If you have been on Instagram for any length of time you have seen the magic creams, the ones that will get you to look like a ghost in 3-7days. By bleaching your skin and taking away any ounce pf protection provided by your skin. I have also written about the dangers of skin bleaching especially when creams are used off label.
‘’Off–label use is the use of pharmaceutical drugs for an unapproved indication or in an unapproved age group, dosage, or route of administration.’’
One of the most misused off label product used for skin bleaching is steroid creams – the movates,dermovate and the likes which are sold over the counter like vaseline. While I knew using a steroid for bleaching your skin was terrible, little did I know there was something much worse
TRIPLE ACTION CREAMS.
How did I find out? Someone reached out to me on Instagram because his skin was acting up with irritation, redness and rashes. After asking a few questions it turned out he was using FUNBACT –A triple-action cream and had been applying it to his whole body for over 8 years! I didn’t even know where to start from.
He said a friend recommended the cream to him and he didn’t know it was for skin lightening.
Let me just start here – If you are using a cream called triple action that is not Vaseline or a normal skincare product you KNOW it lightens the skin and I know that you know okay?
Now let’s talk about FUNBACT –A and go through the side effects after long term use as well as what you can expect when you stop using it.
WHAT IS FUNBACT-A?
Funbact-A cream is a combination of a synthetic antifungal agent Clotrimazole; a broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotic Neomycin sulphate; and a potent topical corticosteroid Betamethasone dipropionate.
So essentially FUNBACT A is a treatment cream which contains and antibiotic, anti-fungal and a steroid.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
- The first thing is that it is a TREATMENT! Meaning that it should only be used if you have an infection with bacteria or a fungus.
- The second is that it is supposed to be applied over a small area, not on the whole body
- The third it is supposed to be used for a short period of time, at a maximum 2-3 weeks not years.
So what can possibly go wrong ? Sadly a lot and I will go through each of the ingredients
Human skin flora (Microbiome)
The term skin flora refers to the microorganisms which reside on human skin. Many of them are bacteria but also consist if fungi on the top skin hair follicles. Skin flora is usually non-pathogenic meaning it does not cause disease nor is it harmful to the host and is beneficial.
The benefits bacteria can offer include preventing other harmful organisms from colonizing the skin surface which can cause infections. So what happens when a cream like FUNNACT A is used long term?
Anti-bacterial creams
These creams clear cut the good bacteria on your skin, and give the more dangerous bacteria room to spread. Research confirms that treatment with triple-action antibiotic ointment almost immediately reduced the level of bacterial diversity in the skin. This effect lasted as long as week after a few days treatment so imagine what 8 years of use has done.
Not only did the creams destroy the ‘’good’’ bacteria on the skin it also made them faulty by basically affecting how the functioned. Neither of these bode well for skin health because if the ‘good’’ bacteria is gone or reduced and cannot function properly guess what happens? Dieses causing bacteria can settle on the skin causing havoc including infections, constant irritation and discomfort.
Another important factor is antibiotic resistance; currently excessive use of topical antibiotics is directly responsible for increasing antibacterial resistance. This is important because
Increasing resistance makes these drugs ineffective which means if you have an infection and need treatments Sorry nothing will work
Resistance to topical antibiotic creams also affects the effectiveness of oral and IV medicines. This means if you have a serious infection there won’t be any effective anti-biotic you can use.
Antifungal creams
Like bacteria, different parts of the skin are colonised by different types of ‘’good;’’ fungi which are protective and serve a specific function. In the same vein, long term use of antifungal creams disrupts the skin ecosystem leading to resistance. Over time these creams are absorbed into the bloodstream and can lead to side effects like liver damage and heart failure.
Corticosteroids (steroids) creams
Where do I start from when it comes to the abuse of steroids? Not only does it have a massive effect on the integrity of your skin it also affects your bodies’ ability to produce its own natural hormones leading to massive withdrawal symptoms when stopped. The side effects of topical steroid use can be so severe that even with medical conditions it is restricted to 2 weeks of application.
Skin thinning: Use of steroid caused your skin to thin which makes you more susceptible to injuries which are unable to heal properly because of the effects of the steroid on your blood vessels.
Steroid Acne: While steroids will make your skin look nice at the beginning long term use leads to steroid acne which is worse in black young adults below age 30.
Stretch marks: This is different from stretch marks from weight gain and pregnancy. The steroids affect the functioning of the skin making it difficult to maintain its elasticity leading to stretch marks.
Withdrawal syndrome: Long term steroid use leads to withdrawal syndrome. This withdrawal syndrome is characterized by swelling on the body area it was used, irritation on the face, genital area. This repeats itself on a cycle lasting a shorter duration until it resolves. However the longer you used the cream the longer this will last
Cushing’s syndrome: I wrote about here so check it out.
