The use of products to lighten dark parts of the skin or create a lighter complexion is referred to as skin bleaching. Bleaching creams, soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy, are among these goods.
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Skin bleaching is not good for your health. The results aren’t certain, and there’s evidence that skin whitening might cause major issues and side effects.
There is no need to lighten the skin from a medical aspect. However, if you’re thinking about whitening your skin, you should be aware of the consequences.
How bleaching cream works
The concentration or synthesis of melanin in the skin is reduced through skin bleaching. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes, which are skin cells. Genetics has a large role in determining the quantity of melanin in your skin.
Melanin is more abundant in those with dark skin. Melanin production is also influenced by hormones, sunshine, and certain substances.
When you use a skin bleaching treatment like hydroquinone on your skin, it reduces the number of melanocytes in your skin. This can result in skin that is lighter and more even in appearance.
Side effects of bleaching cream
Exogenous ochronosis
Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is a skin condition that results in blue-black pigmentation. It commonly happens as a side effect of using hydroquinone-based skin bleaching treatments for a long time. EO is more prone to develop in people who apply it on big parts of the body or on the entire body.
Steroid acne
Steroid acne can be caused by skin bleaching products that contain corticosteroids. With long-term usage of corticosteroids, steroid acne typically affects the chest, although it can also appear on the back, arms, and other regions of the body.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- blackheads and whiteheads
- red lumps on the skin
- red lumps that are huge and uncomfortable
- scars from acne
Mercury poisoning
Mercury toxicity has been connected to several skin bleaching cosmetics made outside of the United States. Although mercury has been outlawed as a component in skin lightening treatments in the United States, it is still present in products manufactured in other nations.
Mercury poisoning can cause the following signs and symptoms:
numbness
weariness due to high blood pressure
agitation, tremor, memory loss, and sensitivity to light neurologic symptoms
renal disease.
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that affects the kidneys.
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney illness caused by damage to the blood vessels that filter waste and excess water in your kidneys. It makes your body expel an excessive amount of protein in your urine.
Mercury-containing skin whitening cosmetics have been linked to nephrotic syndrome.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
Edema (swelling) around the eyes
swelling ankles and feet
Foamy urine, loss of appetite, and exhaustion
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