Dear Beauty Conscious Reader,
If you want to get rid of dark spots on your skin, just say NO to skin lighteners. Here’s why …
Many of these creams contain mercury. In fact, a new Chicago Tribune study found that 50 skin-lightening creams contain toxic levels of mercury. Five even had enough to cause kidney damage. Mercury is a powerful toxin linked to brain injury, organ failure and muscle weakness.1
Skin lighteners are a booming business – expected to reach $76 million annually by 2015.2 And that means thousands of women – who are using some of the toxic brands – are at risk of mercury poisoning.
But mercury isn’t the only harmful ingredient found in some skin lighteners. Hydroquinone is another. It’s been linked to a skin disfiguring and darkening condition called ochronosis– and the FDA has even described it as carcinogenic.3
Follow these tips to even your skin tone naturally:
First, ramp up the antioxidants in your diet. They’re your best line of defense against all types of skin damage. Great sources include fruit, green leafy veggies, broccoli, nuts and sunflower seeds.
Next, consider natural skin lighteners. The acids in lemon juice can exfoliate and gradually lighten the skin. Squeeze the juice from a locally grown organic lemon onto a cotton ball and apply it directly to the spots you want to fade. You also can create your own fade cream by mixing a half teaspoon of lemon juice with a teaspoon of almond oil and honey. Apply it to spots on your skin for at least 10-15 minutes a day.
You also should exfoliate your skin every few days. This will remove dead-skin cells and unlock brighter skin underneath.
You can prevent skin discolorations and sun damage by protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. But you don’t have to use chemical-filled sunscreens. Try rubbing a little mango butter or shea butter on your skin. These are natural sun blockers – without the toxic chemicals. You can also use zinc oxide, a mineral that provides a reflective barrier on your skin. You’ll find it in most health food and supplement stores.
The best skin lightening cream I’ve found is Concha de Nacar. I discovered it on my trip to Peru a while back. The reasons I like it so much… it’s entirely natural and doesn’t cause photo sensitivity. My staff is sampling a number of different formulas now. It’s hard to find here in the states, so we are importing it and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s available.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, M.D.
- Gabler, Ellen, “Some skin whitening creams contain toxic mercury, testing finds,” Chicago Tribune May 18, 2010
- Gabler, Ellen, “Some skin whitening creams contain toxic mercury, testing finds,” Chicago Tribune May 18, 2010
- Kalson, Sally, “Dermatologists to oppose FDA on plan to ban skin lighteners,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sept. 6, 2006