By pascal Oparada
So many people, especially Nigerians are unaware of the damage some known and popular body creams and cosmetics are causing to their skin.
They are toxic skin lightening creams that have been banned in so many countries but are hugely popular in Africa, especially in Nigeria.
“Nigerians use the creams without prescription by a qualified dermatologist”, says Dr. Ndidi Obaro, a dermatologist from Healthcheck hospital in Lagos.
“Some are recommended to be applied to a particular spot or areas with acne or any skin disorders. But instead of using it for that purpose, people apply them all over their bodies,” Obaro said.
According to Obaro, some of these cosmetics contain high levels of hydroquinone and corticosteroids, which when applied wrongly can lead to long term damage to the skin.
Hydroquinone is a skin lightener used in many whitening creams and dark mark fade treatments. It reduces the production of melanin in your skin, so it is great for fading hyperpigmentation, acne marks, sun spots, melasma, and other skin discoloration issues.
But when used in large quantity, it can cause serious damage to the skin.
Caro White, a popular skin lightening cream contains 19 per cent of Hydroquinone which is above the recommended level.
Hydroquinone reduces the production of melanin in the skin and when exposed to sunlight, can cause acute skin disorders.
Hydroquinone can also, after repeated use, lead users to develop a condition called ochronosis – long-term blackening of the skin. Long-term frequent application of corticosteroids can severely thin the skin.
Thinning of the skin causes stretch marks to the body. It can also lead to delayed wound healing.
Recently, a shopkeeper was convicted in the United Kingdom for selling Caro White, which is considered toxic in the country.
Caro White also contains corticosteroids. Corticosteroid drugs — including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone — are useful in treating many conditions, such as rashes, lupus and asthma. But these drugs also carry a risk of serious side effects.
Some of the side effects include osteoporosis (fragile bones), hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, weight gain, increased vulnerability to infection, cataracts and glaucoma (eye disorders),thinning of the skin, stretch marks (striae) in armpits or groin.
Others are enlarged blood vessels (telangiectasia) and l
ocalised increased hair thickness and length (hypertrichosis).