Skin Lightening Products, Techniques, Dangers, and Origins
In a world where beauty standards are often influenced by Western and Eurocentric ideals, the practice of skin bleaching has become a global concern. This article aims to shed light on the reasons behind this phenomenon, its consequences, and the misconceptions surrounding it.
Skin bleaching, in essence, refers to the overall lightening of the complexion, with the goal of changing a person's skin tone. It is not medically necessary but is primarily done for cosmetic reasons, to lighten melasma, blemishes, and age spots, or to alter one's skin tone. However, it's important to note that this practice is not supported by dermatologists for overall skin lightening.
The pressure to conform to white beauty standards, colorism, and racism play a significant role in driving the demand for skin bleaching products. Research indicates that educating people on the potential risks and fostering self-acceptance can prevent people from using risky products.
One of the most concerning ingredients in many skin bleaching products is mercury. Despite some countries having banned its use in cosmetics, it is still possible to find products containing mercury online. Mercury-containing products can cause skin rashes, discoloration, reduced resistance to skin infections, anxiety, depression, psychosis, peripheral neuropathy, kidney damage, and potentially death.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury established an upper limit for mercury in topical products, but any amount is harmful. Unfortunately, many skin lightening creams contain more than the permissible amount of mercury. Mercury may be listed under several names on product labels, including mercury, Hg, mercury oxide, mercuric iodide, ethyl mercury, mercurous chloride, and phenyl mercuric salts.
Despite the risks associated with skin bleaching, some active ingredients found in these products can reduce spots of hyperpigmentation and address hyperpigmentation in skin of color. Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, and hydroquinone are examples of such ingredients. However, it's crucial to remember that there is no safe or reliable way to lighten someone's skin tone, and products or DIY recipes that claim to do so carry numerous risks.
The skin bleaching industry is projected to be worth $31.2 billion by 2024, highlighting the widespread nature of this practice. Skin bleaching is very common worldwide, with a study finding that 27.7% of participants had tried to bleach their skin.
The origins of skin bleaching can be traced back hundreds of years, with its roots deeply rooted in historical and social structures that stigmatize darker skin and associate whiteness with higher status and beauty. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in societies with histories of colonization, such as Latin America and the Caribbean, where colorism emerged as a social hierarchy favoring lighter skin.
In conclusion, the global trend of skin bleaching is a complex issue, deeply rooted in racism, colorism, and the internalization of Eurocentric beauty ideals. This practice, despite its risks, continues to be a means for individuals to attain perceived social acceptance and advantages. It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with skin bleaching and to promote self-acceptance and the rejection of harmful beauty standards.
- Despite the high monetary value of the skin bleaching industry, it's concerning that many such products contain harmful ingredients like mercury.
- The Minamina Convention on Mercury has established an upper limit for mercury in topical products, but some skin lightening creams contain more than the permissible amount.
- Mercury-containing products can cause various health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even kidney damage or death.
- Certain active ingredients found in skin bleaching products, like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, and hydroquinone, can help reduce spots of hyperpigmentation and address hyperpigmentation in skin of color.
- The practice of skin bleaching, driven by the pressure to conform to white beauty standards, colorism, and racism, is particularly common in societies with histories of colonization.
- To address the global concern of skin bleaching, it's essential to educate people on the potential risks, foster self-acceptance, and work towards rejecting harmful beauty standards.
