Skin Bleaching & Whitening: What You Need to Know... - Christiana Stephen

Written By: Christiana STEPHEN @www.50amazingmoms.com


Hello Pals,

It's been a long time since you heard from me, I'm here now to talk about a trending topic on Skin bleaching. Did you know that skin bleaching, skin whitening and skin lightening are the same thing. Do not be fooled by any other theory. This is a sensitive topic but I will be so real with you on what I make out of this action. According to Wikipedia, Skin whitening is the practice of using substances, mixtures, or physical treatments to lighten skin color. Skin whitening treatments work by reducing the content of melanin of the skin.

In this article we will look at how it works, the dangers and the after effects on your self esteem.

Based on NHS Choices report -Skin-lightening procedures work by reducing the concentration or production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color and helps protect it from the sun. If Melanin helps prevent your skin from sun, why mess around with it? If there is no genuine reason other than being light skin or be like someone else, then you are ding yourself more harm than good. Bleaching can go wrong and thus even make you look more horrible than you could ever imagine.

It also has side effects such as  skin irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling), a burning or stinging sensation and itchy and flaky skin (Nhs Choices). A lot can go wrong when attempting to bleach your skin. According to NHS Choices: possible risks of creams containing hydroquinone, corticosteroids or mercury include:

• skin turning dark or too light
• thinning of the skin
• visible blood vessels in the skin
• scarring
• kidney, liver or nerve damage
• abnormalities in a newborn baby (if used during pregnancy)
• Increased risk of cancer
• Increased risk of adrenal gland problems
• Increased risk of all health
• Conditions associated with mercury
• Increased risk of developing a rare metabolic disorder called ochronosis, which can cause physical changes to the skin and tissues surrounding the eyes, ears, and joints (The Points).

Uneven skin pigmentation affects a lot of  people, regardless of ethnic background or skin colour(The Points). It can destroy your self esteem at the long run because your skin may either appear lighter or darker than normal; there may be blotchy, uneven areas, patches of brown to gray discoloration or freckling. Stop trying to be like someone else. Accept how you are and look for ways to enhance your beauty like eating healthy, exercises rather than using chemicals.