There are so many harms of whitening cosmetics

Whitening cosmetics are often used by many female friends in daily life, because they not only make the skin look whiter, but also make the skin look particularly delicate, so they are loved by women. In fact, frequent use of whitening cosmetics can cause great harm to human health, because many of its essential ingredients are highly irritating to the skin.

There are endless whitening products on the market. The quality of products varies greatly, so we must keep our eyes open when purchasing. Because some whitening products contain harmful substances, they are not only directly irritating to the skin, but may also cause skin sensitivity, pigmentation, acne, and even cancer. So, let’s take a look at which chemical elements in whitening products can harm our skin.

1. Hydrogen peroxide

Beauty salons usually use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your skin. However, if the concentration is high, it will harm the skin because high concentration of hydrogen peroxide will have strong oxidizing properties. The scientific name of hydrogen peroxide is "hydrogen peroxide". It has a bactericidal effect because it can release an atomic oxygen. Especially for deep wounds, it can kill some anaerobic bacteria such as tetanus bacteria. ;Generally, 5-10% hydrogen peroxide is used for skin disinfection. Concentrations exceeding this, such as 30% hydrogen peroxide, can be corrosive to the skin.

2. Hydroquinone

Whitening products have always been very popular, but it is unrealistic to make spots disappear in a very short period of time. The correct approach is to take effective sun protection measures, choose appropriate and safe whitening ingredients according to the stage of pigmentation formation, and patiently condition the skin. If you use cosmetics containing dangerous ingredients with side effects in order to quickly remove spots, you will definitely regret it for the rest of your life. If hydroquinone is used improperly, it will cause cytotoxic reactions. And because it is extremely photophobic, it needs to be used with products with a high sun protection factor, which will cause a burden on the skin. Hydroquinone itself is a toxic substance and can cause horrible scarring if it accumulates. It can also cause fatal damage to internal organs, especially the kidneys and liver. Therefore, in some European countries, only 2% of hydroquinone is allowed in certain medicinal products.

3. Mercury and its compounds

Mercury and its compounds are banned chemicals in cosmetic ingredients, but are often added to whitening, skin lightening and freckle removal products by some informal small cosmetic workshops. If such products are used for a long time, mercury and its compounds can pass through the skin barrier and enter all organs and tissues of the body, causing damage to the body, especially the kidneys, liver and spleen, thereby destroying the activity of the enzyme system, causing protein coagulation, tissue necrosis, and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, indifference, emotional instability, headache, dizziness, tremor, etc., accompanied by decreased hemoglobin content and red and white blood cell counts, liver damage, etc., in addition, there are also decreased peripheral sensation, centripetal reduction of visual field, hearing impairment and ataxia, etc.

4. Lead and its compounds

Lead and its compounds are usually added to some base makeup products (such as pressed powder, foundation, etc.). According to national regulations, the lead content in cosmetics must be less than 0.6% (Pb), otherwise it will produce toxic side effects. Lead and its compounds are absorbed through the skin and may endanger human health, especially affecting the hematopoietic system, nervous system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, immune and endocrine systems. For pregnant women, it may also affect the health of the fetus.

5. Enzymes

Enzymes are "metabolites" secreted by yeast. They can accelerate skin metabolism and stimulate the growth of new cells in the basal layer of the skin. Therefore, an appropriate amount of enzymes can make the skin as crystal clear as a rejuvenated skin. However, it should be noted that the cell division speed and capacity of the basal layer of the skin are limited. Long-term excessive use of enzymes will continuously stimulate the growth of new cells in the basal layer of the skin every day. Over time, the cells in the basal layer of the skin will become exhausted and unable to divide into new cells. The skin will eventually lose its ability to regenerate and repair itself, and will age prematurely. Actually, using enzymes is like drinking poison to quench thirst, which is not advisable.

6. Spices

Many people like the fragrant smell of cosmetics. In fact, fragrances are also the culprit of skin damage, which may cause health problems such as photosensitivity and contact dermatitis.

"Chromium" and "neodymium" contained in spices are banned elements. If used by patients with weak skin resistance, the skin will experience irritation and burning sensation, or the skin will become sensitive and red, and in severe cases, it will cause dermatitis. Chromium is a skin allergen that can cause allergic dermatitis or eczema, which has a long course and is difficult to heal.