Most people desire fairer skin, a preference that is particularly common among women. However, this obsession often leads to the use of skin lightening creams, and many fall prey to products laden with chemicals. While these products may initially produce good results, they can gradually harm the skin, potentially causing significant damage over time.
For numerous individuals, using these creams has become a daily habit. However, the risks associated with skin lightening products are often overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, skin lightening creams do not actually lighten the skin. They are pharmaceutical compounds designed to treat pigmentation issues caused by various skin conditions. The unregulated and excessive use of these creams can lead to significant side effects.
It is crucial to exercise caution when using skin lightening creams, as they can cause changes that might have both aesthetic and harmful consequences. Overuse or improper use can increase sensitivity to the sun, leading to redness, burning, or further pigmentation due to the lack of protective melanin. This heightened vulnerability makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage and burns.
Furthermore, the random mixing of medical creams without proper medical supervision can result in severe harm. A common practice involves using a "triple mixture" or "triple formula" to achieve lighter skin. However, doctors strongly advise against this due to the potential for serious side effects from combining chemicals like hydrocortisone, hydroquinone, and retinoids. Misuse of these substances can cause significant damage, emphasising the need for caution and the avoidance of harmful ingredients in skin lightening products.
Dr Lotfi bin Omar al Kathiri, a consultant dermatologist, warns against mixing lightening creams with cortisone. He explains, "Using creams mixed with cortisone on large areas of the body can suppress local immunity, allowing harmful microbes to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening infections." Cortisone-based creams should only be used under strict medical supervision and for a limited duration to minimise risks.
Improper use of these creams can lead to various skin issues, such as exacerbated acne, skin thinning, discolouration, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and irritation from allergic reactions. Prolonged use may also accelerate skin ageing, as the chemicals alter the skin’s natural composition, causing premature lines and marks to appear.
Long-term use of skin lightening creams poses even more severe risks, including an increased chance of developing skin cancer. Hydroquinone, a common ingredient in these products, can damage DNA if used daily over extended periods, especially when the skin is frequently exposed to sunlight without adequate protection. Doctors recommend discontinuing use immediately if any unusual side effects occur and consulting a dermatologist for safer alternatives.
To prevent the adverse effects of skin lightening products, one should consider consulting a doctor before starting any skin lightening regimen to ensure its safety and follow the product’s instructions carefully. It is important to discuss any medical history, allergies or conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or asthma with the doctor.
One should avoid using these products during pregnancy as they can pose risks to the health of both the mother and the baby, and there is insufficient evidence to support their safety during these stages.
It is important to check for harmful ingredients to ensure the product does not contain mercury, as it can cause severe health problems, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and young children. Mercury exposure can impair neurological development and be transferred to a baby through breastfeeding.
Hydroquinone levels are another factor to keep in mind. “Ensure that the hydroquinone concentration in any product does not exceed 2 per cent. If the percentage is unclear or not listed, avoid using the product to prevent potential harm,” says a skin expert.
Sunscreen has its own benefits. After applying any skin lightening products, it is advisable to use sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can exacerbate damage.
It is essential to recognise that attempting to alter one's natural skin tone, regardless of its colour, to achieve a lighter complexion is not only temporary but also psychologically, financially and physically costly.
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