Whitening Cream Ads and Labels: Spotting Mercury, Steroids and HQ (Video)

Transcript

Spotting Dangerous Creams

Ever wonder why some whitening creams promise a dramatic change in just a week? Let’s look at what’s really inside and how to protect yourself.

The verdict up front: a whitening cream that shows dramatic results in a week, sold in a plain jar with a handwritten or photocopied label, is very likely to contain a strong steroid, mercury, hydroquinone, or all three. Whitening cream ads and the whitening cream and soap combos sold in bazaars and online promise “formula” results, and the formula is usually a medicine that no one should be rubbing on their face every night.

At a glance

Quickly scan for red-flag ingredients like steroids, mercury or hydroquinone, notice if the packaging lacks a full list, address or expiry date, and remember that daily sunscreen and a dermatologist are safer choices.

Inside a “formula” cream

A strong steroid can make skin look paler within days by shrinking blood vessels, but it also thins the skin and can cause acne-like bumps and a painful flare when stopped. Mercury is sometimes added and is toxic, while hydroquinone and tretinoin are medicines that need a doctor’s supervision.

If a cream works like a medicine, assume it contains one, and ask who prescribed it.

Reading the label

Labels can lie. Turn the box over and look for a complete ingredient list, a manufacturer address, batch number and expiry date. Scan for any names ending in, sone or, olone, as well as mercury, mercuric, calomel or hydroquinone.

Skin reaction signs

If your skin feels unusually thin, shiny, bruises easily, or you notice redness, burning, tiny bumps after a missed application, those are warning signs. New dark or blue-grey patches are also a red flag.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve used an unlabelled or “formula” cream and notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor soon and bring the jar. Pregnant or nursing women should stop any unknown whitening cream right away and tell their doctor.

Stopping the cream

Document the product and how your skin looks, then stop using it completely. Wash any towels or pillowcases that touched the cream. Move to a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturizer and sunscreen with at least SPF thirty each morning.

Myth: dark patches mean success

Seeing blue-black patches doesn’t mean the cream is working; it’s a sign of damage from over-use or irritation. Stop the product and get professional help.

Take care

For the full details, read the post on thecareonline.com. Remember, this isn’t medical advice, talk to a professional for any concerns.