Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products

Just a few days back, I had written an article ‘Laser Skin Whitening – A Dream or Nightmare’ where we discussed the harmful effects of Skin Whitening with Laser treatments. Today, I am dwelling a little more on the Skin Whitening products, that are available in the market by various brands.

There are a so many Skin Whitening products out there from reputed brands, which promise to give you fair, radiant skin. What they do not tell you is that these products have long term side effects which range from mild skin irritation to bigger problems like Skin Cancer! Would you still want to go ahead with these fairness creams and risk it?

Read on to find out a little bit more on the various chemicals present in most Whitening Products that are affecting our general well-being without us being aware of it!

Harmful+Ingredients+Present+in+Skin+Whitening+Products

 

Mercury:

Mercury is one of the most common ingredient in Skin lightening products and is described as a ‘neurotoxin’. With continued use, mercury causes skin discolouration by settling into the skin cells and stripping the natural skin pigment, leaving behind a greyish-blue cast on the skin. It also leads to failure of vital organs including liver and kidneys.
High levels of Mercury was found in 14 well-known brands in India with Aroma Magic topping this list.

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Hydroquinone:

Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent, which when used continuously, causes problems like thinning of the skin layer and increased sun sensitivity. It also thickens the collagen present in the connective tissues of our body, which in turn causes damage to the tendons, ligaments and skin.

Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products 2

Steroids:

Steroids are another common ingredient in fairness products. Even though products with steroids work faster to give better results, they suppress the production of natural steroids in our body, which may lead to skin issues like allergies, acne, skin darkening etc.

Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products 3

Safer Alternatives That Could Help Us Achieve Fairer Skin:

Now that we know of the alarming effects these chemicals can have on us. Let’s explore a few safer yet effective alternatives for a bright, radiant complexion. 🙂

Vitamin C:

Also known as Ascorbic Acid, is well known for its anti ageing properties. When used in moderate and acceptable proportions, this Vitamin is responsible for collagen synthesis, which helps improve Skin elasticity and firmness. It also protects skin from damage caused by free radicals, thereby giving us a youthful and beautiful complexion.

Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products 9

Vitamin A:

Common called as Retinol in the Beauty industry, it is an anti-oxidant, which is used for treating skin problems like hyper pigmentation, melasma and other skin infections.

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Arbutin:

Is a naturally occurring and safer alternative to hydroquinone. It has skin bleaching properties which inhibit Melanin production and hence is an effective skin lightening alternative.

Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products 8

Alpha-hydroxyl Acids:

These include acids such as Citric acid (present in citrus fruits like lemon, orange etc.), Glycolic acid (present in sugar cane), Lactic acid (present in milk products), Malic and Tartaric acids (present in fruits like apples and grapes). They help in reducing the occurrence of wrinkles and help achieve an even toned complexion.

 

Kojic Acid :
This is a safe ingredient which can be included in our diet as well, in moderate quantities. It is bleaching agent which effectively brightens the skin without the usual side effects like rashes, skin irritation and sensitivity.

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Well, all said and done, Beauty is more about a Beautiful Soul, a Caring Heart and a Kind Smile, rather than just a Fair Face, Don’t you agree with me gals?

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Here are a few home remedies to get that glowing complexion, posted by our very own IMBB readers!
5 Homemade Skin Lightening Face Masks
Glowing Skin Home Remedies
Homemade Face Pack for Skin Whitening
Skin Whitening Oats Face Pack: DIY
Do it Yourself: Skin Whitening Radish Face Pack

Chalo then, till next time..C ya to all the lovely ladies….:)

 

 

Face: Skin Whitening Products
Best Lightening and Whitening Body Lotions Available in India
Ill Effects of Facial Bleaching
Best Fairness Creams Available in India
Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Skin Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme
Nivea UV Whitening Extra Cell Repair and Protect Body Lotion
Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion
Fair & Lovely Multi Vitamin Cream
O3+ Skin Whitening Mask
Neutrogena Fine Fairness Essence

IMBB RECOMMENDS

5 thoughts on “Harmful Ingredients Present in Skin Whitening Products

  1. I think that mostly what we look for is “even toning”…but the products are always the whitening ones..a good post..I will surely check for the ingredients next time I buy one 🙂 🙂

  2. Thanks for sharing – surely this is enough to make anyone think twice about skin lightening?
    I have never understood the Indian obsession with being ‘fair’. It is wrong on so many levels and absolutely shameful!
    Hopefully more women are sensible enough to avoid fairness creams and focus on having healthy skin instead.

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