In some parts of Africa especially, it is believed that a lighter skin is associated with glamour, prosperity and high class and this has moved quite an alarming number of people both men and women to opt for what is popularly known as bleaching cream.
Now what does it mean to bleach the skin. Skin bleaching is when you use a product for the purpose of lightening your skin colour. During this process, the outer surface of the skin cells is being scraped off in other to generate this new complexion. Such product comes in several different creams or Gel and most of them at really high cost.
This leads to a very big question. What does a skin bleaching cream do to the body?? Most skin lightener contains what is known as Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that suppresses production of Melanin. Melanin is a substance that gives the skin its natural colour. In this process, the skin’s own natural protective agent that works against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reduced, while Hydroquinone penetrates the skin and this could cause an irreversible damage to some vital connective tissues. The result of such damage may eventually lead to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
Some of such products may also expose one’s skin to cancer, while some contains Mercury which is another toxin that is also damaging to the skin. Prolonged use could also leave some form of disfiguring marks on the skin e.g…Abnormal rashes, blotches, blemishes, and worse still, weakness of the skin layer. This has resulted in the inability of the skin to stitch together in an event of surgery. And if the chemicals get absorbed into the blood stream, this can lead to liver, kidney or even brain damage and organ failure. Now tell me, with the risk involved, is it not better to stick to your God-given colour?
Funny enough we have instances of very light skinned people wanting to tone down a little, as such they use sun tan lotions or expose their body to sunlight. Though this is more common in European countries, it is important to know that in both cases (either you are black or white), prolonged exposure to sun could also cause a lot of damage to the skin. While sun screening agents could help, it cannot completely shield or protect the skin against damage or even cancer, so it is advised to spend lesser time under the sun.
In the end, it all boils down to being comfortable and happy in your God-given skin and colour. If you are born with a naturally dark complexion, why not opt for moisturizers that enhances your colour and gives you an even complexion. Harsh bleaching or toning does more damage than good. It is better to have a natural glowing skin, than to have a bucket full of worry about the damage your bleaching cream can do to your skin.
Besides, whoever said colour has got anything to do with affluence or a person’s social category?
A word is enough for the wise. So please people wisen up, be smart and embrace your colour as it comes. Cheers!
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