Most Asians have an obsession with whitening products. In theory, for such people, fair skin is equivalent to beauty.
For years, whiteness as a standard of beauty has been deeply ingrained in many Asian cultures. In most supermarkets, you can see a whole aisle of whitening products – soap, facial wash, and lotion to name some.
In a neighbouring Asian country – the Philippines – two incidents that happened to mums and their kids have alerted us to the safety hazard skin whitening products may cause.
The product in question is by Goree, a Pakistani company that produces whitening products such as beauty cream, day and night cream, soap, and face wash.
Breastfeeding Mum Passed On Allergy to Her Kid After Using the Product
There are many victims who have aired their concerns via social media and other platforms about Goree products. This time, there is another victim whose story can serve as a wake-up call to all mummies out there.
Karen Grace Reguyal, a Goree product user, experienced bad allergies which even passed on to her baby. Upon consultation, her paediatrician said that she might have passed it on through breastfeeding or skin contact.
Testimonies like these should not fall on deaf ears because they warn us about the dangers we expose not only ourselves to, but our babies as well.
Screenshot: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA)
Rushed to the Emergency Room
In another incident, Princess Tupas, a Goree product user, was rushed to the emergency room seven times due to a severe allergy and weakening of her immune system. She said that the itchiness was unbearable and made it hard for her to breathe.
Unsurprisingly, the product is already known by doctors to cause adverse reactions.
Screenshot: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA)
Goree has been in the spotlight after several clients claimed to have experienced skin complications after using their products.
It has been reported that the products contain an alarming amount of mercury, which is very dangerous to one’s body. But a spokesman for the company asserts that the products in question are fake and have not been manufactured by the Goree company.
Tips to Avoid Adverse Beauty Product Skin Reactions (And Passing It on to Your Baby)
1. Research
Before buying a product, be it online, through a friend, or from a physical store, research about it first. Go through the labels to check its content and directions for using.
Make sure the product is original. Imitations are all over the market and are sold at a cheaper price. Listen to valid testimonials especially if the product is sold online.
It is important to check the company’s reputation as well.
Remember: If you really want quality, invest in it.
2. Ask Your Dermatologist
Karen Reguyal, the mum who is a victim of Goree products, advises that it is best to consult a dermatologist first.
In that way, you can be sure about the products you use. You can also learn what products work well with your skin type. Note that you also have to know what kind of products should be avoided by mummies who breastfeed or nurse their babies.
3. Consider Using Natural Products
Avoid putting harsh chemicals onto your skin. Try using natural products instead. Of course it is still important to know what works well on your skin type to avoid damaging your skin.
Mummies deserve to get pampered once in a while. Admit it, mummies: Our skin care routines can sometimes make us forget the stresses of parenthood.
It is good to treat yourself with body-pampering products, but be careful in buying and using them.
Remember: A happy mummy leads to a happy baby.
Happy pampering, mummy!
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines.