Often Contained in 'Abal-Abal' Creams, These are the Side Effects of Mercury

Dream - The beauty industry 5-10 years ago had quite a significant difference compared to today. Back then, there were not as many skincare brands being sold as there are now. Therefore, the choices of skincare were very limited. The same goes for education about their usage.

As a result, many people are still confused about how to use and choose skincare products. Consequently, some people choose skincare without sufficient knowledge and end up using 'abal-abal' creams.

Not only in the past, but there are still many people using them now. 'Abal-abal' creams themselves are a nickname given to skincare products with unclear product information and are not certified by BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Usually, these products are marketed through word of mouth and are not sold freely. Therefore, the safety and authenticity of the products are not guaranteed.

Although many people use them and experience the benefits of these products for their skin, many also experience negative side effects. It's not just acne or rashes, but these products can also cause various difficult-to-treat skin problems, such as melasma and ochronosis.

What is Mercury?

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These skin problems are caused by highly dangerous substances such as mercury. Mercury is often contained in 'abal-abal' creams that claim to whiten the skin. The results are not insignificant. Many people have successfully whitened their skin using skincare products containing mercury.

However, mercury is actually a substance that should not be contained in skincare products. "Mercury is a type of metal that is usually used as a preservative and is not recommended for skincare," said Ika Ayu, a Dermatologist during the introduction of Aceskin at iCantix & Co., Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

How Does Mercury Work?

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She also revealed how mercury works, which functions to cover the surface of the skin. "Mercury is like 'skin cement'. So, the 'microscopic bodies' in the skin die. So from the outside, the skin looks glowing because it provides a masking effect."

Using mercury-containing skincare products makes it difficult for skin cells to breathe and can damage them, even though they may appear very healthy and bright. If used continuously, mercury-containing skincare products can cause redness, rashes, melasma, or ochronosis, which is a change in skin color to a grayish color in certain areas of the face.

The effects vary for each person. "Some people experience the effects when they stop using it. Some may take 5-20 years to become apparent," said Ika.

If you have already experienced side effects such as melasma and ochronosis, it is likely that your skin condition will not return to its original state. "Half-dead cannot be eliminated. Whether it's through laser treatments or other treatments, it cannot be eliminated."

Safe Ways to Brighten the Skin

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It is advisable to use skincare products available in the market for skin brightening. You can use skincare products that contain niacinamide, alpha arbutin, or galactomyces.

In addition, optimize your skincare routine by leading a healthy lifestyle. "Sleep before 10 PM so that the regeneration process is not disrupted, drink plenty of juice, avoid sweets, and don't forget sunscreen," she concluded.