You've probably seen or used all kinds of creams that claim to lighten your skin. When you see them in advertisements and on social media, you probably think that you can become as white as a feather in a few days. They are used to remove acne scars, sunburns, and blemishes caused by hormonal changes , and even by people who are naturally dark-skinned. But what are these really all about? How safe are they? Today, we'll talk about this in a little more depth, in a way that you can understand.
Why is our skin color different from each other?
Simply put, our skin color is determined by the amount of a pigment called melanin . This melanin is produced by a special type of cell in our skin (melanocytes). People with darker skin have more melanin in their skin, while people with lighter skin have less melanin.
The amount of melanin in your skin is largely determined by your genetic makeup , which is what you inherit from your parents. In addition,
- Sun exposure
- Changes in hormone levels in the body
- Skin damage
- Exposure to certain chemicals
Things like that can also affect melanin production.
Imagine, when we go to the beach and sunbathe, we get a little tan. But after a while, it goes back to its old color. But some things, like age spots, remain almost permanently.
What is skin bleaching?
This is actually a cosmetic treatment. It works by reducing the discoloration of spots, dark spots, and other blemishes on the skin, giving the skin an even tone. You can buy these types of creams over the counter at a pharmacy, and there are also stronger ones that require a prescription.
Some people apply these creams all over their bodies to change their skin color. But this can be very dangerous. Because some illegal cosmetics manufactured in some countries may contain mercury as a main ingredient.
Mercury is a very dangerous poison. It can cause severe mental illness, nervous system disease, and serious kidney damage. If a pregnant mother uses a mercury-containing ointment, the poison can be transmitted to the unborn child.
Although the use of mercury in cosmetics has been banned in many countries, some products smuggled from abroad may still contain mercury.
How do these cosmetics work?
These cosmetics work by using one or a combination of active ingredients to reduce the amount of melanin in the skin where they are applied. There are several main ingredients used for this purpose.
| Ingredient | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Hydroquinone | This is the most commonly used. Over-the-counter creams can have concentrations as low as 2%. Dermatologists sometimes recommend stronger concentrations, such as 4%-6%. These should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Steroids and Retinoic Acid | These are also powerful medications. Retinoic acid is made from vitamin A. These should also be used under medical supervision. |
| Natural Ingredients | Kojic acid, which is derived from a fungus, and arbutin, which is found in some plants, are used. But don't assume that just because something is "natural" it is 100% safe. |
What are the most dangerous risks in these?
In addition to the mercury poisoning we've already discussed, there are several other risks that you should be aware of.
- Premature aging of the skin: Long-term use of these can cause the skin to lose its youthfulness and wrinkle more quickly.
- Increased risk of skin cancer : These cosmetics reduce the skin's natural defenses, which can increase the risk of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Therefore, if you are going to be outside for a long time, it is essential to use a good sunscreen.
- Side effects of steroids: Continuous use of steroid creams can cause thinning of the skin, skin infections, increased acne, and delayed wound healing. If these are applied to a large area of the body, the steroids can be absorbed into the body and cause other health problems.
- Skin discoloration (Ochronosis): If hydroquinone creams are used incorrectly, some people may develop blue-black spots on their skin that may never heal . This condition is called Ochronosis.
- Allergic Reactions: Any of the chemicals in these cosmetics, even natural ones, can cause an allergy on your skin. This can cause redness, itching, and rashes.
If you use these, what should you be careful about?
If you are thinking about using this type of coating, please think carefully about these things.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor, especially a dermatologist, before using any skin lightening cream. He or she can recommend the safest option for your skin condition.
Additionally:
- Be careful with mercury: The label may not directly mention mercury. If it has names like calomel, mercuric, mercurous, or mercurio, it is still mercury. If it has anything like that, do not use it for any reason.
- Check the percentage of hydroquinone: An over-the-counter cream should not contain more than 2%. If the percentage is not mentioned on the label, don't assume it's safe.
- Read the label carefully: The information on the labels of some imported products may be incorrect. Therefore, do not use unknown or unreliable products.
If you have any concerns about a product, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments that are more appropriate for your skin condition, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments.
Take-Home Message
- Before using a skin whitening cream, always consult a doctor. That's the safest thing to do.
- Mercury-containing products are very dangerous. Read the label carefully and avoid such products completely. If you suspect any poisoning, immediately contact the National Poison Information Center at the National Hospital .
- Remember that just because something is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's 100% safe.
- Creams containing strong medications such as hydroquinone and steroids should only be used under medical supervision.
- It is essential to use a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun while using these cosmetics.
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