Fairness fetish predominant in many women has given rise to a large segment of cosmetic industry that has long been producing a bewildering variety of creams, lotions, gets, supplements, tablets etc. allegedly having whitening, lightening or bleaching effects on the skin. Many of the products that claim to bring about fabulous results contain chemical agents that as well have varying degrees of known negative side effects associated with them. Most are for topical application, some are orally administered.

Although the health administration of some countries in their attempts to ensure public safety have sophisticated systems in place to regulate mass production and distribution of cosmetic products, the decision to consume or avoid any product or program has almost always been (and will be) influenced by the perceptions and choices of ultimate users, hence the importance of the universal precept that say, “Buyer, Beware.”

Moreover, just because a product is legal does not necessarily mean that it is fine to use. It is not just as simple as that. Anyone using a product on her own will not necessarily know the risks. Frequently, there are potential side effects which only a dermatologist or a qualified medical practitioner can identify and help you control.

Many myths and misconceptions surround the idea of skin whitening. Most consumers don’t know the science behind skin color and are therefore not aware of the effects of the ingredients present in over-the-counter products that are around. Many of the ingredients used in these products do not ‘lighten’ the skin; they will at the most even out the skin tone by freeing your skin of patches of pigmentation, rather than change the overall colour.

This general consumer ignorance is also at work when someone in her attempt to whiten or lighten her skin quickly applies these products beyond prescribed amounts or frequency. Whereas application of these products to the face in larger amounts can render the skin thinned down, their long term use can lead a situation where pigmentation increases to the joints of the fingers, toes, buttocks and ears, and the area around the eyes can have increased pigmentation causing a ‘bleach panda effect’.

Most faulty perceptions created by media hypes add further to this general ignorance of the consumer. Frequently, unethical marketers in their ambitious attempt to influence consumer choices overly advertise their products or use misleading words (such as confusing skin brightening with skin whitening).

A survey conducted by the British Skin Foundation reports that over 80% dermatologists believe that skin whitening products are safe only when prescribed by a qualified skin specialist.

So, if you are worried about your complexion and are also looking for expert help (which as the above facts demonstrate, you always should), contact the skin care department at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery to book your free consultation session with one of our American Board Certified skincare practitioners.