The current generation is obsessed with the idea that fair is beautiful and handsome. More and more people are using skin whitening products to get a shade lighter on the skin shade barometer.

Skin Bleaching (Photo Credit: Beauty-healthcare.blogspot)

Skin bleaching, skin lightening, and skin whitening refer to the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten skin tone or provide an even skin complexion by lessening the melanin production which causes your skin to darken. It helps to cover dark spots and blemishes, making them less noticeable.

This may help to boost the confidence and self-esteem of the individual if the dark spots or freckles are disturbing.

Although skin bleaching or whitening could be a good option for getting rid of dark spots or skin discolouration, the process is not free from side effects. Some of the products are rather very harmful and cause skin cancer too.

Therefore, it is very important you find out the advantages and disadvantages of skin bleaching before you opt for the whitening of your skin.

The Disadvantages

Melanin is the main cause of dark colored skin but it is also the skin’s natural protector from UV rays and is of utmost importance. Some of these products contain hydroquinone and mercury which have adverse effects on the skin as well.

Harmful Effects of Skin Whitening or Bleaching

• Dark grey spots
• Skin cancer
• Acne
  After repetitive use, the skin bleaching cream makes the skin very dark and progresses into a condition called ocronosis. During ocronosis, the pigment falls into the skin’s lower level. It is very difficult to resume your natural skin color once this occurs.
• Swelling of the skin
• Thinning of the skin.
  The skin of the face can become thinned and the area around the eyes can have increased pigmentation causing a ‘bleach panda effect’.
• Long term use of skin whiteners can lead to pigmentation increasing to the joints of the fingers, toes, buttocks and ears.
• Stretch Marks
  Using skin bleaching creams on the body can also produce stretch marks. Skin bleaching stretches the skin to the point of thinness, which produces stretch marks. Stretch marks are very tough to remove once they have appeared.
• Cataracts
• Increase in appetite and weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Neurological and kidney damage due to high level of mercury used in the creams
• Psychiatric disorders
• Severe birth defects
• Asthma
• Liver damage

Some of these side effects could be seen almost immediately while some are seen after prolonged use of skin bleaching/whitening creams.

Beauty.blunt.com

The effects of bleach on skin. www.intelligentdental.com

abdallah_bleaching2-thumb.jpg

yeyeolade.wordpress.com

The Advantages

The main advantage of these products is undoubtedly the fact that our society believes fair and beauty are synonymous. Hence, an effective product which shows the results will certainly increase the confidence of the user.

• Removes Sun Damage
  It removes sun damage. If you’ve unintentionally allowed your skin to grow dark in the sun, whitening cream can remove it. In the case of serious skin damage, it might not remove everything, but it will make it more manageable and less noticeable.
• Aesthetic Beauty
  A lot of people like pale complexions. It gives them an aura of mystery and makes them feel confident in their bodies. Whitening cream can allow them to do that. They provide an even, flawless and smooth skin tone. These products fight against the common skin problems and also lighten dark knees & elbows, freckles, old scars, birthmarks, acne scars, liver spots or any other scars or marks.
  Areas of abnormally high pigmentation such as moles and birthmarks may be depigmented to match to the surrounding skin.
  In cases of vitiligo, unaffected skin may be lightened to achieve a more uniform appearance.

• Permanent Bleaching
  This is designed to last permanently. It isn’t make-up like fake tan which washes off. It permanently inhibits the melanin production causing the pigmentation and stops it from darkening. Due to the fact it’s permanent you need to ensure you really want this.

Natural Ways of Skin Bleaching

Here are some of the natural ways for getting flawless and fair skin without using skin bleaches.

• Diet – Diet is the most important part that you should take care of if you want a flawless skin. Take away all refined food products and replace them with healthy and nutritious ones.
• Water – Increase your intake of water. This helps keep skin free of dehydration and so the look is healthy and unblemished.
• Cleansing – Take proper care of cleaning your skin. Choose the product that is natural and effective. Pay attention to exfoliating your skin from time to time so that you get rid of the dead skin.

Solution

If you have a skin condition, see a doctor. A good physician will advise you on the pros and cons of which skin bleaching creams to use. If the situation calls for it, a doctor can administer the right product in the right manner.

Video

SKIN BLEACHING ADDICTION – YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsULBY1kfO

All Angles – The Skin Bleaching Phenomenon-www.televisionjamaica.com/…aspx/Videos/27218

References

1. Olumide, Y. M. (2010). “Use of skin lightening creams”. BMJ 341(nov23 2): c6102–c6102. doi:10.1136/bmj.c6102. ISSN0959-8138.
2. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: 272–281. 2006.
3. http://www.isclinical.com/whitepapers/kojic_acid_safety.htm
4. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1068091-overview#aw2aab6b4
5. Procter & Gamble. “Skin lightening products”(PDF).
6. http://www.ehow.com/about_5037500_dangers-skin-bleaching.html#ixzz2z6X73kxg
7. http://www.ehow.com/about_5037500_dangers-skin-bleaching.html#ixzz2z6X73kxg
8. http://www.skincareguide.com/article/get-rid-of-freckles-pros-and-cons-of-bleaching-cream.html#ixzz2z6QcJezd