. As a writer with a determined journalistic flair, she firmly believes in the motto "an investment in knowledge pays the best interest," by Benjamin Franklin.

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