Skin Bleaching Problems

The Disadvantages of Using Skin Whitening Products

Dec 28, 2009 Grace Ferguson

An overview of the various issues that skin bleaching can cause.

The Bahama Journal notes that skin-lightening creams are made to fix unbalanced skin pigmentation but if abused cause ugly scarring and severe darkening of the skin that cannot be reversed. Skin bleaching creams should be used on small areas of the skin to lessen scarring; however, some women use them all over their bodies. Skin bleaching has many disadvantages because the agents used contain harmful ingredients.

Skin Bleaching Abuse

Dr. Orlander of the Bahama Journal notes that people originally use skin-bleaching creams to obtain brighter and clearer skin. Once they have achieved this effect they keep using the creams. After a few months, side effects start to show.

Skin Bleaching Ingredients

Hydroquinone was banned in France due to cancer risks. Many skin-bleaching creams contain hydroquinone, which is also used in film developing products.

Mercury can damage the brain, even in small portions. Mercury is an active component in skin-bleaching creams. Because of its potentially damaging effects on the brain, the Minnesota government banned all cosmetics, including skin lighteners that contain mercury.

Alpha hydroxy is a component of facial chemical peels. Plastic surgeons generally use facial chemical peels if the patient suffers from a serious skin problem. Chemical facial peels are tailored for professional use and are generally done infrequently; it should not be performed at home.

Arsenic sounds, and is, poisonous. Arsenic contains harmful chemicals used in pesticides and herbicides. Arsenic is a deadly ingredient that can result in bladder, lung, prostate, liver, kidney and skin cancer.

Skin Bleaching Conditions

According to the Bahama Journal, skin-bleaching creams can result in acne. If used continuously, skin whiteners can lead to skin darkening, which causes the pigment to drop into the skin’s lower level. Once this occurs, ocronosis–discoloration–develops, which is very hard to get rid of. It is tough to revert to your natural skin color once this occurs, because the skin has been destroyed.

Skin lighteners can cause stretch marks to appear on the body, according to the Bahama Journal. When skin-bleaching creams are used for extended amounts of time, it leads to the skin becoming so thin, stretch marks appear. Once stretch marks form, it is tough to get rid of them.

Solution to Skin Problems

If an individual has a skin problem, she should see a doctor. A physician can advise her of the pros and cons of different skin-bleaching products. If she can benefit from a skin-bleaching product, the doctor can administer the right product appropriately.

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The copyright of the article Skin Bleaching Problems in Beauty is owned by Grace Ferguson. Permission to republish Skin Bleaching Problems in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Skin Bleaching Cream