Do you feel that your skin has lost its shine? Let’s face it, radiant, fresh-looking skin is sometimes hard to achieve. You want your skin tone to be as even as possible. Your skin should be supple, smooth and free of blemishes. To get that look you’ve always wanted, you may have already resorted to using certain commercial creams. But improving your complexion isn’t always as easy or safe as you think. There are many dangerous substances included in popular skin whitening creams that you may not be aware of.
Let’s take a look at some of the things to be careful of if you are considering using a skin bleach. Be on the lookout for the following harmful ingredients:
1. Mercury derivatives: Absorption of these substances through the skin can cause severe kidney problems, mental problems such as irritability and depression, and neurotoxic problems such as hearing and speech problems and ataxia.
2. Hydroquinone: This dangerous substance, used in some skin-bleaching products, has been found to be carcinogenic in laboratory tests. It can also cause a condition called ochronosis, a darkening and thickening of the skin with occasional blotches.
3. Topical steroids: These creams or ointments can reduce the appearance of skin blemishes, but they can also be equally responsible for problems like eczema, acne, bacterial and fungal infections, skin atrophy, and pigmentation disorders.
4. Dioxane – This is an artificial derivative of coconut that is commonly found in various skin care products. Like hydroquinone, some studies have found it to be carcinogenic.
5. Mineral Oil – This extremely common ingredient can go by several different names, including liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, and paraffin wax. Because it’s so inexpensive, mineral oil can be found in almost all types of skin care products. The problem is that once applied, it clogs the pores and prevents the skin from “breathing”. Additionally, mineral oil also interferes with the skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins and can cause pimples and acne. Worst of all, this substance contributes to premature aging of the skin.
6. Alcohols: Although not all of these aggressive agents have the same properties, what they do have in common is a tendency to irritate and dry out the skin. The list includes isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, ethyl alcohol, and methanol.
7. Fragrances – Many alluring scents found in skin care products are made from ingredients known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
With so many dangerous or questionable ingredients, it’s no wonder why skin lightening is on its way out and skin brightening is all the rage. Skin brighteners like Revitol use natural, non-toxic ingredients with no harmful additives that can harm your skin or health. These ingredients include shea butter, grapefruit seed extract, evening primrose oil, and vitamins A, C, and E. Skin brighteners are great alternatives to skin bleaches or lighteners, keeping you looking your best without stop being absolutely safe to use.
