Why You Should Never Use Hydroquinone

What price would you pay for beauty? Would you put chemicals on your skin that are used to develop X-ray films or used as additives for industrial monomers?

We hope not. Yet, thousands of women with darker complexions do exactly that — many without even realizing it — when they use products containing a chemical called hydroquinone in an attempt to lighten and brighten their skin.

The results aren’t always beautiful. In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration, and multiple studies, hydroquinone sometimes produces very ugly side effects.

The FDA claims that the chemical has been associated with yellow growths on the skin, discolored spots and a condition known as ochronosis.

Even worse, The Environmental Working Group has classified hydroquinone as a carcinogen, an immunotoxicant as well as a developmental and reproductive toxicant.  

In addition to its possible carcinogenic effects, the chemical bleaches the skin, stripping away naturally protective melanin and making its user more susceptible to skin cancer. In studies, hydroquinone has been shown to contribute to tumor growth in mice.

The health dangers associated with hydroquinone prompted CampaignForSafeCosmetics.org to issue warnings about the use of products containing the chemical and calling it one of the most harmful substances that can be put on the skin.

Hydroquinone has already been banned in Japan, Europe and Australia, yet remains legal — and widely used in skin products in the U.S., especially those marketed to women with brown skin. The FDA did propose a ban on hydroquinone in 2006, but industry lobbying groups successfully blocked the effort.

Today, there are still dozens of products available that contain this harmful chemical. We want you to be aware that it’s out there, and to know the dangers so that you can protect yourself and the people you love.

Always check product labels and ask about the ingredients in any salon treatment before allowing it to be used on your skin. And tell your friends, too … because Hydroquinone just isn’t worth the price.

 

Serums, Lotions & Creams — What’s Best for Your Skin?

There’s a lot of confusion about the differences between facial serums, lotions and creams. Is one better for your skin than the others? Do you need all three?

First of all, no — one is not better than the others. They just serve different purposes. Deciding whether you should use all three depends on your skin’s needs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the three primary differences between serums, lotions and creams:

1. Consistency/texture: Serums are water-based/liquids. They are lightweight and absorb quickly and easily into skin. Lotions are a bit denser and creams as the name suggests, are thick in consistency. Some creams are oil based and feel heavy or gooey on the skin.

The difference in consistency is not just superficial — it actually affects the delivery of functional ingredients. Since serums are thinner, they penetrate deep into the skin and are very effective in delivering actives. For this reason, serums are usually highly concentrated and extremely potent.

2. How and when you apply them: This is pretty simple — always go from thinnest to thickest. In other words, serum first, then lotions, and finally creams. Apply in layers. Wait until each product absorbs (dries) so that you don’t wipe away the functional ingredients, then apply the next product.

3. What they do: Serums usually have specific functions; for example, reducing the appearance of skin redness, discoloration or sagging skin. They help to repair skin damage, especially pigmentation issues and wrinkles due to aging and sun exposure.

Lotions are often focused on prevention, such as exfoliating acne lotions.

Creams work excellently to moisturize skin and lock in functional ingredients — both in the cream itself as well as the actives from serums and lotions you’ve applied earlier in your skincare regimen.

New Year Resolution: Focus on my career

5 simple style tips for the black working woman

If one of your New Years Resolution is to get ahead in your job.  Then it is time to evaluate the question that vexes millions of women every morning "What should I wear?". Here are some tips to help you dress with less stress.

#1. Focus on style, not fashion

Fashion is trendy, and trends come and go. Style is about your individual expression, not about what you saw in a magazine. So don’t worry yourself trying to fit someone else’s mold of how you should dress. Dress for yourself first, and you can’t go wrong.

#2. Don’t go too casual

Your co-workers might wear torn jeans and baseball caps to the office, but that doesn’t mean you have to fall into the same rut. Your clothes say a lot about your character. You want to look like you’re ready to make things happen, not like you’re ready to watch TV.

#3. Avoid a color clash

You don’t want the “noise” from too many loud colors drown out the sound of your voice at the office. Color helps you stand out, but too many bright colors, bold patterns or animal prints may cause people to focus more on how you’re dressed than what you have to say. Keep it cute and feminine, but also polished and professional.

#4. Make the most of your shape.

Are you a pear, apple, brick, hour glass or inverted triangle? Learn how to play down your flaws and make the most of your assets.

#5. Tone down the sex factor

We’re not saying you can’t have any fun when dressing for the office, but would you rather have your colleagues and clients staring at your cleavage or listening to your ideas?