According to an investigation by the Chicago Tribune, several skin lightening creams available for OTC purchase contain high levels of mercury – a toxic metal shown to cause severe health problems over time.
The news is scary, but don’t doom yourself to a lifetime of age spots and freckles. Here are some tips for ensuring that you are using safe skin lightening products:
1. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. Larger skin care companies are far less likely to fall under the FDAs radar. Stick with American-based manufacturers.
2. Speak with your doctor. In addition to prescribing products that are stronger than what you can purchase over the counter, the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies that produce these products are heavily regulated.
3. Look for the following active ingredients: hydroquinone (which is safe in small amounts and when used for short periods of time), kojik acid, vitamin A derivatives (Retin-A, retinol, retinoid), vitamin B3 (Niacinimide), licorice extract, and Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin C esters).
