Skin Whitening

CHEMICALS IN YOUR SKIN WITHENING PRODUCTS

By Retno Kuswantoro

Skin whitening products

Skin whitening products

The term of Skin Whitening means lightening of pigment of skin by different methods. Skin whitening refers to cosmetic methods applied to whiten the skin. Skin is darkened due to enzymes in the skin pigment cells. Skin pigment, melanin, is reduced by different methods to make the skin tone lighter during skin whitening procedure.

Most of the skin whitening products in the market contains chemicals. Reading the ingredients may confuse you because its chemical name seems to be strange for you. Understanding their function and, if any, their adverse effect closely will give you no doubt using your skin whitening.

Here some common chemical ingredients in skin whitening products:

Hydroquinone C6H4 (OH) 2

Hydroquinone has a variety of uses principally associated with its action as a reducing agent.В  It is a major component in most photographic developers. In human medicine, hydroquinone is used as a topical application in skin whitening to reduce the color of skin. Hydroquinone is also carcinogenic. This use is banned in some countries, including the member states of the European Union.

Kojic acid (C6H6O4; 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone)

It is produced by several species of fungi, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which has the Japanese common name koji. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice, for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine. It is a mild inhibitor of the formation of pigment in plant and animal tissues, and is used in skin whitening products to lighten skin. Kojic acid also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Nicotinamide/Niacinamide/Nicotinic acid amide/Vitamin B3

Nicotinamide is part of the vitamin B group. It prevents immunosuppression caused by UVA and UVB radiation, and could be added to sunscreen. Niacinamide has been reported to be an effective skin whitening in topical application that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2)

It is widely used to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and toothpastes. In skin whitening products it is present as sun block. Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen ”possibly carcinogen to humans”. With such widespread use of titanium dioxide, it is important to understand that the IARC conclusions are based on very specific evidence.В  Term ”possibly carcinogen to humans” works at high concentrations of pigment-grade (powdered) and ultrafine titanium dioxide dust eq. in people working in dusty environments.

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)

In skin whitening product this chemical acts as a sunscreen. It is found that mothers with high levels of Oxybenzone in their bodies were more likely to give birth to underweight baby girls.

Cinoxate/Methoxycinnamate

Its primary use is in sunscreens to absorb UV-B rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage. It is also used to reduce to appearance of scars.

Parabens

Common parabens include Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and Butylparaben. These group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in your skin whitening products. В In individuals with normal skin, parabens are, for the most part, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Parabens can, however, cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis and Rosacea in individuals with Paraben allergies.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)/Butylhydroxytoluene

BHT is primarily used as an antioxidant agent for another ingredient in skin whitening products especially oil ingredients. Some controversy surrounds the link of BHT is their risk to cancer.

EDTA(ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

EDTA approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a preservative in packaged foods, vitamins, and baby food. In skin whitening products and another personal care it is used to improve product stability. In laboratory animals has been found to be both cytotoxic and weakly genotoxic effect.

The important thing you should aware is, if you are using acne care medication it is a right decision to delay applying your skin whitening until your acne become well. Chemicals in skin whitening can cause your acne worsen.В 

July 2, 2009  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: Info

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