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The hidden risks of skin-whitening products: Why do many people still choose dangerous ingredients?
The general use of whitening products has attracted widespread attention globally, especially in Africa and Asian countries. Studies have shown that up to 80 % of women use whitening products regularly in these areas, but hidden dangers behind this are often ignored. Some of these products are confirmed to be toxic and may even damage health.
Many whitening products contain hazardous ingredients such as mercury and hydrogen cymbals, which have attracted more and more attention to the potential threats of healthy health.
About 75 % of women in some African countries use whitening products, and this proportion is even more than half in India. By using these products, women want to achieve more uniform skin tone and brighter skin tone, but often ignore the safety of potential side effects and composition. Although some countries have limited and banned certain ingredients, these products can still be easily obtained through the Internet.
Studies have shown that mercury compounds may cause nervous system and kidney problems, putting the human body at higher risk.
As health experts warn consumers about the potential risks of using these products, why are these dangerous ingredients still being chosen by consumers? On the one hand, there is the influence of social and cultural prejudices and customs on skin color. For example, in some cultures, light skin is considered more attractive and can bring higher social status and economic income.
According to research, fair skin is often closely linked to socioeconomic status, triggering this unsafe demand for whitening.
In the shopping market, these products have different prices, supposedly to show that whitening ingredients can be favored by all classes. Despite the health debate, many users are still willing to choose products that can temporarily improve their social status. This undoubtedly reflects the power of cultural concepts and makes it a very common phenomenon.
Skin lightening techniques have been in widespread use since the 18th century, with products dating back to the use of lead powder and other chemicals. Despite advances in technology, many traditional skin-lightening ingredients still exist, and the cultural significance behind them makes these products very difficult to eradicate. However, as society places greater emphasis on health, the risks of using these ingredients seem to be overlooked.
The toxic ingredients in many products may not only cause damage to the user's skin, but may also cause more serious health problems.
It is worth noting that the beauty market in some countries is increasingly favoring natural ingredients and non-toxic cosmetics. Will this be a major focus in the future to counter the demand for those dangerous ingredients in whitening products? A balance needs to be established between industry norms and consumer choice beliefs, which has led many people to reflect on their attitudes towards skin color.
As social mores change and awareness of health risks increases, is it possible to gradually reduce reliance on these dangerous ingredients in the future?
