Skin brighteners are becoming increasingly popular today. More companies are now offering their own version of this cosmetic product. First of all, you have to understand that skin brighteners are not just for attaining a lighter skin tone. It can also be used to improve the appearance of skin discolorations like brown spots, uneven skin colour and acne marks. Most skin brighteners use gentle ingredients like derivatives of vitamin C and B.
Plant extracts are also used in the formulation of most skin brighteners. Even if the skin discolorations don't disappear completely, the skin usually appears much better and more even with a radiant glow. However, there are also some ingredients that are dangerous and can cause skin problems like irritation and ochrinosis (irreversible black or blue hyperpigmentation of the skin).
In this article, let's take one of the most popular dark spot correctors under close inspection. It is our aim to determine if this product is really good or it would be better to look at other products.
Product Specifications
Proactiv is well-known in the beauty industry because of their excellent acne treatment. However, they are now offering another product in the form of the Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector. This product targets dark spots caused by acne along with other skin discolorations. All you have to do is to apply the product on the affected area and results will be visible in a couple of days. The product can be purchased with the acne treatment or separately.
Key Ingredients
The main problem with Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector is the fact that its key ingredient is hydroquinone. This is a common ingredient in skin lightening products but the FDA has been investigating it for a while now. It is believed to be a carcinogen meaning it can lead to cancer. There is even a study which showed conclusive evidence linking hydroquinone to leukemia.
Hydroquinone Facts
Although hydroquinone is connected to many health risks, it is one of the most effective substances for lightening the skin. There is no doubt that it is an effective skin brightening agent. However, it is a very dangerous substance. In fact, it is banned in some countries in Europe because of the dangers connected to its use. In 2006, the FDA proposed to ban all products that contain hydroquinone.
The United States FDA allows it to be sold over-the-counter at a concentration of 2%. They claim that this is safe and cannot cause side effects. 4% concentration is also available but can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Because Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector contains the dangerous ingredient hydroquinone, this is not a recommendable product. It would be better to look at other products that are made from safe and natural ingredients. It is effective in treating dark spots and other skin discolorations but the potential hazards are just unacceptable.
The price of Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector is also higher compared to other skin brightening products. Because it only contains 2% hydroquinone, the effects are also not as significant. Fortunately, there are many safer skin brightening products available on the market to choose from.
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