Many people buy skin lightening products over the counter. There are more than a hundred products on the market, but the FDA may change that.
Skin lightening products may be coming off store shelves. The FDA is considering banning over the counter skin lighteners that contain hydroquinone. One reason is that studies in rats show the possibility that hydroquinone may be cancer causing.
"I think the FDA is being a little protective here," Dermatologist, Dr. Mathew Avram, of Massachusetts General Hospital said. "I think they haven't seen the data to show this is not a concern and therefore rather than take the risk that there is a problem with cancer, they are going to withdraw it from the over-the-counter market."
Another potential problem with hydroquinone is a skin disease called ochronosis.
"This medication is associated with a blue-black discoloration of the skin if it is used for prolonged periods of time," Dr. Avram said.
Skin lighteners are used for skin problems such as blemishes, freckles, sun or age spots.
While most people in this country don't use skin lighteners to lighten their skin color, that's not the case in some countries, where lighteners have been over used with disastrous results.
In fact, hydroquinone has been banned in some European countries, including Australia and Japan.
Dr. Avram uses skin lighteners on some of his patients. He says it's a good idea to see a doctor before using this product to make sure it's right for you and that it's being used properly.
"If you use the medication to improve pigmentation, but it causes irritation to your skin," Dr. Avram said. "It might worsen the pigmentation."
In this country, skin lighteners sold over the counter can contain two percent hydroquinone. Prescription products can have four percent.
If you're thinking about using a skin lightening product, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist first.
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