Medical specialists warned that many of the adverse impacts of skin-whitening products, especially those containing bleach, heavy metals or steroids, can cause long-term or even permanent effects. They stressed that this is an issue that should be brought to the public’s attention.

These concerns were raised by the Colombo National Hospital’s dermatologist Dr. Indira Kahavita during a press briefing held yesterday (6) in connection with the National Poison Prevention Week which will be observed from 11 to 17 August. Noting that substances applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream, she stated: “In such situations, if the product contains any harmful chemicals, it could cause side effects just as serious as those caused by consuming it in the form of a pill. If harmful chemicals are applied to the entire body, the possibility of them being toxic is extremely high.”

Dr. Kahavita explained that Sri Lankans’ skin colour is primarily determined by melanin, and that for people living in warm countries like Sri Lanka, melanin is essential for helping to block ultraviolet rays from entering the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. She further noted that melanin acts as a protective shield for the skin and slows down the effects of aging. She opined that by whitening skin and reducing melanin, both of these advantages could be removed.