Ingredients to avoid - Hydroquinone

When it comes to skin lightening, the industry ‘standard’ is an ingredient called hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent.
Although the FDA had classified hydroquinone in 1982 as a safe product, additional studies under the National Toxicology Program (NTP) were suggested in order to determine whether there is a risk to humans from the use of hydroquinone. These additional studies showed some evidence of long-term carcinogenic (having the potential to cause cancer) and genotoxic (can cause mutations in the genes) effects. In 2006, the FDA revoked its previous approval of hydroquinone and proposed a ban on all over-the-counter preparations. The FDA stated that hydroquinone cannot be ruled out as a potential carcinogen. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has also highlighted concerns.
Hydroquinone is a major component in most black and white photographic developers for film and paper, and in its natural form, is thought to be the active toxin in toxic mushroom varieties. It is not surprising then that it can cause skin sensitivity and very bad skin irritation.
Potential side effects of hydroquinone use include contact dermatitis, rash, hives, itching, red/swollen/blistered or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is also known to cause damage to pigment cells, inhibiting melanin production, and causes sensitivity to sunlight (turns toxic when exposed to sunlight), increasing exposure to UV radiation, which in turn increases the risk of developing hyperpigmentation
It is considered toxic to cells, and several countries have banned its use.
And to top it off, after stopping hydroquinone use some of the colour/pigmentation it was originally used for, may come back (source: www.drugs.com).
So…where to now with skin lightening? There are several amazing natural substances that have been harvested for use in skincare. Three of these form part of the lightening actives in Rubifresh Licorice Root Lightening Serum.
Bearberry extract – reduces the production of melanin, which gives skin it’s darker colour
Licorice Root extract – inhibits the action of the pigment-producing enzyme tyrosinase
Daisy Flower extract – works on reducing the amount of melanin produced as well as the number of enzymes that produce it
Give it a go today, and see the gradual lightening effects of nature’s best.
Rubifresh Licorice Root Serum.

Read further into the dangers of ingredients used in most skincare, along with other tips and tools to help better your skin health naturally in our FREE MINI EBOOK '10 Habits for Healthy skin'. Download by clicking the 'FREE EBOOK' tab at the bottom left of the page!