7 Risks Associated With Hydroquinone

The obsession of having snow white skin has been entrenched in women (as well as men) in this part of the world since time immemorial.  People with white skin is believed to be beautiful and those without it are generally associated with being ‘ugly’.  In Malaysia, the so-called cosmetics and skincare product founders are selling their allegedly authority-approved brands, with a long list of dangerous materials, to the beauty-obsessed public.  Hydroquinone is one of it.  According to healthbase.com, hydroquinone is a common active ingredient that is found in a lot of skincare products that are designed specifically to lighten the skin. It essentially minimizes the amount of melanin that you produce, causing a brightening effect with the top layer of the dermis.

Here we share with you the seven dangers of hydroquinone.

1.Ochronosis

Ochronosis is a bluish black discoloration of the skin as the result of bleaching creams usage that contains hydroquinone as one of its active ingredients.  This condition can cause yellow or brown bumps as well as thickening of the skin.

One of the worst things about hydroquinone can do to the skin is to make it weaker, which happens over time. The weaker the skin gets, the easier it is for the hydroquinone to gain direct access to the bloodstream. This can have an adverse effect on the kidneys and liver.

2.Photosensitivity

People with photosensitivity become highly sensitive to sunlight and when exposed they will experience severe skin burns and chapped skin.

3. Carcinogenic Properties

Scientific research has determined that hydroquinone can potentially have a carcinogenic effect on humans.

Lab rats were given this ingredient in high doses through a feeding tube, and some of the test subjects contracted cancer as a result.

4.Allergic Reactions

You may experience difficulties in breathing and swelling of the throat, face, or mouth.

5.Toxicity

Hydroquinone is a cytotoxic substance, which means it is damaging to the cells.

A person would have to use extremely high amounts of it to experience these toxic effects, but it is still a possibility.

6.General Irritation

Prolonged use of skin care products with Hydroquinone as one of its main ingredients can cause general irritation to the skin, presenting in the form of itching, redness (rash), and even burning.

Some people are more sensitive to this ingredient than others, so the severity of the irritation can vary greatly.

Source: The Health Base