The Dangers of Skin Whitening ProductsBy Safana Zahili [Beauty]
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 The disturbing fact is that many dark-skinned women are unhappy with their own skin colour, something that is predetermined by their genes. Skin colour is determined by the pigment melanin, which is stored in our skin. The more pigment in the skin, the darker the colour of the skin. Higher levels of pigments result in greater UV protection, which is why darker-skinned people are less likely to get skin cancer than lighter-skinned people. How Skin Lightening Products Work Many people who use skin whitening products are unaware of the harsh ingredients and the harm they can cause. Skin lightening products basically work by inhibiting melanin, the compound which determines skin colour. Many manufacturers use harmful whitening agents, such as hydroquinone and mercury, among other toxic metals. Hydroquinone is a whitening agent used in dozens of whitening products and in photo processing labs. It was banned in the UK in 2001, followed by a number of other countries, because of its link to cancer. Hydroquinone destroys cells that produce melanin, which in turn, causes the skin to lose its natural protection against UV rays and this results in skin cancer. It has also been linked to a disfiguring condition called ochronosis, which results in darkening and thickening of the skin. Many people with this disease develop unsightly grey or brown patches on their skin. This is because when hydroquinone is applied to the skin, it re-oxidizes, which leads to more pigmentation, resulting in darker skin. Other side effects include enlarged pores, skin irritation, peeling skin and premature aging. Mercury is another ingredient used in many cosmetics that is highly toxic and can cause severe nerve damage and kidney and liver failure. It has been linked to abnormalities in foetuses including brain damage. _______________________________________ beauty comes from within Before you decide to whiten your skin, try to determine your reason for whitening. Ask yourself whether it is worth risking your life just to achieve what you think is ideal beauty. Shift the focus to maintaining healthy skin: drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and fish, and get eight hours of sleep a night. |
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