These are some of the side effects of using a ‘’triple action cream ‘’ off label. They are not for long term use nor should they be used on large areas of your body. So continue to use them at your own risk.
What Next ?
Now you know what these reams can do to your skin, if your purpose of using them was to bleach your skin I can not help you. However, if you started using them because of skincare issues like acne, hyperpigmentation or just bad skin then I will be able to help in 3 ways
- Look Younger Longer: The Beginners Guide to Flawless skin: This eBook shows you exactly how to build an effective skincare routine that works for your specific skin type.
- Banish Breakouts – This ebook is specifically targeted at people with pimples and breakouts and shows you exactly what products to use and how to use them to get your skin clear. HERE
- consultation: You can book a one on one session with me to get to the bottom of your skincare issues and here you get a personalised skincare routine with a follow-up. BOOK HERE & HERE
I would suggest you read the DANGERS OF SKIN BLEACHING,5 WAYS TO AVOID SKIN CANCER IF YOU HAVE BLEACHED YOUR SKIN, THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUN PROTECTION.
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I’m using it to treat eczema and I haven’t been using it for years, it’s barely two weeks start and stop. But it’s bleaching my back area and I’m freaking out ! I’m not done treating the eczema I want to stop using it immediately. Please how do I get my skin back to normal? Please can you reply in my email down below? Thanks
Author
Hi Favour, your skin will get back to normal once you stop the cream, the problem usually occurs when it use it for long periods of time. Unfortunately, eczema is a chronic condition but it can be managed with the right skincare routine if you want a consultation you can reach out to me for that
I have pimples on my face and i what to get rid of it.pls what cream can i use to get rid of it.
Author
Book a consultation or buy my ebook that shows you step by step how to do that using this link :https://selar.co/m/beautyharbour
Thank you so much for letting me know this,
i was really using a funbact a,
and i will soon reduce using it,
thanks
Author
You are welcome, the longer you use it the more difficult for you skin
I have been using funbact A to clear rashes on my face and neck, but each time I use the cream the rashes clear and if I stop the funbact A the rashes comes back, please what do I do? Because I want to stop using the tube.. thank you
Author
You are treating the symptoms, not the cause , Funbact is not one size treats all. The constant use of Funbact is also causing the rashes
Hello ma, thank you for this eye opener, I have been using this product for quite sometime now without having any clue I have doing more harm than good, everything you said is completely true, I am so depressed right now and I feel so stupid to not have known all this things, please help me, I just want to have my normal skin back. Thanks
Author
The first step is to stop using it and to allow your skin to heal. There will be up to a year or more of skin issues but that is part of the process. Stop using it then your skin can start the process of healing
Please ma,I have been using it for so many years now and i want to stop it, don’t know what moisturizer to use to recover my skin back
I use it for anal itching nothing else works. It clears immediately i start using funbact a .i use it for 3 weeks maybe twice a year .but the itching always comes back after around 6 months
Author
Then you have another issue which you need to see a doctor for
Hello ma I have a skin issue like many black sports caused by the cream I just bought it has been 3month since I stopped the cream but the sports are not going and is all over my face some people say I should buy funbact a while some said I should stop rubbing anything on my face but now am confused I don’t know what to do and the sport is this big big one and is many please help thanks
Author
Do not,i repeat do not use Funbact it will cause more problems for your skin. You need a proper skincare routine and as for the spots, first of all, wear a sunscreen the sun makes spots darker and use products with alpha arbutin or kojic acid spots take time to disappear. Please do NOT use funbact
See ehnn, I don’t know your name o, but I am grateful for this very piece. I’ve been using it for over 3 months now. Just recently did I notice that it probably acts as a bleaching cream. This write up, amongst others, confirms it.
It does work though(for a while), but I gets worse.
I probably would get a better over-the-counter cream, or rather a prescription from a Dermatologist.
You are appreciated once more.
Enjoy the rest of the Weekend.š·
Author
You are very welcome Taiwo, that is why I wrote this article so that people would understand that there are severe side effects
Hi, I am currently withdrawing from using Funbact-A on my face for acne. I’ve been using it for about 3 years and I had no idea withdrawing had its side effects. I’m currently experiencing rashes that are itchy and I’m not trying to apply any products with the same composition as the cream. Just washing regularly and applying aloe vera. Any extra tips to help.
