If you must bleach....know the risks involved

After months of twice-a-day applications, her skin was not only fairer, it had become so thin that a touch would bruise her face. Her capillaries became visible, and she developed stubborn acne.


Skin bleaching is inarguably one of the effective ways to achieve a brighter and clearer skin. But, one should wary of the active ingredients skin bleaching products as these could be quite dangerous for skin.


Hydroquinone, also used in film developing, is a primary active ingredient in many skin whitening creams. It is a known carcinogen, and has been linked with other complications such as adrenal dysfunction. If used continuously, hydroquinone can cause black and blue skin discoloration, a condition known as “ocronosis.” Countries including Europe, Japan, and Australia have banned its sales of it as a skin lightener. The U.S., however, still allows it for this purpose.


Mercury is another potentially risky ingredient often found in skin lighteners. Mercury has been linked to many illnesses, including Alzheimers, polycystic ovary syndrome, and neurological dysfunctions. It is known to have serious effects on the central nervous system, as well. It is easily absorbed through the skin, and is not readily expelled by the body. This means that, over time, you could build up a mercury level that could lead to toxicity. Some states, such as Minnesota, have banned the sale of all cosmetics containing mercury.

Clobetasol propionate, one powerful steroid found in some skin lighteners, can cause skin irritation and acne, but it has farther-reaching implications. Long-term use may cause your body to stop production of its own steroids, lead to hypertension or elevate blood sugar.

While skin lighteners can deliver the clearer, brighter skin you hope for, they can also bring other problems.

Skin Thinning

Repeated use of skin whitening creams may cause thinning of the skin--a condition that may be characterized by severe bruising, exposed capillaries, stretch marks and other serious problems. Although creams containing potent steroids should be available only with a prescription, "The New York Times" notes that clobetasol propionate, a very potent steroid that should not be used on the thin skin of the face, is often found in many over-the-counter skin whitening creams.

 

 Acne is one common side effect. The steroids sometimes used in lightening creams may whiten skin, but they often cause acne or other skin problems.

Sensitivity to the sun

According to Drugs.com, skin bleaching products (particularly those that contain hydroquinone) can make skin more vulnerable to the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends protection from sun (a broad spectrum sunscreen) when using skin whitening creams to get rid of freckles or sun spots.

Chemical reactions
If you are using bleaching products and skin whitening product that has hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide, you may experience chemical reaction that could make skin dark and stained. If these two ingredients are used in combination, it could be more damaging for skin.


Uneven colouring
The uneven colouring is one of the complications that the use of bleach products. There are certain ingredients in these products that worsen age spots or give a dark shade to your skin.


Impaired healing
Not only skin issues, the application of bleaching products could impair skin’s ability to heal from an injury, lesion or rash.

A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that bleaching creams reduced or even impaired the wound healing ability in African subjects.


Skin bleaching products may address your concerns of skin colour and evenness of your skin, but brings several risks along. If you are considering skin bleach, you should think more than improving skin tone in order to avoid unnecessary complications.