The average age spot reducer in the US contains hydroquinone, although the use of the ingredient has been banned in some other countries, such as those in the European Union. Before you buy a cream containing hydroquinone, you should take the time to learn a little about the ingredient.
Hydroquinone is a compound made up of benzene and other organic chemicals.
Benzene exposure is known to increase a person’s risk of cancer and other illnesses.
It is classified as a human carcinogen that damages chromosomes and causes breaks in DNA strands. Those are things that lead to aging on a cellular level. We know that people who are exposed to toxins like benzene have more visible signs of aging (such as wrinkles and age spots) and also have more age-related diseases.
Although hydroquinone is different from benzene, as it is only one of the chemicals it contains, it has been long suspected that the compound is a probable or potential carcinogen.
In 2006, the US FDA proposed a ban on all over-the-counter preparations, such as an age spot reducer, containing the ingredient, because the possibility that it can cause cancer cannot be ruled out.
The ban was proposed as a result of studies showing that the ingredient is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Since the only way the ingredient can work to lighten dark spots is to apply it to the skin, the risk is a real one.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has also petitioned for a ban, but has mainly been able to let consumers know about the risk. The proposed ban was not passed and hydroquinone creams continue to be on the market.
There is also a slight possibility that an age spot reducer containing hydroquinone can cause a disfiguring skin condition with blue and black pigments appearing in spots all over the body.
The risk is considered slight, because most cases have occurred when the compound is taken orally, not applied to the skin. Still, there is a risk that enough could get into the mouth to cause the condition, especially in sensitive individuals.
Then, there is the issue of skin sensitivity. When used in the manner in which it is intended, a cream containing the ingredient can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive to sunlight.
The risks are really not worth it. There are effective natural skin-lightening ingredients that are actually anti-irritants. Before you buy an age spot reducer, you might want to learn about the safe alternatives.
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