Author
You are doing all that is needed your skin needs time to heal and get back to normal . The only thing i would add is for you to use a sunscreen because your skin will be sensitive to the sun i have a post on sunscreen which you should read
Where are the sunscreen products
Author
I dont understand your question? there is a link in the last paragraph that takes to an article all about sunscreen products or check out this link https://www.instagram.com/p/CC–uF1l8AK/
Hi, Iāve been using Funbact – A for up to 10 years now. I started since I was a teen and I didnāt realize the adverse effect until this year April. I tried stopping it for two weeks and itās the most terrible experience for me , my skin had rashes that was itchy, became red and very coarse. After the two week I went back to using the funbact A but controlling the usage by reducing it. Till now my skin hasnāt recovered from the effect of trying to stop it back in April. Is there nothing that can be done to ease the withdrawal process? Cos I just purchased some products for my skin care routine (the ordinary product) and I donāt know what effect Iāll be getting with these.
Author
Because you have used it for 10 years the withdrawal process will be more severe and will last longer. While a good routine can help keep your skin healthy the withdrawal process cannot be avoided it will take time. That, unfortunately, is the price you pay, remember you have used a product that is supposed to be used for a maximum of 2 weeks for 10 years 8 months is not enough time for your skin to recover. Give it the time it will get better gradually but do NOT go back because the internal side effects are much worse. Best of luck and hang in there
I used it for black spot on my face, After a week the black spot turn to brown color look like is about to fade off, but now my whole face is white than my neck and body, so j have to stop using it for some days then those Brown spot turn black again, this time is very dark black very obvious that I have spot on me. Is been 1 week I drop funback A but my friend are still calling me Onyibo becuz I’m too fair
Author
Stop using it, there are other products that help with dark spots like arbutin or kojic acid
Good day
Iāve been using a triple action cream for a while now
I stopped for about a week, but i has started to have itchy rash on my face, it worsened by the day and I had to go back to using the cream cause I couldnāt go out with my face like that.
I stopped using it again four days ago and the rashes came back
I donāt know what to do
Please what do you advise?
Author
The reaction is because of the cream and will happen each time you stop that is part of the process. However if you continue to use it there will come a point where you will get worse than a rash from the cream. So the sooner you stop and go through the process the better for you
I have been using a triple action cream for more than a year now, whenever I feel roughness or any kind of problem on my face, I apply it, and it worked for me, but since last month, I’ve been experiencing serious breakouts on my face, I thought it was just a mere skin issue that I could cure with the cream, but when I used it, it seemed to me like it was getting worse, and instead of the problem reducing, I seemed to be getting lighter in complexion, and now my face is experiencing discoloration from certain parts. Pls what do you advise
Author
Stop the Triple action cream , it will keep getting worse. When you stop it will get worse before it gets better
Haaaa I’m restless after I went through these may almighty God bless you. Pls help me out I have been using funbact for my children for past 5 years but I decided to stop in this week, heeee! come and see rashes on their faces. Please help me o. What can I do?š
Author
Race to see a doctor, NOW! rashes are the least of your problems. Funbact causes Kidney damage especially for children, go to a federal hospital now and see a paediatrician
Good day madam, may the Lord bless you for this piece. Funbact A is the worse thing that happened to my skin. I have been addicted to it for the past 7 months.This article gave me all the courage I needed to end my funbact A addiction. My older sister says applying aloe vera gel will help the healing process. What are your thoughts about this ??
Author
Hello Tochukwu , aloe vera gel is not a bad idea. The goal while your skin is healing is to keep your skin products gentle so that it can heal
Hi. Iām having goosebumps now. First time in my life using Funbact A. Itās a week now, black spots turned brown….there are rashes on my face that werenāt there before but honestly I didnāt mind bcos my spots obviously reduced. But reading this, I am going to stop. The doctor asked me to use for 2wks but Iām even scared to continue. What if I go back to my regular face cream? What do u advise please?
Author
Hello, if a doctor prescribed it you will be fine but use it for ONLY 2 weeks. The problem is when you use it more than 2 weeks
Zinc hurts me in face, A Frnd of mine told me used dis cream it makes it heals quickly, I’m using Funbact A 4 about 4days now & I didn’t experienced anything but a lighter, that is why I’m brows 2 see what makes me that whiter. I stopped right now, I will throw it out d remaining cream. I’m Nigerian but I’m not that black so I don’t need any cream to look lighter. Thanks all for your cooperation
Thanks for the information I have using the cream for about 4 weeks, and it bleaching my face. My issue is that I have a serious rashes which grows with time and become black, it look like the skin was burned with hot metal, and it itches and all round the place will be dark. What can I do now to care these please. I suggest that you have seen the pictures so that you can catch it up. Thanks you once again.
