Hydroquinone~the cure worse than the cause

Consumers should be alarmed to read about recent research relating to hydroquinone, the whitening agent in whitening cream causing cancer. Although hydroquinone creams are banned for use in cosmetics you may be still be giving hydroquinone to your cosmetic table without being aware.

Hydroquinone has been used for many years to reduce pigmentation by acting on melanin producing cells. This action can destroy the pigment making cells (melanocytes) and alter the structure of melanosomes (packets of pigment which are made by the melanocytes and passed to new skin cells as they are formed).

Hydroquinone was banned in January 2001 in cosmetics because of the potential damage it can do to the skin in terms of irritating the skin and creating white areas where no pigment can be made or in some cases turning the skin black. It is still prescribed by dermatologists in hospital but they are gradually switching to alternatives as new safety data comes to light. Recent studies have shown the potential of hydroquinone to cause cancer.

Significant importation of hydroquinone creams still occurs from countries where it is yet to be banned and a strong black market trade exists in the Malaysia (26 products). This is bad enough but more concerning is that companies can still sell products containing arbutin and bearberry legally. Arbutin is the glycopyranoside of hydroquinone, may carry similar cancer risks, although there are also claims that arbutin reduces cancer risk. The German Institute of Food Research found that intestinal bacteria can transform arbutin into hydroquinone, which creates an environment favourable for intestinal cancer. It is known that the body excretes 64-75% of arbutin in urine, and arbutin converted to hydroquinone has an antibacterial effect in the urinary tract, hence the use of bearberry in herbal medicine, but it is not known why this substance plays a role in cancer development.This mouthful means that when this molecule is in the skin it breaks down and releases hydroquinone. Bearberry is a natural source of arbutin. So in fact many people are still effectively getting hydroquinone albeit by a different method. This issue of substitute sources of hydroquinone has been raised with the EEC but they have yet to respond; although they have classified hydroquinone as a potential cancer agent.

Hydroquinone has been shown to cause blood cancers such as leukaemia and kidney damage in animal studies. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the blood stream and excreted via the kidneys but at a slower rate. This tells us that hydroquinone accumulates in the body. It is broken down in the bone marrow to p-benzoquinone and this is where long term damage may originate.

Hydroquinone creams are routinely used for four to six weeks minimum and many people use it for social lightening of a dark complexion over many years. There is strong evidence now that safer alternatives should be used which are as effective in many cases but without the long term risks.

This information has been brought to light by a recent review by Dr W Westerhof and T J Kooyers of the Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders and the Department of
Dermatology at the University on the health risks of hydroquinone and its analogues. They are pleading with the authorities to ban all sources of hydroquinone immediately.

Skin Care ingredient glossary

Looking for most effective skin care? most suitable for your skin needs? oh..you have to know what actually inside your miracle skin care!
Aloe Vera -Helps moisturize, soothe and regenerate healthy skin cells. Effective with acne and wrinkle skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids -Are natural, non-toxin substance found in foods and plants. In many skin conditions there is too much thickening of the stratum corneum which is the outer dead layer of skin. Alpha Hydroxy works as fruit acid that soften the "physiological glue" that holds the skin dead cells surface together. Without a build-up of this unused skin surface, the skin can become healthier, youthful, and damage skin can diminished.
Allantoin -A derivative of the herb Comfrey, which is known for its soothing and smoothing properties. This vital "anti-aging" attribute of Kinetin also appears to extend to our skin cells.
Antioxidant- Free-Radical particles cause our bodies to produce nasty-by-products when exposed to the sun, air pollution, smoking or even alcohol and foods. Antioxidants help stop the damage caused by this and also help the skin fight against wrinkles, bad complexion and signs of skin aging. Among the best are: Beta Carotene, Vitamin A, C, E and herbals: Ginkgo Biloba, Rose Hips, Garlic, Grape seed, Bilberry, Green TEA, Pycnogenol and Seaweed.
Buffer AHAs -The first of its kind in AHAs, so advanced that there is a patent pending on this formulation. Buffer is designed especially for maximum results with minimum irritation.
Caprille/Caprie Triglyceride Caprille moisturize the skin, these natural fatty acids are needed to maintain the skins moisture without clogging the pores.
Cocoa Butter -Cocoa Butter is absorbed quickly into the skin to soften, lubricated, moisten and nutrients the skin. Works great to prevent and treat scars, stretch marks, and damage skin
Collagen (protein) -The primary beauty nutrients in the body. Collagen is needed for the strength and support your skin requires to fight wrinkles and retain its youthful resiliency. Chamomile -Chamomile is effective in soothing and healing the surface of the skin. Promotes the regeneration of skin cells

Clove/ Cinnamon- Improves circulation and helps stimulate blood flow.
Comfrey -encourages the growth of new cells and repair of the skin. Helps protect the skin against aging.
Ginkgo Biloba -stimulates circulation, also a powerful antioxidant.
Glycerin -Derived mainly from vegetable fats, it is used as a moisturizer and emollient.
Horsetail -A rich organic ingredient that gives the skin a firmer, youthful and smoother look. Horsetail improves elasticity, giving skin the ability to spring back into shape.
Hydroquinone -is the most effective lightening compound on the market today. Because this is a highly concentrated ingredient can cause irritation on sensitive skin and should be use with caution.
Kojic Acids -This is a natural herb, known for its lightening effects. Because the FDA only allows the use of 2% Hydroquinone in a cosmetic product, Kojic Acid is use to boots the lightenineffects.
Jojoba Oil -Jojoba oil is called "liquid gold" An extraordinary balancing oil, which helps regulate under-active and overactive oil glands.
Liposome -Liposome are advanced natural fatty acids that hold the skins natural moisture in the skin. This is especially important for hydrating dry and aging skin. The lack of moisture is the number one cause of wrinkles and dry skin damage. These fatty acids can come from Lecithin.
Mint-Mint is used for cleansing and stimulating the skin tissue.
Safflower /Sunflower Oil -These natural oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Works as natural lubrication to moisturizer the skin.
Sage -Sage is an astringent stimulating herb, good for circulation to skin tissues. It contains an estrogen-like active ingredient with a tautening effects on aging skin.
Shea Butter -Shea Butter is deep penetrating and long acting. Is needed to restore the skin's moisture balance and prevent visible signs of aging and wrinkles.
Squalane -Derived from olives, uses to keep skin soft and supple.
TEA -Tea is excellent for putting oxygen into the skin tissue. This herb also fights Free-Radicals that are aging and destructive to the skin.
Micellized Vitamins-These patent skin vitamins are small molecules vitamins that were specifically developed for topical application. Smaller molecules vitamins results in greater absorption into the skin than any other vitamins.
Vitamin A -Helps increase skin elasticity to decrease fine lines and bring about healthier, supple skin.
Vitamin C -Vitamin C and/or Rose Hips helps neutralize free radical activity and promotes collagen synthesis.
Vitamin E -Known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin E helps trap free - radicals before they can damage skin cells