Although it is not the most effective, most people prefer skin whitening soap since it’s relatively affordable and also easy to use compared to the other products available.
Although these soaps are marketed as being able to lighten your skin tone and to make the signs of age spots, acne spots, and sun damage fade, is this a product you can safely use, long term?
As you might have already noticed by reading the other articles my site, I’m a really big advocate of natural products as opposed to commercial ones. I recommend you try making own home skin whitening recipes such as facials made with fruits and natural ingredients to minimize any potentially harmful side effects.. you just never know.
(I’ve previously written about fruits that you can include into your diet to help whiten your skin. Fruits like lemon, grapes, strawberries and blueberries, and oranges are all great to use, soy as well. Read my other articles on-site if you’re interested).
However, if you’re not the type who has the patience to concoct your own skin lightening remedies at home and want to cut straight to the chase and go for soap products that you can conveniently buy off the shelf, then you should be aware of the possible consequences of prolonged use.
Side Effects of Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone and mercury are the two main ingredients in these soaps that can cause damage to your health. This is despite the fact that hydroquinone is the only whitening ingredient that is officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Prolonged use of hydroquinone is said to cause cancer. It may cause severe damage such as the permanent whitening of the skin, which makes the skin appear unnaturally white. In addition, it permanently corrodes the skin cells, making them more susceptible to the damage caused by sunlight. This makes your skin prone to sun burn and also increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
Ochronosis is another condition that may result from the long term use of skin whitening soaps that contain excessive amounts of hydroquinone. This condition is characterized by the appearance of skin discoloration in the form of dark patches on the areas of your skin where the product is used most often. This discoloration may appear as blue or grey hues on your complexion. Apart from this, hydroquinone can also lead to other issues, such as problems with your adrenal glands.
Other Dangerous Ingredients
Other ingredients that are sometimes used in not just soaps, but whitening creams and bleaching products in general are steroids and mercury. Before you go out and use any product, care must be taken and you must really know what you’re getting yourself into, because ignorance can be deadly. Prolonged use of such whitening products may lead to long term nerve, kidney, and a host of skin problems. You can visit this website which has a good list of unsafe skin whitener brands that have been found to contain toxic ingredients.
Other Side-Effects To Note
Another side effect of whitening soaps in general is dryness, as these soaps really reduce the moisture levels in your skin. In turn, the dry skin can lead to inflammation and skin redness too.
The skin may also be more prone to infection, especially when using whitening soaps that have huge amounts of alkaline. These are soaps that contain a pH (potential of Hydrogen) greater than seven. These soaps, which are more alkaline than acidic, tend to make the skin sensitive, and prone to bacterial and fungal infections.
A Word From The Author
Although I’m always recommending natural products in place of the ones that are not, it is not to say that you should not use them – no. It’s just a precaution, a smarter move to protect your health and your skin.
If you really must use products to lighten your complexion, stick to natural whitening soaps. Try to avoid those with hydroquinone content that’s more than 2%. There are two products are considered quite safe for attaining fair skin, are relatively popular and set a price level that’s relatively cheap:
- The Diana Stalder papaya soap, and also the glutathione soaps. The papaya one contains kojic acid and that’s safe because it’s merely a vegetable extract. Gluthathione on the other hand is a natural chemical produced by our bodies.
- Likas Papays Skin Whitening Soap. Contains pretty much the same ingredients as the one above, only slightly cheaper.
Always remember, stay out of direct sunlight when possible, and if you must then put on sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, and long sleeved shirts. This is especially true if you’re using any whitening agents on your skin.
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