Author
hello Junaid , i cannot give an evaluation without a proper consultation if you would like to book one with me you can do that here https://selar.co/elite
I have been using this cream for some years now, can you please help on what to take to neutralize the effect in the body.
Author
Unfortunately, nothing can neutralize the effects you have to stop and let it get out of your system and it takes time especially if you have used it for a long time. if you continue to use it the damage will continue to get worse so the sooner you stop and deal with the effects the better for you.
I’ve been using the team for about four months and people tell me that I’m getting fair. After reading this article I’m really scared of what the side effects will be if I stop cos it’s helped the rashes on my face to reduce
Author
Stop it now before you completely destroy your skin and see a doctor if you have rashes. This product is supposed to be used for a MAXIMUM of 2 weeks. Stop it now
Pls I have both acne and pimples on my face and even my neck i was using funbact a b4 and it was bleaching my skin pls what can I use to cure my pimples and acne
Author
You need a skincare routine no one product can treat your acne you need a proper routine, you can get my ebook it breaks down exactly what you need https://selar.co/breakouts
Thanks for enlighten us more on triple action cream,I use it for 9 years after reading your article on it I decided to stop, I stopped on 1 of January the reaction was so bad rashes, acne and itching but I made sure I didn’t continue using the cream,had to get blood purifier because it as gotten into my blood that reduced the effect on my face what can I use to completely clear the rashes from my face.
I’ve been using the cream for like 5yrs, I stopped it for like three months come and see rashes on my face, later I started using it back, but I use to take tinny quantity mixed it with my cream am to rub my face, but I really want to stop it and I’ve stop it finally since last week, though the rashes are not big in size but my face look different, but mam can I be rubbing my cream only on my face, “I use care white” or I should not rub anything?
Author
No you can’t rub it on your skin ,not if you ever want your skin to get back to normal . It took 5 years for your skin to get to this point , your skin is healing let it heal and stick with a cream for babies on your face
I want to know how you can use itjj
Author
Go see a doctor
Can it be used to clear rashes
Author
No
Hi thanks for this little piece of information. Actually the triple action cream I’m using right now is way different from funbact A. It’s called Olaybact. The only reason I started using it was because a pharmacist introduce it to me for the treatment of redness , roughness and rashes. I’ve been using it for approximately 9months now. It normally makes my face lighter and clearer cause I only apply it on my face but now it’s becoming less effective than it use to. But whenever I buy a new Olaybact it start working again but whenever the one I bought is getting old or not stored properly it becomes less effective until a new one is bought. Plz what do I do ma?šššš
Author
There is no difference between funbact and what you are using it is the exact same thing with a different brand name .is paracetamol different from panadol ?. I have written of the side effects of all triple-action creams and yet you still want to keep on using it. if you want to continue to ruin your skin its your pergotaive but let me be clear ALL triple action creams produce the same effect ALL OF THEM. Stop using it,it is drug it is not for long term use it is not for treating rashes . Go and see a doctor to find out what is causing your rashes or you will soon have much more than rashes to worry about.
I have stopped funbact A now. So how can i get my face back to normal or what facial cream can I be applying on my face with no side effects
Author
Hi when you stop funbact your skin first needs to heal and you can use a gentle moisturizer like Aveeno or simple while it recovers
Greetings, You are really doing a great work here. I have read through and have come to understand about the healing process after the stop of using funbact-A, i want to know if using shea-butter (Ori) mix with honey is okay for the healing process? and also applying only honey to the face once in 2 or 3 days is okay?
Author
Hello first of all congratulation on stopping the use of FunbactA it is not easy so well done. Your skin needs a moisturizer more than anything, so if you are already using a moisturizer then using shea butter with honey as a mask is fine. I did an audio recording on this on my Instagram page you can listen to it there
thank you very much
I have been using funbact a for 2 weeks now and I noticed that I looked more handsome than before but what u have told me now
I am much afraid to stop it because if I do stop it now
I will be ugly again.any advice for me or should I change to another cream like beauty fair cream.
my friends says that it does not bleach but it will lightens ur skin .any advice please
Author
i have been very clear about the damage that Funbat does to the skin and body with long term use. You are luckily within the 2-week limit which means if you stop it now you won’t have side effects. if you have issues with your skin you should ask a professional not your friend the products to use. I have provided all the information that you need if you choose to continue and damage your skin i can not stop you. If you want help with your skin you can book a consultation with me by reaching out on Instagram
Have been using funbact a for almost two weeks my face is almost clear but itās coming out again what should I do
Author
i have said everything you need to know about using funbact it is your choice, if you want help with your skin book a session with me https://beautyharbour.com/consultation/
My face is inching me should continue using funbact a