Getting flawless skin is no easy task, and a lot of creams are heavily used in the world of skincare. In addition to fruits, foods, and oils, of course.
Unfortunately, not all creams you use are as good as they seem. Today, we’ll break down 5 popular creams to avoid if you want healthy, clear skin.
1. Skin Lightening Creams:
Hydroquinone is a potent skin-lightening agent used in almost every skin-lightening cream, but it’s also a double-edged sword. While it effectively targets hyperpigmentation to bring out your true complexion, a little too much use has been associated with adverse effects.
Studies suggest that hydroquinone can lead to skin irritation, redness, and ochronosis—a condition characterized by bluish-black darkening of the skin. It’s a common side effect of the infamous “bleaching creams.”
And that’s not all; recent studies regarding its potential side effects show that hydroquinone might be linked to skin cancer.
If you’re going to use skin-lightening creams at all, it’s important to consult a skin expert or a professional chemist first. Ask them for the least harmful amount to use on your skin, and if you have skin allergies, it’s better to avoid these creams entirely.
2. Topical Creams:
Topical creams contain corticosteroids, so they’re usually prescribed to combat inflammation. However, their unsupervised use can result in unintended, and often severe consequences.
A lot of it may lead to skin thinning, discoloration, and the formation of stretch marks (Yes, stretch marks can come from creams, too). Even worse, not applying it at random can trigger a rebound effect, which ends up worsening your skin condition.
These creams should only be used under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional, so consult your physician or local pharmacist before you start to use them.
3. Cheap Retinol Creams:
Retinol is revered for its anti-aging properties; the right retinol creams can even make you look a decade younger.
But retinol is a chemical that can be as fatal as it is useful. Cheap, over-the-counter retinol creams can cause dryness, peeling, and heightened sensitivity to the sun. If sunlight starts to hurt your skin, you might have be using a retinol cream for too long.
Gradual introduction and diligent sunscreen use are essential to stop these effects, though, so it’s advisable to buy sunscreen along with your favourite retinol cream.
While you’re buying those creams, be warned: Cheaper isn’t always Better. A good retinol cream might take more out of your pocket, but it’s a fair price to pay for good skin.
Remember to consult with a chemist or dermatologist before use, so that retinol becomes an ally in your skincare journey, not your enemy.
4. Skin Whitening Creams:
This might come as a shock to skin care enthusiasts, but some skin-whitening creams contain lethal doses of mercury, a toxic heavy metal.
Mercury can lead to skin rashes, discoloration, and even severe health issues when absorbed into the bloodstream. It need not be said, but be sure to keep any skincare product with mercury away from the reach of children.
Regulatory bodies worldwide like NAFDAC, NDLEA, and even WHO, have warned against the use of mercury in cosmetics, emphasizing the importance of checking product labels before you use them.
So, verydarkman’s stunts aside, make sure your skincare products have a NAFDAC number. E get why.
5. Acne Creams:
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne-fighting creams, but it’s a chemical so potent that even regular use can cause adverse reactions.
Excessive use may result in excessive dryness of skin, skin peeling, and irritation, which actually increases acne rather than resolving it.
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase, paying close attention to your skin's response.
And if your skin is fairly normal, be sure to check with a qualified pharmacist for the appropriate dosage to apply to your skin.
As a bonus point, your skin is more likely to be sensitive with prolonged use of skincare products. If your skincare routine takes anything more than sixty days at a time, you might be doing more harm than good.
It’s also important to stick to more natural solutions for your skin. Constant nutrition, clean drinking water, and a few fruits here and there might be just what you need for healthier skin that glows. Mangoes, avocados, and cucumbers are famous in the world of skincare, especially for being applied both externally and internally.
Remember that skincare is all about healthy, fresh skin. After all, it’s not unhealthy skin that glows.
Applying a few creams and oils aren’t bad for your skin, of course, but be wary of the creams you use. The wrong creams can be lethal, so be sure to use only professionally prescribed amounts on your skin.
Unless you like skin cancer.
Keep a simple skincare routine that works for you, so your skin stays radiant, fresh and beautiful.
So that YOU stay beautiful.
