If you want to get rid of dark spots on your skin, just say NO to skin lighteners. Here’s why …

Many of these creams contain mercury. In fact, a new Chicago Tribune study found that 50 skin-lightening creams contain toxic levels of mercury. Five even had enough to cause kidney damage. Mercury is a powerful toxin linked to brain injury, organ failure and muscle weakness.₁

Skin lighteners are a booming business – expected to reach $76 million annually by 2015.₂ And that means thousands of women – who are using some of the toxic brands – are at risk of mercury poisoning.

But mercury isn’t the only harmful ingredient found in some skin lighteners. Hydroquinone is another. It’s been linked to a skin disfiguring and darkening condition called ochronosis– and the FDA has even described it as carcinogenic.₃

Follow these tips to even your skin tone naturally:

First, ramp up the antioxidants in your diet. They’re your best line of defense against all types of skin damage. Great sources include fruit, green leafy veggies, broccoli, nuts and sunflower seeds.

Next, consider natural skin lighteners. The acids in lemon juice can exfoliate and gradually lighten the skin. Squeeze the juice from a locally grown organic lemon onto a cotton ball and apply it directly to the spots you want to fade. You also can create your own fade cream by mixing a half teaspoon of lemon juice with a teaspoon of almond oil and honey. Apply it to spots on your skin for at least 10-15 minutes a day.

You also should exfoliate your skin every few days. This will remove dead-skin cells and unlock brighter skin underneath.

You can prevent skin discolorations and sun damage by protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. But you don’t have to use chemical-filled sunscreens. Try rubbing a little mango butter or shea butter on your skin. These are natural sun blockers – without the toxic chemicals. You can also use zinc oxide, a mineral that provides a reflective barrier on your skin. You’ll find it in most health food and supplement stores.

The best skin lightening cream I’ve found is Concha de Nacar. I discovered it on my trip to Peru a while back. The reasons I like it so much… it’s entirely natural and doesn’t cause photo sensitivity. My staff is sampling a number of different formulas now. It’s hard to find here in the states, so we are importing it and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s available.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, M.D.

1. Gabler, Ellen, “Some skin whitening creams contain toxic mercury, testing finds,” Chicago Tribune May 18, 2010
2. Gabler, Ellen, “Some skin whitening creams contain toxic mercury, testing finds,” Chicago Tribune May 18, 2010
3. Kalson, Sally, “Dermatologists to oppose FDA on plan to ban skin lighteners,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sept. 6, 2006

It’s a well-known fact that mercury is toxic. It’s also a fact that “silver” amalgam fillings in your teeth contain mercury.

When the mercury escapes from your fillings and into your bloodstream, a lot of serious health problems can result. Sleep disturbances, memory loss, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and swelling… just to name a few.

But here’s something you probably would never realize…

Mercury toxicity can also give you skin rashes, discolored fingernails, and make your hair fall out.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of mercury in a single, typical “silver” filling placed in a 10-acre lake would be enough for them to classify the entire lake as toxic.

Yet, the American Dental Association (ADA) insists that mercury fillings are safe. They claim mercury amalgams are a problem only for those sensitive to mercury. Their “proof” is that these fillings have been used for 150 years.

The problem is that chewing releases trace amounts of mercury from fillings into your mouth – with every bite. So can grinding your teeth and drinking hot liquids. And old fillings are prone to corrosion by acidic foods or saliva.

That kind of constant, low-level exposure builds up over time. Many adults have fillings from childhood that fit this risk profile.

So, should you have your mercury fillings removed? You should probably consider replacement if:

You have any of the above symptoms that have not responded to treatment.

• You have many old silver fillings.
• You grind your teeth.
• You drink hot coffee or tea.

If you do decide to have your silver fillings removed, limiting the amount of mercury vapor emitted during removal is key. Be sure to choose a dentist who is practiced specifically in mercury amalgam removal. Someone who is well-informed about the toxicity danger and who will take the necessary precautions during your office visit. Make sure you ask about these procedures before you begin.

And don’t rush it. Too many removed at one time can also expose you to excess levels of mercury. This is exactly what you don’t want. Remove your fillings judiciously – a few at a time. Space your appointments several weeks apart.

For any new fillings, you should insist on one of the non-mercury alternatives. There are new materials available that are safe. The best are bonded resin ceramics.

Mercury proponents insist that their bonding ability is much lower than that of traditional silver amalgams. But what you trade off in bonding ability, you make up for in biocompatibility. They are tooth colored, so your smile will look better too.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD

References:

1. Hahn, LJ; Kloiber, R; Viny, MJ;Takahashi, Y; Lorscheider, FL. “Dental ‘silver’ fillings a source of mercury exposure revealed by whole-body image scan and tissue analysis.” FASEB J. 3:2641-6. Dec 1989.
2. Danscher G; Hersted-Bindley; and Rungby J. “Traces of mercury in organs from primates with amalgam fillings.” Exp Molecular Path 52:291-299, 1990.
3. Viny, MJ;Takahashi, Y; Lorscheider, FI. “Maternal-fetal distribution of mercury (203Hg) released from dental amalgam fillings.” Amer J Physiol. 258:R939-45. April 1990.
4. Lutz, E; et al. “Concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in brain and kidney of second trimester fetuses and infants.” J Trace Elem Med Biol., 10(2):61-67, 1996.
5. Westrup D; Ehmann WD; “Trace elements imbalances in isolated subcellular fractions of Alzheimer’s disease brains.” Brain Research, 533:125-131, 1990.
6. Richardson, GM. “An assessment of adult exposure and risks from components and degradation products of composite resin dental materials.” Human Ecology Risk Assessment, 3(4):683-697, 1997.
7. Ziff,S; Ziff, MF DDS. Dentistry Without Mercury, p. 58, 2000.