What Skin Whitening Ingredients Should We Avoid?
Hydroquinine
Hydroquinone [C6H4(OH)2] is a toxic chemical that is used in black and white film processing, manufacturing rubber and is found in some hair dyes. Hydroquinine is used in skin lightening creams and lotions because it is an effective bleaching agent, slowing the production of the tyrosinase enzyme and reducing the amount of melanin formed.
Mercury
Mercury is a toxic chemical that is readily absorbed into the body but it is not easily removed. When mercury is used for skin whitening the initial side effects can include skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring. Long term exposure to mercury can have more serious health consequences.
Steroids
Although steroids can be useful in treating inflammation of the skin caused by diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, they were never intended for skin lightening use. When steroids are prescribed this take place under the supervision of a skin specialist and the usage is generally minimised to a few short weeks.
