The deadly poisons in skin lightening creams
DURBAN dermatologist Ncoza Dlova undertook research on skin-lightening creams and discovered some of them contained hazardous ingredients.
She and two researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal tested 39 products in a laboratory. The findings were alarming as nine of the products tested included banned ingredients. The others are still undergoing tests.
Some of the harmful ingredients found were Hydroquinone (also known as Phenol), Mercury and Resorcinol.
“Mercury’s main adverse effect is kidney damage as it gets absorbed into the human body and accumulates in the kidneys. It also causes skin rashes and scarring, as well as a reduced resistance for the skin to fight infections.”
The irony, she said, was that Mercury was used as an active ingredient to lighten the skin but over time it caused the skin to darken.
She further warned that steroids were also contained in some of these lightening face creams and this caused thinning of the skin, acne, pimples, excessive hair growth, where the cream was applied, and pigmentation.
The steroids that were found in the creams tested were Cobetasol Propionate and Betamethasone.
Supplying these steroids by unauthorised people is illegal in South Africa.
Hydroquinone, also known as Phenol, causes irritation and over time causes the skin to darken and the effects are irreversible.
She said Hydroquinone could be administered by doctors, provided the products contained less than two percent per volume.
All products which have Hydroquinone must come with a health warning.
Dlova said the creams promised excellent results but eventually turned out to be false marketing.
“Initially consumers will see their skin get clearer and it looks almost flawless, but what is important to know is that in the long run the side effects (mentioned above) may become irreversible.”
Dlova said consumers must not buy lightening creams that are not labelled and they should check if they contained Hydroquinone (Phenol), Mercury and Resorcinol.
She advised those who used face creams with these ingredients to apply sun block every day. Users of these products are advised to consult a dermatologist should any complications arise.
According to South Africa’s Cosmetics Act 54 of 1972, companies producing cosmetics which contain Mercury, Lead and Hydroquinone cannot use words such as “healthier, brighter, younger, clearer, fades spots and even tone”.
Dlova asserts that we all need to embrace our natural beauty.
“The best skin is the one we are born with.”