Know how mercury based skincare products can damage your health

Be honest and tell us about how frequently you fall for beauty products just because you see your favourite actor endorsing them.
Many brands till date use harmful ingredients which can not only damage the skin but are also linked to many health concerns.

A high level of mercury is found in alot of skin lightening and anti-ageing creams which helps preventing dark spots, fine lines, blemishes, and wrinkles. However, the FDA had banned the use of mercury in most cosmetics at levels higher than 1 ppm in 1973.
The rising demand for skin lightening creams is a serious global public health issue. The global market for skin-lightening creams is $8.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $11.8 billion by 2026.

What are the health risks?

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the Primary adverse effect of mercury is kidney damage and also anxiety and depression. Long-term use of mercury in products can even damage eyes, nervous system and immune system. Pregnant women and nursing babies are most vulnerable to mercury toxicity. Several countries have banned the use of mercury in beauty products due to severe health hazards.

How to avoid the risk?

According to experts, do not fall for any products which claim fairer and younger skin. You should rather properly check the ingredients mentioned on the product case and avoid buying them if they contain Hg, mercuric iodide, mercurous chloride, quicksilver, cinnabaris, and hydrargyri oxydum rubrum.

Be extra cautious while picking up your skincare products and always consult a dermatologist in case of any skin problem.

Also watch: How to double cleanse your face? Know about this skincare trend