Hazards of Using Skin Whitening Products

Basically skin whitening or bleaching is what it sounds. It's the use of chemical substances to lighten the appearance of your skin tone and even out your complexion by lessening the concentration of melanin. Many women use skin whiteners to remove age spots, acne scars, moles, and even birthmarks. (Dark spot correctors and products are also whitening creams that can contain dangerous ingredients.) However, long term use of skin whiteners can lead to increased pigmentation of the joints of fingers, toes, buttocks, and ears. The skin on your face can also become thinned. Areas surrounding your eyes could darken causing a bleached panda effect. Prolonged use can cause premature aging, increase your chances of getting skin infections, acne, and poor wound healing. There are two active ingredients commonly found in most skin whitening products: mercurous chloride and hydroquinone.

Mercurous chloride is mercury. If the product is used on large areas of skin, this can lead to mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning is known to cause psychiatric, neurological, and kidney problems. Pregnant women can also pass unhealthy amounts of mercury on to their unborn children. One study, according to WebMD, showed that at least one out of every four skin lighteners made in Asia that are sold in the US contain mercury. Be sure to always check that your product contains no mercury before use. Mercury also can be listed under ingredients on the product label as calomel, mercuric, mercurous, or mercurio.

The use of hydroquinone has been banned in all products throughout Europe, however, is still sold in the United States. Products in the US can contain up to 2% of hydroquinone if sold over the counter. With a prescription, one can obtain a product containing 4% hydroquinone. If the percentage is not listed, do not use (unless you consult with your doctor). When considering a product containing this ingredient, be sure to consult possible side effects with your physician before you begin use.

Many women still remain unaware of the possible side effects and dangers of using a whitening product. (I checked my own medicine cabinet and found that I have two products containing hydroquinone. Percentages were not listed.) Do your research as there are many helpful websites offering free information, but always remember that doctor knows best!

How Making Anti-Glycation Skin Care Products Headway?

High quality skin care products which pinpoint glycation address issues at the cellular level.

For those not completely familiar with glycation, it's all about a natural physiological response which happens as people grow older. An overabundance of sugar molecules in the skin adheres itself to lipid or protein molecules and the results are malformed collagen and elastin fibers.

Glycation also interferes with the protective function of the skin's own antioxidant defense cells, the super oxide dismutase. This assault to the skin from glycation results in the visible effects of facial changes such as:

• Premature fine lines and wrinkles
• Slack skin
• Uneven skin tone
• Dull facial appearance

For those conscious about their health and wellness, natural products are starting to pop up more on the market shelves.

Ones to watch out for are variations of resurfacing cleansers with sugar berry ingredients, peptide activating serum, and enlightening cell brightening serum.

While many might think that using sweet sugar cane extract is counterproductive to getting rid of glycation it really does work. The sugar has the potential to dislodge dull skin cells, diminish wrinkles, offer deep cleansing, refine skin texture, and hydrate.

Another special ingredient is chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll. This natural anti-inflammatory agent actually slows down glycation and protects collagen while its anti-bacterial properties detoxify and purfiy the skin.

For those on the natural pathway, it is possible to find products with a prescription grade but yet paraben-free, sulfate-free and has no added colors or fragrances.

An interesting side note is while the FDA mandates that all pharmaceutical products be "chirally resolved" to maximize potency and decrease any side effects, cosmetic manufacturers are not held to the same high standards.

Yet, there are a handful of skin care manufacturers out there that are imposing these demands on themselves. And this includes natural ingredient creators who are selecting lab natural peptides along with a chemical free preservative system.

Whichever pathway a person chooses to inhibit glycation, be sure to do some due diligence in picking the right product out there. Not all anti-glycation skin care lines are the same. Find one that is results driven and will restore skin back to its natural vitality for all skin types.

While eating healthy and finding the skin care products which slow the multiple types of aging side-effects of glycation, women can obtain a youthful and luminous glow at any age.

Author, Steven Stern, is also chief esthetics officer of Skin Care Heaven based in Carlsbad, California, and has immersed himself in providing an array of sterling anti-glycation lines such as DermaEarth, acne treatments, skin care items, mineral makeup products, and skin care devices at his e-commerce store and day spa. Providing skin care advice and tips fuels his passion in helping others.