All those ladies addicted to skin-whitening creams are in for a shock as it has recently been revealed that these Pakistani creams contain mercury which leads to kidney damage, rashes, scarring and even anxiety, depression or psychosis. According to a report on a local news channel, Dubai’s health department recently blacklisted one beauty cream for having mercury. Multiple Pakistani researchers have published papers on the high levels of mercury and other harmful chemicals in these skin-whitening products. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. Mercury salts inhibit the formation of melanin, resulting in a lighter skin tone. If you buy and use skin-whitening creams you should know that the concentration of mercury in it may be printed on the label or packaging but often they are not. If the box carries directions to avoid letting the cream come in contact with your jewelry (silver, gold) and rubber and aluminum, that is a clear sign there is mercury. Published in Daily Times, January 15th 2019.