THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF SKIN WHITENING PRODUCTS

Skin whitening products are not a new concept. Many people strive hard to achieve pale
white skin so that they can gain self-confidence. This was considered as a sign of
beauty also of social standing. Those who could not afford to buy such whitening soaps
will only acquire cheaper products that are not proven and tested products.

Admit it, you might have used a skin whitening product or might have thought of using
one without looking for the ingredients and just go with what is popular. Don’t worry, you
are not alone. Most of us are too busy to examine every chemical, product or ingredient
that we put on our skin.

Before using any skin whitening products, you should be aware of the chemicals and
ingredients present in the product, and its effects on our skin. To avoid the harmful
effect, here’s a list of some ingredients in skin whitening products that you might be
using or planning to use.

1. HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent, when used continuously, causes problem

like thinning of the skin layer, increased sun sensitivity, and increases the risk of
skin cancer. It also thickens collagen present in the connective tissues of our
body, which in turn causes damage to the tendons, ligaments and skin.

2. STEROIDS

Steroids are another common ingredient in fairness products. Even though

products with steroid work faster to give better results, the suppress the
production of natural steroids in our body, which may lead to skin issues like
allergies, acne, skin darkening etc.

3. MERCURY

Another common banned ingredient, can cause reduced resistance to bacterial

and fungal infections, liver damage, anxiety, depression or psychosis, according
to the World Health Organization.
Using skin whitening products to get fairer skin continues to be a widespread
phenomenon. Much more here in the Philippines, commercials popularizing products
with these abilities to lighten up skin take a big part of television marketing. Even though
our society is learning to appreciate the different forms of beauty across races, fairer
skin is still coveted by many.

We should not forget the natural beauty that lies within us is still better than the physical
appearance we aim to achieve.