….”Your body is a work of art, but should you treat it like a chemically processed photo in a darkroom?”

A maybe exhausted topic one might say, but also one which many of those who endorse it have little or no clue about; of course apart from the obvious, lightening of the skin’s tone. With the intensified popularity and signs of the phenomenon becoming less taboo, it is important that people become aware that the cons of ‘bleaching’ far outweigh what are considered to be its pros.

Skin-bleaching in simple terms, refers to the use of chemicals or in some cases, medical procedures (usually the route taken by the more affluent) to lighten/whiten the colour of the skin. Supporting claims for why persons bleach range from improved self esteem, increased attention from the opposite sex, increased employability to just merely a preference of a ‘lighter’ tone.    

Dependent on the eye behind the lens, one may consider such claims as being of little or no substance, particularly with knowledge of the associated side effects of the act. Research has shown that skin-bleaching products contain harmful chemicals; hydroquinone, betamethasone, clobetasol or mercury which are toxic to one’s health. The long term side effects of these chemicals include developing skin cancer, damage or poisoning of the liver and kidney, contracting skin infections and striae (permanent linear stretch-marks scars, increased blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, developing glaucoma and cataracts.

Whew! That’s a long list! All these products, while different in nature, have the same common attribute of hindering the production of melanin which is vital in the protection of the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. When this happens, these chemicals re-oxidize and then become the reactors to the ultraviolet rays; entering into the bloodstream which results in numerous health complications as those outlined above. The alteration to the pigmentation also causes users to become more susceptible to skin cancer.

Before placing the next order or appointment, one should therefore look at the pros and cons of skin-bleaching and all things being equal, will realize that there is a rather ugly side to it which promises to be unbeneficial in the long run.