• HPB dermatologist warns against addiction to skin whitening cosmetics, creams, exfoliants, steroids, calls for empowering NMRA 

The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) has noted an increase in the incidence of skin cancer in Sri Lanka due to the usage of cosmetics and exfoliants to whiten and lighten the skin and warned that such cosmetics can lead to skin diseases.

Speaking at the HPB press conference on Wednesday (14), dermatologist Dr. Sriyani Samaraweera claimed that if such cosmetics are used to change the colour of the skin, they are required to continue using it long term. “The naturally tanned skin provides protection for Sri Lankans. Countries with white-skinned people have more skin cancer cases while people with tanned skin have reported fewer incidences of skin cancer. Attempting to lighten skin colour becomes not only a skin problem but also a health problem. People have become addicted to these cosmetics and creams nowadays.”

She further stated that they are yet to find an answer on how to control the heavy usage of cosmetics in the country. “But, in recent times, there has been a growing trend of more skin cancers being reported in Sri Lanka. It is essential therefore to pass a law in this regard to strengthen the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Act in Parliament as soon as possible.”

It has been found that there is a high percentage of mercury in creams that whiten the skin swiftly but which can however lead to long-term kidney disorders and cancers. “It has been discovered that some types of cosmetics and all types of exfoliants contain chemicals that are harmful to the skin and are not approved. Also, it is the medical scientific opinion that these substances are harmful to the health of the body including the skin. By using steroid drugs, the skin becomes thinner, red, and scaly. Acne and fungal infections will also occur on the skin,” she claimed.

“With regard to whitening, nowadays, people look to whiten their skin overnight. Instead of looking for approved cosmetics, consumers in our country first look at the price and how long it will take to whiten. It is a craze among the general public,” she further claimed.