Question: what are the effects of using skin lightening lotions

Marta Maia answered on 13 Jul 2017:

Skin liightening creams contain ingredients that act to slow the production of melanin in the skin’s outer layer. Melanin is a brown pigment produced in the melanocytes in the skin that give every human their particular skin tone. Melanin is also the body’s natural protection against the harmful effects of the sun. Skin lightening creams reduce the action of the enzyme, tyrosinase, which controls the rate of melanin production in the skin. How toxic the skin lightening cream is depends on the chemical it contains. A few years ago it was common to find mercury (very toxic heavy metal) in skin lightening creams, nowadays it is forbidden in certain countries, including Kenya. However you should still check that it isnt listed as an ingredient. Hydroquinine is another common chemical found in skin lightening products, it can cause skin rashes, burning skin irritation, excessive redness and a dryness or cracking of the skin.If used for extended periods of time, hydroquinone can sometimes induce a condition known as “ochronosis.” People with ochronosis can show a blue-black darkening in certain areas of the skin. Like other pigment-reducing complexes, hydroquinone can make your skin more susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. This can lead to serious sunburn and an increased risk of certain types of skin cancer. Another common dangerous ingredient are high doses of corticosteroids. These compounds slow the process of cell regeneration so less melanocytes are formed, leading to a decline in melanin production. The negative side of slowing the skin’s natural cell renewal is that the epidermis (outer skin layer) can becomes thinner and look older.